Disney Needs New Rules for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

It is hard to believe that one of Magic Kingdom’s most popular rides has been around for over a decade!

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which replaced 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage and Pooh’s Playful Spot, opened as part of the phased New Fantasyland Expansion. This indoor/outdoor coaster has been a fan-favorite since it opened and still draws high wait times years later. Since this ride is so popular, there are two changes that we wish Disney would make to help keep wait times to a minimum. 

Before jumping to conclusions, don’t worry! We would not suggest Disney implement a Virtual Queue for this attraction (Fun fact! Virtual Queues did not even exist in Disney World when the attraction debuted in 2014). 

Add a Single Rider Line

A handful of rides across all four Disney World theme parks use a Single Rider line, including:

• Test Track at EPCOT (Test Track is currently closed and will reopen this summer)
•  Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain at Animal Kingdom
• Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run at Hollywood Studios
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Hollywood Studios

Recently Single Rider lines have been added at: 

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios 
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT

Adding a Single Rider line to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train would be a great way to increase capacity and introduce a new way for riders to get through the line. Single Riders should expect to be separated from their party and ride next to a stranger. While the Single Rider line does not guarantee faster boarding, in most cases, the line can be shorter. 

A Former Cast Member Shares the Unwritten Rules for the Single Riders Line in Disney World

Keep the Queue Moving

Disney has started to introduce interactive queues as a way to keep riders entertained as they wait in line for an attraction. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train has tons of fun hidden details and interactive elements like water features and play areas with some of the gems that the Dwarfs mined themselves. 

While these elements are a great way to keep people entertained in line, they can also cause a backup as some people do not pay attention in line or purposefully choose not to move in order to still play in the queue. Unfortunately, this can cause the line to move even slower. While Cast Members do come on the intercom from time to time telling parties to stay together and fill in all available space, people still do not get the memo. 

We don’t want to see these interactive elements disappear, and it is not Disney’s fault, but there needs to be another way to remind people to keep the line moving. 

So, what can you do to help keep your wait time to a minimum when visiting Seven Dwarfs Mine Train? We have a few tips for you!

Avoid Riding at Rope Drop

While Magic Kingdom’s rope drop rules have changed, it can still be a mad dash to make it over to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Fantasyland. We have found it to be too hectic and stressful, and sometimes, the effort does not pay off. 

Instead, we would recommend waiting to ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train towards the end of the night as others leave the park. As long as you are in line one minute before the park closes, you will be able to ride!

If you are staying at a Deluxe Disney Resort (or a participating resort), you can take advantage of Extended Evening Hours in the Magic Kingdom, where lines for popular attractions, like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, tend to have lower wait times. 

Watch the Weather

If you have your heart set on riding Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, you should watch the weather throughout your Magic Kingdom day. When bad weather like rain comes in, outdoor attractions closed for safety reasons. Although part of the roller coaster is indoors, it is also partially outside, and it will close with other outdoor attractions. 

Disney will not reopen an attraction until they get an all-clear that it is safe to do so, so if it is going to be a stormy day, make sure to get a ride in ASAP in the event the attraction has to close due to bad weather. 

Why and (When) Weather Closes Rides in Walt Disney World

We hope that Disney finds ways to help make the wait for this fan-favorite attraction a little more bearable as we approach the hot summer months at Disney World. 

To stay up to date on all the latest Disney news and for more theme park tips, make sure to continue to follow along with us here at AllEars!

I’m a Professional Disney Adult. Here Are My BEST Tips for Dealing With Long Wait Times.

What is your favorite Magic Kingdom Ride? Let us know in the comments!

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