Wish there was a "parent swap" option

[hulamom]

When our DS was too young and short to ride the bigger rides, DH and I used to do the child swap option, and switch while our older DD got to ride twice in a row.

Now, DH has vertigo and can't ride some rides like ToT (while the kids are both older and ultimate thrill seekers). I doubt we could do this, but it would be cool if there was a "parent" swap option, where DH could stay back with one of us, while 2 rode a ride. Then after the ride, the one who stuck back with dad rides with another lucky person who gets to ride it twice.

Since I doubt WDW will allow this, we are thinking of having DH give his Magic Band to one of the kids to use his FP+ after either 3 of us or 2 of us ride. Though seeing as both kids really like that ride we'll probably have to flip a coin on that one.

I've just read that it is possible to have somebody stand in the queue line and then take the "chicken" exit without riding. That might be a nice option for DH since he's never been in the ToT queue and then doesn't have to wait too much longer for the rest of us. Question for this: if he does go through the queue only and takes the "chicken" exit, will the CM require him to swap his Magic Band for the FP+?

Or maybe we just schedule dad for a Beauty and the Beast show FP+ during that time instead?

 

[BuckeyeBama]

If there are three of you, buy an extra ticket and put a ficticious 4th person on your reservation for the extra FP+ reservations.

 

[disnut8]

I've just read that it is possible to have somebody stand in the queue line and then take the "chicken" exit without riding. That might be a nice option for DH since he's never been in the ToT queue and then doesn't have to wait too much longer for the rest of us. Question for this: if he does go through the queue only and takes the "chicken" exit, will the CM require him to swap his Magic Band for the FP+?

Quite honestly, this is what I would do, FastPass used be darned. The reason? All of you will be together and the only time your husband would need to miss the "fun" is during the actual ride time.

I broke my neck in 2005 and faced many years of not being able to do thrill rides at Disney World with my husband. But, being able to stand with him in the queues was great for both of us. And, as the person using the alternative exit (very easy to do), I discovered a lot of neat things that a typical Disney World guest would never be able to do.

You mentioned Twilight Zone - that is THE best alternative exit ever. Have your husband take notice of the detail from that exit. He will still feel part of the entire thing right up until his rump meets the concrete bench he will be sitting on waiting right outside of your elevator once it lands (if it lands ).

Have your husband join you in the queues, you will not regret it and he will be able to enjoy just about everything with his family. Trust me. A Fastpass slot is not worth anything above that.

 

[wallskm]

Ha! I have thought the same thing here lately. Our issue is that I am pregnant so I have 2 kids that need to ride some rides but only one parent to take them (they are 4 and 2)! Only an issue for Barnstormer and Tomorrowland Speedway. I'm hoping we can work something out with Barnstormer (like I wait in line with them and then stand with Kid #2 while DH and Kid#1 ride and I then step through and wait with Kid #1 while DH takes my place with Kid #2). For Tomorrowland Speedway I made myself a FP+ but will give DH my band to take each kid once.

 

[vicb]

I have done the chicken exit on Star Tours and Mission Space as I can't ride them (motion sickness). I felt the same way, like I was missing something so I went through the queuing area one time with my family. Now I'm happy to hang outside the ride with a cold drink.

I had never been on ToT until my last trip (I've been 6 times as an adult). I was scared out of my wits but glad I made myself do it finally. But I know what makes me sick and won't go on spinning rides.

 

[ses1230]

Ha! I have thought the same thing here lately. Our issue is that I am pregnant so I have 2 kids that need to ride some rides but only one parent to take them (they are 4 and 2)! Only an issue for Barnstormer and Tomorrowland Speedway. I'm hoping we can work something out with Barnstormer (like I wait in line with them and then stand with Kid #2 while DH and Kid#1 ride and I then step through and wait with Kid #1 while DH takes my place with Kid #2). For Tomorrowland Speedway I made myself a FP+ but will give DH my band to take each kid once.

This is exactly what we do with thrill rides, which I don't do.

DH takes one child while I wait outside the ride with the other child. After the ride we switch kids and he takes my band and rides again.

 

[hulamom]

Thanks to all for your great suggestions! I think that for ToT, DH will come in with the rest of the family because the queuing area is so great. Also will minimize wait time outside in the heat for him.

For some of the other rides, he might give his MagicBand with the FP+ to one of the kids. They're 17 & 12 so no biggie if one has to ride by themselves.

Poor guy... we just spent a day at Six Flags Magic Mountain where he basically waited around all day while the rest of us got thrown all over the place on those coasters. At least Disney has more rides that he can ride.

Still considering booking him FPs to visit all the princesses, however.

 

[RoyalMom]

I actually called WDW about something similar, knowing I'd be the only adult in the party who could accompany my kids on some of the more thrilling rides. According to the CM I spoke with, I would be able to take one child on the ride, then switch kids so I could be seated next to them one at a time on rides that don't necessarily fit 3 in a car (think RnRC, EE). Disney can be pretty flexible on things like this, as it applies to your situation.