Want to experience some of the best attractions that Walt Disney World has to offer without waiting in long lines? Let us introduce you to the Disney World single rider lines! We’re breaking down what rides offer them, how to use them, and so much more so that you know what to expect on your next vacation!

Disney World Single Rider Lines Overview

Disney World single rider lines give you the ability to ride some of the most popular roller coasters and attractions within the parks without having to wait in the regular standby lines. Single rider lines are currently available at four rides throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT. They are often viewed as a “free” way to skip the lines in Disney World. But they also serve a very important purpose in Disney World ride operations by filling in empty seats in ride vehicles to maximize ride capacity.

For example, if there is a ride vehicle that fits three guests, cast members will seat a party of two from the regular queue and then a party of one from the single rider queue.

The big catch, however, is that you have to be okay with separating from your party and riding the attraction alone if you’re in the single rider line. While you can wait with your party in the single rider queue, you’re almost guaranteed to be separated for the actual ride. You also cannot pick your seats or request to be seated in a certain row — you’re the filler and go where you’re needed!

Which Rides at Disney World Offer Single Rider Lines?

Single rider lines are used on popular rides with consistently high wait times. Some single rider lines are permanent in the attraction queue, while others operate seasonally, depending on how busy the park is that day.

Currently, there are four attractions that have a single rider line. We’re breaking them down below, but you can also find the full list of participating attractions by searching “single rider option” in the My Disney Experience app during your visit.

Magic Kingdom

Unfortunately, Magic Kingdom does not offer any single rider lines. However, there have been instances at Space Mountain where, once you reach the boarding area, you can notify a Cast Member that you are a party of one. If this is being offered, it allows you to bypass a portion of the line.

EPCOT

EPCOT currently offers two single rider lines at:

• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Test Track

There is clear signage at the attraction entrances indicating which entrances are for single riders, Lightning Lanes, and standby queues.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios also currently offers two permanent single rider lines at:

• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

From time to time, you may also see a single rider option at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This is typically only offered seasonally when crowds are at their highest.

All attractions have clear signage indicating which entrances are for single riders, Lightning Lanes, and standby queues.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom currently has one attraction with a single rider line at:

• Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

The entrance to the single rider queue for this attraction is different than the rest of the single rider line, however. To enter the single rider line at Expedition Everest, you should head to the area near the exit of the ride and gift shop. Look for the sign on the wall that says “Single Rider Entrance” with an arrow and follow that!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Anyone Participate in the Single Rider Line?

There are two requirements to participate in the single rider line. First, guests must meet the height requirement for the specific attraction. Second, guests must be over the age of seven. Guests under the age of seven require a guest over the age of fourteen to ride with them on any ride in Disney World, making them ineligible for Disney World single rider lines.

Do Disney World Single Rider Lines Actually Save Time?

In short, yes, a single rider line typically saves you time waiting in line. The average wait time for a single rider line is approximately one-third of the standby queue time. This means that, if the standby queue is 60 minutes, you can expect to spend about twenty to thirty minutes in the single rider line.

That being said, it is not a guarantee. There are no posted wait times for single rider lines, and the single rider line may occasionally be longer than the standby queue, depending on the size of the parties in the standard line.

Which is Better: Single Rider or Lightning Lane?

If you’re trying to skip the lines during your Disney World vacation, you have a few options.

Single rider lines provide you with quicker access to many popular attractions throughout Walt Disney World, but not all of them. Additionally, with single rider lines, you won’t necessarily be riding with your family, but instead will be loaded into ride vehicles with strangers. This can be a deal breaker for those who want to experience the thrills side-by-side.

Lightning Lanes, on the other hand, work similarly to the standby line and allow you to ride the attraction with your entire party. However, Lightning Lane entrance isn’t free like the single rider line. Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass can cost anywhere from $20 to $40 per person, depending on the day and demand.

Another thing to keep in mind is that, if you prefer a regimented plan, purchasing Lightning Lanes allows you to choose your exact arrival times and skip the line. However, single rider lines are walk-up queues without a designated time slot, meaning that you aren’t stuck to a strict schedule of when you need to be in line, though you also don’t know how long you’ll be waiting.

The bottom line is this: if you want a free option to skip the line and are okay with riding an attraction without your entire party next to you, choose the single rider line. But if you prefer to ride with your entire party and don’t mind spending the money on Lightning Lanes, then purchasing Lightning Lanes will be the best option for you.

Pros and Cons of Disney World Single Rider Lines

Overall, there are definitely some pros and cons to consider before you use Disney World single rider lines.

Pros of Disney World Single Rider Lines:

• Provides a free skip-the-line option
• Offers walk-up availability

Cons of Disney World Single Rider Lines:

• You will be split from your party during the ride
• Wait times for these lines are unknown
• You will miss some of the standard ride queue decor and entertainment
• Those under the age of seven cannot participate

Comments

Does your family use Disney World single rider lines? Let us know in the comments if you plan to test out the lines in the future!