The only difference is when I switch to my 1/2-bike is that I sometimes 'communicate' with my stoker . . . 'shifting', 'braking' . . .
Our last 4 tandems have all been custom with rather quick steering, so getting on single is not an issue.
If you really want a different experience, ride your tandem solo . . . usually takes me a hundred feet or so to get adjusted to the 'weightlessness' in the back.