Jedi Academy

[EKW]

I would like to offer a first-hand observation about the Jedi Academy and why some kids didn't get picked when they were using the random-pick method for participants.

My younger son was chosen to participate at HS in June 2008 when he was 7 and DLR in 2009 just after turning 8. He really, really wanted to be picked, so we planned ahead. He wore a Star Wars shirt. He cheered and clapped when the cast members came out, trying to make eye contact. When they started picking, he put his arm up, jumped up and down, tried to make eye contact..and got picked at the first (only) show we attended both times.

Me? At HS I stood off to the side behind him. At DLR my older son and I stood up against the wall. Did I jump, yell, or act crazy? Nope. Didn't have to.

At DLR there was a girl, maybe 10 years old, standing near us. She wanted to be chosen, but wouldn't raise her hand, wouldn't jump up and down or yell, and wouldn't even go up to the yellow line. She really, really wanted to be chosen...and was near tears when she wasn't.

I tried to explain to her that she had to draw attention to herself to get picked. Her dad said they hadn't realized that she should do that, and that she was so shy that she'd never act like that in public.

We've only attended the Jedi Academy those two times, so I'm no expert, but it seems to me that the random picking method at least assured that the kids who got picked were going to be the type who would enjoy the activity. You've got to be pretty self-assured to get up in front of a crowd and fight the bad guys.

My wonder about the new system is how many of those kids who get picked will then freak out and go running off stage, or refuse to do the duel, because they aren't that outgoing type of kid.

 

[cnetbuild]

My boys live and love Star Wars. They wanted to be in the show so we sat through two shows in Feb 2009. We warned them ahead that they might not get picked. They tried everything they could and didn't get picked. Even though we warned them ahead, they still cried. We quickly shuffled them off to the gift shop and because our hearts were broke, bought them both an expensive light saber. They wanted to go back for a third show, but, we didn’t think they could take the disappointment, so, we avoided that area of the park for the rest of the day. They should turn the Jedi training into something like the Pirate League at MK.

 

[TeriofTerror]

Heck, I wish they would let adults do it. I would sign up in a heartbeat!

 

[WaltD4Me]

I thought the discussion about the Jedi Academy was so interesting. I understood what Kathy was saying about not getting picked being a part of life, but I really had to agree with Pete that the way it was being done was too arbritrary. If you have a child that is REALLY a fan of Star Wars, there should be a way for you to make sure he/she gets picked. I can't imagine taking your child 5 times and never getting picked. There should be a way that if you really want to do it (like getting there early) you can.

 

[timandlesley]

So, I was confused after hearing this, are they no longer doing random pick? If so, how does it work now? My son wants to try this in June (of course we explained to him it may not happen but he wants to try).
Lesley

 

[team disney]

Have to say we (my two boys 5 & 8) did everything EKW suggested, but had NO luck. We were at the front center, on the line, waited a good 20 minutes before the show in August (2009). My boys jumped, wore their shirts, made eye contact the whole bit... but was left disappointed. Yup, we walked away with 2 build your own lightsabers that day.... I wonder how often that happens!
This year my oldest will be 10 and I fear he will not be able to participate again because he may seem too big?
Hugs to all the kids who don't get picked!

I am going to look for the podcast on this topic... can someone give me an episode #?
Thanks!

 

[CinderellasSister]

Let me start by saying, I haven't yet listened to the show, so please bear with me. But I wanted to give my insight on the Jedi Academy as well, after reading some of the posts here. We were just in HS last month. We happened to catch the show one day, but my kids couldn't get in, they already had enough kids picked. There is a line off to the side right next to the entrance to the Star Tours ride. That is where kids line up, and then they go straight down the line, counting off heads until they have enough. The CM we spoke with told us to get there about a half hour before the show. Fast forward to the next day. We get to HS around 11am, try to get in line for the 12:00 show. They already had enough kids. The CM that day is now recommending to parents that if one parent stays in line, you can hold the spot in line for the kids, allowing them to go off on other rides. They just have to be back in line about 20 minutes before the show. So, like the good mother I am of 2 wonderfully spoiled kids, I pulled up a piece of pavement, and spent the next 2 hours in line chatting with all the other moms and dads holding spots while DH and the kids went to eat lunch. There is no more random picking of kids. If someone is willing to spend possibly a good chunk of their day in line, you can get your kids into the show. This was a one time deal for my kids. They had a great time, and I have to say, that in all 4 shows that I watched, I never saw any kids run off stage or not participate.