Walt Disney World - Disney World Vacation Information Guide - INTERCOT - Walt Disney World Inside & Out

What Is The Baby Swap and Where Is It?

Note: The word "group" can mean a couple, family or group of people.

The "baby swap" allows a group to ride the more thrilling rides at the parks in shifts when some members of the group are too short (some rides like Space Mountain and Star Tours have height minimums to ensure that the restraint systems work properly) or are simply too young (i.e. an infant or toddler) to ride.

The "baby swap" is when a portion of your party gets in the attraction queue. The rest of the party stays with the child(ren) that can't or doesn't want to ride while the first group transverses the queue and the ride. When the first group is done, the second group enjoys the attraction while the first group stays behind with the non-riders. It's kind of ironic that the baby isn't really swapped so much as the adults are.

The advantage of the "baby swap" is that the second part of the group doesn't have to wait through the entire queue. That's a big advantage when the lines for the ride are over an hour or more. Child Swap is available on most height-restricted rides. When you enter the queue area, ask the Cast Member you'd like to do Child Swap.

Pointers

Some things to keep in mind when you're using the "baby swap" strategy:

ALWAYS let the cast members at the entrance and loading areas of the attraction know that you're using a "baby swap". The Cast Members can help you make things go smoothly. They are also up-to-date on how the "baby swap" is to be done.

Everything is handled by the cast members in a very cordial and efficient fashion. They are clearly very used to working with guests on the "baby swap".

Riders are never expected to ride alone. This can work to your advantage. Since each parent is permitted to ride with another guest, an older child or a third adult can enjoy the attraction back-go-back.

The "baby swap" is not advertised. You won't see signs in the queues that you can do such a thing. Even so, you should never feel guilty for trying to get away with something...the "baby swap" is allowed by Disney to enhance the enjoyment of the guest. Take advantage of it!