If you have an aspiring Jedi in the family, you most definitely have to make time for Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios.
My 4 year old daughter has done this twice now and its my absolute favorite thing to watch her experience at Disney World — and she LOVES it too! If you’re interested in signing your child up to take part in this super fun experience on your next Walt Disney World vacation, keep reading!
What is Jedi Training?
Jedi Training at Hollywood Studios is an interactive show that children can participate in. Aspiring Jedi have the opportunity to learn from Jedi Masters and fight the dark side — either Darth Vader or Kylo Ren — on stage next to the Star Tours ride.
Is Jedi Training Free?
Yes! As long as you have admission into Hollywood Studios, Jedi Training is available at no additional cost.
Who can Sign-Up for Jedi Training?
Children ages 4-12.
Can Parents Accompany Children with Special Needs?
I couldn’t find anything listed regarding this BUT I saw a mother on-stage helping her sweet son during Our Daughter’s first Jedi Training experience. I encourage you to ask/discuss your concerns with the cast member at sign-up and see what they suggest.
How do I Sign-Up my Child for Jedi Training?
You’ll want to sign your child up for Jedi Training first thing in the morning because the slots are filled very quickly and once they’re gone, only alternate spots will be available.
At park opening, head to the sign-up tables between the Indiana Jones Stunt Show and 50s Prime Time Cafe restaurant. There will be signage and most likely a cast member directing the way.
All of the participating children in your party need to be with you during sign-up. The cast member will ask them a series of questions to answer before choosing a training time slot.
- How old are you?
- Can you listen to instructions from a teacher?
- Are you brave enough to take on the dark side?
Once your child answers the questions, you’ll be asked to pick an available showtime to participate in and then you’ll be given a paper receipt confirming your reserved show — Hold-onto this! You’ll need it later.
When are the Jedi Training Showtimes?
Jedi Training showtimes can vary, so definitely check them out on the My Disney Experience app or the paper times guide as you enter the park. Jedi Training takes place all throughout the day and if you sign-up early in the morning, you shouldn’t have any issue selecting the showtime that works best with your schedule.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to arrive back to the sign-up area 30 minutes before the scheduled showtime for prep. The show itself is about 20 minutes long so you’re committing about one hour of time to the training.
Are PhotoPass Photographers at Jedi Training?
Yes they are! And they have captured amazing photos for us during the training! If you have Memory Maker on your vacation, these photos will be included!
You’ll be given a PhotoPass card that actually contains photos of multiple children. You can either load the card directly to your My Disney Experience app (and have all of the photos loaded on) or you can head to a PhotoPass kiosk and select the ones you’d like loaded onto your app (just your child kinda thing).
Of course you’re welcome to snap your own photos as well as the show takes place.
What Actually Happens During Jedi Training?
When you check-in for your showtime, the cast members will assign your kiddo to one of two groups, BB8 or R2D2. One group will face Kylo Ren and the other Darth Vader. The cast members will also sort the kids in line from shortest to tallest.
After being sorted, the kids will each receive a robe that’s the right size for them. Then they’ll all march over to the stage next to Star Tours — parents (or guardians) march next to their child. This part is super cute! The kids announce that the Jedis are coming as they carry a banner over to the stage! Shortest kiddos will be in front.
Once at the stage, the PhotoPass photographer will pass out the PhotoPass cards to the guardian that accompanied the child during the march.
The kids will then file onto the stage and cast members will be there to assist them. They’ll each receive a light saber and follow along with the Jedi Masters as they train them how to use them.
Then the trials begin and Darth Vader and Kylo Ren appear! The kids each have their turn taking on the dark side with the lightsaber moves they were taught in the training. After the dark side has been defeated, the kids will all return their lightsabers and robes and be awarded a commemorative pin for participating!
Jedi Training Tips!
If there’s more than one adult in your party, have someone hold a spot at the show stage during check-in. This way you’ll have a great spot to stand and see your child / take photos.
If you’re visiting during a very hot time of the year, choose a showtime early in the morning or in the evening. The stage is in direct sun with zero shade. During the heat of the day (especially in summer/fall) it is EXTREMELY hot — both for the kids participating and the family members observing.
Definitely apply sunscreen to your littles if they’re participating in the bright sun. Lots of water to hydrate before their show, too!
Make sure your little one checks the bathroom right before check-in (especially if they’ve been hydrating haha!).
This one is by no means a requirement but if you’re looking for really “in-character” photos from this experience, your kiddos definitely can wear their favorite Star Wars costume under their robe! Even just neutral colored clothing would coordinate well (robes are brown, tan, and olive green).
I hope this information on Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple is helpful! Enjoy and definitely don’t skip this one-of-a-kind experience with littles on your next trip!
This is great information for our little Star Wars fan. Looking forward to doing this our next trip back to the parks!
Thank you for sharing.
Awesome! Perfect timing. We are headed there in a couple weeks, and I was thinking about doing this with my kids!! Love all the info!!
Oh my gosh this looks so fun!! I think my little guy would absolutely love this! Thanks for all the info 🙂
Thank you! I’ll be taking my boys there in a few weeks and was hoping it was something they could both do!!!
Thank you for sharing this! Do you know with the early openings at Hollywood Studios, does sign up now start earlier as well for Jedi? Wondering when the park opens at 7am if they are also taking the names/sign up for this at the same time.
Also where does the group meet again to start/do the jedi training? I know it ends around Star Tours.
This post is awesome. So informative. Thank you!!!!