Jedi Training with tentative 5 year old?

[cheryterese]

My 6 year old just informed me that he wants to fight Darth Vader on our Disney Trip. I had no idea he even knew about it - good job Disney with the planning DVD, lol! Our 9 year old is a huge Star Wars Fan but has no desire to be in the show. Our 6 year old is quite the ham, but he can be shy and tentative also. He's small for his age and has a speech delay. Do you think they'd even pick him due to all this, assuming we get a spot? (We'll head there at rope drop to sign up but it is a crowd level 9 day.) My 7 year old daughter is not a huge Star Wars fan but said she'd do it with her little brother so he didn't end up shying away. He says he really wants to do it. Thoughts?

Also, is there somewhere the kids can make their own light sabres to purchase? I thought I read about that a few years ago.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Our 9 year old is a huge Star Wars Fan but has no desire to be in the show.
. . . alas, that is part of the gig

Our 5 year old is quite the ham, but he can be shy and tentative also. Do you think they'd pick him due to this, assuming we get a spot?
. . . all the kids are asked questions prior to selection to make sure they can take direction and not be afraid
. . . this may or may not disqualify him when questioned

Thoughts?
. . . should be OK
. . . but, one never knows

Also, is there somewhere the kids can make their own light sabres to purchase?
. . . the bigger toy stores, such as World of Disney at DTD
. . . your kid might light it
. . . but, I know several kids that though thye were hokey

 

[cheryterese]

Our 9 year old is a huge Star Wars Fan but has no desire to be in the show.
. . . alas, that is part of the gig

Our 5 year old is quite the ham, but he can be shy and tentative also. Do you think they'd pick him due to this, assuming we get a spot?
. . . all the kids are asked questions prior to selection to make sure they can take direction and not be afraid
. . . this may or may not disqualify him when questioned

Thoughts?
. . . should be OK
. . . but, one never knows

Also, is there somewhere the kids can make their own light sabres to purchase?
. . . the bigger toy stores, such as World of Disney at DTD
. . . your kid might light it
. . . but, I know several kids that though thye were hokey

Thanks! I guess I'll head there with my son and daughter to try and sign up while my husband and older son head to Rock 'n Roller Coaster.

 

[cheryterese]

About how long should I plan on sign up taking? An hour?

 

[Heidi K]

About how long should I plan on sign up taking? An hour?

Be sure to arrive at rope drop at least 30 minutes before park opening. When we went in August, sign up took about 20 minutes after rope drop. We basically had our choice of show times (the first one or two shows were filled up).

Our 5-year-old was tentative as well, and we basically bribed him because we suspected he would like it. My husband told him he could pick a fun snack that day if he signed up, and he signed up and loved it! The questions they have to answer are very basic. (Like, "how old are you?" and "do you want to do this?") His older brother (8) did it as well. When it comes time for the individual fights with Darth Vader, they go biggest kid to smallest, so the younger kids can see what's coming up. There is a Photopass photographer who takes pictures of the entire thing, so we were very glad we had Memory Maker! We could just enjoy the show & not take pictures.

Apparently they will cancel for rain, so people recommend avoiding the afternoon show times during the rainy season.

The gift shop next to Star Tours has the make-your-own light sabers. They're about $25. A shop worker is available to help. Just be prepared to carry them around for the rest of the day! (We tried to convince our boys to send them to package pick-up, but NO WAY) They also have a make-your-own droid area that my 8-year-old loved.

Edited: just read that it's a level 9 crowd day. I would be at rope drop 45 minutes in advance and allow 30 to 45 minutes to sign up. Go into the park through a turnstile on the left hand side and stay on the left side of the street as you walk toward the rope. Ask cast members the best place to position yourself at the rope--the hat was still there when we went, so the rope positions might have changed.

 

[bababear_50]

My 6 year old just informed me that he wants to fight Darth Vader on our Disney Trip. I had no idea he even knew about it - good job Disney with the planning DVD, lol! Our 9 year old is a huge Star Wars Fan but has no desire to be in the show. Our 6 year old is quite the ham, but he can be shy and tentative also. He's small for his age and has a speech delay. Do you think they'd even pick him due to all this, assuming we get a spot? (We'll head there at rope drop to sign up but it is a crowd level 9 day.) My 7 year old daughter is not a huge Star Wars fan but said she'd do it with her little brother so he didn't end up shying away. He says he really wants to do it. Thoughts?

