Disney World Height Requirements

If you’re traveling with a small child, you’ll want to be aware of the height requirements for various attractions. Compared with other theme parks, there really aren’t that many rides that fall into this category. Here’s a list for each park:

Rider Switch Pass (or Child Swap)

What do you do if mom, dad and Susie and Billy all want to ride Flight of Passage, but Junior. is too small? Before you get in line, ask the cast member at the entrance for a rider switch pass.

Dad will take Susie and Billy and get in line. Mom will wait outside with Junior. When Dad, Susie and Billy are finished, they come find Mom. Now, Dad will stay with Junior while Mom can use the rider switch pass to ride without waiting (you’ll be directed into the Fastpass line) AND she can take Susie and Billy with her, so she doesn’t have to ride alone, and they get to ride again!

This can be a lifesaver if you have a mixed group. Now the big kids don’t have to miss out on the big rides (in fact, they can ride twice) and both adults get to experience everything. Of course, each adult will have to wait with the non-riding child while the other adult takes their turn, but it doesn’t have to be boring.

Take advantage of that time to feed or change the baby, or find a nearby ‘all-ages’ attraction – they are everywhere! Even easier – some of the headliner rides have play areas near the ride exits, for example Splash Mountain in Magic Kingdom and Mission Space in Epcot.

Rider Switch Pass FAQ

Q: Does a child have to be under the height requirement for the family to qualify for Rider Switch?

A: No, even if you child is tall enough, you can still use Rider Switch if they just don’t want to ride or are too scared to ride.

Q: How many people can ride with the second adult using the Rider Switch Pass?
A: Officially, two extra riders, but in practice they allow 3 extra

Q: Do they still hand out a paper ticket for Rider Switch?

A: No, they scan your Magic Band and add it to your account

Q: How long do you have to use your Rider Switch?

A: You’ll be given a one-hour window to use your pass

Q: Does everyone have to be present to receive a Rider Switch Pass?

A: Yes. Your whole party need to present themselves to the Cast Member at the entrance to the queue.

Q: Is the Rider Switch Pass available at all attractions?

A: No, only attractions with a height requirement, plus Frozen Ever After at Epcot, which does not have a height requirement.

Q: Can you use Rider Switch if no one in your group has a Fastpass?

A: Yes. The first group of riders will have to wait in the standby line, but the second group will be able to go through the Fastpass line with their Rider Switch Pass.

Q: Does everyone in the party need to have a Fastpass?

A: This is a tricky one. Most of the time, no. If Dad and Billy have Fastpasses for Splash Mountain, they can get a Rider Switch Pass for Mom, who doesn’t have a Fastpass. Then she and Susie can ride, and Billy can go with them. Then, If Mom and Susie have a Fastpass for Big Thunder Mountain, they can get a Rider Switch Pass for Dad. Dad will take Billy, and Susie can go along for an extra ride too. So, if you plan it right, you can effectively double your Fastpasses. HOWEVER, in recent months, some guests who have done this have reported that they were told they ALL needed Fastpasses. So you can try this method but there is no guarantee. Guests who have been told they ALL needed Fastpasses reported being able to resolve the issue by asking to talk to a “lead”.

Have you used Rider Switch Pass? Tell us about your experience in the comments below. Still trying to figure out your itinerary? Read my suggestions HERE. Need help planning your trip? Use the quote form found HERE or send me an email at rebecca@magicaltravel.com.