While Disneyland is definitely more magical when it’s shared, there are many times when I’m traveling alone and take advantage of the resort’s single rider lines. Not all single rider lines are equal, so I wanted to share my thoughts about each of them.
There are currently nine attractions at the Disneyland Resort that feature a single rider line, with only three of those being at Disneyland Park and the other six over at Disney California Adventure.
Let’s start at Disneyland proper and head all the way to the back of the park for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. The single rider Line here will save you a lot of time, typically getting you on the attraction in about 15 minutes. The downside to the single rider line is that you miss a lot of the storyline. The other downside is that you will likely end up in the Engineer role. That is actually my favorite role, but I’m in the minority. For guests who are experiencing Smugglers Run for the first time, you’ll want to wait in the queue or use Lightning Lane. For return visits, however, take advantage of that single rider line.
Now we’ll head over to Fantasyland for the Matterhorn Bobsleds. I have yet to experience the single rider line at this attraction (mostly because it is not one of my favorites), but I see no reason to avoid it if the standard queue is too long. You’ll probably end up at the back of a bobsled, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially if it saves you time.
Finally, let’s jet over to Tomorrowland for my favorite attraction, Space Mountain. The single rider line here is a bit hard to find since it’s at the exit to the attraction. It can also be a bit confusing as it has different stages, so make sure you follow the cast member’s instructions. Also, keep in mind the seating configuration for Space Mountain, as you will be riding in fairly close quarters with a stranger. Still, the lines at Space Mountain can be harrowing, so the single rider line is a great option.
Now we head across the Esplanade. The Disneyland app shows that Disney California Adventure has six attractions that include single rider lines; however, some of those may operate seasonally.
Soarin’ Around the World (or Soarin’ Over California) sometimes offers a single rider line. Finding it can be a challenge as the Lightning Lane return line tends to overflow and block the path. Still, if you can snag a spot in the single rider line, your wait will be significantly less and your experience will be the same.
Around the corner at Grizzly River Run, you’ll also find a seasonal single rider line. The queue at this attraction only gets really long during the hottest months of the year; however, if you’re traveling alone and want to cool off, see if that single rider line is operating.
Over in Paradise Gardens Park, Goofy’s Sky School offers a single rider line. The wait-to-enjoyment ratio on this attraction is super low for me, so I’ll take any chance I can get to skip the line. The only downside is that, like Space Mountain, the seating is rows of two and you’ll be squeezed in next to a stranger as you fly around those tight corners.
One of the attractions that I would use the single rider line for quite often was California Screamin’ (now the IncrediCoaster). I don’t use it as much anymore, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Pay attention to cast members and guests in front of you, as the line has several distinct sections and goes up one elevator and back down another. This attraction also has rows of two guests; however, you’ll feel a little less cozy with a stranger than you would on some of the other attractions.
Radiator Springs Racers’ single rider line can be hit or miss. While it will always be shorter than the standard queue, the wait can still be significant at times. If you can see that the single rider queue is backed up, you may want to check with a cast member to see if they can give you an estimate. The experience is still the same, so you’ll definitely be happy you avoided that two-hour wait.
Finally, we arrive at my current favor single rider line on Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure. While this attraction didn’t open with Single Rider, they retrofitted it quickly and the results work really well. There is usually a short outdoor queue, then you are ushered behind the other guests into one of the pre-show rooms. Unlike Smugglers Run, you view the pre-show with the other guests. You then head out a different door to a short single rider queue. You experience the attraction with three strangers, so make sure you know how to play so that you’re a benefit to their team. They will appreciate your efforts.
In addition to the single rider lines, I’ll pad out my visit with attractions that historically have shorter queues such as the Fantasyland dark rides, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, or even Star Tours: The Adventures Continue.
As someone who typically travels alone, I appreciate the single rider lines, even though I don’t always utilize them. They not only get solo travelers on the attractions quicker, but it also helps speed up the queue for everyone else.
Have you used single rider lines at the Disneyland Resort? Do you have a favorite?
