Hi Marian,
Thanks for visiting planDisney! Call me Doc Hudson, because I am here to train you as you prepare to hit the open road on
Radiator Springs Racers!
I’m happy to say that you do not need to purchase
Lightning Lane to take advantage of the
Rider Switch program. When you get to Radiator Springs Racers, let the greeting Cast Member know that you want to do a Rider Switch. You must have your whole party there because the Cast Member will need to scan the tickets of the group that will be boarding after the switch. Group 1 will wait in the regular queue for the ride, and then Group 2 will most likely be able to go through the Lightning Lane queue (or wherever directed for rides without a Lightning Lane queue).
This is a really helpful program when you're traveling with little ones or folks who don’t want to get on the ride and can’t wait alone. I’ve used this plenty of times with my little one, and I appreciate it because I still get to enjoy some of the thrilling rides.
Rider Swap Tip: If your first group has to wait in a longer line, I recommend heading over to the
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail where younger guests can get their wiggles out or pop over to the
Cozy Cone for a tasty treat.
Marian, I hope this information was helpful. While you’re at California Adventure, be sure to check out the
Food and Wine Festival. There will be tons of tasty food and delicious beverages to try! If you have any other questions or need help planning, please feel free to write back to me or my fellow panelists. We’d be happy to share our thoughts.
Float like a Cadillac and sting like a Beamer!
–Melinda