The Disneyland Resort has been steadily busy for a few years now, and with Spring Break vastly approaching, the happiest place on Earth is only going to get more busy! While strong business is great in that it means more new and exciting things for us to look forward to at the parks, overcrowding and long wait times for rides can be frustrating. Disney knows that their guests don't like to wait in long lines, so they offer their guests options to make their wait times as speedy as possible.
While many attractions utilize the FastPass Service to make line waits shorter for guests, there are also a few that have something called the Single Rider Service - and no, this is not Disney's version of speed dating. Like the FastPass Service, Single Rider helps shorten one's wait time, but in this case, the rider must be willing to ride solo in a ride vehicle to fill an open seat that is not being used.
You can wait with your friends in the single rider line together, but come loading time, you may find yourselves in completely different ride vehicles - or, you may get lucky and get to sit together. It's the luck of the draw.
If you have a large party and wish to stay together, you should plan your day with FastPasses. However, if you and your party don't mind being temporarily separated and would prefer an even speedier wait time than FastPass offers, the Single Rider Service might be for you.
Not all attractions offer single rider, and the offering is subject to availability. The attractions at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure that offer single rider service are Indiana Jones Adventure, Splash Mountain, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Radiator Springs Racers, California Screamin', Goofy's Sky School, Grizzly River Run, and Soarin' Over California.
Here is an easy step-by-step process on how to use the single rider service.
- Go to a ride that offers the Single Rider Service and approach the entrance to talk to a cast member (that's Disneyland's term for their employees, as the park was founded on the idea that Disneyland is a show). Tell the cast member that you would like to ride as a single rider. The cast member will most likely give you a pass, and then they will show you where to go.
- Walk where the cast member directed you - this can sometimes be an exit. To avoid a collision with guests, remember to "be polite, stay to the right," and walk attentively and pay attention to dark turns and possible wet floors.
- Eventually you will come up to another cast member. They will probably ask you to stop for a moment while they direct traffic to let you through. They will direct you further along.
- Once you have made it to the loading area, make sure you tell the cast member there that you are a single rider and give them your pass. They will then bring you to a short line, and when it's your turn, the next single free seat is yours! A cast member will tell you when to get behind the loading gate.
- Ride an awesome ride!
- Get off your ride vehicle and, if you went as a single rider with anyone, wait off to the side, out of the way of exiting traffic for them. Certain rides will have two different sides for an initial exit from the loading area, so if this is the case, walk a little further down the exit until paths meet, or meet at a spot you previously agreed upon.
That's it! The process is very easy and fast-paced. Remember, if you have any questions, just ask a cast member. Happy single riding!
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