Jedi Training Academy - 3 year old?

**CouchFisher** · 13-11-2012, 01:59 AM

For good or bad, my kids are Star Wars junkies. They love the movies, constantly dress as Jedi Knights and manage to relate all conversation to Star Wars. We're headed down to WDW in January and my 3 year 3 month old son wants nothing more than to "strike down Darth Vader." I know that the age restrictions say 4-12 years but he has been talking about this for months, not even knowing that we're going. Do you think there is any way to get passed the age restriction? We're letting them know Xmas morning, I want to make sure we set expectations clearly so his feelings don't get hurt.

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**Tink** · 13-11-2012, 02:24 AM

Usually Disney is really strict about age restrictions. I've seen the Jedi Academy several times, but I don't know how they determine age. Perhaps they simply ask the parents?

**Mari** · 13-11-2012, 08:48 PM

from what Ive seen, they ask the parents.

I wouldnt promise anything, but talk to the cast members when you get there, who knows! If he's such a die hard fan, they might let him join the fun

**Britchick** · 13-11-2012, 09:34 PM

i guess it depends on the 3/4 year old but i don't know that many would be that confident to be up on the stage and be able to participate that well. I think if it was me i'd wait until they were a little older.

**maverick** · 18-03-2013, 06:11 PM

Couchfisher (and/or anybody else), how did your trip go? I'm heading to WDW in May with a son who will be about that same age that you were describing, and wondering if we might be able to send him through the Academy.

Thanks!

**CouchFisher** · 18-03-2013, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by maverick

Couchfisher (and/or anybody else), how did your trip go? I'm heading to WDW in May with a son who will be about that same age that you were describing, and wondering if we might be able to send him through the Academy.

Thanks!

The trip went great! Three children 5 & under (5,3,1) given the circumstances- went very well.

So, regarding our little Jedi. He waited through the line to signup for the academy. They asked him a few questions which he answered (well enough) to be signed up. We ended up getting around a 5-6pm show time so it was a bit late in the day on no nap. Throughout the day we made references to the Jedi Academy and he was very excited. About 30 minutes before it was time, he decided he wasn't going to do it. Fear, exhaustion, anxiousness or all three? Not sure. His older sister filled in and was one of 3 girls Padawans. She did great and enjoyed it very much. To this day, she reminds her brother who's much more into Star Wars that she is the only Jedi in the house.

P.S. He was too short to get on Star Tours and that ticked him off quite a bit. We tried twice at different times of the day, but even at an inch short of the height there was no leniency from the cast members.

**maverick** · 18-03-2013, 06:30 PM

That's awesome! Can you share what the questions were (or at least the themes) so I can start the study sessions with my son?

**CouchFisher** · 18-03-2013, 06:34 PM

Originally Posted by maverick

That's awesome! Can you share what the questions were (or at least the themes) so I can start the study sessions with my son?

My wife took him with her in line while I corralled the other two. If I recall they just wanted him to say his name, how old, and asked him to follow a couple instructions. Like raise your arm, etc. It seems like that is the the basic requirement. In the academy they are instructed to perform several moves as instructed. I would say most of the kids could follow the instruction but there were some kids that were intimidated by Darth Vader, managing his presence and taking instruction was a bit much for those few presumably younger kids.

You'll have to let me know how your son did once you return. May the force be with him.