Rider swap

[samhope6]

Can anyone help me with this? I can't believe I never knew about this and in all our previous visits someone always missed out on a ride as someone had to be with the baby.

Which rides do this and how does it work?

[MidwayManiac]

Any ride.

If it's an e-ticket ride, when you or your better half ride initially let 'em know you have a baby that's being watched and they'll give you a rider switch pass to return later that day with a guest by accessing the exit or fastpass line, it depends on the ride. For instance on Space Mountain it's actually the guests with disabilities corriidor but on Star Tours you'll be directed to the Fastpass queue w/ your rider switch pass (not sure why when it first re-opened you got to go to the exit with your rider switch but not any more). Not to worry, the pass you're given will have explicit instructions where to return for the second half of your switch.

If it's a Fantasyland ride, simply head up the exit and tell them you have a baby and are there for the second half of your switch. No pass required on the kiddie rides.

[bumblebeeonarose]

I've never been directed to the exit for Space or Star Tours (our first trip was only a week after ST opened). We've always had to go through the FP line again. The passes are color coded, one color for weekdays and a different color for weekends (so we've observed). Although there is no date on them, they say they must be used that day or should be returned to the entrance. Sometimes we don't use them because there just isn't enough time. During our Spring Break trip we ended up with several left over because the park was so busy. DH rode Star Tours, but then I chose to ride Space when it was my turn. So, we ended up just using the original FP and not doing anything with the rider swaps. I just keep them though (not going to go back to all the rides to return them), one or two will probably end up in the scrap book.

I just went and got a Space, TOT, and ST pass. The TOT and ST passes say to go to the FP entrance, but sure enough, the Space does say to go to the exit. I've never noticed that it is different. We've always just gone through the FP entance.

TEXT:
Directions: Welcome to Star Tours. When your party returns after touring the galaxy, please take this pass and go to the Fastpass return queue. Present this pass to the Star Tours agent for special entry. This pass does not guarantee immediate boarding and must be surrendered to the attractions host/hostess. This pass is good for two (2) guests only and must be used today. If you decide not to use this pass, please return it to the Star Tours agent at the entrance.
Requirements: All guests must meet the minimum height and boarding requirements to experience the attractions.
While waiting for your party to return, please visit Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters or Captain EO.

I don't know how many are in your party. But what we usually do when we have DD is get say one FP for ST and one for Space. With the rider switch passes, you don't really need your own FP beause the switch pass becomes the second persons FP. That is not cheating the system either, it is the way it is designed. The biggest downfall is the extra time spent in lines because you have to go seperately. I think they used to allow you to bring the child in the queue with you, and just switch at the entrance. I understand why they don't anymore (safety, and people trying to get little ones on), but it really does add to the line time.

[MidwayManiac]

I've never been directed to the exit for Space or Star Tours (our first trip was only a week after ST opened). .

when we rode it, reentry was done through the exit, you wait for your party inside the gift shop

Last night they were entering through the exit at Star Traders and I saw a family waiting on a bench in the hallway outside the actual ride exit for their other party.

here

[candles71]

To Clarify a few points.
(I am going to assume mom staying with the baby, but it really just needs to be someone over 14)
First point, Especially Star Tours, the whole party needs to approach the line, (especially during your time frame I think they will really crack down to avoid abuse), so the CM can see who will not be riding.
Second, they will issue a rider switch pass (Star Tours and Space issue them at some point other than the start of the line I have heard, but have never experienced this). The rest of the party joins the line. Tip: if they have valid Fast passes they can join the Fast Pass line to cut their wait time as well.
When your party returns, mom takes her pass and 1 other person to share her ride with her back to the entrance (or other designated spot, we have really only ever used it on Indy, Screamin', Soarin'. and Splash, all of which put you into the Fast pass line), where the Cast Member will direct you.
Second fun tip for your 4 year old. If you have him/her measured at rides and they are not quite tall enough, some rides (I know Star Tours does this) have special "almost there" passes good for him/her to return to the ride when they are tall enough. It is an automatic fast pass for that time. So your 4 y/o would take it home and use it at a later date. This is a fun thing for the little ones who aren't quite there yet.

On a slightly different note, It's Tough to be a Bug show in California Adventure is SCARY. I would suggest someone in your party sees it before you take your littler ones in and see if it is ok for your family. My youngest is 10 and still won't wear the 3d glasses to make it a little less scary for her.

[Malcon10t]

To clarify, Rider Swap can be done at all rides with a height requirement. With the exception of Matterhorn, Fantasyland does not have a height requirement on the rides. Because of this, they do not offer rider swap. Everyone can ride together.

[Malcon10t]

Last night they were entering through the exit at Star Traders and I saw a family waiting on a bench in the hallway outside the actual ride exit for their other party.

Actually, people frequently wait there for family to come off, switch kids, and then the other rider goes back to the FP line. It is a convenient spot. It is what we did in April with my cousin's son. But it isn't where they enter.

[Malcon10t]

I've moved this thread to the Parenting folder, so you can get a better response. Also, I am hoping AdrienneK will pop in and direct you to the "Everything You Ever Wanted to KNow about Rider Swap" thread.

[MidwayManiac]

But it isn't where they enter.

Granted, it's not where they currently enter. For a short while in June last year, it was. I was directed to enter that way at least two occasions.

[adriennek]

To clarify, Rider Swap can be done at all rides with a height requirement. With the exception of Matterhorn, Fantasyland does not have a height requirement on the rides. Because of this, they do not offer rider swap. Everyone can ride together.

TECHNICALLY, they should be able to accommodate a rider switch for any ride, even one with out a height restriction. There may be reasons a person does not ride or cannot ride an attraction (mobility issues, can't transfer into the vehicle, fear factors for dark rides - HM Holiday, etc.) The willingness to accommodate needs beyond the attractions with height requirements will vary based on which CMs are staffing the attractions. Some CMs or some attractions are better prepared for Rider Switches than others*. My rule of thumb for myself is that it never hurts to ASK but I don't argue or press the issue on non-height requirement attractions if they say no.

ETA: To clarify: sometimes it's an issue of CMs. One time, a CM team at attraction "A" will be prepared with a solution but another team on a another day or another shift may not. Sometimes an attraction in one land may have a solution but the same day and time a similar attraction in another land may not.