Are your kids big fans of Star Wars? Even if they aren’t now, they will be after being a part of the Jedi Training Academy at Disney Hollywood Studios. This is one attraction that is NOT to be missed!
Read on for insider tips & photos from our Disneyed contributor, Kelly Cockshaw‘s experience at the Jedi Training Academy with her boys (age 4 & 6).
Unlike most of the other live-action stage shows in Disney World, this show puts your kids directly onstage and part of the action. As “Padawans” (Star Wars lingo for a Jedi in training), the children are given a brown, hooded robe. The program begins with a “Jedi Master” leading the kids on stage and teaching them how to use their light sabers. The Master mixes the seriousness of a Jedi with plenty of humor that we parents enjoyed.
It is then that the infamous theme music begins, smoke appears, and Darth Vader himself makes his entrance. And what an entrance it is!
To be honest, I was a bit nervous watching Lord Vader point his gloved, black finger at my boys, telling them to join the Dark Side! But the kids showed no fear. They each took their turn facing him and used their newly acquired light saber skills to “defeat” him. And don’t worry, while his presence is menacing, Darth battles in a non-threatening way that doesn’t terrify the kids. In fact, they all looked downright determined to bring the big guy down.
Here are some helpful hints for the Jedi Training experience:
- Be sure you get to the gates of Disney Hollywood Studios well before opening. You will want to make a beeline for the Jedi Training signup location (check with a cast member to find out where). On most days the showtimes are filled before the entire line of kids can sign up.
- Your children MUST be with you in line when they are assigned a showtime!
- To make the most of your time waiting in line, have another adult from your party go around the park collecting Fast Passes for other rides.
- Lastly, when you return to the Star Tours stage for your showtime, have one of the adults from your party save a spot in the front row a few minutes before the show.
When anyone asks my boys what they liked best about our trip to Disney World, they always answer, “Defeating Darth Vader!!” (sorry, Mickey, you were a distant second).
Have fun, and may the Force be with you!
I was BOGGLED that my son got picked first go at the Disneyland Academy. Adam was certain it was because he was already wearing his Jedi Academy t-shirt. This grandma beside us with her grandson said he had been 6 times and never been picked.
We went to Disneyland on Dec. 29, 2011 and my son was picked during his second try. He wormed his way up front and jumped up and down with his hands raised.
He loved it.
Thank you for these tips!!! We go to Disney World on Sunday, and my son cannot wait to do this. This will really come in handy.
This continues to be one of the more popular “things to do” at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Your article is well done”