Rider Swap Rules

[Brian4891]

My 60 day FP window opens in about 2 weeks for My November trip. I want to make sure I am up to date on how rider swap is being enforced currently so that I plan my FP's out most efficiently.

On my trip last February, in almost every case, the CM's did not require the people in the 2nd group of riders to have a FP in order to get a RS. This was true even if the people riding in Group 1 did have a FP. I want to make sure this is still how it is being enforced. Does anybody have any recent experiences they can share confirming that there have been no changes?

Thank you for your help!

 

[stewart715]

From what I understand, the rule is now that all riders must have a FP because they now have technical abilities built into system for the swap. Though, some have reported that CMs have let it slide. It appears it's not what it used to be and you should plan on making sure everyone has a FP (which makes sense).

 

[Disneyliscious]

Everyone does not need FP. Only the first group does. Everyone is so worried that you’ll get some special privilege if everyone doesn’t have a FP but that is absolutely not the case. There is nothing stopping any family from only getting FP for half their group just like rider swaps. The 2nd half of rider swap waits in line just like everyone else while the first group goes on. No ones being treated special.

 

[stewart715]

Everyone does not need FP. Only the first group does. Everyone is so worried that you’ll get some special privilege if everyone doesn’t have a FP but that is absolutely not the case. There is nothing stopping any family from only getting FP for half their group just like rider swaps. The 2nd half of rider swap waits in line just like everyone else while the first group goes on. No ones being treated special.

Not in my experience. The whole point of rider swap is you are essentially in line “virtually” while waiting with a child. The current written requirement is if you are using riderswap and fast pass, entire party must have fast pass; otherwise they would’ve gotten fast passes without actually having them.

Though I'm not sure what you're saying when you say "2nd half of rider swap waits in line just like everyone else while the first group goes on." What you're describing isn't rider swap.

 

[stewart715]

The 2nd group waits outside and always enters the FP queue. If the first party enters the FP queue initially, the 2nd group must have FP as well. If the entire party does not have FP, the 1st group must enter the normal queue.

Whether or not cast members follow this is up for debate, but those are the new rules with the new digital system and many have reported this.

 

[stewart715]

Which brings me to my final point. If entire group has FP, then you should never need Rider Swap because there should be enough time for 1st group to come back for 2nd group to enter. Many CMs will tell you this and decline to give you Rider Swap entirely.

Any use of FP + Rider Swap is likely a guest trying to exploit a long time loophole that has since been closed (perhaps partially). Rider Swap for the most part is for those entering the normal queue and then allowing the 2nd group to ride in FP queue.

It's meant to emulate the 2nd parent, for example, waiting in line except they are waiting outside with their 6 month old baby.

 

[Disneyliscious]

Not in my experience. The whole point of rider swap is you are essentially in line “virtually” while waiting with a child. The current written requirement is if you are using riderswap and fast pass, entire party must have fast pass; otherwise they would’ve gotten fast passes without actually having them.

Though I'm not sure what you're saying when you say "2nd half of rider swap waits in line just like everyone else while the first group goes on." What you're describing isn't rider swap.

While the first group is riding, the 2nd group is waiting in line (virtual line with the child). When group 1 exits and group 2 enters the FP line, group 2 will have waited the duration of the FP line plus the duration of group 1’s FP que, ride time, and exiting time. This is why FP is not needed for the 2nd group.

 

[stewart715]

While the first group is riding, the 2nd group is waiting in line (virtual line with the child). When group 1 exits and group 2 enters the FP line, group 2 will have waited the duration of the FP line plus the duration of group 1’s FP que, ride time, and exiting time. This is why FP is not needed for the 2nd group.

This is not true. The "you waited long anyways" thing is a complete myth. It is a loophole that they have no closed and/or trying to still closed. If you are able to do this, it is because a CM is technically breaking a rule for you. The official stance of Disney is all riders must have an eligible FP+ for the 1st group of a Rider Swap to enter the FP+ queue:

Email from Disney:

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World® Resort!

Rider Switch is available at select attractions at all four Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Parks. With Rider Switch, if a child does not meet the height requirement or a Guest does not wish to board a particular attraction, one adult can wait with the non-rider (or riders) while the rest of the party enjoys the attraction. When the other adult returns, they can supervise the non-riding Guests, and the waiting adult can board the attraction without having to wait in the regular line again! Upon arrival at the participating attraction, please speak to the Attraction Host or Hostess for assistance.

