Christmas may be coming, but before my house starts a countdown to the arrival of the big guy in the red suit, we are counting down to the arrival of the big guy with the red lightsaber. The Last Jedi is finally coming to theaters at the end of this week and I'm not sure which member of my family is most excited. At last count, we have two Jedi robes, three Stormtrooper masks, and over a dozen lightsabers. My 9-year-old has been a Star Wars character for Halloween for the last four years and at one point, my four-year-old thought his last name was Skywalker. The Jedi love runs deep in our house, which is why we also love Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple at Walt Disney World's® Hollywood Studios.
(Blogger Amy's son fighting Darth Vader in 2015.)
Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple is an opportunity for Force-sensitive younglings ages 4-to-12-years-old to train as a Jedi and fight the Dark Side in a fun, interactive show at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Participation is free and your spot cannot be reserved in advance. With careful planning, you can work with your MousePros Agent to book an Advanced Dining Reservation for the Disney Junior Play 'n Dine breakfast at Hollywood & Vine before the park opens. Cast Members will allow you to sign up for Jedi Training prior to your reservation. If you aren't able to book an ADR that will get you into the park prior to opening, I suggest arriving at least 30 minutes before rope drop so that you are close to the turnstiles to get in. Once you're in, head down Hollywood Boulevard until you see the Hollywood & Vine restaurant on your left. Turn left there and head straight for Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost near the end Echo Lake.
(MousePros Agent Andrea Fraley's daughter disguised as Rey as she prepares for her Jedi adventure.)
The 20-minute show is held several times throughout the day. If your plans are flexible, you'll have more options for show times. The set for Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple is outside the Star Tours attraction, but sign-ups are located at the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost between 50s Prime Time Cafe and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. All participants must be present at the time of registration along with a parent or guardian. Again, availability is limited and offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. This is an outdoor show, so it is also at the mercy of the weather. Be sure to grab a Times Guide when you arrive or check the My Disney Experience app for up-to-date show times.
(MousePros Agent Jennifer Muscato's son preparing for battle.)
Participants are outfitted with a Jedi robe and a (plastic) lightsaber. Once the show begins, participants are brought to the secret Temple to learn how to wield their lightsabers in preparation to one day fight the Dark Side. Training is lead by a Jedi master and a Jedi apprentice on a stage. When the temple opens, the younglings come face-to-face with and have the opportunity to use their newly learned lightsaber skills as they battle one of their favorite Star Wars villains.
(MousePros Agent Heather Shorey's son listening to his Jedi Master's instructions.)
There is plenty of room surrounding the stage for family members to gather and watch. A Disney PhotoPass photographer is typically on hand taking pictures throughout the event. If you purchased Memory Maker, make sure you have the photographer scan your MagicBand at the end of the event. Once the younglings have successfully defeated the Dark Side, they will be given a diploma and escorted off-stage. Participants will have to return the Jedi robe and lightsaber, but replicas are available for purchase at Tatooine Traders, which you can find as you exit Star Tours.
(MousePros Agent Emily Milligan's son fighting Kylo Ren.)
Walt Disney World® is only one of the many Disney Parks locations offering Jedi Training. Here is a list of the other Disney properties that offer Jedi Training:
Disneyland® Park in Tomorrowland
Disneyland® Park Paris in Discoveryland
Hong Kong Disneyland® in Tomorrowland
Disney Cruise Line® during select "Star Wars Day at Sea" itineraries
There are so many other ways you can enjoy Star Wars at Walt Disney World. You can catch Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular every evening, meet BB-8 in Animation Courtyard, get a hug from Chewbacca or an angry look from Kylo Ren inside the Star Wars Launch Bay, take a ride on Star Tours, or watch the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show throughout the day. All of this will have to tide over Star Wars fans until 2019, when Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens as part of Disney's Hollywood Studios. This dedicated Star Wars park promises to be an immersive, interactive, story-based theme park unlike anything we've ever experienced. You can bet that my house will be starting a really long countdown to the opening.
(I'm pretty sure Kylo Ren is trying to convince my boys to join him on the Dark Side in this photo.)
If you can't get enough Star Wars or have a kiddo who would love to be a Jedi, contact MousePros. Our agents can provide you with a free, no obligation quote on a 2018 trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or any other Disney property so that you can experience Jedi Training yourself. Our agents can also help you customize your day in the park so that you get to do everything Star Wars that there is to experience. Don't forget to share your Jedi Training pictures on our Facebook page!