Disneyland Paris Rider Switch: The Free VIP Pass Parents Need to Know About

Picture this: You’re standing in Disneyland Paris, staring at the queue for Big Thunder Mountain, which is winding its way through Frontierland like it has all the time in the world. You love this ride. You need this ride. But you’re also here with a kiddo who is absolutely not making the height requirement today (or, let’s be honest, anytime soon). So what do you do? Accept your fate and miss out?

Absolutely not. Because Disneyland Paris Rider Switch, also known as Parent Swap, is basically a free VIP pass for parents—a golden ticket that lets both adults ride without doubling the wait time. If that doesn’t scream ‘genius’, I don’t know what does.

What is Disneyland Paris Rider Switch?

Rider Swap (sometimes called Parent Swap) is Disneyland Paris’s answer to the age-old problem of wanting to ride the big thrills when you’re visiting with kids who aren’t tall enough (or simply not interested).

Instead of both parents missing out—or enduring the tantrum of an older child who is tall enough but now has to wait even longer—Rider Swap lets one parent ride while the other stays back, and then you switch without having to queue twice. Genius.

How Does Rider Swap Work at Disneyland Paris?

1. Approach the Cast Member at the ride entrance. Let them know you want to use Rider Swap (or Parent Swap, as some call it). Cast members techincally may ask to see your whole group, but this isn’t usually necessary.
2. The first adult queues up, then rides, while the other waits with the child. If you have an older child who meets the height requirement, they get to ride with the first adult.
3. Request a Rider Swap ticket. As the first rider exits, they ask for a Rider Swap ticket or password from a Cast Member.
4. Swap time! The second parent can now enter via the exit or Premier Access lane for immediate entry. And here’s the kicker—your older child can often ride again with the second adult. Double the fun for them!

Which Rides Offer Rider Swap (or Baby Switch)?

Not every ride at Disneyland Paris offers Rider Swap (sometimes also referred to as Baby Switch), but many of the thrill rides do. The full list includes:

• Big Thunder Mountain (which, as you now know, is my favourite and non-negotiable)
• Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril (for those who like their roller coasters with an extra side of ‘Whoa, did that just go upside down?’)
• Hyperspace Mountain (because every parent deserves a Star Wars lightspeed moment)
• Crush’s Coaster (for a spinning, underwater thrill through the world of Finding Nemo)
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (for those who love a drop ride with a side of eerie suspense)
• Avengers Assemble: Flight Force (because who wouldn’t want Iron Man approving of their life choices?)

How to Maximise Rider Swap Like a Pro

For official height restrictions and ride eligibility, visit Disneyland Paris’s attractions page. Or, if you want a handy printable checklist of height restrictions and planning tips, check out my Disneyland Paris Ultimate Guide!

Want to get the absolute most out of Disneyland Paris Rider Switch? Here’s how:

1. Pair it with Disneyland Paris’s paid fast-track system. If you’re already using Premier Access, you can still use Rider Swap! This means the second adult skips the standby queue entirely, making the process even faster. Just remember that both parents (and any children riding with them) need have their own paid Premier Pass. While Rider Swap can still be used, but Premier Pass is still limited to one-time use per per person—meaning your child won’t be able to ride twice.
2. Use it strategically with older kids – Since many rides allow the older child to ride twice, plan your swaps to give them an extra dose of fun. Just be prepared for that moment when they start gloating about getting two rides while you only got one.
3. Combine it with Single Rider – For attractions that offer Single Rider, you can send the first parent through Single Rider, then use Rider Swap for the second adult. This is usually possible, but always check with a Cast Member first to confirm.
4. Combine it with the Priority Pass – If the first parent has a Priority Pass, they can use it to skip the queue, and then the second parent can use Rider Swap. However, as with Single Rider, always confirm with a Cast Member before proceeding.
5. Know when it’s worth it – Parent Swap is perfect for rides with long queues, but for shorter lines, it may not be necessary. Check the wait times in the app and decide accordingly.

How Does Rider Swap Compare to Other Disneyland Paris Queue-Skipping Options?

Disneyland Paris has quite a few ways to get on rides faster, and Parent Swap is just one of them. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Rider Swap vs. Single Rider – Single Rider is great if you don’t mind splitting up your party and just want a faster way onto the ride. But if you have a child who can’t ride and both parents want a turn, Parent Swap is the way to go.
• Rider Swap vs. Premier Access – Premier Access costs extra but gets you on the ride quicker. If you’re willing to pay, and have small children not riding, using it with Parent Swap can be the ultimate time-saver.
• **Rider Swap vs. **Pregnancy & Priority Passes – If you’re pregnant or have accessibility needs, Disneyland Paris offers separate options, which may sometimes work even better for your situation.

Final Thoughts: Why Disneyland Paris Parent Switch is a Lifesaver

For Disney-loving parents, the parent swap feature is an absolute must-know. It means you can still ride the thrills, your older kids can get a bonus ride, and your little ones won’t have to wait around in long queues for a ride they can’t even experience.

Plus, it frees up time for important things—like eating Mickey-shaped snacks and debating how many plush toys is too many to bring home.

So, next time you find yourself at Disneyland Paris, don’t let the height restrictions bring you down. Use Parent Swap, ride those thrills, and enjoy every second—because every Disney day is an adventure waiting to happen!

➡️ READ NEXT If you enjoyed this Guide to Disneyland Paris Rider Switch, you will also love:

💛 Disneyland Paris Premier Access Guide – Want to skip the queues even faster? Learn all about Disneyland Paris’s paid fast-track system and how it pairs perfectly with Rider Swap.
🧡 Disneyland Paris Accessibility Passes & Tips – If Rider Swap isn’t the right fit, Disneyland Paris also offers Pregnancy and Priority Passes for guests with additional needs. Here’s how to make the most of them.
❤️ How to Pack for Kids at Disneyland Paris: The Ultimate List – Packing for a Disneyland trip with kids? Don’t leave home without these essentials!
💜 Best Disneyland Paris Apps You Need – Your phone can be your best Disney sidekick! These apps will help you check queue times, find food, and even locate the nearest toilets.
💙 2 Days at Disneyland Paris: Trip Report & Tips – Planning a short but magical trip? Here’s how to maximise your two days at Disneyland Paris in our fun half-term trip report!

Have you used Rider Swap at Disneyland Paris? Tell me your best tips in the comments!