Please note, that each Guest wishing to use Rider Switch through the FastPass+ line must have a FastPass+ selection otherwise they would not be eligible to have been in the line for a Rider Switch. You may be pleased to know that typically it is not needed to use Rider Switch when you have a FastPass+, as you have an hour to redeem a selection.

For additional information and list of attractions, please visit, Rider Switch. Please note, attractions are subject to change without notice.

If you have any other questions or challenges, please do not hesitate to contact us by calling us at 407-W-DISNEY (407-934-7639) or by chatting with us in the Help Center of the Walt Disney World® website. Cast Members will be happy to assist you further.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Parks Panel:

Edit, this is the correct post: https://disneyparksmomspanel.disney...er-switch-combined-ex-one-parent-gets-395531/

 

[DGsAtBLT]

Which brings me to my final point. If entire group has FP, then you should never need Rider Swap because there should be enough time for 1st group to come back for 2nd group to enter. Many CMs will tell you this and decline to give you Rider Swap entirely.

Any use of FP + Rider Swap is likely a guest trying to exploit a long time loophole that has since been closed (perhaps partially). Rider Swap for the most part is for those entering the normal queue and then allowing the 2nd group to ride in FP queue.

It's meant to emulate the 2nd parent, for example, waiting in line except they are waiting outside with their 6 month old baby.

There is absolutely a need even if the whole group holds a FP, otherwise the group is forced to ride in the first half of their window, give or take, so that the second group can make it within the window.

Some attractions take a good chunk of time to get through even with FP.

 

[stewart715]

There is absolutely a need even if the whole group holds a FP, otherwise the group is forced to ride in the first half of their window, give or take, so that the second group can make it within the window.

Some attractions take a good chunk of time to get through even with FP.

Correct, but not always; especially not if you speak to a CM. Officialy Disney suggests that those with FP should not need to utilize Rider Swap. And again, CM's may decline offering Rider Swap if you have FP and are there at the beginning of the window. They may simply allow you to enter even if you are past your FP window after speaking with them about Rider Swap. I and others have personally experienced this. They are beginning to crack down on the Rider Swap FP loophole.

 

[DGsAtBLT]

Correct, but not always. Officialy Disney suggests that those with FP should not need to utilize Rider Swap. And again, CM's may decline offering Rider Swap if you have FP and are there at the beginning of the window. I and others have personally experienced this. They are beginning to crack down on the Rider Swap FP loophole.

I can’t speak to what the current state of the rules are, just refuting what you said about never needing it if you already have a FP. Definitely nice to have if the option is there.

 

[Maryess]

Is it still true that the person that did not ride on the first part of the rider swap can still bring 1-2 people on with them? If so, then a cast member that refuses to do it as a rider swap would also possibly be denying the second rider that ability.

For Example: A, B and C are with an infant. All have a fast pass. First ride A and B go on but C waits with infant . Next ride it’s C’s turn. In order not to be forced to ride alone C would have to bring A or B back on with them. Unless the cast member officially did it as a rider swap , I would think A or B would no longer be able to ride with C since their fast passes would be used already.

I miss the old rider swap when my kids were little and you waited right there. Now being a grandma, it’s a whole new world and concept to understand!

 

[stewart715]

Any exceptions, including granting FP+ to those who don't have them, is up to the CM. I would imagine you would not have an issue in a case like this but all of this is up to CM discretion. If there is a rule about this case, I don't know it. Would be a great question for the Disney Park Moms Panel.

 

[tjmw2727]

Correct, but not always; especially not if you speak to a CM. Officialy Disney suggests that those with FP should not need to utilize Rider Swap. And again, CM's may decline offering Rider Swap if you have FP and are there at the beginning of the window. They may simply allow you to enter even if you are past your FP window after speaking with them about Rider Swap. I and others have personally experienced this. They are beginning to crack down on the Rider Swap FP loophole.

I don't see the harm in a CM giving a RS when the party has a FP - denying this doesn't make sense to me. That rider swap will just override the 2nd adults FP+ allowing them extra time in case the first party does not finish in the window as well as not making the 2nd adult ride alone. The new digital rider swap allows for up to 2 people to accompany the person who stayed with the non rider. Even if the first CM tells you that you can return late there is no guarantee they will still be there when you return.

 

[tjmw2727]

Any exceptions, including granting FP+ to those who don't have them, is up to the CM. I would imagine you would not have an issue in a case like this but all of this is up to CM discretion. If there is a rule about this case, I don't know it. Would be a great question for the Disney Park Moms Panel.

