So I thought I'd ask about other child swap areas in attractions at Disney, Universal and SeaWorld. What are some of the noteworthy ones - good or bad? I know that some places don't really have designated waiting areas for swaps any longer, too. Is that a good or bad thing, in your opinion?
On the Revenge of the Mummy, we didn't get told anything about a nice room with toys etc (not that she'd need those :-) ) we just left her in a benched corner area where we were loaded on. On MiB it was quite good, she got to sit on a bridge giong over the ride and could see the cars going past underneath.
Tower of Terror was the worst. The first time was really good, we got to the front and the chap loading us was really friendly and took gran off himself, wheeled her somewhere unknown, then when we got off the ride, there she was waiting for us near the photo viewing place. The second time, we expected the same deal, but our loader was really disinterested. when we explained what had just happened before, he said 'we're not allowed to push the chairs,' and didn't indicate any other option. luckily another guy appeared out of another smaller lift and I went down with her. What a loser.
Forbidden Journey was my 8 year old step-sister's favourite. She got to experience the amazing Hogwarts castle with us (She is a huge HP fan - just not a very tall one) and sat in the room watching Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. She barely noticed we were gone! However it was very crowded in there.
The worst ones I have experience tend to be on the coasters. For instance, The Hulk and Rip Ride and Rock It both are rooms that look out over the loading bay with nothing in there at all to keep kids occupied.
Busch Gardens at Tampa Bay (Edit: I remember Disney's being similar) actually have the best ride swap system IMO. They give you some form of ticket meaning child and guardian can go off to another area of the park whilst the other members of the party are queueing for the ride.
