Traveling to Disneyland Paris with a baby or young child is creating memories for a lifetime. However, let’s be honest: mom and dad also want to release some adrenaline on Big Thunder Mountain or Avengers Assemble: Flight Force.
The problem? The baby doesn’t meet the minimum height requirement or the attraction is too intense for them. Does this mean one adult misses out or that you have to queue for 60 minutes twice? No! That’s where the magic of “Baby Switch” comes in.
At Magic Wait Paris we know that when you’re traveling with young children, time is worth its weight in gold. That’s why we’ve prepared this definitive guide to explain what the Baby Switch system is, how it works, and how to combine it with our App so your day is perfect.
What Is Baby Switch (Rider Switch)?
Baby Switch (also known as Parent Swap or Rider Switch) is a free service at Disneyland Paris designed exclusively for families with babies or children who cannot or do not want to ride an attraction.
This system allows parents to take turns riding the attraction without having to queue in the normal line twice. While one queues and enjoys the ride, the other waits outside with the little one. When the first one finishes, the second goes in directly with almost no wait!
Always Ask the Cast Member
The process can vary slightly depending on the attraction or the day’s attendance.
Cast Members will always indicate the correct way to use it.
📱 Want to know where queues are shortest right now? With Magic Wait Paris you can see wait times in real time and decide when to use Baby Switch so you don’t waste a single minute. Download it for free!
How Does Baby Switch Work? (Step by Step)
The process is very simple, but it’s important to do it right from the start:
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Go together to the entrance: Approach as a whole family (baby included) to the attraction entrance and look for the Cast Member (Disney worker) at the door.
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Request Baby Switch: Tell them you want to use the “Baby Switch” service.
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Adult “A” queues: The first adult enters the normal queue (or the Disney Premier Access queue if you’ve paid for it).
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Adult “B” waits with the baby: The second adult stays outside the premises walking around, having a coffee, or resting with the child.
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The Swap! When Adult “A” finishes riding, they exit and meet up with Adult “B”. They hand over the baby.
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Adult “B’s” turn (No queue!): Adult “B” heads to the fast entrance (usually through the Premier Access queue or through the exit, the Cast Member will indicate which way) and rides the attraction almost immediately.
💡 THE SUPER DISNEY TRICK (For older siblings): If you’re traveling with a baby and an older child who can ride the attraction, the older sibling is in luck! The Baby Switch system normally allows Adult “B” to enter with a companion. That is, the older sibling will be able to ride first with dad and, immediately after, repeat the attraction with mom through the fast queue. Double fun for them!
Which Attractions Offer It?
As a general rule, Baby Switch is available on all attractions that have a height restriction or that are not recommended for babies. This includes the big “roller coasters” in both parks:
In Disneyland Park:
- Big Thunder Mountain
- Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril
- Star Tours: L’Aventure Continue
In Disney Adventure World (Walt Disney Studios):
- Crush’s Coaster
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Avengers Assemble: Flight Force
- RC Racer
Note: Family-friendly, slow attractions like ‘It’s a Small World’ or ‘Peter Pan’s Flight’, where you can all ride together with the baby on your lap, usually don’t require or offer this service.
🎯 Avoid 80-minute queues. With Magic Wait Paris check wait times in real time before deciding where to use Baby Switch. Make decisions with data, not intuition.
How to Optimize Your Time with Baby Switch and Magic Wait Paris
Using Baby Switch is great, but Adult “A” still has to queue in the normal line. This is where a good strategy makes the difference.
Imagine this situation: You decide to use Baby Switch on Crush’s Coaster. Adult “A” enters and finds 80 minutes of queue. Adult “B” stays outside with the baby getting bored for almost an hour and a half. A disaster!
The winning strategy:
Before approaching any attraction, Adult “A” should open the Magic Wait Paris app.
- Check live wait times.
- Choose to do Baby Switch only when the attraction shows moderate times (for example, 30-40 minutes).
- While Adult “A” queues for that reasonable time, Adult “B” can use the App to see which nearby gentle attraction (like Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin or the Flying Carpets) has a short queue to go on with the baby or older sibling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Baby Switch cost money?
No, it’s a completely free service designed to make families’ lives easier.
What does the adult waiting outside do?
Whatever they want! You don’t have to stand frozen at the door. You can go to shops, give the baby a snack, go to the bathroom, or even ride a nearby gentle attraction. Just agree on a meeting point for when Adult “A” finishes.
Can Baby Switch be combined with Single Rider?
Technically yes. Adult “A” can queue in the Single Rider line (which is usually faster) instead of the normal one. When they finish, Adult “B” will use the Baby Switch. It’s the ultimate combination to save time.
Conclusion
Traveling to Disneyland Paris with babies doesn’t mean giving up on thrills. Thanks to Baby Switch, all family members can enjoy the park at their own pace.
Remember: organization is key when traveling with strollers and diapers. Always keep Magic Wait Paris open on your phone to avoid putting Adult “A” in endless queues and plan the day intelligently.
May the magic (and patience) be with you!
Baby Switch Is Worth Using
If you visit Disneyland Paris with young children, Baby Switch is one of the best tricks for not wasting time in duplicate queues.
It’s a simple solution that allows adults to enjoy the attractions while the little ones wait comfortably.
And the best part is that many visitors still don’t know it exists.
