Disney World's Newest Update Makes Traveling Solo Easier

Walt Disney World has made a surprising change for solo travelers.

Guests riding Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run — Credit: Disney

Whether guests choose to visit the Magic Kingdom or spend the day at their hotel pool, there’s no shortage of fun and magical moments to be had at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Known as “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” Disney World easily earns this title, with the resort featuring dozens of world-class restaurants, shows, rides, attractions, and other experiences.

However, one of the biggest hurdles guests must overcome during their trip is waiting in line, with nearly all of Walt Disney World’s attractions garnering massive wait times.

It’s very common to see classic dark rides like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean stack up well above an hour wait, with roller coasters such as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and TRON Lightcycle / Run easily doubling this.

This is why it’s crucial for guests to know when to get in line and when to skip, as well as when to book Lightning Lane reservations. However, guests traveling alone are in luck, as Disney recently made waiting in line by yourself a little bit easier.

A group of friends enjoying a night out at an amusement park, with a large, illuminated guitar decoration in the background. The people are smiling and laughing, under vibrant lighting that adds a festive atmosphere reminiscent of Disney After Hours events at Walt Disney World. — Credit: Disney

Walt Disney World has added official information about single-rider attractions to its online web pages and inside the actual theme parks. Single-rider sounds exactly like what it is: allowing parties of one to enter a special queue reserved just for them.

This system is intended to benefit both the rider and the attraction itself, allowing Disney to board as many guests as possible without any empty space.

This system has been part of Disney World for years but detailed information about it has not been offered online and in-park until now. When looking at the tip board inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests will now notice that single-rider wait times are displayed for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run.

Cast members revealed this new information is designed to be dynamic and will update every minute, just like regular wait time information, according to BlogMickey.

Crowds at Disney's Hollywood Studios at night. — Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the Magic

Single-rider has been around for a long time and is not something exclusive to the Disney theme parks, but there’s no denying in recent years that Disney has shifted its focus onto those who may be traveling by themselves.

It seems like more and more rides and attractions are getting their own dedicated single-rider line, with Disney testing out this system for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run.

Other rides, like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Expedition Everest, have featured single-rider lines for years, making riding more efficient for those traveling alone.

Stay tuned here for all Disney World news updates!