My 8 and 11 year old both went on the single rider a few times. My 8 year old went once by himself. The longest they ever were in line was 20 minutes. The shortest, they walked almost right into the area where they load the groups. If you're concerned, you can wait with them and then tell the CM that you don't want to ride after they get boarded. I did that the second time around because of motion sickness. The CM will guide you to the exit door.