Jedi training - how does it work?

[KelleyK75]

I wanted to get some details on how the Jedi training works. Do you sign up and get to take a turn? Or do you sign up and hope to get picked? If you sign up and get to take a turn, approx how long do you think the last week of March it would take before you get your turn? I assume the earlier you are there the better. My nephews 6 & 4 are now interested in Star Wars and I showed them a youtube of the Jedi Training and the 6 year old is really interested in doing it. We have a lot we want to do at HS so I don't know if we'll have time to fit it in if it takes a long time to do. Thanks!

 

[DavidNYC]

Get there as soon as the park opens and head right to sign ups (kids have to be with you). You will be placed into a show at a specific time. They go fast so you might not end up with a time until much later in the day (or not at all if you're there too late).

But assuming you get there immediately when the park opens, it's not too time consuming since you'll get a time and don't have to wait around. You'll just need to arrive a certain amount of time before your show (haven't done it but someone else I'm sure can chime in as to how long before your show you have to return.

 

[Itinkso]

Sign-ups for Jedi begin as soon as the park opens. Plan to arrive at DHS 30-45 minutes before the scheduled park opening.

As soon as they open the entrance gates, head directly to the Sounds Dangerous building with your nephew(s). The Cast Member will ask him a few questions and will sign him up for a Jedi Training session that fits into your Fp+ schedule if you have already chosen your Fp+ times.

The first session is at 9:20. If he isn't scheduled into this first session, all you have to do is return 30 minutes before his scheduled session to prepare for the training. He'll receive his training robe and directions. From there, the group will be taken to the stage and the training begins.

 

[wiigirl]

Get there as soon as the park opens and head right to sign ups (kids have to be with you). You will be placed into a show at a specific time. They go fast so you might not end up with a time until much later in the day (or not at all if you're there too late).

But assuming you get there immediately when the park opens, it's not too time consuming since you'll get a time and don't have to wait around. You'll just need to arrive a certain amount of time before your show (haven't done it but someone else I'm sure can chime in as to how long before your show you have to return.

 

[DizneyLizzy]

1. All advice so far has been good

2. They will tell you to arrive 30 minutes prior to your assigned show. This is very generous, and a lot of kids were getting very restless just waiting around. If you arrive 15-20 minutes prior, you should be fine.

3. The show is in the direct sunlight and there is NO SHADE. If it is a hot day, bring water and maybe wear a hat. In mid-June, watching the 1 PM Jedi Training Academy show was literally the only time during the trip we were uncomfortably hot.

4. The whole thing is really an awesome experience for kids who love Star Wars. It was the highlight of the trip for my 7 year old nephew. His 5 year old brother got a little stage fright, and the Disney people were great with him.

 

[KelleyK75]

This is all really great information! Thank you everyone!

 

[Itinkso]

2. They will tell you to arrive 30 minutes prior to your assigned show. This is very generous, and a lot of kids were getting very restless just waiting around. If you arrive 15-20 minutes prior, you should be fine. 3.

If you do arrive too late, your nephew's spot will be filled with another Youngling on the waiting list. And if you plan on arriving less than 30 minutes before your scheduled session, be sure your nephew has a restroom break before his session.

DD is an onstage Padawan and a number of Younglings have had to leave the stage because they didn't make a pit stop before the show - either to go to the restroom and forfeit their training or to leave because of wet clothing. Either case is not ideal.

 

[KelleyK75]

If you do arrive too late, your nephew's spot will be filled with another Youngling on the waiting list. And if you plan on arriving less than 30 minutes before your scheduled session, be sure your nephew has a restroom break before his session.

DD is an onstage Padawan and a number of Younglings have had to leave the stage because they didn't make a pit stop before the show - either to go to the restroom and forfeit their training or to leave because of wet clothing. Either case is not ideal.

Ok, thank you! That is good to know. I will make sure we are there on time and not needing a potty break.

 

[KelleyK75]

Just thought of this...is there any age limit on participating? I don't think my 4 year old will want to do it, because he's kind of shy, but if he changes his mind, would he be able to participate, too? My 6 year old has the big personality, so I know he'll want to do it once we get there.

