Jedi Academy- need the scoop ASAP!

[jtowntoflorida]

No one asked my kids if they wanted to be in the show, but I could see that being important to ask. I think they can tell from the enthusiasm level of the kids if they want to be there or not, and maybe ask if the child seems hesitant.

My kids loved it! Lots of fun

They don't say, "Are you sure you want to do this?" They say something along the lines of "Are you prepared to go up on stage and fight the dark side?" or something like that. I've also seem to go into deeper questioning with especially small kids who seem to be being goaded by their parents (or their parents don't let them answer the questions), but most kids are eager to do it and have no problems answering.

 

[txnana]

"The show was amazing, and the kids really enjoyed it! I would highly recommend it. And I do like this better than in California where they choose the kids right before each show starts, and if you don't get chosen, you have to go back and try again. At least this way you are guaranteed a spot. "

This was true 5 years ago at WDW, the last time we went and my grandson was there (age 5) for every show and was never chosen for two separate days. So glad that this Christmas we have 2 days planned for DHS so he and his younger brother won't have to have that day long disappointment. Trust me, my daughter and her husband have the entire regimen blocked out to insure we get the spots!

 

[JTBE]

We were at DHS 2nd to last week of August. My kids are Star Wars fanatic. It's crazy how obsessed they are with Star Wars. Both of my kids DD (9 years) and DS (7 years) wanted to participate in Jedi Academy for the past two years once they learned about it. We were 2nd in line at the turnstile at DHS and up in the front of the rope drop at the hat (with the CM holding up the Jedi Academy Sign). We did our best to make it out early to get a good time slot since we knew that Fl has a lot of afternoon showers. We in fact signed up for the first show but it got cancelled when we returned for our time due to the "Jedi Master being lost in the galaxy." So they allowed us to sign up for a later slot which was around 1 or 1:20 pm show- can't recall exact time. This show again got cancelled due to rain. If rain occurs, they cancel the show and have a picture time with Darth Vader (autographs not allowed). So I think it's important to explain to the kids before hand that you will do your best to help them get a Jedi Academy slot but extenuating circumstances not in your control can cancel the show i.e. CM not showing up or rain-- just so they are prepared, understand, and don't get too disappointed.

 

[AngiTN]

We were at DHS 2nd to last week of August. My kids are Star Wars fanatic. It's crazy how obsessed they are with Star Wars. Both of my kids DD (9 years) and DS (7 years) wanted to participate in Jedi Academy for the past two years once they learned about it. We were 2nd in line at the turnstile at DHS and up in the front of the rope drop at the hat (with the CM holding up the Jedi Academy Sign). We did our best to make it out early to get a good time slot since we knew that Fl has a lot of afternoon showers. We in fact signed up for the first show but it got cancelled when we returned for our time due to the "Jedi Master being lost in the galaxy." So they allowed us to sign up for a later slot which was around 1 or 1:20 pm show- can't recall exact time. This show again got cancelled due to rain. If rain occurs, they cancel the show and have a picture time with Darth Vader (autographs not allowed). So I think it's important to explain to the kids before hand that you will do your best to help them get a Jedi Academy slot but extenuating circumstances not in your control can cancel the show i.e. CM not showing up or rain-- just so they are prepared, understand, and don't get too disappointed.

Good point. Our show got cancelled and it didn't even rain. It was just looking like it may at any moment. The CM that led us down with the kids was going to wait a few minutes to see if it rained but the CM that was down by the stage said no, called and and sent us all inside for the photo shoot. I got the impression HE didn't want to stand out in the heat so HE took full advantage of any chance to cancel the show. It was very hot. It was overcast when we went in and sunny when we came out but there was no signs that it ever rained. DGD had done it before so it wasn't a huge disappointment but it was something she asked to do again so I was perturbed at that one CM. The one that had been with the kids was so sorry but said nothing he could do

 

[letsgoreds]

Another thing to consider is performing in the evening. If it is a hot, hot day...a night performance is a great idea. We were forced to do this last Dec as we had 5:30 tickets to CP in EP, and then had to hustle back to HS for our 8pm JTA. It was a hectic, but awesome day. The pictures still turn out great. You don't get as much of the backdrop, but you are also not staring into the sun, and your kids aren't sweating on stage.

 

[Itinkso]

Good point. Our show got cancelled and it didn't even rain. It was just looking like it may at any moment. The CM that led us down with the kids was going to wait a few minutes to see if it rained but the CM that was down by the stage said no, called and and sent us all inside for the photo shoot. I got the impression HE didn't want to stand out in the heat so HE took full advantage of any chance to cancel the show. It was very hot. It was overcast when we went in and sunny when we came out but there was no signs that it ever rained. DGD had done it before so it wasn't a huge disappointment but it was something she asked to do again so I was perturbed at that one CM. The one that had been with the kids was so sorry but said nothing he could do

Actually, only a JTA Manager can cancel a session. They are up in a booth checking weather and lightning reports and only cancel if conditions are not ideal for guests and cast members. They now make very cautious cancelations so as not to endanger anyone.

 

[mom2agirlandboy]

Was wondering if it is still hard to get tickets for this?

Will be in DHS for one day: Oct. 5.

