Rider Switch at Disneyland

Disneyland is packed with magic for the whole family, but some of the most thrilling attractions come with height requirements that little ones just aren’t tall enough for yet. That doesn’t mean the adults have to miss out, though. This is where Rider Switch comes in handy — a system designed to let parents and guardians take turns on the bigger rides without having to wait in line twice.

How Rider Switch Works

Here’s the quick rundown:
When your group arrives at an attraction with a height requirement, let the Cast Member at the entrance know you’d like to use Rider Switch. They’ll add a Rider Switch pass to your Disneyland app.

From there, the first group heads into the ride while the other adult waits outside with the child. Once that first ride is finished, the waiting adult can come back through without re-joining the full line — and everyone gets a chance to experience the attraction.

It’s a simple system, but it makes a huge difference when you’re traveling with littles.

What to Do While You Wait

The best part about Disneyland is that there’s always something to do, even when you’re not on a headliner attraction. Here are some of our favorite activities to keep kids happy while they wait for their turn to “swap.”

At Disneyland Park:

• Grab a snack (a churro is never a bad idea).

• Hop on a quick ride they can enjoy.

• Catch a show like Tale of the Lion King.

• Meet a character.

• Take a potty break, diaper change, or nursing break.

• Ride a Main Street Vehicle.

• Find a quiet stroller-friendly spot for a nap.

• Take a loop on the Mark Twain or the Disneyland Railroad.

At Disney California Adventure:

• Grab a treat or quick snack.

• Pop into Turtle Talk with Crush.

• Head to Disney Junior Dance Party.

• Meet a character.

• Let them explore Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.

• Take a stroll to the Grand Californian lobby.

• Enjoy entertainment in Paradise Gardens.

• Hop on a ride that doesn’t have a height limit.

• Potty break, diaper change, or nursing break.

(And don’t forget: each park has a Baby Care Center. At Disneyland, it’s on Main Street near Plaza Point and First Aid. At California Adventure, you’ll find it between Cars Land and the Wharf near Ghirardelli.)

Tips to Know Before You Go

• Be prepared for multiple checks. Cast Members may measure your child more than once if they’re right on the line, so help your kids be patient (and proud!) about standing tall.

• Ride height-dependent attractions early. Kids can actually measure a little shorter in the afternoon after hours of walking, so try those rides first thing in the morning.

• Consider your child’s readiness. Just because they’re tall enough doesn’t mean they’re ready for every intense ride. Talk through what to expect so they feel confident instead of overwhelmed.

Traveling with little ones at Disneyland takes some planning, but systems like Rider Switch make it so much easier to enjoy the best of both worlds. With a little preparation (and maybe a churro or two), everyone in your group can experience the magic.

Looking for more kid-friendly tips? Check out our section all about traveling with babies and small children — we’ve got you covered.