Welcome back to planDisney Crystal! It sounds like you’re getting ready for an adventure that includes some attractions your whole party might not be able to enjoy together, and I’m happy to help clear up how this service works and whether you’ll need MagicBands to take advantage of it.
At Walt Disney World, the
Rider Switch feature is a complimentary service that allows groups with small children or non-riders to experience attractions without having to wait in the standby line twice. Many families use it when one adult rides while another stays with a child, and then they swap roles so both adults (and eligible older children) get to enjoy the attraction. There is absolutely no extra fee for using Rider Switch, it is included in your park admission.
You do not need to purchase
MagicBands to take advantage of Rider Switch. While MagicBands are a convenient, wearable way to scan into attractions and link experiences to your My Disney Experience account, they are not a requirement. If you choose not to buy them, you can still use Rider Switch by having the Cast Member at the attraction scan either your physical park ticket card or a Disney
MagicMobile pass on your smartphone. Both of these function exactly like a MagicBand for the purpose of adding the Rider Switch return entitlement to your account.
When you arrive at an attraction that offers Rider Switch, your group should approach the Cast Member at the entrance together. You’ll let them know that you’d like to use Rider Switch and explain who will ride first and who will wait with the non-rider. The Cast Member will then scan the tickets, MagicBands, or MagicMobile passes for the guests riding second so the entitlement is linked. Those guests are free to explore the area, take the child to another activity, or just relax until it’s their turn. Later, when the first riders return, the second group can enter through the Lightning Lane entrance, bypassing the standby wait.
MagicBands can make the scanning process a little more easy, especially with kids, but skipping them won’t affect your ability to use Rider Switch. Disney has designed the system to work with any valid admission media, so you can choose whichever method you prefer without any extra cost.
Crystal, I hope this information helps you prepare for an exciting visit to Walt Disney World Resort! Thank you again for visiting us at planDisney! Have a magical day!
Kay