Single rider vs fastpass

[Manapua]

For rides that have both options, which tends to be faster?

 

[SMD]

There is no consistent answer. It's different for different rides and different at different times for some rides. There are too many factors that are unknown when you pull an FP or when you enter SR that could delay a wait.

 

[jeffg4]

The only ones I've actually done single rider on are RSR and Matterhorn. Matterhorn does not have FP. For RSR, it is definitely faster using FP, as single rider waits can get as long as 30-40 min on crowded days. For the rest of them, I would say it is variable and overall there probably isn't that much of a difference. I would guess the water rides (GRR & Splash) might be a little shorter using SR, as I don't typically see many SR's in line for those. One important item to note is that when you are using a FP after a ride has been down, the wait will be longer because everyone is returning to use their FPs at the same time. The longer the ride has been down, the worse it is. In that case, SR would probably be the way to go.

 

[Geemo]

On one of our trips the Single Rider line for RSR was only a few minutes, while the REAL line was over an hour. We didn't have a FP at the time so we went SR for a quick ride. Worked out nice for us that time.

The slowest SR line for us has been Splash Mountain. But it's still faster than FP or regular lines

Geemo

 

[Angrose]

I have only ever done SR and FP for RSR and Soarin'. FP is definitely faster for both of those rides, usually 10-15min wait each. For RSR, if the SR line reaches the bridge then it will take 30min. Don't do SR for Soarin', definitely get a FP. When I have done SR the wait was almost as long as stand-by at 45min! Others have had better luck, but both times I've done SR it was that long.
I've also done SR only (no FP) for Indy (10 min wait), Splash (20 min wait), CA Screamin' (15min wait) and Grizzly (walk on). These were all during busy times like spring break and the 24hr party.

 

[SMD]

I've seen RSR go both ways. I've walked right on twice in a row while the FP line (also the line for DAS and HA returns) was longer. I've also seen a line for SR when the FP return queue was empty.

I've never seen more than 1 other person in Splash SR, but I know other people who have said they waited longer. The FP return is pretty far back, but guest numbers can add up all different kinds of ways to fill logs without SR, and the waiting area is kind of far back and they often won't pull from there for the first log because it takes too long. So you won't know what will happen until it happens.

The reason to do SR isn't because it's faster than FP, it's because it's usually faster than the standby line. Or because you couldn't get an FP for a time that works for you or you don't want to pull and FP and then go back to that part of the park when you can just ride it and move on.

 

[DHSbutcher]

I have had good and bad experiences with both single rider and FP. I like to travel solo but did bring my mom along one year, but still ended up doing rides by myself since she's not into those. I love the single rider line for RSR- earlier in the day its great, but as it gets later the line definitely builds. I still pull FP as well just incase the single rider line gets too long I can still get in a night ride! Matterhorn single rider is the only way I've rode the ride, however last visit they did close the single rider line for a bit, and I was told to come back in an hour or so. I imagine the line was full or something, but no clue why. But when I came back I was the only one in the single rider line and waited less than a minute. Splash single rider i've had good luck on, usually only a couple people in line in front of me, but I usually ride the ride earlier in the day closer to 10-11. However that being said, i've never actually used a FP for that ride. I always end up pulling one for late in the day so I never use it. The single rider for splash is accessed by going in through the exit which I think must confuse a lot of people, it sure did me at first. Also every time i've done single rider i've sat in the very last row. Not sure if this is planned or by chance, just a heads up. Screamin single rider has taken awhile before last year In August, but its easier than waiting through the full line. Not sure about FP waits. The ride is great to ride first thing in the morning through the regular entrance, I've seen cast trying to pull guests onto the ride it was so empty. GRR Single rider is typically a very short wait, except last year in August it was HOT, and the line was decently long. SOarin single rider still takes forever, just as long as fast pass. I haven't rode Indy single rider, but FP was never too long of a wait, just a log of walking to get there.
Hope this helps!

 

[HydroGuy]

For rides that have both options, which tends to be faster?

As others have said it is a mixed bag. And it does depend on time of day in cases like RSR.

Here is my sense:

DL

Splash Mtn - Faster with FP. The SR line can get quite long. If SR happens to be short then it is fast.
Indy - Both pretty fast but probably faster with SR

DCA

Soarin - Faster with FP. The SR line is almost worthless.
CA Screamin - Both pretty fast. Hard to say. FP may be a little faster.
GRR - Both pretty fast. SR a little faster.
RSR - FP usually much faster.