Rider Switch is definately recommended if you have two adults that definately want to ride an attraction and there is no single rider offered.
Rider Switch Pass is available on every attraction at Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. With a rider switch the first person, after getting their rider switch pass, will actually stand in the queue (either the FastPass or the standby line). After the first person has completed the ride, the pass is then given to the non-rider who will enter through the exit to enjoy the attraction without having to wait in line. The benefit of rider switch, in addition to being available on all attractions, is that with this pass a second person can ride each time. If you have an older child he or she can ride the attraction with both parents.
If you’re traveling with a baby then you need to know about the Baby Care Center at the end of Main Street. Moms I spoke with call it a calm place in the middle of the Disneyland storm. It has private rooms for breast feeding and potty training toilets. You can buy diapers or other supplies. They also have a microwave where you can heat up food. There’s no charge to get it, only for certain supplies.
Single Rider
Single Riders enter the attraction through the exit or through a special single rider queue. (The Cast Member can direct you.) When you reach the area where they load the ride you will wait until they need someone to fill an empty seat. This can be very quick, or it can take a longer time, but usually shorter than the FastPass line. We feel this is the best option if there are just 2 adults and a small child. Unfortunately there are a limited number of rides that have single rider lines.
Splash Mountain- to use the single rider option on this attraction, you will go through the exit. You will take the stairs over the water and next to the regular line at the loading area, will be a single rider line. Anytime they need 1 person to fill a log, they will pull from the single rider line. It is a great way to enjoy the ride quickly and get back to your child. For the waiting parent, The Winnie the Pooh ride and the characters from Winnie the Pooh are right by Splash Mountain.
Grizzly River Run- this attraction only offers the single rider option when there is a long wait for the normal queue. To use single rider here, check with the Cast Member at the beginning of the line. This person will let you know if single rider is available at that time, and if so, give you a pass. Once you get your single rider pass, you go up the stairs at the exit. Continue heading through the exit until you reach the boarding area. When you are needed, the loading Cast Member will give you a raft color or number and you are all set. Just outside of Grizzly River Run is Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.
Soarin' Over California- for single rider, check with the Cast Member at the entrance of the Fastpass queue for a single rider pass. Once obtained you use the FastPass entrance. Some people recommend using FastPass instead of single rider on this very popular attraction. There are no rides for small children while waiting for this ride.
Maliboomer- for this attraction, you will find a special line to the left of the main queue entrance.
California Screamin’- for single rider you get a pass from the Cast Member in the Fastpass distribution area. There is a special entrance for Single Riders. A Cast Member will send you in groups of 4 or 5 people to wait for a single seat. There is no line here, it is primarily a free for all, so don’t stand there and wait to be told to sit. Instead, when you hear a call for a single rider, start moving.
Mullholland Madness- check with a cast member at the start of the line. There are plenty of rides for small children while waiting.
*It is important to say that if we abuse the system you may not have a great time at the park. There is a lot of talk that abusing the system may lead Disney to remove this option entirely. Make sure to use these recommendations when needed. It is still fun to wait in line and meet people, experience the magic and search for hidden Mickey's.*
