Last week, I finally got a chance to see how the new sign-up process at Jedi Training Academy works. In the past, kids were chosen randomly or simply waited in line for a chance to train as Padawans (Nerd alert: Nevermind that they should be Younglings at this point). The problem was that some kids ended up waiting all day and didn’t get picked, or they spent hours in a hot line waiting for their turn. Many parents and children expressed frustration at this process and just last month, Disney changed how kids sign up. It’s a welcome change, one that allows children to tour the parks instead of waiting in line for hours for their chance.
When the park opens, head left past the American Idol Experience and Sounds Dangerous over to JTA (it’s almost in the back of the park) and sign up. Kids are placed in groups of around 15, with shows starting about an hour after the park opens and going to around 5:30; groups may be larger during busier times of the year and shows may go later. The cast member may ask your child a couple of questions, such as how old he is and if he can follow directions. Then, they’ll hand you a piece of paper with your child’s name on it and a return time, which will be 30 minutes prior to the next show.
Once you return, you’ll wait in a large holding area meant to resemble the Forrest of Endor. You might even see Darth Vader with a couple of Storm Troopers while you wait. A few minutes before your child is ready to train, they’ll be given instructions by a Padawan and receive their robes. Then it’s off to meet their Jedi Master and it’s show time.
The show lasts around 25 minutes and is entertaining, even for non-Star Wars fans. The kids are trained in how to use a light saber and then each kid gets a try at defeating Darth Vader. At the end, kids receive a certificate acknowledging their participation.
The new sign-up process works very well, but make sure you get there within the first hour or so of park opening (not an Extra Magic Hour opening, but the regular park opening) or you run the risk of that day’s shows being filled. The only dilemma you’ll face is whether or not to go there first or rush over to Toy Story Midway Mania. Since TSMM fastpasses tend to run out before noon, my advice would be to split up, with one adult running over and getting fastpasses for your group and the other taking the would-be Padawan over to JTA to sign-up. If you get there right away, you should be in the first or second show and will also likely be in the TSMM fastpass time frame after the show. If you’re not, you can still use your fastpass later in the day.
Since it was just me and my son, we rushed over to TSMM for fastpasses and then made it in time to sign up for the second show, which was set to begin at 10:50. Our fastpass return time was from 11:45 – 12:45, so it worked out perfectly. The only time I can see running over to TSMM first this being an issue is during the very busiest times of the year, when you run the risk that all the available slots will be full before you make it over there.
The age limits are 4 – 12, but I’ve seen older kids going through. I normally don’t suggest breaking the rules, but if your son or daughter is a little older and wants to try it, by all means let them. Cast members are not going to grill you about how old your child is as long as he’s clearly over the minimum requirement. It’s a fun experience and in my opinion, older kids aren’t the problem, but rather younger children who are often terrified of a large and imposing Darth Vader. Finally, little girls like JTA as well. Most times there is at least one girl who goes through and she usually gets a lot of attention. Last time we were there a little girl with ponytails and bright pink shoes gave Darth Vader quite a thrashing, much to the delight of everyone watching.
Now in the immortal words of Master Yoda: Train you will, young Padawan.
Chris writes here and at Everything Walt Disney World. She’s also a member of the Mouse Chat Podcast team.
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