Bringing a lightsaber to DW Jedi Training Academy...

[Aravan24]

I'm new to the boards and working on getting some details fleshed-out for our trip to Disney World in June of 2016. This will be my first time taking my 8 year old son to Disney World and one of the things that he's most looking forward to is the Jedi Training Academy. What I'm trying to determine is if there are any issues with him bringing his own lightsaber to the park and using it for the JTA? He has a custom SaberForge lightsaber and he's very much hoping to be able to use it for this experience.

Does anyone have any experience with this that could provide some direction? Most of what I've read thus far are people bringing sabers that their kids have created in the parks so any additional information will help.

Thank you in advance!

 

[hiroMYhero]

The current JTA show ends on October 4th and no one knows what the Rebels-themed JTA show will entail when it returns.

There has always been a rumor that if the show moved indoors, lighted lightsabers would be incorporated. If that's true, your son may want to use one of those based on the special effects aspect the lightsabers may have.

 

[Aravan24]

I had seen something about JTA being closed from October 4, 2015 through December 1, 2015 but it doesn't look like it's been formally announced yet. Is there a post that verifies that coming from a vetted Disney source?

 

[hiroMYhero]

There is the SWW thread and another thread. Both DISers posted info from highly reliable "in park" sources.

Disney historically informs the cast at least six weeks in advance as it greatly affects their roles and schedules. An official announcement usually follows a few weeks after the cast has been given the info. It was also confirmed that Make-A-Wish was informed JTA will be downed on October 4th.

 

[Aravan24]

Closing in on our summer 2016 trip and wanted to bump this to see if anyone had recent information regarding whether they would allow a child to bring their own lightsaber to the Trials? He's got a Saberforge Fury which he loves and would love to be able to use. It's designed for sparring so there are no issues with the impacts of the mock battle the kids fight at the end. Any information is appreciated!

 

[hiroMYhero]

JTA participants have to use the JTA issued lightsabers for the shows. There are liability issues in regards to safety for the other kids involved as well as the cast. The cast is trained to oversee kids who are using the show issued sabers.

 

[merina888]

I'm not sure your son would be allowed to bring his lightsaber into the park. CMs have historically sealed lightsabers purchased in the park so they can't be opened until you leave the park. They are considered to be a hazard to other guests.

 

[21stamps]

I had seen something about JTA being closed from October 4, 2015 through December 1, 2015 but it doesn't look like it's been formally announced yet. Is there a post that verifies that coming from a vetted Disney source?

There is the SWW thread and another thread. Both DISers posted info from highly reliable "in park" sources.

Disney historically informs the cast at least six weeks in advance as it greatly affects their roles and schedules. An official announcement usually follows a few weeks after the cast has been given the info. It was also confirmed that Make-A-Wish was informed JTA will be downed on October 4th.

Ok, this is new info for me. I am considering a VIP tour on Black Friday, and the woman I spoke to assured me that it would gaurantee a spot for Jedi Training- IF I booked now- because apparently the VIP tours get 6 spots.

Was this bad info? That makes a HUGE difference of if I am willing to spend the money on the tour.

 

[hiroMYhero]

Ok, this is new info for me. I am considering a VIP tour on Black Friday, and the woman I spoke to assured me that it would gaurantee a spot for Jedi Training- IF I booked now- because apparently the VIP tours get 6 spots.

Was this bad info? That makes a HUGE difference of if I am willing to spend the money on the tour.

This is an old thread so the info of closure was for last October through December (2015).

The VIP tour does guarantee a spot in a JTA session of your choosing.

 

[wilkeliza]

Closing in on our summer 2016 trip and wanted to bump this to see if anyone had recent information regarding whether they would allow a child to bring their own lightsaber to the Trials? He's got a Saberforge Fury which he loves and would love to be able to use. It's designed for sparring so there are no issues with the impacts of the mock battle the kids fight at the end. Any information is appreciated!

Children can only used the issued lightsaber.

Also because of the style of that saber and recent ban on "weapon" toys you may not even be able to being it to the parks at all.

 

[21stamps]

This is an old thread so the info of closure was for last October through December (2015).

The VIP tour does guarantee a spot in a JTA session of your choosing.

Oh ha ha ha. OOPS! I didn't check the original dates.

I read your post wrong at first, I thought you said "didn't".... ok I'm happy to know that!!!
Now if only a room discount would come out then it would make my decision a lot easier!

ETA- now I have to go to the Star Wars thread and delete the question I posted there.lol

 

[Beamerball]

My son did Jedi Training in April and all the participants used the light sabers the cm's gave them. I do not believe you can use your own.

My sons also brought their light sabers into Hollywood Studios and no one said anything.

We did purchase the make your own light sabers at HS and the cm's did seal them. However, when we stopped for a photo pass shot the photographer suggested opening them up for a picture. We did and have some good photos with them.

 

[wilkeliza]

My son did Jedi Training in April and all the participants used the light sabers the cm's gave them. I do not believe you can use your own.

My sons also brought their light sabers into Hollywood Studios and no one said anything.

We did purchase the make your own light sabers at HS and the cm's did seal them. However, when we stopped for a photo pass shot the photographer suggested opening them up for a picture. We did and have some good photos with them.

The ones they brought in were they kiddie light sabers or collapsable? The OPs son has one designed for sparing not just childhood play.