Hiya Shannon!
Thanks so much for your question!
As a pixie-sized person myself (and mom to two shorter kiddos) I've had plenty of experience using
Rider Switch. It's an awesome way to make sure everyone who is tall enough to enjoy an attraction gets a turn, even with little Mouseketeers in your party who aren't ready for such big adventures. Adding
Lightning Lane access is a great way to keep wait times shorter so that your party is reunited as soon as possible!
Lightning Lanes are managed individually for each person in your group, so each person must "tap" into an attraction before they can choose a new Lightning Lane. If you want to be sure that everyone in your party will have the same return time for their new Lightning Lane then you should wait to book until everyone has used their current reservation so they're eligible to choose a new one. I will usually ride with our first party during a rider swap so that as the second party enjoys the attraction I can get our next Lightning Lane figured out while I hang with my youngest. Don't forget, you can modify or cancel a Lightning Lane if your plans change!
Some of my favorite times in the parks are when I'm waiting for the rest of my group during rider swap. I'll often go find a snack (it's frighteningly easy to find popcorn and churros) or check the
Disneyland Mobile App to see if any characters are planning to be close by soon. Sometimes I can even catch a bit of a parade or the Disneyland Band! I'll also take advantage of attractions with lower wait times, like
King Arthur Carrousel or the
Adventureland Treehouse. Take it slow, snap some candid photos, and enjoy your tiny sidekick seeing the magic!
Hope that helps you, Shannon! Have a fantastic time at the parks!
Keep moving forward!
Amanda