Thanks

 

[Itinkso]

Was wondering if it is still hard to get tickets for this? Will be in DHS for one day: Oct. 5. Thanks

It's a sign-up process as follows:

Sign-ups are in the Sounds Dangerous/ABC Sound Studio building. The CM will ask your child some questions and will assign him a session which fits into your FP and Dining schedule. Your child will need to report back approximately 30 minutes before his session.

If you aren't staying onsite, go on a non-EMH morning and get to the gates at least 45 minutes before park opening. Try to sign him up for a morning session. Because of the weather, JTA is often canceled in the afternoons. If the session does get canceled, a brief meet and greet with Vader and Stormtrooper will occur.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

also note: you may have seen in the above that they will ask the child some questions to make sure they are within the age parameters and ready to participate. It means you have to bring the child with you to the signup. They won't let parents sign up without the child being present.

They'll cancel outdoor events if there is lightning reported within a certain radius of the area. Which means you won't always see it, so you can't tell the reason for cancellation.

 

[mom2agirlandboy]

It's a sign-up process as follows:

Sign-ups are in the Sounds Dangerous/ABC Sound Studio building. The CM will ask your child some questions and will assign him a session which fits into your FP and Dining schedule. Your child will need to report back approximately 30 minutes before his session.

If you aren't staying onsite, go on a non-EMH morning and get to the gates at least 45 minutes before park opening. Try to sign him up for a morning session. Because of the weather, JTA is often canceled in the afternoons. If the session does get canceled, a brief meet and greet with Vader and Stormtrooper will occur.

also note: you may have seen in the above that they will ask the child some questions to make sure they are within the age parameters and ready to participate. It means you have to bring the child with you to the signup. They won't let parents sign up without the child being present.

They'll cancel outdoor events if there is lightning reported within a certain radius of the area. Which means you won't always see it, so you can't tell the reason for cancellation.

Thanks! My kids did this 2 years ago. My dd was reluctant about it but it was the highlight of her trip so thinking of letting them do it again but was wondering if it is hard to get.

We will be staying on-site so hoping to get to the park 45 mins before to secure morning slot.

 

[nogreenworld]

anybody have any updates to this process, what with all the changes going on at HS (idol closing, frozen stuff, hat being taken down)?

we have an early breakfast reservation for hollywood and vine the day we want to try and get jedi academy. that's still the plan for now.

 

[Gillyrose779]

anybody have any updates to this process, what with all the changes going on at HS (idol closing, frozen stuff, hat being taken down)?

we have an early breakfast reservation for hollywood and vine the day we want to try and get jedi academy. that's still the plan for now.

When you walk to your early breakfast ask a CM- there are always a couple CMs by the restaurant- where to go for the Jedi Academy. It probably hasn't changed since a month ago which was just across the water from Hollywood & Vine but it is always good to verify b/c they will show you exactly where to go.

Try to be out a few min. before opening as they do tend to open a little early but they won't let you go back there until then. We had breakfast 30 min before park opening so we sat down and all got a plate, then I stayed at the restaurant with my youngest while my husband and son signed up for a slot, then they came back and finished breakfast. It was quite nice actually.

 

[Itinkso]

anybody have any updates to this process, what with all the changes going on at HS (idol closing, frozen stuff, hat being taken down)?

we have an early breakfast reservation for hollywood and vine the day we want to try and get jedi academy. that's still the plan for now.

Let your server know you want to pay for your meal as soon as you are seated. Then, you can leave as soon as you have met all the characters and will wait outside of H&V until the Park opens.

 

[nogreenworld]

When you walk to your early breakfast ask a CM- there are always a couple CMs by the restaurant- where to go for the Jedi Academy. It probably hasn't changed since a month ago which was just across the water from Hollywood & Vine but it is always good to verify b/c they will show you exactly where to go.

Try to be out a few min. before opening as they do tend to open a little early but they won't let you go back there until then. We had breakfast 30 min before park opening so we sat down and all got a plate, then I stayed at the restaurant with my youngest while my husband and son signed up for a slot, then they came back and finished breakfast. It was quite nice actually.

Let your server know you want to pay for your meal as soon as you are seated. Then, you can leave as soon as you have met all the characters and will wait outside of H&V until the Park opens.

thanks! helpful tips! we've never done the jedi academy and my daughter is super psyched to try it. i just want to make it happen the best i can.

 

[johnrd]

I have an ADR for Hollywood and Vine at 0800 the day we want to try for Jedi training. Hoping it works out. Has anyone ever had a hard time doing it this way?

 

[Itinkso]

I have an ADR for Hollywood and Vine at 0800 the day we want to try for Jedi training. Hoping it works out. Has anyone ever had a hard time doing it this way?

If your group is running late, send an adult with the JTA hopefuls to the sign-ups and they can return to H&V to finish their breakfasts.

 

[johnrd]

I was more worried about getting cursed out or thrown to the back of the line by the people coming from rope drop.

 

[hiroMYhero]

As soon as the CMs at H&V hear the opening music, they will release you. Head to your left around the lake and the sign-ups will be in the ABC/Sounds Dangerous building. No one will curse you... you're at Disney World!

 

[Meka003]

Does anyone know if they use memory maker photographers for the kids on stage ?

 

[JeninTexas]

Yes, the MM photographer got several really good shots of my son during JTA. They will give you a card that you can use to find your photos. They don't scan you MB.