Also, is there somewhere the kids can make their own light sabres to purchase? I thought I read about that a few years ago.

Hi Hon
I am sending best wishes that your kids have an opportunity to defeat Darth Vader.
Here are a couple of coupons I make for parents to give to their kids ("kind of sprinkling the magic")
Hugs Mel








I also know from making coupons that there is a Darth Vader Breakfast at DHS.
Here's an example of a coupon I recently made for a family,I am not sure if there are any reservations left for this.
You may want to look into this.



Link to info here
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/star-wars-dine-in-galactic-breakfast/

 

[cheryterese]

Be sure to arrive at rope drop at least 30 minutes before park opening. When we went in August, sign up took about 20 minutes after rope drop. We basically had our choice of show times (the first one or two shows were filled up).

Our 5-year-old was tentative as well, and we basically bribed him because we suspected he would like it. My husband told him he could pick a fun snack that day if he signed up, and he signed up and loved it! The questions they have to answer are very basic. (Like, "how old are you?" and "do you want to do this?") His older brother (8) did it as well. When it comes time for the individual fights with Darth Vader, they go biggest kid to smallest, so the younger kids can see what's coming up. There is a Photopass photographer who takes pictures of the entire thing, so we were very glad we had Memory Maker! We could just enjoy the show & not take pictures.

Apparently they will cancel for rain, so people recommend avoiding the afternoon show times during the rainy season.

The gift shop next to Star Tours has the make-your-own light sabers. They're about $25. A shop worker is available to help. Just be prepared to carry them around for the rest of the day! (We tried to convince our boys to send them to package pick-up, but NO WAY) They also have a make-your-own droid area that my 8-year-old loved.

Edited: just read that it's a level 9 crowd day. I would be at rope drop 45 minutes in advance and allow 30 to 45 minutes to sign up. Go into the park through a turnstile on the left hand side and stay on the left side of the street as you walk toward the rope. Ask cast members the best place to position yourself at the rope--the hat was still there when we went, so the rope positions might have changed.

Thank you! Very helpful and I appreciate the rope drop advice. I think I will have to check out Memory Maker too.

 

[Itinkso]

Here is some standard JTA info:

:If you are staying at an onsite resort, plan on going to DHS on an EMH morning and as soon as the gates open, head directly to JTA sign-ups with your child. Signing up during EMH is a hidden perk for onsite resort guests!

If you aren't staying onsite, go on a non-EMH morning and get to the gates at least 45 minutes before park opening.

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.

Try to sign 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 Stormtroopers will take place.

20-minute shows
9:20, 10:10, 11:00 & 11:50am, 12:35, 1:05, 1:50, 2:40, 3:25, 4:10, 4:40, 5:30, 6:20, 7:10* & 8:00pm*
*Sunday & Saturday only
Space is limited, and participants (ages 4-12) must be present to register.

 

[Marthasor]

My DS also has a language delay (receptive language disorder) and can be very shy, but wanted to do Jedi Training. We went to sign up and he basically just nodded his way through the "interview" process. He was able to participate (I think they just want to make sure the kids want to do it? And perhaps aren't going to be too aggressive?). He has able to follow along by watching the instructor and other children and though he had a little trouble following the exact lightsaber hits when fighting Darth, Darth just went along with him and countered whatever my son did - it was really sweet. I hope your son enjoys Jedi Training!

 

[cheryterese]

Hi Hon
I am sending best wishes that your kids have an opportunity to defeat Darth Vader.
Here are a couple of coupons I make for parents to give to their kids ("kind of sprinkling the magic")
Hugs Mel








Thank you so much - those are so cute! I printed them out and will give to the kids before we go to keep in their wallets (they love to have things like that in them!). Alas, no breakfast at the time we're there. Thanks again!

