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Disney Quietly Adds New Rule That Shuts Down Ride Access for Solo Guests

If you’ve ever tried to beat the crowds at Disney World by hopping into a single rider line, you know it can feel like discovering a secret shortcut. You skip the Lightning Lane, avoid the standby slog, and boom—you’re on the ride before most guests even get through the first room of the queue.

Mickey Mouse stands with open arms in front of the illuminated Epcot Spaceship Earth at night, showcasing a vibrant purple and orange glow at Disney World.
Credit: Disney Dining

But that little hack just hit a snag—especially if Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is part of your EPCOT game plan.

Single Rider Perks… and Problems

Single rider lines have long been a fan-favorite strategy. They’re usually available at select rides, including Test Track, Expedition Everest, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. These lines exist to fill empty seats, making the system more efficient for Disney and guests alike.

Test Track ride vehicle with Spaceship Earth in the background
Credit: D23

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure joined that list with its own single rider queue. But there’s a catch—one most people didn’t see coming.

What’s the New Rule?

According to reports from guests (and coverage from Kenny the Pirate), the single rider line at Remy’s is shut down when it rains. Not the whole ride—just that line. Why? It turns out that the single rider queue extends into an uncovered outdoor area. When storms roll through, Cast Members close it to keep guests from standing out in the open.

The image shows the entrance to "Remy's Ratatouille Adventure" at Disney World. The sign features a chef's hat and utensils. In the foreground, a fountain with a wine bottle and a rat sculpted on its edge is seen with water splashing out.
Credit: Brian McGowan, Unsplash

The ride still operates as normal for standby guests. So if you’re on your own and banking on a quick entry via single rider, you’re out of luck if the weather turns bad.

A Frustrating Surprise for Guests

This change isn’t just inconvenient—it’s confusing. Many visitors assume indoor rides should be immune to rain-related closures. And when you’ve trekked to the far side of EPCOT only to be turned away because of weather—well, it stings.

Spaceship Earth as seen from the EPCOT World Showcase at night.
Credit: Jess Colopy, Disney Dining

Disney is likely prioritizing guest safety and comfort, which makes sense. But there’s currently no signage or app alert warning solo riders about the weather-dependent closure.

What to Do Instead

If the forecast looks stormy and Remy is on your to-do list, try to:

  • Ride earlier in the day before rain typically rolls in

  • Use the standby line if single rider is closed

  • Consider using Lightning Lane if it’s a must-do ride

  • Visit other indoor attractions like The Seas with Nemo & Friends or Spaceship Earth

And if you’re park-hopping? Hollywood Studios’ single rider options are all indoors—making them a safer bet.

Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

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