Jedi Training Academy at Walt Disney World, Florida or Disneyland, California

This is one of the neatest shows for kids, especially for boys who are not really into princesses!  Its a chance for kids to learn to channel ‘The ‘Force’.  You have a Jedi Master who will train the young recruits (padewans) who then have a chance to fight either Darth Vader or Darth Maul.  It sounds so cool, that perhaps the big kids (e.g. the Star Wars loving adults) in your family may want to try out, but unfortunately it is limited to children.

In Walt Disney World, this attraction is located in the backlot at Disney’s Hollywood Studio.  At Disneyland in Anaheim, it is located in Tomorrowland.  The shows run several times a day and is half an hour long.  When you arrive at the park, check the daily schedule for show times.  There are usually only approx 30 spots for participants, so many children are disappointed when they don’t get picked.

Prepar to save the universe as you battle Darth Vader

How do you help your child get picked for this show?  Nothing is guaranteed, but the following may help (it worked for us!).  Even if you don’t do any of this, your child still may get picked,  these are only suggestions that may help your child get picked. It worked for us!

1.  Go to the first available show.

That way, if you child does not get picked, you have more chances throughout the day to participate.

2.  Get to the venue early and get a front row spot.

Children in direct view of the Jedi Master obviously stand the best chance of being spotted.

3.  Pick the right clothes.

Bright clothing or Star Wars themed clothing all help your child get noticed. The brighter the clothing is, the better. Its all about standing out in the crowd.

4. Bring a sign.

It can just be as simple as a manilla folder with large writing on it, or perhaps a Star Wars picture printed out on letter sized photo paper.  Words can be as simple as “The force is stong in this one” or “Good padewan am I”, use your own creativity. Make sure that it will  fit into your bag, I have heard reports of people having large signs confiscated at security.

5.  Be enthusiastic

The Jedi Master arrives to select young Padewan's for training.

When the Jedi Master asks for volunteers, your child should  jump up and down (lots), wave  hands, look enthusiastic and outgoing.  It will help them get noticed.

6.  Separate siblings.

If you have more than one child, it may be wise to separate them along the front line.  Often children next to each other may not get picked.

7.  Photo Opportunity Ahead!

Make sure you have a good seat for the show, you can get some wonderful photographs for your photo album or scrapbook.

Pay it forward

If you bring a sign and get into one of the earlier shows, consider donating your sign to another child / family so that they can share in the magic.  To us, that is one of the great things about Disney, the magic that we can all share.

A young Padewan show's the force is strong in him as he battles Darth Maul.

Stage Fright

What happens When you get there your child gets an attack of nerves, he or she doesn’t want to get noticed?  According to my son, this is a totally cool experience.  Tell you child that it is special, totally cool and that he or she may regret not going up.  My son was one of those children.  We sat at the front, bright clothes, signs at the ready.  He had stage fright.  We told him that this was one experience that wouldn’t want to miss and managed to persuade him to have a go.  He managed to get picked at the first attempt.  He had a great experience and we got some great photos.  We ate lunch and then I suggested that he donate his sign to another child to help them get noticed.  A few minutes passed and he hadn’t returned.  Next thing I see is my son, up on the stage again.  He had managed to get picked again (after donating his sign to another child).  Second time I was in a position to get even better photographs.

Scare Alert

Just a word of warning - Darth Maul can be pretty frightening for youngsters so if you have younger children or children who get frighted easily, you may want to choose your seating appropriately.

Darth Maul can be scary for young children.

May the Force be with you…

Kay - Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.