STANDBY
What do you mean by Standby Line?
The Standby Line is just the regular old line. You get in line, you wait your turn. Once you’ve reached the loading area, you ride.
Will my family be split up if we ride Standby?
No. You will be loaded into the ride vehicles in whatever configuration fits your party size in relation to the type of ride vehicle.
The number of riders that will fit in each vehicle varies by attraction and vehicle type.
In general- most ride vehicles will accommodate 2 riders comfortably per row- some can accommodate 3 riders (1 adult, 2 small children or 2 adults, 1 small child).
For more specific attraction vehicle type and size please read the attraction descriptions in
#5 Sticky
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SINGLES
Do any attractions offer a Single Rider Line?
Only 3.
Test Track at Epcot
Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Who can use the Single Rider Line?
You must be 7 years old to use a Single Rider Line.
Which is better- Single Rider Line or FASTPASS?
Depends. If you are able to obtain a FP, I think that is always best. Single Rider lines are usually but not always in operation. It is up the the discretion of the CM at the attraction. Often the Single Line will not open til an hour or so after the park has opened. Sometimes the Single Line wait can be just as long as the Standby wait. Check the posted wait times and make your decision based on that.
Can I ride with my girlfriend if we use Single Rider Line?
Sure- but don’t expect to be seated next to her! The Single Rider Line is just that. It’s for Single Riders.
You will be separated from your party and loaded into ride vehicles as singles are needed to fill seats.
You may end up in same car, limo or train but don’t count on it.
Please do not enter the Single Rider Line if you really must sit next to your girlfriend and please do not argue with the CM about it.
That would be Distinctly Unpatriotic!
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SWAPS
Well I sure wish I knew about this awesome little trick way back in the 90’s. There were plenty of times I would have liked to swap my DD for a more cheerful, cooperative child. But unfortunately that’s not really what child swapping means. Apparently you have to keep the child you came to Disney with after all.
But I digress...
The official term is Rider Switch Pass.
It’s often called child swap, parent swap, rider swap, etc. We’ll just refer to it as Swaps here.
What is a Swap?
A Swap is a special ticket that is available from the Cast Member at any FASTPASS enabled and Height Restricted attraction.
If there is a someone in your party that does not meet the height requirements to ride (we’ll call him “the little guy”) you may obtain a Swap that allows up to 3 riders to enter via the FASTPASS line and ride, while someone (not the CM!) entertains the little guy.
That sounds handy! How do I get a Swap?
Approach the CM at the ride entrance and ask nicely! You must show the little guy and he will likely be measured. If the little guy does not meet the height requirement, the CM will then give you a Swap.
How do I use a Swap?
The most efficient way to use a Swap is in conjunction with a FASTPASS.
Obtain a set of FPs for the ride at any point. When you return to ride, show your FPs and the little guy to the CM. The CM will collect those FPs and trade them for a Swap.
Those riding now- the first group- will enter thru the FP line.
Those waiting with little guy can go do something else- no need to stand around waiting!
The second group can return to ride with the Swap whenever they like and will also enter thru the FP line.
The Swap is good til the end of that day.
If you do not have a FP for the ride- you can still obtain a Swap but the first group will then enter immediately thru the Standby Line.
Second group can use the FP line later with the Swap.
(This is really only efficient if done right at park opening or when there is no wait or only a short Standby wait)
Remember- each Swap allows up to 3 riders, so nobody rides alone. The big kids in your party will come to appreciate how handy the little guy is!
Do all Swaps work the same way?
Depends.
Sometimes they will do a rider swap right at the ride loading area. In that case there is no need to obtain the Swap from the CM. When you approach the CM at the ride entrance they will let you know how swaps are being handled at that particular ride at that particular time.
Typically you might find the above scenario at Star Tours, Big Thunder Mountain or Mission:SPACE.
My son is tall enough for Expedition Everest but is scared to ride, can I get a Swap?
Technically no.
It never hurts to ask nicely but Swaps are meant to be used for those not eligible to ride due to height restrictions.
In a case like this- there are usually ways to utilize FP so that nobody rides alone and somebody can wait with your son.
For help on how to utilize Swaps and FPs in your specific situation - please post your question in the forum!
What do we do with the little guy while others are riding?
Good question.
Consider how long each ride usually takes. It is probably possible to get 3 or 4 rides a day on Soarin’ with use of Swaps and FPs- but each ride on Soarin’ usually takes about 25 min with a FP or Swap. That’s a total of almost 2 hours spent on one ride and that’s a lot of time spent waiting around for the little guy!
To keep things fair for all, I usually suggest that one adult takes one for the team by just riding each attraction once or skipping it completely if your time is that limited.
Here’s some suggestions for keeping the little guy entertained in the vicinity while others are enjoying the thrillers:
Magic Kingdom
Space Mountain takes about 20 min to ride with Swap or FP.
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor = 20/30 min.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority = 15/20 min
Meet Buzz or Stitch or look for PUSH The Talking Trash Can.
Splash Mountain takes about 25 min with Swap or FP
Big Thunder Mountain takes about 15/20 min with Swap or FP
A round trip ride on WDWRR = 20 min.
Visit the play area near Splash Mountain
Visit Enchanted Tiki Room or Swiss Family Tree House
Enjoy Country Bear Jamboree
Meet characters in Frontierland or Adventureland
EPCOT
Soarin’ takes about 25 min with Swap or FP
Living with The Land = 20 min
Circle of Life = 20-30 min
Test Track takes about 15/20 min with Swap or FP
Mission: Space takes about 20/25 min with Swap or FP
Visit the exit area of Test Track and/or Mission:SPACE
Visit Club Cool or Innoventions
Ride Spaceship Earth
If you have 45 min to fill- ride Ellen's Energy Adventure and take a 45 min nap!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Rockin ‘n’ Roller Coaster takes about 15/20 min with Swap or FP
Tower of Terror takes about 20/25 min with Swap or FP
There’s not a lot to do in the vicinity!
See a show-
Beauty and the Beast = 30 min
Voyage of The Little Mermaid = about 20 min
Disney Junior = about 25 min
Disney Channel Rocks = 20 min
Play in Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set
Meet Disney Characters
Enjoy the 3:00 Parade
Animal Kingdom
Expedition Everest takes about 10/20 min with Swap or FP
DINOSAUR takes about 15/20 min with Swap or FP
Ride Triceratops Spin
Play in The Boneyard
Meet Disney Characters in Dinoland or on Discovery Island
Kali River Rapids takes about 15 min with Swap or FP
Enjoy Flights of Wonder = 30 min
Walk Maharajah Jungle Trek
Look for Divine
Wait on the bridge and shoot the Elephant Squirters!
