Jedi Training Academy?

[Comicbookmommy]

Hi there, I have a 12 year old who looks a lot older than he is (already has a little mustache) and over the last year on multiple trips and attempts to get into the show (11 times) he is repeatedly looked over. Younger kids on each side of him get picked, despite him being in front and waiting way ahead of time. We're pretty certain it's because he LOOKS 14 or so, above the age limit.

He's pretty bummed because he turns 13 next Feb. and won't be able to try to get to be in it ever again.

Any advice on someone we could talk to that could help him get in one last time? It means a lot to him, and hasn't gotten to do the show since he was 8. Thanks!

 

[GusGus77]

It's too bad you can't go to WDW as you sign up for the show there (in the morning for the rest of the day) so it is not random kids being picked. I am nervous about the selection process at DL as I can see my DS being overlooked because he looks too young. I like how WDW does it because you know before the show if your child will be in it or not. I understand spontaneity and such, but it would be nice if there was a pre-sign up for some of the shows.

Good for you, OP, for trying to follow the age rules. Unfortunately CMs have to guess at age, so I am thinking your poor son will most likely get overlooked for someone who looks younger. I am guessing they won't pick anyone who looks older simply because they will think you are trying to ignore the age thing. Which is sad, but many people do it.

 

[lorijohnhill]

If it were me, I would try to talk to one of the CMs that are in charge of the crowd prior to the show. Explain the situation and ask if they can give the Jedi the heads up that your son is indeed within the age limit. I wouldn't ask for a guaranteed spot for him, but just bring the issue to their attention and hope for the best.

 

[Geemo]

Have you tried having him make a sign to hold as he jumps up and down while they're selecting kids? We did this a few years ago and both grandkids we're picked.
Might be worth a try.

 

[ADLFAN]

I would think (and hope) they'd be pretty understanding about it.

Maybe you could make a clever sign like 'Senior Padawan, Class of 2015! Last chance to battle with Darth Maul!'

I have read that they love creative shirts and signs!

Maybe you can try for the earliest show with fewer participants, and get a nice front row spot!

 

[nikkislaght]

as stated above , make a sign . saying something like. here to celebrate my 12th birthday...

 

[sillybaer]

Our problem was at the opposite end of the spectrum. My 4 year olds are small enough that I was told by multiple people before our trip that I shouldn't buy them a ticket (and basically argued with and told I was stupid for paying for them because they could so easily pass for 2).

The training academy crowd control CMs are no help. They say they have no way of communicating with the Jedi Master (which is probably true given the way the Jedis come out at the start of the show--it's not like they sit and have a chat). For me they suggested holding a 4 with my hand above their heads but that's not really practical for 12. Plus, it didn't work for us and I was very annoyed with the aunts and uncles who insisted we *had* to do it (I was going to skip it because of the getting picked issue but I'm also totally not a Star Wars fan so forgot about that issue until we actually got to the show).

I would definitely make a sign that incorporates his age. If I had planned to do the show I would have put my kids in their "Judge Me By Size Do You" shirts and given them signs that said "Yoda sized 4 year old" Maybe at his end of the spectrum you could try "Wookie sized 12 year old" (and I like the "last chance to battle" suggestion too).

I assume you already know/read all the typical suggestions for dressing in Star Wars gear, etc.

 

[Geemo]

On the grandkids first trip my DGS was 8 and DGD was 6, she got picked and he didn't. He was crushed. We went to the next two shows hoping he'd get his turn. After missing out, we spoke with one of the CM's working in the show. He'd seen us at the three previous shows, he said he'd see if there was something they could do. We followed the CM's instructions at the next show and DGS was finally chosen to be part of the show. I didn't know about the sign trick at the time.

I found an old photo of the signs the grand kids used a few years ago. We made them on the computer and carried them in their backpacks the first day we went to Disneyland. The DisBoard has so many helpful tips. This one worked for us in 2010.

 

[4Mickeys]

Oh the poor kid - I understand his and your disappointment. I have 2 sons who are into Star Wars, on our trip last year their ages were 10 and 13. My 13 year old is also a big boy who matured early his voice started dropping in grade 6. My 10 year old did get chosen though using the sign, t-shirt and jumping up and down enthusiasm. I knew my 13 year old would have absolutely loved to have a go but even if we had been that way inclined there was no way he would pass for 12. He took on master videographer of his little brother's experience and was actually really good about it. Alas, he was rewarded - one day we went back as the 10 year old wanted to try again (this was likely our one and only trip to DL, coming from Australia) but the show was cancelled - instead Darth Vader, Storm Troopers, Darth Maul and Jedi Masters did a meet and greet and photo op instead. My 13 year old was so excited at the chance to get up close and get some great photos!

I agree with the other suggestions for a poster with his age, and comment about his last chance! Good luck.

 

[Comicbookmommy]

Wow thanks for the suggestions, everyone! Absolutely did not think of a signs and T-shirts. I thought they wouldn't be allowed for some reason. We're going to try that. I hope he gets in!!

@4Mickeys That is so awesome he got to see them up close and personal! He must have been so happy. I like the idea of the oldest being videographer later on I think my son would enjoy that!

@Geemo Thanks for posting those! Definitely gives me a good idea of what to shoot for! And thanks for telling me your experience, I'll try speaking with a CM and hope for the best!

@sillybaer Aww poor kiddos!! I hope they get in soon!! Thank you for the advice!

@ADLFAN Haha, I like that sign idea! Thanks!

@GusGus77 Oh man, signing up would be so much better!! He wasted so much DL time over the last year sitting in place ahead of time only to not be picked over and over again. Would be great if they allowed some sign-ups, and some random at least!

 

[sillybaer]

Wow thanks for the suggestions, everyone! Absolutely did not think of a signs and T-shirts. I thought they wouldn't be allowed for some reason. We're going to try that. I hope he gets in!!

@sillybaer Aww poor kiddos!! I hope they get in soon!! Thank you for the advice!

There's some suggestions in this facebook thread: https://www.facebook.com/475776189186696/posts/765784350185877
I also saw several kids with robes and light sabers get picked. So go all out.

My kids recovered. But then I was still annoyed that we could have been doing other things during that time. Fortunately they should at least look like they're 4 the next time we make it to DLR.