Jedi Training Academy

If you have a Star Wars fan in your family, the Jedi Training Academy at Disney's Hollywood Studios is a must do!  This is a free activity, but you have to sign up for it, and it fills up fast.  Children ages 4-12 are able to participate- just make sure your child won't run away from Darth Vader.  He can be pretty scary to younger kids!  You will want to make it to Hollywood Studios prior to park opening, and be one of the first people in the park.  At least one adult, and any kids who will be participating, will need to go straight to the ABC sound stage to sign up for a spot to fight Darth Vader.  (Note: Participants MUST be present at sign up)  

Participants are given a brown Jedi robe and a light saber, then take the stage to begin their training.  Jedi masters are on hand to show the children how to use their light sabers.  

Once the training is complete, the kids go to the side of the stage, because there is an evil force arriving.

(Note:  The day we were there, Darth Maul was also there)

Darth Vader then tries to turn the children to the dark side.  He didn't recruit a single child this day!

Once all participants have a chance to fight off Darth Vader, they are rewarded with a certificate.  

This is definitely one of the highlights for us.  My older kids love Star Wars, so they were excited to participate in this.  Remember to show up about 20-30 minutes prior to your childs' time slot.  We were running late, and arrived about 8 minutes prior, and they almost didn't let my kids do it.  Luckily, a really nice CM ran back to grab two more Jedi robes, so they could participate.