How To Sign Kids Up For The Jedi Training Academy

My daughter has always loved Star Wars.

She's thrilled that Darth Vader turned good at the end. She cannot wait for The Last Jedi in December. She doesn't think Rey is Luke's daughter, but knows that they are connected somehow. "He needs to teach her his ways," Natalie told me seriously. "And then Kylo Ren needs to turn nice like his Grandpa. He has the kindness in his bones, he just needs to FIND it."


Since she adores Star Wars so much, I knew signing her up for the Jedi Training Academy would be a fun idea. She did it for the first time two years ago and had a blast:

If your little one likes Star Wars, then signing them up for the Jedi Training Academy might be the way to go. You can do this at Disney's Hollywood Studios at the Indiana Jones Outpost. There will be signs. The ages are 4-12, but I've seen older kids. If you have a family member in a wheelchair, they can still participate. Disney World is always accommodating.

Now, if you get lost easily like I do, you walk into the park and turn left. You pass the restaurants Hollywood & Vine and 50's Prime Time Cafe and then you'll spot it. I recommend arriving early because spots fill up quickly. We got in line right after the park opened and there was already a half hour wait.

Before your kid can sign up, they are asked basic questions. Their name and age, and if they can follow directions. This is so there is not chaos on stage. You can also pick a time that works best for you and if it's not full, you'll get it! You must arrive 20 minutes before your set time. Do not be late!


When you return (at the same spot where you signed up) your kid waits on a spot for everyone to show up.

The robes are passed out. Basic rules are explained. "Don't push. Listen. Don't snap the snappy snap because we are not wizards like in that "other" park." Then the kids are marched over to the stage area. Now, as I said, Natalie did this before two years ago, and I liked it better then. It was smaller. Now they've added another stage and there's more people in the group. I get why they did it: to allow more people to sign up--but it's missing something. There's still a story going on--there a timid Jedi who is learning. She's warned not to turn to the dark side. Darth Vader comes out along with another chick. The group is separated. Half fight Darth Vader. Half fight the chick. I forget her name. I know it's not Darth Chick, but that's what I kept thinking of her as.

I was glad when Natalie got to fight Darth Vader. She loves him.


Before the kids fight, they are taught they moves they must use to fight the bad guys.

They go over this a few times and then they get in line and fight. Since there are two groups, both groups go at once, which can get distracting with everything going on. Luckily there are two photopass people taking photos.

After everyone has fought, Kylo Ren comes out to try and turn the young Jedi to his side:

Natalie was all, "Oh, he's so rude."

The young Jedi and the Jedi's in training defeat Kylo Ren and he goes away. They don't have a battle with him, they use the Force. It appears that Kylo Ren is gone, but then he pops back out because, well, he's Kylo Ren.

It is a fun show, but I prefer the old one!

If your kid is celebrating a special occasion, they can get a picture with the "good" actors in the show:

Women power!

It's all over in about 20 minutes. I highly recommend doing it if your kid likes Star Wars.

Will you be signing your kid up for Jedi Training Academy? Or hey, if you're an adult, will YOU sign up? I've seen adults participating. Not with my own eyes, but YouTube is filled with videos of grown adults fighting Darth Vader.