What if I told you that you could become a Jedi Master for free on your next trip to Disney World?
The Jedi Training Academy at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios is an absolute must…I repeat MUST do for every single young Star Wars fan. So if you happen to have a young padawan who loves Star Wars, then I’m sure you will find this guide useful.
I know I’ve talked about this a little before in our Magic Kingdom guide. But I wanted to expand upon it a bit and build a short guide for people who want to know more about the Jedi training academy and how training to be a Jedi works.
What Is Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple?
Jedi Training Academy is a place at Hollywood Studios where you can take your children to learn the ways of the force and study under a master Jedi.
The show is free with park admission and the show that you’re children take part in runs about 15 minutes long. The show’s stage is set up right next to the entrance to Star Tours .
How Old Do You Have To Be To Go To Jedi Training Academy?
All children from 4 years old to 12 years old may earn their Jedi robes.
Is Jedi Training Free?
Yes, Jedi Training is free with your park admission. It is first-come, first-serve and there is no way to sign up ahead of time. Do not underestimate the power of a Star Wars show in Disney theme parks.
How To Sign Up For Jedi Training Academy
In order to sign up for the Jedi Training Academy show, you’ll need to make sure that you are at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at rope drop. Preferably near the front of the line.
In order to accomplish this, you’ll need to be AT THE TURNSTILES in front of the park by 8 AM, possibly earlier, purely because of the popularity of the Jedi Training Academy. The park itself does not open until 9 AM.
Do not be surprised to see many other parents there hoping to get their child into Jedi Training Academy as well. This is a very popular experience and you need to be prepared for that.
Also, pay attention to when Disney World is running extra magic hours at this park. The last thing you want to be dealing with is the disappointment that comes with missing out. Don’t be that person who thinks they are showing up early, only to find that the park has already opened.
This changed throughout the year and I strongly suggest that you check Disney’s website to make sure that you don’t run into this. Maybe even call guest services if you want to absolutely be sure.
Photo Credit: Disney
Having said that, as soon as you get into the park, walk straight until you see someone holding a sign pointing you to the left. You will walk by 50’s Primetime Cafe’ and just before you reach Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular you will see the signup area for your Jedi in training on the left.
Jedi Training Pro Tip
Get yourself an 8 AM reservation for breakfast at Hollywood and Vine. You’ll be just down the block from the signup area for Jedi Training Academy and you’ll be in the park ahead of the rest of that crowd. When we do this I check us in at Hollywood and Vine and my husband takes our little one down to get her signed up for Jedi Training Academy.
Jedi Training Academy Reservation Hack
When you are done eating breakfast (if you’re lucky) you can get right on Star Tours after that without much of a wait!
Your child must be with you when you sign them up for Jedi Training, as they are asked a few simple questions to make sure they can follow instructions without an adult guiding them.
They will then assign you a time to return for the actual experience. You will usually want to show up 30 minutes before the show actually starts. They will work with Fastpasses if they can, but don’t expect much of anything if you are late for the line.
What Is Jedi Training Academy Like?
Jedi Training Academy: Trials of The Temple is known to have four regular Star Wars characters that make appearances. While this can change at any time in the future; I know that they have had Kylo Ren, Darth Vader, Darth Maul, and The Seventh Sister.
Upon your return time, they will give the kids a robe, name badge, water bottle, and of course a lightsaber (ok, a toy one). They do run the show every half hour, and the actual show that your child is in runs 20 minutes long. Every day the times generally run like this with the next show happening about every hour or so:
- 9:40 AM
- 10:10 AM
- 11:10 AM
- 11:40 AM
- 12:40 PM
- 1:10 PM
- 1:40 PM
- 2:10 PM
- 2:40 PM
- 3:10 PM
- 3:40 PM
- 4:10 PM
- 5:10 PM
- 6:10 PM
- 6:40 PM
Here is a great video highlighting the sort of thing you can expect!
How To Get Great Pictures?
If you have multiple adults in your party, then make sure you have one adult take the children back at your scheduled return time and have another adult go back to the location where this all happens, which is right next to Star Tours.
That way you can find a fantastic spot, early, for some great pictures and video of your child in action! You may need to keep your eyes open for a spot as another show may be finishing, so you can just scootch your way up to the front as people are leaving.
There is ZERO shade for the spectators here, so you’ll want to make sure you hydrate and possibly wear a hat or some other kind of cover.
If you have memory maker they have a Photopass photographer there, so you’ll get some excellent pictures in general on top of any photo and video that you take yourself.
At the end of the show make sure that you connect with the Photopass photographer. He’ll hand you a card that has a number on the back. You then link that to your memory maker and you’re good to go!
Does Disneyland Still Do Jedi Training?
The Jedi Training: Trials of The Temple is quite a one of a kind experience that you will now only find in Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. It is no longer offered at Disneyland.
Can Adults Join The Jedi Training Academy?
This is a question I get asked a lot. The answer is this…
Not normally, but in the past, adults have been allowed to train to be a Jedi in this as well. Although it is not a normal thing and historically that has only been on May The 4th as part of the May The 4th festivities.
Conclusion
I can’t recommend Hollywood Studios Jedi Training Academy enough if your kids are die-hard Star Wars fans. It’s an experience that they’ll always remember and you will love watching.
Make sure you check out our articles before you leave. In particular, if you are interested in checking out some other events that take place regularly at this awesome park then that guide is perfect for planning your day there.
Click here for more information about Disney’s Hollywood Studios
