Walt Disney World has some of the most beloved and thrilling theme park attractions on the planet. From the high-speeds of Epcot's Test Track to the happy and infectious It's a Small World, there's not a ride, attraction, or experience within the walls of the park property die-hard fans can't identify by name.
Disney's parks are meant to bring friends and families together, and so are many of their rides. That being said, there are those that are much better when experienced in a party of one. Single riders do often wait less, after all. The question is, how in the name of Walt does one decide?
With Friends: Carousel of Progress
It's no secret that Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress is insanely dated, but that doesn't mean it isn't fun. Going in on this revolving theater show with one's friends can be a very entertaining experience.
From laughing at the corny jokes of the animatronic characters to just singing along with that ever-popular theme song, there's certainly a lot for a party to love in this world of a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.
Solo: Splash Mountain
This one could honestly go either way, depending on the attitudes of the party. On one hand, getting absolutely drenched from the waters of Splash Mountain can be a great way for friends to bond. On the other, single-riders typically get better seating.
With that in mind, it might also be a good idea to remember that a single space makes one an open target for maximum soakage. Simply put, single-ride at your own risk on this float down to the Briar Patch.
With Friends: Pirates of the Caribbean
Captain Jack never sails the high seas alone, so why should a group of parkgoers? The boats are big enough to accommodate most parties, and it's always fun to make jokes at the various lines and scenes featuring a rowdy group of buccaneers. Especially while they're torching Port Royal.
Similar to Carousel of Progress, Pirates of the Caribbean can be enjoyed simply for the camaraderie and reactions shared by members of one's own pirate crew. Drink up, me hearties, yo-ho!
Solo: Soarin'
Soarin' is definitely a hot-ticket attraction, and wait times can be long if one isn't careful. Ergo, it's usually better to ride Soarin' solo if at all possible. This trip around the world is best experienced without the distraction of party chatter.
This Epcot gem isn't just a ride, it's an experience that ensnares the senses and will definitely have rider's eyes glued to the projections. Best to enjoy this one without any social interruptions.
With Friends: The Haunted Mansion
This ride is great for foolish mortals traveling with those that are easily spooked. Though there is nothing insanely threatening in the halls of Gracey Manor, they are Happy Haunts, after all, there are more than a few surprises around every corner.
Most guests can handle the Gothic atmosphere, then there are those who yip at the slightest dip or shake of the Doom Buggy. Plus, it's always fun to see just how much the Hitchhiking Ghosts will mess with multiple guests towards the ride's exit.
Solo: Test Track
Of all the rides in Epcot, Test Track will often have the longest wait times. So unless park attendees have a Fastpass+ booked and ready to go or simply get there early, single riding is typically the best way to experience this freakishly fast ride.
Riding this with friends does have its perks, that's all fine and dandy. But when it comes down to waiting, cast members often move parties of one much faster than two or more. Like Soarin', this is a must-do ride at all costs.
With Friends: Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
What group of friends doesn't have a little competitive nature amongst themselves? There are plenty of games and activities where people can test their skills, but it's the rides where things truly get interesting.
There are two attractions on Disney property where guests can have a fun-filled shootout with their friends from Toy Story, and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin definitely offers a delightful twist. Blasting down Zurg and his army of robots while spinning in a spaceship never fails to get a smile out of any rider, even the single ones.
Solo: Big Thunder Mountain
This is a big fan favorite amongst the Disney crowd and rightfully so. After all, it's the "wildest ride in the wilderness!" But that also makes it one of the most popular and most crowded attractions in the Magic Kingdom. No contest, single riding all the way on this one.
Even if guests arrive early and make an absolute beeline to Frontierland, this ride fills up incredibly fast. A Fastpass+ is almost mandatory, but riding solo definitely won't hurt cutting down on wait times.
With Friends: Toy Story Mania
If Space Ranger Spin was the appetizer, Toy Story Mania is the main course. There's an extra helping of adrenaline with this rideable shooting gallery for one simple reason. Not only are friends shooting off against each other, but the clock as well.
The 3D movie aspect also grants a different perspective on the tracked ride as well, lurching and guiding players through multiple toy-inspired levels. Needless to say, it's a great deal more advanced than the shootout down in Frontierland, that much is certain.
Solo: Space Mountain
There are mainly two reasons that Space Mountain should be a solely single rider experience. Firstly, the ride vehicles are made so that riders sit single file. Second, it's one of the most popular rides in the Magic Kingdom, so wait times can be long, though not nearly as much as Big Thunder.
It's considered by many to be Disney's most popular coaster in both parks and should be one of the first rides any guest visits upon arrival. It's no exaggeration when they call it out of this world.