“I Bypassed the 50 Minute Wait” — The FREE Ride Hack You Probably Aren’t Using in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

I don’t know about you, but I’m going to Disney World for the rides! I love the thrill of climbing on, buckling that seatbelt, pulling that yellow tab, and being taken on a new adventure.

Hollywood Studios is a great spot if you want to get some of the best thrill rides in Disney World. From rides like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, which is currently set to be rethemed to the Muppets, and Tower of Terror, where no matter how many times I ride it, I’m always going to be scared. Especially in Hollywood Studios, though, the attraction lines can get LONG. We’re sharing one of our favorite secrets that skips one of those super long lines.

Let me introduce you to the Single Rider Line and how this free hack can save one of you an almost-hour-long wait for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

The Millennium Falcon Experience

Let’s 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 a 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.

Hollywood Studios offers Single Rider Lines on two attractions:

• • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
  • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
  • Rise of the Resistance

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 who are comfortable going it alone.

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, Rise of the Resistance, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Keep this in mind when planning your day.

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.

Smugglers Run Changes

Starting May 22nd, 2026, changes are coming to Smugglers Run, too! New scenes with the Mandalorian and Grogu will be incorporated, along with better graphics for other missions, which will be mixed in the ride. Because this is new, we’re expecting it to be PACKED! While the Single Rider line might save you some time, keep in mind that it also might be longer than usual with the new updates.

The engineer will also be able to pick where the team is going to go! Being able to pick your own mission is something we’ve been wanting for a while, and we’re glad that the engineer will finally have their time to shine.

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

A FORMER CAST MEMBER SHARES THE UNWRITTEN RULES FOR THE SINGLE RIDERS LINE IN DISNEY WORLD

What are your favorite hacks for spending as little time as possible in the queues at Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

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