Some observations of The Jedi Training Academy

[Pooh's Purple Pal]

We've just returned from DL and DS9 REALLY wanted to do the Jedi Training Academy. The first time we went, he didn't get chosen and he was very disappointed. I spent some time watching the crowd from the Jedi master's perspective (different masters at different times) and the second time he went, DS got picked. For those with children who want to get chosen, my biggest piece of advice is to make your child stand out in some way. From the Jedi master's view, the audience is a vast sea of children raising their hands to be chosen. Somehow when the master picks a child, there has to be a way to differentiate him/her from the others nearby so that multiple children don't come up at once.

It didn't have to be a lightsaber or costume, but those things helped if there were NO other children nearby with lightsabers or costumes (You, with the lightsaber, the force is strong with you.) It could be a hat, not necessarily a Disney hat, even a sun hat would do (You, with the strange Endorian bonnet, come on up.) One family with bright yellow baseball caps had two children picked to go up. Children on their dads' shoulders were chosen (You with the powers of levitation, come on up.) Having something unusual on their clothing: a bright pink jacket, a Superman logo, basically ANYTHING that could differentaite that child from the ones nearby seemed to increase the chance they would get picked. For DS, he and DD were the only ones wearing Santa hats and she was pointing at him saying "Pick my brother" and sure enough, he was picked. I think the red hats made them easier to see.

I don't think there's any sure way to get picked, but the kids who had something unusual seemed to have a better chance. Just thought I'd share my observations in case there are any other would-be Padawans out there.

 

[mistybuchanan]

OMG where is this? I live in Ca and usually go to DL 3X a year. I have never seen this. My ds and DH would flip out!

 

[TinkerbellTris]

My DS 7 got picked. And he was chosen to saber fight with Darth Vader. That was in October. It's at the old Buzz Lightyear stage in tomorrowland. It's now where they do the Jedi Training. He was standing in the front in a Royal Blue shirt. And he got picked. It was really cute.

 

[Pooh's Purple Pal]

TinkerbellTris is right, they do it at the old Buzz Lightyear stage about 5 or 6 times a day. There are posted showtimes and people start gathering 30 minutes before to wait in the areas they rope off to the left and right of the stage. About 20 children are chosen, given Jedi robes and a lightsaber, take the Jedi oath, and are then taught a simple routine. Then Darth Vader and Darth Maul show up to try and turn the kids to the dark Side and the children take turns using their moves to defeat the darths. It's so cute to watch - the Jedi masters help the tiniest kids and everyone gets to battle one of the bad guys. The bad guys are defeated and all the kids get a certificate saying they are now Padawans. DS9 loved it! (The time he got chosen, anyway. )

 

[eatmypixiedust]

OMG where is this? I live in Ca and usually go to DL 3X a year. I have never seen this. My ds and DH would flip out!

It's located at the Tomorrowland Terrace (the stage area where they play music at night). It's to the right of buzz lightyear.

 

[Leofoenget]

OMG where is this? I live in Ca and usually go to DL 3X a year. I have never seen this. My ds and DH would flip out!

It's in Tomorrowland. They have shows throughout the day. Its way cool when Darth Vader comes out. My friends child was choosen and he handed my 2 year old his lightsaber when he went up. Everytime Darth Mal ran around he would BAT at my 2 year olds lightsaber. My son got a huge kick out of it.

 

[rsjj]

my DSs didn't get picked when we went...but they enjoyed the show! it was really cool. and yes, it was neat when darth vader & the storm troopers came in. but our youngest was a bit afraid & had to hide behind his big brother for "protection" when darth maul came strolling around glaring at the children standing around the front area! we'll be there next week, and we're they want to go do the jedi training again! hopefully, they'll get picked. have to think of something for them to wear that would make them "stand out". thanx for the tips!

 

[linklewtt]

Question: What does DS mean?

A great way to get picked is jump up and down with your hand up high. Also if your child doesn't get picked the first time, go again later and chances are they'll be picked.

 

[Pooh's Purple Pal]

DS = Dear Son

The problem with jumping up and down with your hand up is that the week we were there, there were a hundred kids doing that and only the ones with something distinctive seemed to get chosen. There were quite a few tears from children who had been very animated and excited yet didn't get chosen.

You're right about going back - it sure increases your odds if you keep trying.

 

[misscampbells]

We just got back from last week and had a blast! My ds (7) was chosen as well, and it was the highlight of his trip. We didn't have any Star Wars memoribila, but we got there early (about 25 minutes) and he had a nice bright red sweatshirt on and not to mention me in the background pointing him out !

Here is a little video of the show that Ben was in, it was done on my digital camera, so it's a little choppy and it is several pieces made into one movie, but it will give others out there an idea of the show.

http://media.putfile.com/Jedi-Training

Good luck to all and may the force be with you!

Kathy