Disney World Creates “Surprise” Rule for All Single Riders

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If you’ve ever used a single rider line at Disney World to skip a long wait, you know it’s one of the best little-known perks in the parks.You bypass the massive standby queue, fill in empty seats, and typically get on the ride quicker—all without needing a Lightning Lane. But now? There’s a surprising new rule that might leave some guests stuck in the rain or changing plans entirely.Credit: DisneyLet’s break down what’s going on, especially if Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is on your must-do list.What’s the Deal With Single Rider Lines?Single rider lines are kind of the unsung heroes of Disney strategy. They’re available at a handful of attractions across Walt Disney World, offering a quicker option for solo guests or those who don’t mind being split up from their party.Here’s where you can typically find a single rider line:Test Track at EPCOTExpedition Everest at Animal KingdomRock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood StudiosMillennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Hollywood StudiosRemy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOTAnd occasionally—especially during peak times—you’ll even see one pop up at Soarin’ or Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. These lines move fast because they’re designed to fill empty seats, ensuring no ride vehicle goes out half-full. For guests who prioritize efficiency, it’s a dream setup.But it turns out that not all single rider lines are created equal. And recently, one of them got a surprising new rule slapped on it.Credit: DisneyRain Cancels the Ride… For Single Riders?According to a recent guest experience shared by Kenny the Pirate, EPCOT’s single rider line at Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure has a weather-based rule that most guests have never heard of before: it closes when it rains.While waiting to ride Remy during a heavy downpour, guests were told the single rider line had been shut down. And no—it wasn’t because the ride itself was closed. The standard standby line was still operating as usual. The issue? The single rider queue sits partially outdoors.Cast Members explained that when storms roll through, the single rider queue is suspended to limit how many guests end up waiting out in the open. It’s about guest safety and comfort—but for those who didn’t know the rule, it came as a bit of a surprise.Credit: DisneyWhy This Is Confusing for GuestsThe whole point of single-rider lines is to maximize efficiency. At Remy’s, each ride vehicle has two rows of three seats. That means single riders help fill gaps quickly—exactly what Disney wants when trying to keep lines moving.Of course, Disney has every right to protect guests from getting soaked or slipping on wet pavement. And Cast Members are doing their best to manage crowds during unpredictable Florida weather. Still, most visitors would probably assume the indoor ride would stay fully functional—including its single rider option—especially if they’ve used this strategy at other attractions.What You Can Do InsteadIf you’re headed to EPCOT on a rainy day and hoping to knock out Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure with minimal wait, you’ll want to pivot your strategy. Here are a few ideas:Check the weather ahead of time. If rain is in the forecast, make Remy a priority earlier in the day while skies are still clear.Use the standard standby line if you arrive and see the single rider option is closed.Consider an EPCOT Lightning Lane if you really don’t want to risk missing the ride—especially if you’re only visiting for one day.Opt for other indoor rides with strong rain coverage, like Living with the Land, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, or Spaceship Earth.And if you’re park-hopping? Hollywood Studios has two strong indoor single rider options that don’t typically run into weather issues: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.Credit: DisneyIs This the Start of More Weather-Driven Changes?It’s hard to say if this “surprise” rule at Remy’s will be adopted elsewhere. Most single rider lines are either fully indoors or partially covered, so weather doesn’t usually cause a disruption.But it does raise a good question: Should Disney do more to inform guests of ride-specific quirks like this one?A simple sign, app notification, or heads-up from a Cast Member before trekking to the back of the World Showcase in a thunderstorm could save guests from a lot of frustration. It’s especially important since the France pavilion isn’t exactly a quick hop from the EPCOT entrance.As of now, this rain rule only appears to affect Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, but it’s a reminder that in the ever-changing world of Disney logistics, even the most seasoned visitors can still be caught off guard.Bottom LineIf you’re someone who swears by the single rider line (no shame, we get it), make sure you’re checking the weather before planning your EPCOT ride strategy. And remember: what’s fast and convenient in clear skies might not be an option when clouds roll in.Disney’s ride operations always come with a few surprises—but this rule definitely caught us off guard.The post Disney World Creates “Surprise” Rule for All Single Riders appeared first on Inside the Magic.