Saving time at theme parks is the way to go, especially if you’re trying to ride and see as much as possible. Well, Single Rider lines at Universal are a great option to use your time wisely.
Single Rider lines are available at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. They can save you from standing in a long line, but that doesn’t mean they are necessary at all times.
It’s also important to keep in mind that Single Rider lines at Universal don’t mean you’ll have the best seat or even a short wait time, but it can help in maximizing your time at the parks.
Here we go over which attractions have Single Rider, the pros and cons, how to use it, and more. Let’s get to it!
What Is Single Rider?
Single Rider lines are only offered at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, but not at Volcano Bay.
It is completely free and you do not have to pay extra to use the line, which is only available at select attractions.
This means, that some attractions have Standby, Express Pass, and Single Rider lines. Typically, Single Rider has shorter wait times than Standby.
The overall purpose of Single Rider is to reduce wait times for guests. But, Single Rider also means you might have to ride alone or fill an open seat. Single Rider does not guarantee that you will sit with someone in your group. More often than not, parties are split up.
If you’re ok with being split up and riding by yourself or with a stranger, then Single Rider might be a great option for you and, of course, to help you save time.
How Do You Use Single Rider Lines At Universal?
It’s very simple. Wherever you see a Single Rider line that’s open, you get in line. That’s it. Remember, choice of seat isn’t guaranteed, nor is being able to sit with your group.
If you’re unsure whether or not an attraction has a Single Rider line, just ask a Team Member working.
Which Attractions Have Single Rider?
Here’s where you can find Single Rider lines at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. There aren’t any available at Volcano Bay.
You’ll be able to find the Single Rider queues at the main entrance of the attractions. If you can’t find it or have questions, a Team Member can help you.
You can also check the Universal app to see where and if Single Rider is being used for certain attractions.
Important: Sometimes not all single rider lines are available.
Universal Studios Attractions
E.T. Adventure
*Only sometimes available
- Height Requirement: 34 inches (supervising companion required for children 34″ to 48″)
- Express Pass: Yes
Fast And Furious — Supercharged
- Height Requirement: 40 inches (supervising companion required for children 40″ to 48″)
- Express Pass: Yes
Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts
- Height Requirement: 42 inches (supervising companion required for children 42″ to 48″)
- Express Pass: Yes
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- Height Requirement: 51 inches (no more than 79″ and all guests must meet height requirement to ride)
- Express Pass: Yes
MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
- Height Requirement: 42 inches (supervising companion required for children 42″ to 48″)
- Express Pass: Yes
Revenge of the Mummy
- Height Requirement: 48 inches (all guests must meet height requirement to ride)
- Express Pass: Yes
The Simpsons Ride
*Only sometimes available
- Height Requirement: 40 inches (supervising companion required for children 40″ to 48″)
- Express Pass: Yes
Transformers: The Ride 3D
- Height Requirement: 40 inches (supervising companion required for children 40″ to 48″)
- Express Pass: Yes
Islands of Adventure Attractions
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
- Height Requirement: 40 inches (supervising companion required for children 40″ to 48″)
- Express Pass: Yes
Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
- Height Requirement: 52 inches (all guests must meet height requirement to ride)
- Express Pass: Yes
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
*Only sometimes available
- Height Requirement: 44 inches (supervising companion required for children 44″ to 48″)
- Express Pass: Yes
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Height Requirement: 48 inches (all guests must meet height requirement to ride)
- Express Pass: Yes
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Height Requirement: 48 inches (all guests must meet height requirement to ride)
- Express Pass: Yes
The Incredible Hulk Coaster
- Height Requirement: 54 inches (all guests must meet height requirement to ride)
- Express Pass: Yes
Jurassic Park River Adventure
*Only sometimes available
- Height Requirement: 42 inches (supervising companion required for children 42″ to 48″)
- Express Pass: Yes
Jurassic World VelociCoaster
- Height Requirement: 51 inches (all guests must meet height requirement to ride)
- Express Pass: Yes
Skull Island: Reign of Kong
- Height Requirement: 36 inches (supervising companion required for children 36″ to 48″)
- Express Pass: Yes
What Are The Pros To Using It?
The are several pros to using Single Rider lines at Universal. They include:
- Single Rider typically has shorter lines compared to Standby.
- It’s a good option if you don’t purchase an Express Pass, which are an additional cost (and a pricey one).
- If you want to ride an attraction more than once, using the Single Rider line might be your best bet.
- If not everyone in your group wants to ride, Single Rider can be a good choice.
What Are The Cons To Using It?
Even though there are several pros, there are also some cons, including:
- You most likely won’t get to ride with family and friends.
- Adults and children will be split up.
- You’ll miss interactive and themed-queues that lend to the overall experience.
- Sometimes Single Rider isn’t always available.
- Single Rider might not always be efficient depending on crowds, how the ride loads, the number of seats in a ride vehicle, and the flow of odd-numbered groups.
When Does It Make Sense?
It really depends when to use Single Rider because crowds vary on different park days.
If there is a short wait, don’t use it. If you have an Express Pass, you should probably use that over Single Rider, especially if you want to ride with someone in your group.
However, if it’s a busier park day, the Standby line is long, and you don’t have Express Pass, Single Rider might be your next best option.
If it’s your first time on the ride and you want the full experience (like seeing the queue, which sometimes adds to the attraction as a whole), use the Standby or Express Pass line (if you have that option).
Single Rider can also sometimes be a good choice if you want to ride more than once and if you’ve already experienced the Standby line.
To compare, check out our Walt Disney World Single Rider guide.