Controversy Leads Disney World to Abandon Single Rider Line

Walt Disney World Resort ended a guest offering deemed too controversial.

Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic

Disney World Ends Single Rider Line at Popular Attraction Due To Immense Controversy

During a recent visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests may have noticed the absence of the Single Rider line for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. The Single Rider option, which had been in a testing phase, concluded at the end of July. According to sources within Batuu, Disney officials are now reviewing the results of this test to determine whether the Single Rider line will become a permanent feature.

The Single Rider test sparked some controversy due to its bypassing of two key pre-show elements and the use of backstage hallways to expedite guest movement. Instead of experiencing the Rey and BB-8 ready room, Single Rider guests were directed to the launch cavern for the IT-S experience.

This pre-show includes its own Audio-Animatronic. The test initially guided guests through a relatively short, unthemed hallway. Still, a later route took them deeper into backstage areas, which broke the immersive experience that Rise of the Resistance is known for.

The second route, which passed by Cast Member-only areas, was so far backstage that guests were explicitly told not to take photos. For guests familiar with the attraction, the Single Rider option offered a quicker way to experience the ride, albeit at the cost of some of the ride’s immersive elements.

While the test proved efficient for repeat visitors, concerns about the loss of immersion were communicated to guests before they entered the Single Rider queue.

Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Disney has not announced whether the Single-Rider option will return to Rise of the Resistance. The ride was originally designed without a Single-Rider feature, and the recent test was conducted quietly, with minimal public communication beyond a sign held by a cast member during the trial period.

The conclusion of the Single Rider test for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios leaves the future of this option uncertain. Moving forward, the attraction may either see the return of the Single Rider line with potential modifications or revert entirely to its original queue setup, which emphasizes the whole immersive experience.

Guests familiar with the ride may benefit from a streamlined experience if the Single Rider option is reintroduced. However, this would likely come with some trade-offs regarding the attraction’s narrative elements. Disney World has not yet indicated whether similar Single Rider tests might be conducted for other attractions across its parks.

Credit: Inside the Magic

Historically, the Single-Rider option has been selectively implemented on rides where guest throughput can be optimized without compromising the overall experience. Should Disney decide to expand the use of Single-Rider queues, guests can expect these lines to be carefully considered for attractions where the balance between efficiency and immersion can be maintained.

However, given the sensitive nature of attractions like Rise of the Resistance, where the story-driven experience is integral, any future Single Rider offerings will likely be approached cautiously to ensure that guest immersion remains a priority. When Genie+ became Lightning Lane a few weeks back, it was announced that this attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, would be included in this new offering for park guests.

The Lightning Lane Single Pass, previously known as the Individual Lightning Lane, is now available for booking, allowing guests to secure access to up to two attractions per day.

This service includes popular rides such as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

This option lets visitors plan their day around some of Disney World’s most sought-after experiences, ensuring a more streamlined and efficient park visit.