Our Disney Jedi Training Academy Experience

If you have a child ages 4 through 12 that is a Star Wars fan, Disney’s Hollywood Studios Jedi Training Academy is a MUST DO. If this is on your list, it likely means getting to the gate as they open and dashing through the park to sign up, as there are limited spots. I heard from one source that on a Star Wars Weekend, for example, spots for the day can go in as little as 5 minutes.

My little Star Wars fanatics, ages 4 and 6, were thrilled to nab a spot in the Jedi Training Academy. After getting your spot, you will get a “call” time. This call time is 20 minutes before your show, where your child will be asked his or her age and if he or she is willing to get on a stage and stand up to a villain; robed as a youngling (pre-Padawan); given directions; and marched across the park, costumed and carrying a banner, to the stage.

Since it was Star Wars Weekend, they allowed double the number of children into training, but no worries because we were in for a doubly special surprise. Both Darth Vader and Darth Maul showed up at our academy, which was particularly exciting for the kids.

Unless Otherwise Noted, Photos are Taken by Disney PhotoPass Photographers (purchased as part of Memory Maker Package).

After getting their light sabers and learning a few Jedi moves from the Jedi Master and a Jedi Knight, Darth Vader and Darth Maul showed up to try to convert the younglings to the Dark Side.

Bud took his charge quite seriously.

Here he battles Darth Maul, while his trainer gives him some tips to defeat him. Bud thought battling Darth Maul was “the hardest” because he had two light saber blades to worry about.

Little Guy was so excited for his battle. Since he is so tiny for his age, he had some trouble holding up his light saber, and his trainers had to tie up the bottom of his robe.

Nevertheless, he was ready for action.

And fought Darth Maul fearlessly with a smile on his face.

Your child will be 1:1 face to face with villains, so if they will be scared, this might not be the best experience for them. There is no guarantee whether they will fight Darth Maul or Darth Vader, but one of these villains should be present. In unusual or high traffic times, it may be possible that both take the stage with your child. But if your child is like mine are, they will love it! My oldest enjoyed his battle so much that he decided to forgo a park souvenir so he could buy a double-bladed light saber like Darth Maul. Your child will leave the experience with a commemorative pin and a Jedi Training Academy certificate.