 

[cheryterese]

My DS also has a language delay (receptive language disorder) and can be very shy, but wanted to do Jedi Training. We went to sign up and he basically just nodded his way through the "interview" process. He was able to participate (I think they just want to make sure the kids want to do it? And perhaps aren't going to be too aggressive?). He has able to follow along by watching the instructor and other children and though he had a little trouble following the exact lightsaber hits when fighting Darth, Darth just went along with him and countered whatever my son did - it was really sweet. I hope your son enjoys Jedi Training!

That is so good to hear! He REALLY wants to do it, but they probably won't be able to understand him real well when they ask the questions. He can nod yes and say his age though. And give them his killer smile!

 

[siskaren]

I think they just want to make sure the kids want to do it? And perhaps aren't going to be too aggressive?

I would assume that they want to make sure that the child won't be scared (and maybe cry or freak out) when Darth Vader comes out.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

I would assume that they want to make sure that the child won't be scared (and maybe cry or freak out) when Darth Vader comes out.

They ask them their age, and whether they are willing to go out on stage and fight the Dark Side and follow all directions given to them by the Jedi Master. Having been through it many, many times, my impression is that their primary concern is making sure kids are in the right age range (4-12), aren't being forced into doing the show by their parents, and have the ability to follow directions. No one wants a child to cry on stage (though we've seen that happen during almost half of the sessions my kid has done), but they also don't want a kid going off script and attacking Vader, either.

 

[Jrits]

There's a store by star tours where you can make the light saber and another in Tomorrowland in MK

 

[MickeyEer]

Your son will do great. My son wanted to do it at age 4. He was the smallest kid by far. Did great until it was time to fight Vader. Teared up a bit but the CMs were awesome. I wish I had made sure he knew where we were in the crowd because a little eye contact would have settled him.

 

[Marthasor]

I would assume that they want to make sure that the child won't be scared (and maybe cry or freak out) when Darth Vader comes out.

Yes, that too!

 

[letsgoreds]

They will keep an eye on the kids during training to make sure they are doing OK. If one gets upset, they will escort them off the stage and to their parents. This happened to my nephew, who was 4.5 at the time. He was sooo excited, is a very extroverted kid, but in his mind thought that he had to fight DV without the light sabre, because they hadn't passed them out yet. He was happy to watch and cheer his cousin (DS7) on.

Definitely consider prepurchaing memory maker. Between JTA and ETWB...and ride photos, you will get your money's worth : )

Definitely be in line to enter HS 45 minutes before posted park opening time. Hang out on the left hand side to follow the crowd.

As PP mentioned, avoid later afternoon times because of Florida thunderstorms, but don't be afraid to pick a time that works best for you. The first couple of hours in the morning are golden times, with lesser waits. Also avoid any showtimes you want to meet. One year, we picked 8pm because we were hopping to EP for Candlelight Processional. It was really nice at 8pm with the sun down...no heat! The stage is in the sun, no shade.

 

[Gracedis1]

Prepare him that he might fight Darth Maul. We did not know that and he is much scarier. The siblings might want to watch him fight. It's a fun show.

 

[cheryterese]

They will keep an eye on the kids during training to make sure they are doing OK. If one gets upset, they will escort them off the stage and to their parents. This happened to my nephew, who was 4.5 at the time. He was sooo excited, is a very extroverted kid, but in his mind thought that he had to fight DV without the light sabre, because they hadn't passed them out yet. He was happy to watch and cheer his cousin (DS7) on.

Definitely consider prepurchaing memory maker. Between JTA and ETWB...and ride photos, you will get your money's worth : )

Definitely be in line to enter HS 45 minutes before posted park opening time. Hang out on the left hand side to follow the crowd.

As PP mentioned, avoid later afternoon times because of Florida thunderstorms, but don't be afraid to pick a time that works best for you. The first couple of hours in the morning are golden times, with lesser waits. Also avoid any showtimes you want to meet. One year, we picked 8pm because we were hopping to EP for Candlelight Processional. It was really nice at 8pm with the sun down...no heat! The stage is in the sun, no shade.

Thanks! What's ETWB? Checking out Memory Maker now!

 

[siskaren]

Thanks! What's ETWB? Checking out Memory Maker now!

Enchanted Tales With Belle.