Rider Switch Question

[JFP]

We just returned from a FANTASTIC trip. Our travel group included my wife, son (7), son (2), and son (1). On our Magic Kingdom day, we had two instances where Rider Switch was different than what we've done in the past: at both 7dmt and Space Mountain, the cast members told us that our entire party would have to go through the line in order to scan our bands for the switch (other times they have scanned us, then the first party finds the end of the line and joins the queue). Has anyone else experienced this? Not saying it' s wrong, I just don't understand the reasoning behind requiring the entire party to join the line, only to have to leave it. Our two little ones were asleep in the stroller for Space - we didn't want to wake them so we skipped it. TIA for any reply.

 

[nickys]

We just returned from a FANTASTIC trip. Our travel group included my wife, son (7), son (2), and son (1). On our Magic Kingdom day, we had two instances where Rider Switch was different than what we've done in the past: at both 7dmt and Space Mountain, the cast members told us that our entire party would have to go through the line in order to scan our bands for the switch (other times they have scanned us, then the first party finds the end of the line and joins the queue). Has anyone else experienced this? Not saying it' s wrong, I just don't understand the reasoning behind requiring the entire party to join the line, only to have to leave it. Our two little ones were asleep in the stroller for Space - we didn't want to wake them so we skipped it. TIA for any reply.

How far did you have to go in the line? Was it just to the point where you actually go into the physical queue area?

I’m wondering if it was something to make sure people are actually doing a rider swap. With the lines extending beyond that entry point to the ride, maybe some people are just getting the rider swap but the first person never actually rides. This could ensure people are serious about doing the rider switch perhaps? Just thinking for possible reasons. Did you do a “normal” rider switch elsewhere?

 

[JFP]

How far did you have to go in the line? Was it just to the point where you actually go into the physical queue area?

I’m wondering if it was something to make sure people are actually doing a rider swap. With the lines extending beyond that entry point to the ride, maybe some people are just getting the rider swap but the first person never actually rides. This could ensure people are serious about doing the rider switch perhaps? Just thinking for possible reasons. Did you do a “normal” rider switch elsewhere?

for 7dmt, yes. we waited in line until we were back at the entrance to the original queue (took about 20 minutes to get to that point).....For space mountain, the CM said we'd have to go through to the merge point.....That reasoning would make sense. We had zero other issues with rider switch and used it quite often.

 

[nickys]

for 7dmt, yes. we waited in line until we were back at the entrance to the original queue (took about 20 minutes to get to that point).....For space mountain, the CM said we'd have to go through to the merge point.....That reasoning would make sense. We had zero other issues with rider switch and used it quite often.

The reason it occurred to me was the fact those are probably the two most popular MK rides period as well as for rider switch. I wonder if they have noticed people getting the switch and then not joining the line, or possibly that the end of the line is out of sight of the CM.