Hi there, Evann! Thanks so much for sending your question to planDisney. It sounds like you have an amazing trip planned in just a few short weeks during the most spook-tacular time of year!
One of the things I love most about Walt Disney World Resort is how thoughtfully they design experiences for families with little ones.
Rider Switch is one of those offerings, and it really helped my family when my Mouseketeers were younger! Sometimes, though, it can make you feel a little like Winnie the Pooh when he taps his head and says, “Think, think, think,” so I’m happy to break it down and answer your question.
Here’s how Rider Switch works...everyone in your party approaches the Cast Member at the attraction entrance and lets them know you’d like to use Rider Switch. The Cast Member will scan MagicBands or ticket media, and the Rider Switch entitlement will appear in the
My Disney Experience app for the second rider. Typically, Adult A rides first with one Guest while Adult B waits with the non-rider. Then, Adult B can return through the Lightning Lane with one other eligible Guest so they don’t have to wait in the standby line.
Here’s where
Lightning Lane Multi Pass comes in. If your group is using a Lightning Lane Multi Pass to enter an attraction, every Guest who wants to ride must also have a Lightning Lane Multi Pass reservation for that attraction. Rider Switch doesn’t provide a complimentary Lightning Lane...it only allows the waiting adult (plus one Guest) to avoid waiting twice. So if Adult A enters through the Lightning Lane, Adult B
must also have a Lightning Lane reservation for that attraction in order to do the same. If they don’t, they would need to use the standby line instead.
In your specific scenario, if Adult B does have a Lightning Lane Multi Pass but it’s booked for a different return time window than Adult A’s, the system may not recognize it. When they scan in, it might trigger the “blue light,” which signals an error. In that case, it’s up to the discretion of the Cast Member at the entrance. Since the Lightning Lane entitlement has already been purchased, Cast Members will often allow the Guest to enter, but it’s not guaranteed.
You’ll find Rider Switch available at most attractions with a height requirement, and you can check the full list in the My Disney Experience app or on the Walt Disney World Resort website.
I hope this helps clear things up for you, Evann! I know it can feel like a lot of
Disney-speak, but once you use Rider Switch once or twice, it’ll be super easy. Wishing you the most magical visit with your little ones!
See ya real soon,
Eean