Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
4. SWITCHING OFF (ALSO KNOWN AS THE BABY SWAP)
Several attractions have min-
imum height and/or age requirements; children usually 40 inches tall or under must
ride with an adult, or be at least 7 years of age
and
40 inches tall to ride alone. Some
couples with children too small or too young forgo these attractions, while others split
up and take turns riding separately. Missing out on some of Disney's best rides is
an unnecessary sacrifice, and waiting in line twice for the same ride is a tremendous
waste of time.
A better way to approach the problem is to take advantage of an option known as
switching off or the baby swap. Switching off requires at least two adults. Everybody
waits in line together, both adults and children. When you reach a Disney attendant
(known as a greeter), say you want to switch off. The greeter will allow everyone, in-
cluding the small children, to enter the attraction. When you reach the loading area,
one adult will ride while the other stays with the kids. The riding adult then disem-
barksandtakesresponsibility forthechildrenwhiletheotheradultrides.Athirdadult
in the party can ride twice, once with each of the switching-off adults, so they do
not have to experience the attraction alone. The 12 attractions where switching off is
routinely practiced are listed on the
chart
.
Disney has been experimenting with a new switching-off procedure for certain
Fastpass attractions. Here the cast member gives two Fastpasses to the parent who
will be waiting with the child. That parent and the child then leave the queue and are
free to do other things while the riding parent is waiting in line and experiencing the
attraction. When the family regroups, the nonriding parent can use her Fastpasses to
ride, taking another member of the family with her if she desires.
ATTRACTIONS WHERE SWITCHING OFF IS COMMON
DISNEYLAND PARK
ADVENTURELAND
Indiana Jones Adventure
CRITTER COUNTRY
Splash Mountain
FANTASYLAND
Matterhorn Bobsleds
FRONTIERLAND
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
TOMORROWLAND
Space Mountain | Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
CARS LAND
Radiator Springs Racers
