The Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, held at the Tomorrowland Terrace stage, is the ultimate Star Wars fantasy come true for little boys who are yearning to become one with the Force. (The show is formerly known as the “Jedi Training Academy.”) Selected children get to learn the ways of the Jedi Knights and then test those skills against Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister. (Disneyland supplies the robes and lightsabers.) Sorry dads. Jedi Training is only for kiddos ages 4 to 12.
If you have visited Disneyland in previous years, you may be accustomed to the old way Padawans are selected to participate in the experience. Guests used to wait at the stage area and Jedi would select those they felt were strong with the Force. While this built up great excitement and crowds for the shows, Disney now uses a sign-up system for training participation. Here’s what you need to do:
- As soon as you arrive in Disneyland Park the morning of your visit, go straight over to the Tomorrowland Expo (formerly known as the “Innoventions” building). Do NOT go inside of the building. Instead go all the way around to the far left side of the building (near Autopia). There you will see a line of anxious parents and children waiting to get on the list for one of the day’s shows. Jedi signing children up for the shows will likely try to fill shows in order, but you can request a later show. Cast Members will man the sign-up area until the shows are full and will be at the area prior to each show time to corral all of the Padawans before the shows and fill any no-show with those on the waiting list.
- If it is raining or looks like rain… or has been raining and looks like it is going to clear up, still run over to the sign-ups. We attended the park on a day in which it had rained all night. We showed up just as they decided to resume having shows that day and got in to the first show of the day, which was less than 15 minutes away!
- The child who will be participating must be present at the time of the sign up. We all love the idea of running into the park while the kids may be still nestled in their beds back at the hotel, but that’s a n0-go. The kids must be present.
- If you don’t get into a show, ask to be put on a wait list.
Or in simpler terms:
If you are able to get a spot in one of the shows (and they fill up quickly), here are a few tips for making it a time your family won’t forget:
Keep that camera rolling: I would recommend families stay close by their kiddos, sitting on the ground by the participants. (There is a clearly marked area on the floor.) The show is long and we took a ton of video and photos. PhotoPass Cast Members also take pictures of all participants during the show. Because they photograph the show so often, they know how to get the very best shots. Definitely get a PhotoPass card before or after the show from one of the photographers. You will be amazed at some of the shots they get.
Kids who participate in the Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple feel a huge sense of accomplishment afterward, plus the get a special button! It is truly an amazing opportunity.
Do they provide the lightsabers?
Yes.
Is there any way to ensure that your child “fights” Darth Vader, as opposed to the Seventh Sister?
Unfortunately, there really isn’t.