Please take note: The Jedi Training Academy has changed and this is no longer the process for getting to participate in the show. We have a new post coming soon. Check back at this link for more details very soon. Thanks!

– Lisa, March 9, 2016

If you have a potential Padawan who really wants to train to be a Jedi Knight, it’s important to know that there’s a few tricks and tips you can use to get selected for the Jedi Training Academy.  Here’s the Babes in Disneyland “How to get selected for the Jedi Training Academy” Guide.

• Wear a Star Wars-themed shirt Kids in Star Wars shirts stand out to the Jedi selecting the participants.  If your child doesn’t have a Star Wars-themed shirt, wear a Disney one.

• Make a sign
  Now, I’m not positive, but I don’t think Disneyland really wants you to bring in big obnoxious signs.  In fact, I saw them confiscate a poster board sign that said, “I love Tiffany” at the security check point this last weekend.  With that in mind, I would recommend making a sign on a huge sheet of paper so that you can discretely bring it in in your bag, backpack, etc.  Put something on your sign like, “Please pick Alex!” or “Jake is the ultimate Jedi!”.  Folks with signs often get picked.

• Encourage your child to be enthusiastic!
  I know this goes without saying, but for some shy kids,
  this isn’t always easy.    When the Jedi are looking for children to select, they are keeping an eye out for kids who are jumping up and down and excited to participate in the academy.  My son was really enthusiastic to participate but isn’t a natural born cheerleader.  It would have been helpful if I had coached him a bit beforehand.
• Encourage everyone else in the family to be enthusiastic!
  When our youngest son became old enough to go through Jedi training, we brought lightsabers from home and my other two sons stood next to him, pointing at him with their lightsabers as our little guy jumped out and down. It worked.
• Get to the show early.
  Families start waiting for the show at least 30 minutes before show time.  On really busy days, you may need to get there 45 minutes to an hour before show time.  Encourage your child to sit close to the front of the selection area. (The sections are marked by tape on the ground.)

• Prepare your child for what to expect.
  If you have never taken your child to see the show, it’s a good idea that they see the show ahead of time so they know what to expect. Guests can watch the show from the Tomorrowland Terrace dining area. We love eating lunch and watching the show; it’s really great family time.  If you want your child to see the show before your visit, you can check out my son below.

If your kiddos hit it really lucky, they may even get selected to Force Push the Storm Troopers.  As luck would have it, TWO of my three kids have gotten to Force Push. What luck! Watch Darth Vader in the video below very carefully. If you are a Star Wars fan, you will definitely laugh.


Kids who participate in the Jedi Training Academy feel a huge sense of accomplishment afterward. It is truly an amazing opportunity.

One thing I would like to point out that I neglected to mention when this article was first published, was the fact that it is really important for families (kids and parents) to be courteous when vying for their child’s place among the Padawans. Not all children (and their parents) are as aggressive and a reader recently reported her son was practically trampled by another family. Some kids are shy and some kids may have sensory or socialization limitations that may make it tougher for them to show the enthusiasm others. It is important to be careful to respect those kids’ and their right to try and get a spot too.

Do you have an additional tip for getting selected at the Jedi Training Academy? Share it below or on our Facebook page!