Child Swap Option

Most attractions have a switching off option, also known as a child swap. This is available for those attractions where height restrictions and/or age requirements may prevent all members of your party from experiencing a ride together. It may also be used if you have a child who is timid about an attraction, even though they meet the height and/or age requirement.

To take advantage of the child swap there must be at least two adults in your party. When you meet the first greeter, or Cast Member of the attraction, tell them that you would like to exercise the child swap. Your entire party will proceed through the line together until you reach the loading area. When you reach the loading area, one adult will ride while the other stays with the child(ren) that cannot/won't ride. When the first adult disembarks the ride the other adult will then be allowed on the attraction, at the head of the line. The adult that already enjoyed the ride then stays with the child(ren). If there's a third adult in your group they can experience the attraction twice, once with each of the switching off adults, so that the switching off adults don't have to experience the ride alone. This makes quite a bonus for them!

Most rides with age and height minimums load and unload in the same area, with an exception of Space Mountain. For this attraction when you tell the first greeter you'd like to use this option they will phone ahead to tell greeter two to be expecting you. When you reach greeter two you'll be given specific directions. One of you will proceed to the ride, while the other stays behind with the kids. Whoever rides first must alert the unloading attendant that you are switching off. The attendant will then return you to the loading area via a special stairway to watch the kids. This is where you switch off. While the second adult rides, the first adult takes the kids down the stairs to the unloading area where everybody is reunited and exits together. It seems to work well for all involved.

Attractions where the child swap is commonly used:

Magic Kingdom:
     Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
     Haunted Mansion
     Space Mountain
     Splash Mountain

Epcot:
     Test Track

Disney's Hollywood Studios:
     Rock 'n Roller Coaster
     Star Tours
     The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Disney's Animal Kingdom:
     DINOSAUR
     Expedition Everest
     Kali River Rapids

Last Updated: May 9, 2009