Welcome to planDisney, Brandon.
This is a great question. As a fellow parent in the trenches, I know what it's like trying to plan a Disney vacation with a little Mouseketeer in mind. Thankfully, the Walt Disney World Resort is an
amazing place for Guests of all ages. As a Disney dad, I love experiencing the magic through the eyes of my children.
You'll have a couple of options when it comes to riding attractions that aren't appropriate for a 4-year-old.
Some attractions have a single rider line, which allows Guests who don't mind riding on their own to fill an empty seat on a ride. These lines tend to move faster than the regular standby lines and can be a great way for parents to enjoy attractions whilst the other watches a child. You don't need to make a Lightning Lane selection to take advantage of the single rider line. Here's a current list of attractions that have this option:
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Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (Disney's Hollywood Studios).
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Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (Disney's Hollywood Studios).
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Expedition Everest (Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park)
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Test Track (EPCOT)
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Soarin’ Around the World (EPCOT)
Let me add a couple of disclaimers. First, if you utilize the single rider line for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, you're probably not going to be a pilot (which, in my opinion, is the best way to experience this attraction). Second, Soarin' Around the World does not always have a single rider line option. Third, at the very beginning and at the end of the day, single rider lines can be closed. They usually open when the parks get a bit busier.
But you also have another option. For other rides that the little one can't go on, you should try taking advantage of
Rider Switch. Again, you don't need Disney Genie+ to use Rider Switch. Here's how it works: One parent can wait with your toddler whilst the other one enjoys the attraction. When the parent riding the attraction returns, they can switch and supervise your toddler. The second parent can then board the attraction without having to wait in the regular standby line again. On our most recent Disney trip, my wife and I used Rider Switch a lot. Whether or not you have a Lightning Lane selection, just mention to the Cast Member at the ride entrance that you'd like to do Rider Switch.
Here's a tip, Brandon: Young kids can be a little difficult in long lines. My own kids have had their fair share of "moments" while waiting in line. However, my wife had this brilliant idea on our last Disney trip. She gave my son his Lightning McQueen car to play with in the lines. And he literally played with that thing the whole time in every line. It was a lifesaver! Maybe you could bring one or two distractions for your child to play with in line.
I trust that's helpful, Brandon. Thanks for stopping by planDisney.
Mike