Also, when I saw the video, I saw adults standing around the perimeter of where it takes place. It didn't look like a whole lot of people were there. Can anyone in the park come up and stand there, or is this space more for parents with kids participating? We'll have 3 adults, so does someone need to go with the 6 year old to get him to the correct spot for training, then the others go secure a spot so we can see him when it's his turn?

Thanks again everyone!

 

[Itinkso]

The age range is 4 - 12. If the little guy is interested, have him watch the video again and discuss Darth Vader and the Storm Troopers so he won't be frightened of them.


One adult should take him to check him in for his session and help him with his robe. The others can find a place at the rope. A Photopass Photographer is there to take non-stop photos. You will be handed a Photopass card that links to all of the session's photos.

The stage is next to Backlot Express and off the main walkway from Star Tours. Lots of guests stop to watch the show!

 

[goonergreg]

Hi, does anyone know how strictly they enforce the age restrictions? Our youngest son will only be 3 when we go in June (he's 4 in November) but he is already Star Wars mad and will be very upset if his older brother gets to take part and he is not allowed. Do they ask for proof of age?

 

[Itinkso]

Hi, does anyone know how strictly they enforce the age restrictions? Our youngest son will only be 3 when we go in June (he's 4 in November) but he is already Star Wars mad and will be very upset if his older brother gets to take part and he is not allowed. Do they ask for proof of age?

They ask questions of each child when they arrive to sign up. When they ask him his age and he responds honestly, he will not be allowed to sign-up.

It really is a safety issue. Darth Vader and the Storm Troopers can't see the kids who are too little. And, because the ones who are too young may run away while the show is in session, they may become injured or injure Darth or others. Oftentimes, the Jedi Master, Padawan, and support CMs have to restrain kids from jumping off the stage in fright.

 

[goonergreg]

Ok thanks for the advice. Makes sense. Will just have to prepare for some tears from a disappointed younglin

 

[jco_direwolf]

Ok thanks for the advice. Makes sense. Will just have to prepare for some tears from a disappointed younglindde25

Had to deal with that for 4 trips. Last year my 3 yo desperately wanted to do it. What I did was work with him for a year a couple days a week with a YouTube video running and using my lightsabers in the living room. She who must be obeyed didn't like it but hey this is star wars and important.

One thing you can do is when you sign up the other one ask if your 3yo can meet Darth. They do a little private m&g most days after the show on the platform in star tours. Its great they only allow maybe 5-6 families to do it.

 

[taterheads]

Ok thanks for the advice. Makes sense. Will just have to prepare for some tears from a disappointed younglindde25

Tell him Obi Wan has a special job for him and that he need to help his sibling from the audience to fight Darth Vader Darth is very tall and very menacing to a little one that might not or even does realize it's just a guy in a costume.

 

[sdkuhn77]

Good info! We are planning to go to HS on 3/31 and my oldest daughter really wants to do this. I am glad that there are photopass photographers there so the parents can enjoy the show!

 

[KelleyK75]

The age range is 4 - 12. If the little guy is interested, have him watch the video again and discuss Darth Vader and the Storm Troopers so he won't be frightened of them.


One adult should take him to check him in for his session and help him with his robe. The others can find a place at the rope. A Photopass Photographer is there to take non-stop photos. You will be handed a Photopass card that links to all of the session's photos.

The stage is next to Backlot Express and off the main walkway from Star Tours. Lots of guests stop to watch the show!

Thanks so much!!

 

[KelleyK75]

They do a little private m&g most days after the show on the platform in star tours. Its great they only allow maybe 5-6 families to do it.

Any idea how they decide who gets in this m&g?

 

[Itinkso]

Any idea how they decide who gets in this m&g?

It isn't a given, but, asking while signing up in the morning would help. Then check again when you return for the session.

If it is a rainy day and the show is canceled, all Younglings and their families get to meet the cast.
Last month, I got to meet a certain Padawan after watching a number of shows! No Darth or Storm Troopers but it was still a special meet!

 

[jco_direwolf]

Any idea how they decide who gets in this m&g?

I think its for the younglings who are too young and the ones that panic at the last minute. They also do a longer one when the show gets rained out with all the younglings