“I Bypassed the 50 Minute Wait" - The FREE Ride Hack You Probably Aren't Using in Disney's Hollywood Studios

Who here loves hitting up the rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?

We do too! It’s home to some of the most exciting and immersive attractions in all of Disney World. From the epic battle with the First Order on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance to the musical thrills of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, the park is packed with must-do experiences. But let’s be real – those wait times can get LONG. That’s why we’re diving into one of the best-kept secrets of Disney pros. Specifically, we’re going to talk about how this one hack saved one of our readers an almost-hour-long wait for their favorite attraction!

As we were saying, it’s time for us to talk about the Single Rider Line and how this free hack can saved one of you an almost-hour-long wait for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

The Millennium Falcon Experience

Let me set the stage for you (just in case you’ve never been on the ride). Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is a dream come true for any Star Wars fan. You step into the cockpit of THE most iconic ship in the galaxy to complete a mission for Hondo Ohnaka. Every rider takes on a role – Pilot, Gunner, or Engineer – and works together to steer the ship and complete the task.

Recently, one of our readers, LisaLLJ, shared her experience of hopping on the ride: “This ride is AMAZING! It’s like stepping into a Star Wars movie. It was just so much fun. The best part is that they have single rider, and I bypassed the 50-minute wait and was on the ride in like 10 minutes, literally just the time to walk through the queue.”

Yes, you read that right. TEN minutes. Lisa took advantage of the Single Rider Line, and ended up shaving off 40 minutes from her wait time. It’s no wonder she listed the Single Rider option as one of the ride’s biggest pros: “Pros: Single rider and FUN. Cons: Han and Chewy were not piloting the ship.”

Now, we’ll forgive the absence of Han and Chewy since the Single Rider Line is clearly delivering a different kind of magic for people – more time to enjoy the rest of your day!

What is the Single Rider Line?

If you haven’t used it, the Single Rider Line is a separate queue designed to fill in empty seats on rides. For instance, if a family of four boards the Millennium Falcon but the cockpit seats six, Cast Members pull riders from the Single Rider Line to fill those extra spots. This keeps rides running efficiently and can shorten wait times for savvy visitors willing to ride solo.

Inside Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run

Hollywood Studios offers Single Rider Lines on two attractions:

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

Each of these rides can get some truly massive Standby Line wait times, which can make Single Rider a great alternative for guests looking to save time.

Why Choose Single Rider?

Single Rider Lines can be a game-changer, but they’re not for everyone. Here’s what you need to know before hopping in:

The Pros

- Time Savings: As LisaLLJ’s experience shows, the Single Rider Line can drastically reduce your wait time. While the Standby Line for Smugglers Run often hovers around an hour, Single Riders can sometimes get on in as little as 10–15 minutes.
- Flexibility: This line is ideal for adults, teens, or anyone not tied to a group. If you’re flying solo or don’t mind splitting up your party, it’s a no-brainer.
- Efficiency: Since Single Rider Lines are used to fill empty seats, you’re helping keep the ride at maximum capacity, making your Disney day a little more magical for everyone.

The Cons

- No Guarantees: Single Rider wait times aren’t always shorter. If Cast Members are able to fill seats entirely from the Lightning Lane and Standby Line, the Single Rider Line might barely move.
- No Seat Requests: Want to pilot the Falcon? Single Rider probably isn’t for you. Roles are assigned based on availability, and you’ll be seated wherever there’s a spot.
- Split Groups: Even if your whole party enters the Single Rider Line, you’ll be separated and might not ride at the same time. This line is best for those comfortable going it alone.

To Single Ride or to not Single Ride, that is the question

How to Maximize the Single Rider Line Hack

If you’re ready to give Single Rider a try, here are a few tips to make the most of it:

- Ask a Cast Member: Single Rider Lines aren’t always open, and availability can depend on the time of day and crowd levels. Check with a Cast Member before committing.
  - Recently, Rise of the Resistance got a Single Rider Line, but it depends on the season. So double-check with a Cast Member before getting in the Standby Line.
- Look for Signage: Not all attractions have Single Rider Lines, and some might not be obvious. Always keep an eye out for signs near the ride entrance.
- Be Patient: While the line is usually faster, it’s not an exact science. Be prepared for the occasional delay.
- Know Your Rides: Currently, the only Hollywood Studios attractions with consistent Single Rider Lines are Smugglers Run and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Keep this in mind when planning your day.

Single Rider Line at Rise of the Resistance

Is Single Rider Right for You?

The Single Rider Line isn’t perfect, but it’s an awesome option for those looking to save time and maximize their Disney experience. As LisaLLJ proved, it can be the difference between a 50-minute wait and a quick walk onto the ride.

So, next time you’re in Hollywood Studios, you might want to channel your inner smuggler and take advantage of this underused Disney hack. It might just become your new favorite trick for avoiding long waits.

Until then, keep it right here at AllEars for all the latest Disney news!