Though it began as an annual event, The Jedi Training Academy is now interactive fun for young Padawan-wannabes visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando and Disneyland in California every day, year-round. Youngsters get to don Jedi robes and wield a toy lightsaber, learning the moves from a Master Jedi before the face off against an evil Sith Lord.
Mark Renfrow, show director and writer, said about the exhibit, “We always go through many, many changes with our shows, attractions and other guest experiences to make them the best they can be. We worked on several concepts and made improvements to the show as we went along. When it was time to debut, luckily the Force was with us!:
“And just like everything we create at Disney Parks, we continue to strive to make it a better guest experience. After the debut, we worked with Lucasfilm on ways the show could be even more authentic, and more immersive. So, we added voices to the famous characters; we wanted to add voices to the stormtroopers, Darth Vader — so he would be even more awesome — as well as the sage-like voice of Yoda. They gave us the green light on the stormtroopers. Happy to say that the current versions of the Jedi Training Academy in both Disneyland Park in California and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida now have the unmistakable voices of both Darth Vader and Yoda.”
The academy teaches these young Padawans patience, following directions, the proper ways to handle and wield a lightsaber, the history and ways of a Jedi, the mysteries and power of the force, bravery, trusting in yourself, good versus evil, and the awesome feeling of accomplishment.
For more info check on this exhibit and also to learn more about the Star Wars Weekends during the month of June each year check out StarWars.com
