How can you cut your wait time in half, without using a FastPass?
Go into the Single Rider line, if the ride has one. This is the line Disney Cast Members use to "fill in" spots on the ride. So, for example, if a ride can hold 3 to a row, a family of takes up 4 of the six spots available on the ride, no couples around and a single rider line, you could take those two spots!
This really works well if there's only a couple of you or you're in a group of all adults that don't mind being split up on a ride. Not so much if you have children.
This really can significantly cut down on your wait time for popular rides that offer a single rider line option. Even if you don't see it marked at the start of the line, ask a Cast Member if they have a single rider line for the ride you want to experience.