How to Use Universal Orlando Single Rider Lines

How to Use Universal Orlando Single Rider Lines

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How to Use Universal Orlando Single Rider Lines

This article is your complete guide to single-rider lines at Universal Orlando! The single-rider line can be one of the best ways to save time while in the parks, especially on rides that always have long lines like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts,  Monsters Unchained, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Single-rider lines can sometimes cut your wait in half, particularly on the Universal rides that have four seats in a row.

Unlike the Universal Express Pass, the best part is that anyone can be a single rider for free, and it is very easy to use. Just walk up to the ride and follow the single rider signs. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Universal single-rider lines, all of the rides included with the single-rider line at Universal, and even break down the average wait times and if it’s shorter to be a single rider or use an express pass.

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted Universal Orlando tickets which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

 Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

Does Universal Studios Have Single-Rider Lines?

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Universal Orlando does offer 14 single-rider lines between the two main theme parks of Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida and 7 in the new Epic Universe. Single rider lines are typically the most popular Universal rides. To use the single-rider line at Universal Orlando, enter the designated single-rider queue entrance at the front of the attraction. After waiting in the typically shorter queue, a team member will direct you to the ride when there is a vacant seat in a vehicle.

The main purpose of the single-rider line is to allow individual guests to take advantage of a hopefully shorter line and be seated with other families of odd numbers on rides. However, it’s important to note that each ride might not always have its single-rider line operating, and each ride is based on crowd levels and current wait times for that day. It’s also important to note that it is not guaranteed that the single-rider line will save you time, and typically, we find that rides with four seats per row are the safest bet when trying to avoid long lines.

Single Rider Lines at Universal Studios Florida 

  • Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
  • Fast and Furious Supercharged
  • Men in Black Alien Attack
  • Revenge of the Mummy
  • Transformers the Ride 3D

Single Rider Lines at Universal Islands of Adventure

  • The Amazing Adventure of Spiderman
  • Dr. Doom’s Fearfall
  • Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
  • Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
  • The Incredible Hulkcoaster
  • Jurassic Park River Adventure
  • Jurassic World VelociCoaster
  • Skull Island: Reign of Kong

Single Rider Lines at Epic Universe

  • Stardust Racers
  • Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
  • Curse of the Werewolf
  • Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
  • Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
  • Mine-Cart Madness
  • Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

Does Hagrid’s Have a Single-Rider Line?

Yes! Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure does have a single-rider line. However, as discussed, it is not always guaranteed that Hagrid’s single-rider line will operate every day, so we recommend taking advantage of this ride during early park admission when possible!

Related Post: Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Height Requirements 

What are the Best Single Rider Rides at Universal Studios Orlando?

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When looking at the last 12 months of wait time data, we find that the best rides to use the single rider line on are the Universal rides that have four seats per row. At Universal Studios Florida we find the best rides based on average wait time to be Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and Transformers the Ride 3D. At Islands of Adventure we find the best rides to be Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Skull Island Reign of Kong and the VelociCoaster. In the all new Epic Universe, the best rides to use the single rider lines on are Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.

Average Maximum Queue Times at Universal Studios Florida

  • Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts: 90 minutes
  • Transformers The Ride 3D: 63 minutes
  • Revenge of the Mummy: 60 minutes
  • Men in Black Alien Attack: 52 minutes
  • Fast and Furious Supercharged: 48 minutes

Average Maximum Queue Times at Universal Islands of Adventure

  • Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure: 135 minutes
  • Skull Island Reign of Kong: 89 minutes
  • Jurassic World VelociCoaster: 84 minutes
  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: 76 minutes
  • The Incredible Hulk Coaster: 70 minutes
  • Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls: 56 minutes
  • Jurassic Park River Adventure: 52 minutes
  • The Amazing Adventure of Spiderman: 55 minutes
  • Dr. Doom’s Fearfall: 39 minutes

Average Maximum Queue Times at Universal Epic Universe

  • Mine-Cart Madness – 133 minutes
  • Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry – 108 minutes 
  • Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – 89 minutes
  • Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – 60 minutes 
  • Stardust Racers – 40 minutes 
  • Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – 27 minutes  

Best Single Rider Lines in Epic Universe

Skipping the lines at Epic Universe has been the most popular topic since the park opened. The best rides to use the single rider lines for in this new park are Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. Remember, your party will be split up so if you don’t mind this, you might save some time by using single rider for these rides. Monsters Unchained you will miss the preshow which makes your wait shorter but it is a big part in understanding the story of the ride.

