Do you want to save as much time as possible at the happiest place on earth? If so, listen up!
There are all kinds of ways to utilize your time wisely at Disneyland Resort and not just by using FastPass and MaxPass or Rider Switch. Single Rider is also an option.
This is yet another service that can help reduce wait times and get you on more attractions. What more could you ask for?
Of course, Single Rider doesn’t guarantee you the best seat or a short wait time, but it can definitely aid in maximizing your time at the parks.
UPDATE: Disney has announced that during the initial reopening of Disneyland Single Rider lines will not be available. Please visit our Disneyland reopening guide for the most up-to-date information.
What Is Single Rider?
Single Rider is a free service offered to guests at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
In addition to the Standby and FastPass lines, select attractions also have Single Rider lines, which typically have a shorter wait time than Standby.
The purpose of the line is to reduce wait times for individuals and groups. But, it’s important to keep in mind that you will most likely ride alone and fill a remaining seat that isn’t being occupied by someone standing in either the FastPass or Standby lines.
If you’re with a group, you will most likely be separated, hence the name “Single Rider.” If you don’t mind being split up, this can be a good option to save time.
How Do You Use It?
The process is pretty simple. All you have to do is make sure the attraction offers Single Rider and then get in the designated line. Boarding or choice of seat isn’t guaranteed.
That said, not every attraction has a separate Single Rider line. Some attractions will have guests walk through the exit line to board.
If there isn’t a designated line, tell a Cast Member working that you want to do Single Rider. They will then instruct you and might even give you a paper Single Rider pass in order to board, it just depends.
Important: Single Riders still have to meet all boarding requirements, like height and age.
Speaking of the latter, children under 7 have to ride with someone who meets a certain height requirement or is at least 14 years old.
Re: the certain height requirement — Autopia does not have a Single Rider line, but if someone under 7 is riding, someone who is at least 14 years of age must ride with them or they must be at least 54 inches or taller (the height requirement is 32 inches) to accompany.
Which Attractions Have Single Rider?
Again, there are only certain attractions that offer Single Rider and most of the available rides also have FastPasses, so keep that in mind when deciding what’s best for you time-wise and such.
And, remember, if there isn’t a designated Single Rider line, tell a Cast Member and they’ll inform you what to do next.
Disneyland Park Attractions
Indiana Jones Adventure
Height Requirement: 46 inches
FastPass: Yes
Indiana Jones is an action-packed thrill ride that’s similar to Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World. Rather than walking the very long, interactive, and perfectly themed-queue, you’ll use the exit line to board as a Single Rider.
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Height Requirement: 42 inches
FastPass: Yes
The Matterhorn Bobsleds is a classic attraction with two different tracks that are definitely jerky. The queue simply wraps around outside and can become very long. As a Single Rider, you’ll enter near the Fantasyland side.
Milliennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Height Requirement: 38 inches
FastPass: Soon (not date announced yet)
Smugglers Run allows Star Wars fans to actually fly the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy. This even has its own separate Single Rider line. Warning: there’s a good chance you won’t get pilot as a Single Rider.
Space Mountain
Height Requirement: 40 inches
FastPass: Yes
Space Mountain is a super fun roller coaster that takes place in almost complete darkness. As a Single Rider, you’ll enter near the exit and miss most of the intergalactic queue goodness. Also, unlike at Walt Disney World, this version has two seats side-by-side, so you’ll probably have to ride with someone else.
Splash Mountain
Height Requirement: 40 inches
FastPass: Yes
Splash Mountain is a water ride and a great way to cool off on a hot day. This is yet another ride where Single Riders will go through the exit to board. One good thing is that you won’t have to sit with random people, since there’s individual seating unlike Walt Disney World’s version.
Star Tours — The Adventures Continue
Height Requirement: 40 inches
FastPass: Yes
Star Tours is another ride geared towards Star Wars fans (and definitely not for those who are prone motion sickness). Definitely ask a Cast Member for the Single Rider line, because this one can be a bit harder to find (it’s located inside The Star Trader).
Disney California Adventure Attractions
Goofy’s Sky School
Height Requirement: 42 inches
FastPass: Yes
If you like Primeval Whirl in Animal Kingdom, then you’ll enjoy Goofy’s Sky School. Be on the lookout, because there are signs at the entrance pointing you in the direction of the Single Rider line.
Grizzly River Run
Height Requirement: 42 inches
FastPass: Yes
Grizzly River Run is not for the faint of heart or for people who don’t like getting wet. Be sure to ask the Cast Member working for a Single Rider pass and then you’ll enter through the exit.
Incredicoaster
Height Requirement: 48 inches
FastPass: Yes
This is a seriously fun and long roller coaster that’s perfect for thrill-seekers and fans of The Incredibles. There’s an entrance along the walkway that says “Single Rider” and a Cast Member will help you. You’ll even board an elevator to the loading platform.
Radiator Springs Racers
Height Requirement: 40 inches
FastPass: Yes
Radiator Springs Racers is one of the most popular rides in DCA (who doesn’t love racing cars?), so Single Rider is a good option when FastPasses run out (because they usually do). There is a separate Single Rider queue at the main entrance.
Soarin’ Over California (returning Feb. 28, 2020; end date TBD)
Height Requirement: 40 inches
FastPass: Yes
Soarin’ Around the World doesn’t have Single Rider, but when Soarin’ Over California returns for a limited-time, the Single Rider line is most always reactivated. Walt Disney World only has Soarin’ Around the World and it’s just like DCA’s version.
What Are The Pros To Using It?
The are several positives to using Single Rider, including:
- There are typically shorter lines compared to Standby.
- It’s a good option if FastPasses run out.
- Want to ride something twice? This might be the best way to do just that.
- Not everyone in your party wants to ride? Great, try Single Rider.
What Are The Downsides?
Of course, there are some negatives, including:
- You don’t get to ride with family and friends.
- You’ll miss interactive and themed-queue features, which sometimes add to the whole experience of an attraction.
- Sometimes Single Rider is closed due to capacity.
When Does It Make Sense?
This is hard to answer, because crowds vary on certain park days.
We don’t recommend using Single Rider if there are short wait times. If you have a FastPass, definitely use that over Single Rider, especially if you want to ride with a family member or friend.
But, if it’s a busy park day, the Standby line is out of control, and you didn’t get a FastPass for a select attraction, then Single Rider might be the next best option.
What About Buddy Pass?
Families or those visiting with little ones may want to think about using Buddy Pass as well. In a sense, this is basically a family-friendly version of Single Rider.
There is “Buddy Pass” available at Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! and “Moving Buddy Pass” at Toy Story Midway Mania. Both are located in Disney California Adventure.
These passes allow parties of 1-2 individuals or small parties of 3 (2 adults and 1 child or if you and little ones can fit in one row together) to enter through the exit of the rides and fill only one empty row. Everyone must meet all boarding requirements.
You aren’t guaranteed immediate boarding, but Buddy Pass can cut down on wait times, especially on a busy park day. Both Monsters, Inc. and Midway Mania have FastPasses, but sometimes they get picked over quickly. If that’s the case, you may want to try Buddy Pass.
Buddy Passes aren’t always available, so be sure to ask the Cast Member working if you can grab one.
To compare, check out our Walt Disney World Single Rider guide.