Things To Do

A few random things to do while I am thinking about it:

• Continue to add details from the Unofficial Guide to the touring plans
• Guide says you have to call ahead to get your AmEx to work in the park - do you?
• Check out our warm weather clothes and buy as needed (e.g., shorts, sandals)
• Get ear plugs for loud rides
• Get cheap, foldable & small rain ponchos (for Kali River Rapids)
• Dig into whether you can take backpacks on rides - Yes
• Map out airport to grocery store to park - Done
• Call Polynesian - request building location (Tokelau), ask if fee for internet access, ask if fee for self-parking rental car - Room request done but other questions not done

Switching off + FASTPASS

So here's where it gets good, particularly for DINOSAUR and Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom, both of which are likely too intense for Joshua (and are close to the Boneyard playground, Finding Nemo stage show and the Triceratops Spin!):

On most FASTPASS attractions, Disney handles switching off somewhat differently. When you tell the cast member that you want to switch off, he or she will issue you a special "rider exchange" FASTPASS good for three people. One parent and the nonriding child (or children) will at that point be asked to leave the line. When those riding reunite with the waiting adult, the waiting adult and two other persons from the party can ride using the special FASTPASS. This system eliminates confusion and congestion at the boarding area while sparing the nonriding adult and child the tedium and physical exertion of waiting in line. This TouringPlans.com blog post explains how to combine switching off and FASTPASS to hold FASTPASSes for more than one attraction at once.

Switching Off

Here's a copy and paste from the Unofficial Disney Guide website, touringplans.com:

Take advantage of the "switching off" option, also called the Rider Swap, Baby Swap or Child Swap. To switch off, there must be at least two adults. Adults and children wait in line together. When you reach a cast member, say you want to switch off. The cast member will allow everyone, including young children, to enter the attraction. When you reach the loading area, one adult rides while the other stays with the kids. Then the riding adult disembarks and takes charge of the children while the other adult rides.

NOTE - A third adult (or child who meets the minimum height or age requirement) in the party can ride twice, once with each switching-off adult, so that the switching-off adults don't have to ride alone. There is no cost to use the "switching off" option.