Related Post: Complete Guide to all Jurassic Park Rides at Universal Orlando 

Universal Express Pass vs. Single Rider

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It’s important to remember that the Universal Orlando single-rider lines are “free” to use while the express pass is an additional charge. With that being said, being a single rider does not guarantee that your wait time will be shorter than the regular standby line. So, if you want to ensure that you avoid any lines at Universal Orlando, we do believe the express pass is the best option. However, if you are okay with rolling the dice, we still believe the Universal Orlando single-rider line will save you time.

Also, the express pass will not split your party up! If riding together is important to you on your Universal vacation, then the express pass will guarantee not only a shorter wait but also that you will all ride together.

We would still always suggest taking a look at the ride list and trying to figure out exactly how many of the rides are included with the Universal Orlando Express Pass you would like to experience. If it’s only one or two, you might be better off skipping the Universal Orlando Express pass as well. It’s also important to keep in mind the rides that are included with Universal Early Park admission. 

Related Post: How to Get the Universal Express Pass For Free

Single Rider at Universal Orlando FAQ

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Q: Who is the Single Rider Line at Universal Orlando For?

A: The Universal Orlando single-rider line is perfect for adults visiting Universal Orlando who are okay with riding the single-rider line attractions alone. We also find it to be an excellent fit for families with teenagers who might want to go on some of the best roller coasters at Universal Orlando while the rest of the group would prefer to skip them.

Q: Are There Any Restrictions with the Universal Single Rider Line?

A: The only restriction on using the single-rider line at Universal is the height requirement for the ride. Guests must be at least 48″ inches tall to take advantage of the single-rider line at Universal Orlando. It’s typically not a problem as, in most situations, the Universal height requirement for many of the rides, which include a single rider line, will be 48″ inches to begin with.

Q: Do the Single Rider Lines at Universal Orlando Cost More?

A: Guests will be happy to know that there is no extra cost to use the single-rider line at Universal Orlando. Guests can hop into some of the most popular queues, like the Velocicoaster single-rider line, and potentially save a lot of time!

Q: Is there a single rider at Universal?

A: The Universal Orlando single-rider lines are separate queues that guests can use for a shorter wait time for select attractions throughout the park. The single-rider line is very different from the regular stand-by line in which guests are willing to ride that attraction alone to fill in the empty seats among an odd number of guests.

Q: Are Universal single-rider lines worth it?

A: Guests have to consider the Universal Orlando Resort single-rider attraction they are going to. In general, we do find the single-rider lines at Universal Studios to be worth it on the thrill rides, which have four seats per row, or any ride with an average wait time of sixty minutes or more. There is also the rare chance that some of the single-rider lines might have longer wait times than the regular standby queues.

Q: Does Gringotts have a single rider?

A: Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts does have a single rider line at Universal Studios Florida. Based on average wait times, it is considered the best Universal Orlando single-rider line in that entire theme park.

Q: Is there a single-rider for VelociCoaster?

A: Yes! VelociCoaster does have a single-rider line at Islands of Adventure on most days. This will be especially true later in the day when wait times tend to be the highest. It’s also important to note that the VelociCoastter is one of the rare rides where it is not always guaranteed that guests will save time on the single rider line, with the main reason being the additional security and bag check once you are inside the queue.

When is the Best Time to Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you maximize your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature. You can also check out our YouTube channel to find out when the best time to visit Universal Orlando with the fewest crowds.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, check out our Universal Orlando Tickets! Not only will you save money vs. buying directly, but all of our Universal Orlando tickets come with some fantastic benefits that can help save you up to three hours in the parks! 

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Mike Belmont

Michael Belmont is the owner and chief editor at Theparkprodigy.com, an authorized Disney and Universal travel agency which has won the award for the fastest growing online travel agency by Travel Quest Network. He specializes in Disney and Universal theme park tickets and vacation packages, as well as daily park plans to help optimize vacation time. Michael and The Park Prodigy have been featured on ABC’s Florida affiliate, WTFV, as well as over 10 Disney focused blogs. As owner, Michael manages The Park Prodigy blog and social media, a Disney themed podcast, and a Disney and Universal focused YouTube channel. Prior to starting The Park Prodigy, Michael was a long time Disney and Universal enthusiast, frequent visitor of the parks, and even served as a Walt Disney World Cast Member in Orlando, Florida!