Rider Swap

Disneyland is known for it's magical rides and attractions that cater to visitors of all ages.  However, some of the most thrilling rides at Disneyland have height requirements, which means that not all visitors can experience them. 

When we go with small children who can't take on the bigger attractions, we love utilizing rider switch.  This gives all adults a chance to ride when someone has to stay with a child that doesn’t reach the height requirement. 

Here's a quick refresher about what Rider Switch is: Rider Switch is a system that allows parents or guardians to take turns riding the more thrilling rides without having to wait in line twice. How to Use It:

1. First, the entire party approaches the ride entrance and informs the cast member that they would like to do Rider Switch.

2. The cast member will then issue the party a Rider Switch pass on their Disneyland app, which allows the other members of the party to wait outside the attraction while the first group rides.

3. The first group of riders goes through the ride while the other members of the party wait with the child who does not meet the height requirement.

4. After the first group is done riding, the waiting members of the party can then walk up to the ride, the cast members will scan their tickets, and the “swapping” party can ride the attraction without having to wait in line again.

Have littles that can't ride?  Don’t worry! We have a great list of fun things to do with a child while waiting for your group. 

Disneyland:

1. Grab a snack (Churro anyone?)

2. Hop on a quick ride that they can enjoy.

3. Watch a show (Check out our  review of Tale of the Lion King here)

4. Meet a Character

5. Potty break/Diaper change/nursing break

6. Ride a Main Street Vehicle

7. Find a quiet place for them to nap in the stroller

8. Ride the Mark Twain or the Train

California Adventure: 

1. Grab a Snack 

2. Turtle Talk

3. Disney Junior

4. Meet a Character

5. Redwood Creek Challenge Trail

6. Walk to the Grand Californian and look at their displays in the lobby

7. Look for entertainment at Paradise Gardens

8. Hop on a ride they will enjoy

9. Potty break/diaper change/nursing break

Note: There is a baby care center in each park. Disneyland’s located by Plaza Point by First Aid on Main Street. In DCA you can find it by Ghirardelli between Cars Land and the Wharf. 

We know it can be hard to keep track of what rides your child is tall enough to ride on. We made you FREE printable Height Charts to add to your park bag to keep track of what rides your child can ride in each park! California Adventure chart HERE. Disneyland chart HERE. We also suggest you purchase an at home measuring chart from our friend Mylee at The Unseen Magic. Her charts have each ride labeled at each new threshold and she has Disneyland and Walt Disney World options. Purchase HERE. Our kids get so excited every time they hit a new ride threshold and it's a great way to get your kids excited for their next trip! 

Know before you go: 

    -Cast members measure your child multiple times in each line if they are close to the height threshold. Please be patient with them and teach your kids to be excited and ready to be measured at any time. 

    -If your child is BARELY tall enough we suggest riding those rides first thing in the morning. We have had children be tall enough in the morning, and too short in the afternoon. After a day of walking your spine compresses and you are actually a bit shorter later in the day so make sure to make these rides a priority. 

    -Keep in mind your child's maturity level. We have tall children who can all ride Guardians, Space Mountain, and more at barely age 3. Just because your child is tall enough, doesn't mean they are ready for any given ride. Prepare your child beforehand for things that might be a bit intense or scary for the best experience.

Looking for more help planning a trip with kids? Check out this section of our website, where we dish on all the best tips for traveling with babies and small children.