Hi Shaelei! Thanks for bringing your question to planDisney.
Lightning Lane passes are a fantastic option, which my family always chooses, so as to spend less time in queues and more time focused on the magic of our vacation. You can add this option when purchasing your tickets or after entering the parks, using the
Disneyland mobile app, depending on availability. I think you'll be really pleased with your choice, especially with little ones, who can have a difficult time waiting in lines!
We have two boys, and it wasn't so long ago that we needed to use the
Rider Switch service at the parks, due to either height requirements or the Attraction containing elements our boys weren't ready to experience. Rider Switch allows Guests to take turns waiting with the little ones in the group not yet ready to ride.
The good news is that you can absolutely pair Lightning Lane passes with Rider Switch. When your Lightning Lane entrance window opens, make your way to your selected Attraction. At the Lightning Lane entrance, let the Cast Member know you'd like to take advantage of Rider Switch. You'll be divided into two groups. The first group with the return time will use the Lightning Lane entrance, while the second group stays with the kids after being issued a Rider Switch pass by the Cast Member. When the first group has completed their experience, it'll be time to swap. Rider Switch often uses Lightning Lane entrances to avoid the second group waiting in the standard queue, but the first group must have Lightning Lane passes to use that entrance. I hope that helps!
There are so many
Attractions at Disneyland Resort that the whole family can enjoy without utilizing Rider Switch. It's one of the things we really appreciated about the parks when our boys were smaller. Check out Fantasyland in Disneyland Park for some of our favorite family Attractions.
Have a magical day!
Elizabeth