I just wanted to post that we really enjoyed the child swap system that is available in the parks...

we have a special needs child with autism and try to avoid ever needing to use a GAC, although we did request a GAC for him this trip.. (the first time since going every 6 weeks for the last year and half) and we only used the GAC for Playhouse disney and to go in to see mickey as our single group and not as a group with other families...

Anyways we took advantage of the child swap and it worked out great, we got to do this on Soarin over CA I dont know why we hadnt thought about trying this system before, couple it with fast pass and we really had a great time with minimal lines...and in my opinion this past weekend was a tad busier then we are used to... so for sure do the child swap!! :)

good to hear that the system worked for you!

Even though I know what "child swap" is (and use the term myself) I can't help but read it as if it's a trade-in program and kind of chuckle. Do you get to pick which child you get to swap for, or is it a random drawing? :D

Sorry for the derail. I'm glad it worked for you. I'm also glad you figured out how to couple it with Fast Pass. That's a handy little "trick" isn't it?

We did a hand-off recently. We were handed a piece of paper, and it was considered the equivalent of a two-guest fastpass.

Alright, what is the Child Swap system? I have an 18 month old who will be making his first trip down for his 2nd b-day.

Alright, what is the Child Swap system? I have an 18 month old who will be making his first trip down for his 2nd b-day.
Someone (or "someones") get a pass from the Cast Members who over-see the line (usually posted by the height indication signs) and wait with the child or baby that can't ride while the rest of the party waits in line and rides. When the party returns, those who waited can skip the line (up to 2 people per pass) and ride without a long wait while the others sit out with the child/baby.

Depending on the ride, "Child Swap" entry is either through the Fast Pass queue or the exit. The Cast Member that gives you the pass will explain where to return.

During the wait you don't have to just sit at the exit and be bored. You can browse shops or ride other rides that the child can go on.

If I've confused you, just ask any Cast Member. ;)

I think child swap is only available on rides that have height restrictions.

Thanks for the clarification. No confusion.

I was with friends who tried to do the child swap thing a month or so ago at Tower of Terror, and it was kinda weird. We asked the CM for a child swap pass, and he asked where the baby was. We pointed at mom and baby in the stroller as they were walking away from us. He said that we didn't need a pass, just bring the baby when we got off the ride and mom wanted to go on. We weren't sure that was going to work because what if a) he didn't remember us or b) he happened to be on a break or off shift in the time it took us to ride, so the new CM would have no idea what had happened.

Are you usually supposed to present the entire family, baby included, when you ask for a baby swap pass? We thought that might have been what caused the problem. It also didn't seem particularly practical that we'd have to present the baby when the return rider wanted to go on.

Are you usually supposed to present the entire family, baby included, when you ask for a baby swap pass? We thought that might have been what caused the problem. It also didn't seem particularly practical that we'd have to present the baby when the return rider wanted to go on.

Whenever I've used Rider Switch, the person with the baby has been the one to ask for the pass. I have been asked at times to identify my family members already in line. Now I just walk up and am proactive, "Hi, I need a rider switch pass, please, that man right there is my husband."

I've always been handed a piece of paper, though. I agree, it doesn't make sense to bring the baby if he/she can't ride the attraction.

Adrienne