Updated February 13, 2017
I get a great deal of questions concerning how to get a child picked for Jedi Training Academy: Trials of the Temple. Disney has improved the process in recent years, sort of. In previous years, a child would appear for the Jedi Training Academy Show next to Star Tours and the Jedi Master would choose the children that he or she felt had the strongest representation of the Force. In recent years, they moved to a sign up or registration process for Jedi Training Academy that may not be less daunting, but it is more obvious.
Now, you head straight to the sign up area at Indiana Jones Adventurers Outpost store just beyond 50’s Prime time and pre-register your child to the show of your choice, based on availability. Sign ups are typically completed before 9:45am with a 9:00am opening and most of those guests went straight there at park opening. Your young “Padawan” MUST be present to sign up and they request that the child be between 4 and 12 years of age, but no proof of age is requested.
The Cast Member will give you a little slip of paper to remind you what time to return to the Adventurer’s Outpost 30 minutes before your child’s performance.
What is Jedi Training Academy?
The Jedi Training Academy is a 20 minute interactive opportunity that allows young children from the ages of 4-12 to battle against the forces of the dark side in a light saber instruction demonstration. The children are referred to as Padawans, which is like a Star Wars term for apprentice. Children are usually allowed to battle against Darth Vader or the Seventh Sister.
Only a few children are allowed to participate per show, so registering early is imperative. Children are loaned brown training robes and practice light sabers for the performance, which they must return after the show, as the Jedi Master teaches the Padawans to overcome the Dark Side. After completing their training, Padawans are presented with a certificate that is suitable for framing. It’s a fun show that includes Star Wars music and sound effects along with hearing Darth Vader challenge the children in a non-threatening way.
What happens if it rains?
In the event of inclement weather like rain or lightning in the area or even if there are technical issues, the children could be invited to attend a special meet and greet with Darth Vader and his Stormtroopers inside the Star Tours attraction. Only Padawans that have pre-registered to participate in the Jedi Training Academy are allowed to take part in this special meet and it only happens if the show is cancelled.
What do children receive for participating?
They receive a special pin a the conclusion of their training experience.
How to register for Jedi Academy:
- Arrive at Hollywood Studios at least 45-60 minutes early
- Go straight to Indiana Jones Adventurers Outpost
- Be sure your Padawan is between 4 and 12 years of age, but birth certificates are not required.
- Choose a show based upon availability at the time of registration
- Return a few minutes prior to your assigned time.
- Sign ups begin every day at park opening, including Extra Magic Hour days!
- Check for weekly performance schedules on Character Locator.
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Elena Gay
Tuesday 5th of December 2017
Is there a way to shorten the line once we get there an hour early? I am asking because my twins have Autism and the extra wait after being there already an hour early will be torture for them and all around us. Is there anyone who can help us once we enter? Do you have any advice on what can make this easier for my twins?
Carey
Friday 29th of September 2017
Kenny - Any advice on how to ensure our kids fight Darth Vader instead of the other character? Thanks for your help!
kennythepirate
Friday 29th of September 2017
That is detailed on Jedi Training Academy Child Sign Ups on www.characterlocator.com It's at the top of the Shows listing for Hollywood Studios. Add it to your plan for an easy reminder.
Andrea
Thursday 16th of March 2017
Hi! Someone said kids "will HAVE to answer the questions". So that excludes non-english speakers? My kid does not speak english, but would understand: left, right, shoulder, duck, etc. words. Does anyone know what questions are asked at the registration? Thanks!!
kennythepirate
Thursday 16th of March 2017
They will work with you.
Z
Wednesday 15th of February 2017
A few rain drops 5 minutes into the show, before kids even saw a light saber, and the show was cancelled. No meet and greet even though we were promised something special in the event of rain. They took the robe back, gave them a pin and sent them on their way. The older kids were all crying. The younger kids didn't know what was happening. That certainly could have been handled better. Come on Hollywood Studios, you can do better than that.
E
Monday 13th of February 2017
Hello Kenny, a few corrections: 1. Signups is indeed next to the Adventure Outpost. Check-ins are also currently at the Adventure Outpost NOT the ABC Sound Studio. (This info could change and one should always check the Disney website and app for location of Signups). Guests should carefully listen to the Signup cast member for rendezvous information, however if all else fails the check in location is on the ticket the guest receives. 2. Darth Vader and Seventh Sister are not guaranteed. The Dark Side varies. And as such cast members can not guarantee kids get to one or the other character. I've seen Darth Maul replace Seventh Sister, I've heard of it just being the Seventh Sister. Please be prepared for anything. 3. A Darth Vader meet n greet is NOT a guarantee. This meet n greet relies on a lot of different factors and a call from the Jedi Council who is monitoring all those factors. The cast members guests see at the Signups location, non of those are the Jedi Council. One such factor that could make the meet n greet not a possibility is lightening in a certain radius of the park. Cast members can not walk the children to Star Tours under such conditions. 4. Certificates are no more. Children receive pins to commemorate the completion of their training. If your child does not receive a pin please inquire with the cast member at the stage or signups area. They may be able to help you. Last bit of tips I can give to readers: Before even entering the Jedi Signups line please have an idea of which showtimes work for your schedule. Have a list of multiple showtimes you can do just incase your first choice is taken. Showtimes are on (www.characterlocator.com). If you are unsure of what works best for you please at least have your fastpasses and reservation times out and ready before you get to the table. Cast members will be happy to help you decide on a time and plan around things but that extra time to get your phone out and such racks up with multiple families and causes the line to get a bit longer. Being prepared expedites the process. Being prepared is so very important. Your children will be the ones to HAVE to answer the questions. Please let them know that. The cast member will probably tell you the earliest time available for your amount of children signing up. If that time doesn't work for you ask for anything later or let them know. They will expand on the other showtimes then.
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