Jedi Academy.... You don't get "picked" anymore?? What time??

[hockey mom]

So glad they changed this. My son stood waiting for this show long before anyone even showed up and did not get picked. I was so upset for him and it has always been the one sore spot I have had with Disney.

[Soprano]

I'm glad they changed it. Last time in Cali, with our two kids, my boy got picked first as he was waving and wearing an Anaheim Angels cap , my daughter was quite reserved, but had her hand up. Thankfully she too got picked. It could have gotten real messy if only one of them got picked.

At least this way is fair, even if you have to wait in line longer.

[cg1200]

Does anyone know if they added a line for the Pirate training thing at MK too? My middle son did not get picked one year (but my oldest did) and he sobbed for 10 minutes. He loves Jack Sparrow.

[GAmommy]

We were there over President's Week. We got in line at 9:25 for the 9:50 show. My kids were # 18 & 19 and both made it to the ground training. They took 24-30 for each show. If you are in the first 12-15 you will be on stage and the others on the ground in a roped off area. They do ask their age (you need to be 4-12) and two other ?'s. If they won't answer them they may not let them go is what we were told. They all did the show at the same time. Darth Vader fought the kids on stage and the Dark Sith fought the kids on the ground.

[vtwep]

Originally Posted by GAmommy

They took 24-30 for each show. If you are in the first 12-15 you will be on stage and the others on the ground in a roped off area.....They all did the show at the same time. Darth Vader fought the kids on stage and the Dark Sith fought the kids on the ground.

Wow - this sounds neat. We were there in December. My nephew waited in line and was on stage. At that point, they did not have a lower area and the Dark Sith...so,this sounds new and a new way to double the number of kids that can experience the show. Can't wait to see it.

[Moon Child]

My oldest DS was picked (the old way) during our last trip and I always tell
him how fortunate he was and that alot of kids were heart broken
Lucikly, his little brother could care less, he was just happy to watch the show

I am also glad it's been changed, I think it's much more fair

[Sydnerella]

What time do they arrive to "pick you" prior to the show? Is the queuing area outside or inside. I ask because I wondered if I could arrive 5 or so minutes before my DS5 and "hold a spot" - we have very slow movers coming with on this trip!

Sydnerella's Mama

[SignMeUp]

I think you would want to take your ds5 with you to hold his spot. I bet the other parents/kids in line would frown on you holding a spot for your son if he's not with you (and the CMs might not allow it). Just take him along and let the slow movers in your party catch up to you and your ds at their pace.

[billwendy]

Question for you guys. My 12 yo nephew will be at WDW for his Make a Wish trip in a few weeks. He has battled brain cancer, and will hopefully be declaired in remission very soon. He and his 2 brothers are Star Wars finatics!!! I dont think though that he could be out in the sun waiting - is there shade in any part of the line? Also, how long do you have to stand if you make it into the show? Im not 100% sure how long he can stand before needing to sit in his wheelchair???
Thanks for your help|!!

[Nicsmom]

I do believe there is some shade in some spots but not the entire line. Keep in mind that not everyone needs to wait in line. This is how we did it. I ran with my DS5 to Star Tours to get in line for the training. My DH ran to get fastpasses for Toy Story Mania and then shopped, got breakfast with my DD16. We were #14 only one other child behind us made it into the training. This fills up quickly. I was told they only take 14 to 16 kids. I think it depends on family size. They would never let one child of one family do it and make the other wait. My advice is go early and run.

[drinkme]

Originally Posted by hockey mom

So glad they changed this. My son stood waiting for this show long before anyone even showed up and did not get picked. I was so upset for him and it has always been the one sore spot I have had with Disney.

The same thing happened to us! We got to the show about an hour before it started and were the first ones there. My son wasn't picked. GRRRR!!!!!

The line seems fair.

[magicaldisney]

Originally Posted by Sydnerella

What time do they arrive to "pick you" prior to the show? Is the queuing area outside or inside. I ask because I wondered if I could arrive 5 or so minutes before my DS5 and "hold a spot" - we have very slow movers coming with on this trip!

Sydnerella's Mama

They will not let you "hold" the spot, your child will need to be there.

[rescuetink]

Originally Posted by Mom2darlingboys

But be prepared, the area is not covered and is located at a dead end, which gets extremely hot in the mid-morning sun!! You may want to bring a towel or something to sit on or cover yourselves with. I could feel my arms burning while we waited.

It is a great treat though, and worth a reasonable wait, if your kids get called up.

Originally Posted by billwendy

Question for you guys. My 12 yo nephew will be at WDW for his Make a Wish trip in a few weeks. He has battled brain cancer, and will hopefully be declaired in remission very soon. He and his 2 brothers are Star Wars finatics!!! I dont think though that he could be out in the sun waiting - is there shade in any part of the line? Also, how long do you have to stand if you make it into the show? Im not 100% sure how long he can stand before needing to sit in his wheelchair???
Thanks for your help|!!

Originally Posted by Nicsmom

I do believe there is some shade in some spots but not the entire line. Keep in mind that not everyone needs to wait in line. This is how we did it. I ran with my DS5 to Star Tours to get in line for the training. My DH ran to get fastpasses for Toy Story Mania and then shopped, got breakfast with my DD16. We were #14 only one other child behind us made it into the training. This fills up quickly. I was told they only take 14 to 16 kids. I think it depends on family size. They would never let one child of one family do it and make the other wait. My advice is go early and run.

billwendy,

With this information I would make sure you have an umbrellas or something to cover yourselves with!! Although I haven't been there yet, I've beed reading a LOT of what the other WONDERFUL Disers have been writting and suggesting!! And this may effect you in other areas of the parks as well!!! Have Fun!!!

[rescuetink]

Originally Posted by Sydnerella

What time do they arrive to "pick you" prior to the show? Is the queuing area outside or inside. I ask because I wondered if I could arrive 5 or so minutes before my DS5 and "hold a spot" - we have very slow movers coming with on this trip!

Sydnerella's Mama

I'd be VERY upset if my son was in line and would make the cut off, and suddenly other kids showed up late to join their group who were "holding spots" for them and then my son got cut off from participating!!

I'd actually end up saying something to the CM running the show!!

Sorry, that just would not be fair to others!!!

[rescuetink]

Originally Posted by cg1200

Does anyone know if they added a line for the Pirate training thing at MK too? My middle son did not get picked one year (but my oldest did) and he sobbed for 10 minutes. He loves Jack Sparrow.

I'm not really sure if my son likes Star Wars or pirates more, I'll have to wait till his next birthday to see what theme he picks, but I didn't hear about a Pirate Training!!!

Enlighten me please!!!! What is it and where???

Thanks!!!

I just found the information at the link posted earlier in this thread by reelmom!! Thanks anyway!!!