I would Never rely on advice / information from that panel - the amont of misinformation there is astounding.

eta - the link you added from the Mom's panel states that the party riding 2nd will get the digital rider swap and does not need a FP+ and can bring up to 2 guests!

 

[LongLiveRafiki]

This is not true. The "you waited long anyways" thing is a complete myth. It is a loophole that they have no closed and/or trying to still closed. If you are able to do this, it is because a CM is technically breaking a rule for you. The official stance of Disney is all riders must have an eligible FP+ for the 1st group of a Rider Swap to enter the FP+ queue:

Email from Disney:

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World® Resort!

Rider Switch is available at select attractions at all four Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Parks. With Rider Switch, if a child does not meet the height requirement or a Guest does not wish to board a particular attraction, one adult can wait with the non-rider (or riders) while the rest of the party enjoys the attraction. When the other adult returns, they can supervise the non-riding Guests, and the waiting adult can board the attraction without having to wait in the regular line again! Upon arrival at the participating attraction, please speak to the Attraction Host or Hostess for assistance.

Please note, that each Guest wishing to use Rider Switch through the FastPass+ line must have a FastPass+ selection otherwise they would not be eligible to have been in the line for a Rider Switch. You may be pleased to know that typically it is not needed to use Rider Switch when you have a FastPass+, as you have an hour to redeem a selection.

For additional information and list of attractions, please visit, Rider Switch. Please note, attractions are subject to change without notice.

If you have any other questions or challenges, please do not hesitate to contact us by calling us at 407-W-DISNEY (407-934-7639) or by chatting with us in the Help Center of the Walt Disney World® website. Cast Members will be happy to assist you further.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Parks Panel:

https://disneyparksmomspanel.disney...ap-everyone-party-need-fastpass-go-fp-373883/

The Moms Panel response you linked actually says the opposite of what you are saying, so I'm not sure why you linked it. Neither of these sources is really reliable though. This has been discussed repeatedly in past Rider Swap threads where several people have posted their emails, chats, and phone conversations with Disney about Rider Swap and gotten completely different answers. The problem is that the personnel who communicate with guests through these means are often misinformed and have no idea what they are talking about or how things are actually handled in the parks-- it's like calling the Front Desk from your resort. That person isn't actually at the front desk, and likewise, the people emailing, calling, etc in Guest Services aren't actually ride CMs with direct training on how rider swap actually works and is to be enforced in the parks. As for the Moms Panel, they are notorious for giving contradictory or incorrect information, and there's even a statement at the bottom of their page that says, "These views are not intended to reflect the opinions of Disney Destinations, its affiliates, its management, its agents, or its employees and have not been reviewed or approved by Disney Destinations prior to posting."

That being said, there have been a couple reports on here of people being told at certain rides that everyone should have FP, but there have also been numerous reports that FP was not needed for Group 2. Frankly, whether there is an official policy or not is unclear given that others have received communication from Disney that says Group 2 doesn't need FP and Disney has yet to post anything official on their website.

Lastly, one of the advertised perks of rider swap is that the adult waiting behind with the too short child doesn't have to ride alone when it is their turn. For instance, Dad and Kid A have FP and ride while Mom waits with Kid B. If Mom only has a FP to use when Dad and Kid A return, then she has to ride alone. Having a rider swap allows her to ride with kid A. Also, when riding things like Soarin and FOP with Pre-shows it always seems to take us 45+ mins to get a single group through the FP line. Having that additional time with the rider swap for Group 2 to make it in line is almost a necessity in some cases. I'm not so sure I'd trust that a CM an hour+ later is going to remember us and allow us through past our FP window, or that another CM hasn't replaced them who won't let us on. I'm pretty sure someone on here actually posted that this happened to them where they were told Group 2 didn't need the rider swap since they had FP, then when Group 2 tried to enter the line after Group 1 returned, they were told they couldn't since they were outside their FP window. So yes, there can be a need for rider swap even if Group 2 has FP.

