Hey there Dena! Welcome to planDisney. We appreciate you stopping by with your Disney Genie+ question and I am happy to help you get some clarification.
Rider Switch service is still available at Disneyland Resort. If you are wanting to use Rider Switch on an attraction where the first group will be using the Lightning Lane from your
Disney Genie+ service, the whole group will need Lightning Lane selections for that ride. The whole party will need to be present when requesting the Rider Switch and they will check to make sure you all have a Lightning Lane selection. If only half your party has a Lightning Lane selection, the first group will be asked to use the standby line, and then the Rider Switch party who stayed behind will use the Lightning Lane after the first party returns.
So what is the benefit to Rider Switch if you are using Disney Genie+ service? I personally think Rider Switch is more beneficial for those utilizing standby lanes throughout the day. However, there are attractions that offer Rider Switch that do not have Lightning Lanes with Disney Genie+, so be sure to take a look at the
Rider Switch attraction list.
While I have been extra grateful for Rider Switch when my kiddos were little if I were to choose I would go the Disney Genie+ way. This service gives you an hour window time to return which should be plenty of time to get both parties successfully through a queue and ride. The benefit to this is if you have a bigger party, you can split more evenly when taking turns riding. With Rider Switch, the party staying back to use Rider Switch is a maximum of three. Just don't forget to use the Rider Switch for the attractions not included in Disney Genie+.
Another great perk to Disney Genie+ is the
unlimited digital PhotoPass downloads. I love using this service whether it's a park day with friends or with my family. There are so many fun spots around the parks to get some memorable photos. Be sure to ask your PhotoPass Photographer if they have any magic shots! I'm like a kid impatiently waiting for the photo to load in my Disneyland app to see what character may just show up in the photo with me.
Dena, I hope that this information helps clear up any Rider Switch questions. Be sure to stop by again if you have any other questions!
Carrie