How You Can Get Your Kids into the Jedi Training Academy

I am sure you have all heard of that mega blockbuster series of movies, books and other offshoots called Star Wars.  And you may also be aware that Disney bought the rights to Star Wars and there is a planned Star Wars Land expansion of Hollywood Studios, that was just announced.  In fact, there is also the Star Tours ride currently in Hollywood Studios.  But you might not be aware of the Jedi Training Academy and its show, and that your child can be trained (rather briefly) as a Jedi (if between the ages of 5 and 12).  But for some reason this attraction and show is not very well publicised at all, and seems almost an afterthought at Hollywood Studios.

It shouldn't be, and here's why.  Any Star Wars fan, even the most casual one, will enjoy the show, particularly if your child or children are in it.  They dress up in a robe, are given (to borrow) and are quickly trained on the use of a light sabre.  My wife, a big Star Wars fan, was extremely jealous, as are most of the parents that watch their children participate.  Then it is off to the stage for the show. After a Jedi master that has been trained by Yoda himself, comically teaches them how to use the force and the moves required with the light sabre to defend oneself and vanquish the enemy, each Padawan trainee gets to fight either Darth Vader or Darth Maul.  Vader is constantly trying to convince the Padawans to "come over to the dark side."  When my son who was actually wearing a Darth Vader cap that his grandparents had just bought for him was coaxed by Vader, the Jedi Master retorted, "Based on what he's wearing you might have a chance with this one!" 

The show continues while each Padawan gets their chance to battle evil, with the help of the Jedi Master's instructions and hilarious quips. The show concludes with some more laughs as Vader leaves a couple of incompetent Storm Troopers behind.  Each child, while not getting to keep the light sabre (oh well!) do get a certificate for completing the Jedi training, and an academy button to take home as souvenirs.  It really is a fun show to watch, and was a highlight of our family's day at Hollywood Studios.

But how do I get my child or children (or with much begging, myself) into one of the Jedi Training Academy shows?  The key is to get to the park at rope drop or as soon after it opens as possible, and immediately dash, both parent(s) and child(ren) to the ABC Soundstage and line up for the registration process.  We waited about 20 minutes to a half an hour back in March.  The Cast Members are pretty good about updating on whether to remain in the line or not.  Then when you get to the front, the child is asked a couple of questions and you are offered a time to comeback to be in the show.  Whatever time you are given, allow for about an hour to complete the Academy program and show.  If you have a Fastpass for another attraction, you can request a later time, and I think there is a wait list too, in case someone doesn't show up.  It is well worth the effort, especially if there is even a little bit of a Jedi in you and /or your son or daughter is in the required age group!  And if you don't have children, or they are too old or young, you can still watch and enjoy the show while sipping on a cool beverage on the Backlot Café patio.

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