Child Swap at Universal vs. Disney
What Is Child Swap And Which One Is Better?
Many of Orlando’s theme parks offer ways for guests to bypass long lines and skip right to the front of a ride’s queue. Some of these methods are reserved for visitors with special needs, while others are available to those who are willing to pay an extra fee.
Of these options, families might’ve heard of a “child swap” system that allows all members of a family to enjoy an attraction — even if one of their children doesn’t want to ride or doesn’t meet a height requirement.
As such, we’ll be comparing how “child swaps” work at Universal versus Disney to help you have the best Orlando vacation possible.
Disney World: Rider Switch
Available at select attractions across all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, families can take advantage of the Rider Switch option by completing the following steps:
- Before starting their day, guests can check with a Cast Member to see if Rider Switch is available at their desired attraction.
- After arriving at one of the eligible rides, parties can meet with a cast member to receive Ride Switch entitlement and be directed to wait their turn in a designated area: this is provided to at least one child guest who will not be riding, along with the adult who will be waiting with them.
- After the rest of the members ride the attraction, they can take the place of those who were waiting. These members — along with the non-riding guest, if they choose — can then board the ride without waiting in the normal line at the discretion of their managing cast member.
Universal Orlando: Child Swap
Not one to miss out on a feature, Universal Orlando also offers the same option for families who might have a child or two who prefer to stay behind on a ride or fail to meet its height requirement. To enroll in a Child Swap at this park, guests will need to do the following:- At the entrance to a ride, visitors must approach the attendant before entering the line and inform them they’d like to do a Child Swap.
- The attendant will then direct the non-riders to a designated Child Swap room, which is usually themed and spacious.
- Once the first group has ridden the attraction, they will take the place of those who were waiting, allowing them to ride it next without waiting in the standard queue.