 

[stewart715]

The Moms Panel response you linked actually says the opposite of what you are saying, so I'm not sure why you linked it. Neither of these sources is really reliable though. This has been discussed repeatedly in past Rider Swap threads where several people have posted their emails, chats, and phone conversations with Disney about Rider Swap and gotten completely different answers. The problem is that the personnel who communicate with guests through these means are often misinformed and have no idea what they are talking about or how things are actually handled in the parks-- it's like calling the Front Desk from your resort. That person isn't actually at the front desk, and likewise, the people emailing, calling, etc in Guest Services aren't actually ride CMs with direct training on how rider swap actually works and is to be enforced in the parks. As for the Moms Panel, they are notorious for giving contradictory or incorrect information, and there's even a statement at the bottom of their page that says, "These views are not intended to reflect the opinions of Disney Destinations, its affiliates, its management, its agents, or its employees and have not been reviewed or approved by Disney Destinations prior to posting."

That being said, there have been a couple reports on here of people being told at certain rides that everyone should have FP, but there have also been numerous reports that FP was not needed for Group 2. Frankly, whether there is an official policy or not is unclear given that others have received communication from Disney that says Group 2 doesn't need FP and Disney has yet to post anything official on their website.

Lastly, one of the advertised perks of rider swap is that the adult waiting behind with the too short child doesn't have to ride alone when it is their turn. For instance, Dad and Kid A have FP and ride while Mom waits with Kid B. If Mom only has a FP to use when Dad and Kid A return, then she has to ride alone. Having a rider swap allows her to ride with kid A. Also, when riding things like Soarin and FOP with Pre-shows it always seems to take us 45+ mins to get a single group through the FP line. Having that additional time with the rider swap for Group 2 to make it in line is almost a necessity in some cases. I'm not so sure I'd trust that a CM an hour+ later is going to remember us and allow us through past our FP window, or that another CM hasn't replaced them who won't let us on. I'm pretty sure someone on here actually posted that this happened to them where they were told Group 2 didn't need the rider swap since they had FP, then when Group 2 tried to enter the line after Group 1 returned, they were told they couldn't since they were outside their FP window. So yes, there can be a need for rider swap even if Group 2 has FP.

Sorry, this was the Parks Mom post I meant to link to, the other one was older, this one is newer:
https://disneyparksmomspanel.disney...er-switch-combined-ex-one-parent-gets-395531/
Parks Moms is reliable for recent information but the problem is they don't delete old posts.

I agree with all of what you are saying. And as I said, all of this is up to CM discretion. But again, if you contact WDW directly, their official stance is every one needs a FP+. Many guests have been turned away when the entire group does not have a FP.

But you are correct, tomorrow you will go and be told by a CM that it's fine. I am saying that I would not rely on that and that you could very well be turned away, which is happening more and more frequently. At some point it's going to be the rule all CMs abide by.

I don't think the case of Mom riding with kid and then Dad riding with kid is what they are after stopping and I think that will continue to be allowed.

The Park Moms post I linked to specifically says the child can ride twice.

However, it is when you have a group of 6 adults and 2 kids, and 3 of the adults have a FP and the other 3 do not and previously would scoot right onto the FP line. Obviously obtaining 6 FP is a lot harder than 3, so it was a loophole. This is what the new rule and digital implementation aims to stop. And frankly I agree with it.

 

[stewart715]

I would Never rely on advice / information from that panel - the amont of misinformation there is astounding.

eta - the link you added from the Mom's panel states that the party riding 2nd will get the digital rider swap and does not need a FP+ and can bring up to 2 guests!

Yes, apologies, that was a 2018 post. Here is the post from 2019 I meant to link to where they specifically call out the updated protocol: https://disneyparksmomspanel.disney...er-switch-combined-ex-one-parent-gets-395531/

While you can certainly use FastPass+ selections in conjunction with Rider Switch to save yourself and your family a little time, everyone who wants to enter the attraction through the FastPass+ queue will need to have one.

Parks Moms need to do a better job of deleting out of date information.

 

[sethschroeder]

The Moms Panel response you linked actually says the opposite

Its because its from 2018 and the OLD way of how things used to be done.

Here is the updated response:
https://disneyparksmomspanel.disney...fast-passes-october-trip-disney-world-408490/
Again with all of this your mileage will vary. Me personally I have FP+ for everyone and don't want to take any chances. All of this is backed up by first hand reports on this board if I am not mistaken from when I looked 2 months back.

 

[stewart715]

Ironically, the latest report I read (on disboards) of someone being turned away from Rider Switch is when they lied to the CM when asked if they all had FP for the ride. The guest said "yes" and the CM said well then you have enough time to both ride and declined to offer Rider Switch.

This is the very behavior they want to stop. If you don't have a FP, you don't deserve a virtual queue FP because you happen to have a child who can't ride.