What to Expect for Disney’s Jedi Training

If you have a family member that’s wild about Star Wars, you’ll want to head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Disney has made this park a beacon for all things intergalactic, adding new footage to Star Tours, Stage Shows, extravagant fireworks/projection shows, and new experiences like the Star Wars Guided Tours as we await the opening of Star Wars Land.  One of our family’s favorite Star Wars experiences was Jedi Training, available for ages 4-12.  If you have a kiddo that loves the Dark Side, or yearns to train with Luke, this is how to become a part of the Jedi Training Experience, included as an option with your Disney’s Hollywood Studios park ticket.  (Grab some Park tickets here with my affiliate link from Get Away Today!)

Sign Up Early

Once you enter the park, head towards the Indiana Jones Spectacular Stunt Show.  To the left of the stage entrance, you’ll find the small Indiana Jones Outpost store, and plenty of cast member with signage to direct you to sign up.  Don’t underestimate the line.  Your child MUST be present for sign up, and if you’re not in line by 10 or 10:30am, don’t expect to get a slot for the day.  Approximately 20 shows a day are performed, and with 20 kids each, well…. the line gets long.  If your kiddo needs a nap during the day, an early sign up is a must.  

You’ll be given a small paper receipt with your allotted show time.  KEEP THIS!  You’ll need to present it when you return to the outpost for your Jedi Training Preparation.  

Jedi Training Preparation

Return to the Outpost about 30 minutes before your show time.  You’ll be shown just to the side of the Outpost, where blue dots await the trainees.  It gets super crowded over here, so I recommend one guardian waits with the child while the others secure a viewing area near the Star Wars stage (next to Star Tours).   

Kids will be lined up according to size, dressed in robes and given light sabers.  They will be guided in parade formation through the side of Hollywood Studios behind a Jedi Training banner, with much fanfare and excitement.  

Stage Show

Now the fun really begins.  After the pomp ends, the kids are guided up onto the stage and put in rows, which they will occupy for training.  Next, they are taught a basic lightsaber combo in order to “prepare to meet the Dark Side.” During the training, they will meet their Jedi Master as well as a fellow trainee that will share their adventures.  

The show is quite fun to watch and even more fun for the kids to battle.  They are taught how to wield the saber, and how to use the force.  Along with their master, they learn to conquer fear, as well as the dark side.  

After training is complete, the villains emerge!  Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister Inquisitor were present for our training, though villains can rotate; it may be a surprise who you will meet! 

The Battle

Each child is guided by the Jedi Master and Trainee for their chance to battle the Dark Side.  Using tactics they have just learned, and voice commands from elders, they battle and use the force.  Being able to follow a pattern and listen to simple directions is important, so know if you child has these skills before signing up.  

Red LOVED to fight and was completely bowled over by being able to confront Darth Vader.  He almost couldn’t hold up his saber for the smile on his face.  His Jedi Master was there to remind him of his moves each time Darth Vader struck.  Being 4 (almost 5) and on the younger end of the set wasn’t a challenge for him at all.  

Pro Tips for an Intergalactic Experience: 

• Head straight to the Indiana Jones Outpost for Jedi Training sign-up as soon as the park opens. This will shorten the line you and your child must stand in (Child MUST be present to sign up) and the earlier you get there the better your chances are for the show of your choice.  There are no fast passes or pre-reservations available.
• Remember that the shows are subject to weather.  Orlando weather and storms can blow in and out at a moment’s notice, and since the shows are outside, be aware that the show might be canceled due to weather.  
• Cast Members will need to see your child for a moment at sign up. Children are separated from their parents during the battle, so being able to follow directions and be confident in self is important. If your kids aren’t ready to be apart from you, stand aside and watch the Jedi Training from the audience to enjoy the experience from “afar.” 
• Take your own pictures, as well as having Memory Maker!  I’ve heard that some parents were upset they didn’t take photos and the PhotoPass Photographer didn’t capture their child up close.  While Memory Maker will allow you to have ALL the photos (collect a PhotoPass card and link it to My Disney Experience) there might be a few you want to snap, or to film your child’s Jedi Training.  Our show had two professional photographers, one for each level of the stage.