Star Wars Weekends: Jedi Training Academy

Jedi Training Academy has gotten increasingly popular but at Star Wars Weekends it's really out of this galaxy.

There are a few things to remember as far as Jedi Training goes during this time:

• The majority of the crowd during Star Wars Weekends is there for Star Wars, so Jedi Training is going to be a priority for just about everyone. 
• The "Star Wars Weekends" is on the "weekends" so the crowds are already higher. It's not like you're sauntering in at low season on a Tuesday afternoon. 

So, what do you do if your youngling (mistakingly referred to as a Padawan during Jedi Training) wants to train with a Jedi Master?

• You must plan ahead!  There are several showtimes each day and availability is on a first come-first serve basis. Try to nicely explain to your child that they aren't the only youngling in the galaxy but you're going to do your best to use the force and get into Jedi Training. 

• Head to the Sounds Dangerous area of Hollywood Studios right at park opening. Try to nicely explain to your child that they aren't the only youngling in the galaxy.
• Tip: You MUST have your youngling in tow to register for Jedi Training Academy-No child, no registration!  

• There is a small stage by Star Tours where Jedi Training is held. During Star Wars Weekends the concrete in front of the stage is also utilized to accommodate all the participants.

• Tip: During Star Wars Weekends there is a chance that your child could battle either Darth Maul or Darth Vader. When there are two levels of Jedi Training going on, Vader will remain on stage (usually) and Darth Maul will fight the kids on the ground. Be sure your kids are aware they might battle Darth Maul. Noah had battled Vader many times but when Darth Maul came out, I really thought he was going to hit the ground running. He eventually calmed down but that double sided light saber almost did him in! Not to mention those fierce eyes and the horns! 

• When you register for Jedi Training they will ask your child a few basic questions "are you afraid to be on stage in front of people?", "are you able to follow directions?" things like that. When they're admitted for participation you'll be given a slip of paper with a time to return (usually 30 minutes before show time), don't lose your pass you'll need it to get into the registration area.  

• Kids will be taken and given instruction and then brought on stage. 

• There is a roped off area for parents and families of the participants (usually to the left of the stage). 

• During my last Star Wars Weekends there were several PhotoPass folks on hand taking pictures. They give you a piece of paper with the date and "Jedi Training" and the time. You can then take that to any PhotoPass location and select the photos of your child to have added to your PhotoPass card. 
• Tip: I recommend taking your own photos as well, the photographers are trying to concentrate on everyone but you know what your child looks like and how to get that priceless photo of your child.

 Have fun, and may the force be with you!