Hi Natalie! Welcome to planDisney. Visiting
Disneyland with a group that includes Guests of different ages can add an extra layer of planning, and I’m happy to help you navigate the best options for your family.
The good news is that with
Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you don’t have to include your entire party every time you book a return window. When making a Lightning Lane selection in the
Disneyland app, you’ll be prompted to choose which members of your group will be riding. If one adult needs to stay back with your infant for a particular attraction, simply leave that person unchecked. That Guest won’t be booked for that Lightning Lane, but they’ll still be eligible to book their own Lightning Lane return time later in the day. This means no one has to permanently miss out on an attraction.
Another excellent option for families traveling with little ones is
Rider Switch. Rider Switch allows adults to take turns enjoying an attraction while one person waits with the child. To use Rider Switch, bring your entire group to the attraction entrance and let a Cast Member know you’d like to use this option. Your group will be divided into two parties. Party A rides first while Party B waits outside the queue with the infant. A Cast Member will scan the admission media for Party B and provide instructions on where to return. Once Party A finishes riding, up to two Guests from Party B can return and experience the attraction without waiting in the standard queue. It’s a fantastic way to ensure everyone gets a chance to ride while keeping things flexible and family-friendly.
Here’s one more Lightning Lane Q-Tip to help with planning your day. It’s possible to hold more than one Lightning Lane reservation at a time. After booking a return window, you can make another selection once you’ve used that reservation or after two hours have passed since booking it (whichever comes first). For example, if you book a
Matterhorn Bobsleds return time at 9:00 a.m. for 4:00 p.m., you can still book another attraction at 11:00 a.m. without giving up your original reservation. I like to set a quick reminder on my phone or watch so I don’t miss the next booking window.
Natalie, you’re doing a great job planning ahead, and that preparation goes a long way toward a smooth and magical day. If you’d like more tips for navigating the parks with an infant or maximizing Lightning Lane Multi Pass, we’d love to welcome you back here at planDisney.
Wishing your family a day filled with smiles, and unforgettable adventures,
David