Meredith,
Thanks for asking your question to planDisney!
Yes, you can absolutely wait in line with the rest of your party until they board most attractions, and then exit to wait for them after they are done. There are a few steps you will want to be sure to take, so that everything works out correctly for you, but it is a great way to stay with your group, enjoy your time together, and for everyone to get to hit those
"Must Do!" activities that they have been dreaming of!
To begin with, if you are dealing with any attractions that might be requiring
Disney Genie+ Lightning Lanes or the Individual Lightning Lanes, you would have to have a similar reservation for them to let you enter the line at the beginning. Of course, with Standby Lines that would not be required, but it is important to know for those Lightning Lanes.
Next, as you are nearing the area where your family would load onto the ride vehicles, simply inform the nearest Cast Member that you have one person who will not be riding. They will escort you to the route that takes you to the attraction's exit area. You can then wait for them there. In many cases you might be in a post-attraction store, or exhibit area, so you may even have something to do!
BONUS TIPIf you are like me, when you have some extra time on your hands in the parks you might use your phone to plan out the next attraction, use the
Mobile Online Ordering function in the
My Disney Experience App to place a lunch order, or use the
Play Disney app to while away your time. Assuming so, consider bringing a phone charger or cord to juice up your phone while you wait. Think about the opportunity to do the same for others in your party while they are on their ride, so that you have all the power you need for the rest of the day.
Write me back if you have any follow-up questions.
Have a Magical Vacation!
Doug