Are you Jedi Lightsaber Qualified?

So you think you are a true Jedi Lightsaber master?  Think again !  I got a chance to visit Disneyland this week and see the Jedi Training Academy which was tons of fun.  Its located in what used to be the Pepsi stage, but is now called Tomorrowland Terrace at Disneyland.   Back in the 70s I used to watch Disco bands and others performing on this stage.  Anyway, kids line up on the stage patio and wait to be one of the 25-30 kids chosen to learn how to use the Force and a lightsaber.  Once the show starts, the Jedi Master and his Padawan look-a-lik e apprentices march out and the Master begins selecting kids.  There is no order to do this although, kid who jumped alot, had Mickey ears on or just showed enthusiasm seemed more likely to be chosen for the show.

 After the kids are chosen (about 8 get to be up on stage while the others are on the cement floor in front of the Jedi Master) the are given a brown Padawan robe and plastic lightsaber.  They all have to say a Jedi oath then are told the 3 rules:  Remember your training position, be mindful of your lightsaber, and NO failling off the stage!  The little 4 year old like in my picture kept getting his sword tangled in his robe but mastered the moves no problem.  He kept trying to tell the Jedi Master how to do it.  The Jedi Master also makes Adult sized "jests" throughout to keep us entertained which we all found "very funny". 

The kids are taught a basic routine and then suddenly down the ramp come storm troopers while the floor of the stage starts rising and out come Darth Vader and Darth Mal who bounces around doing his own lightsaber acrobatic show.  All the kids are moved to the side of the stage and Darth Vader asks them to all come to the Dark Side.  The kids then single file in front of either Darth Vader or Darth Mal and get to duel them one-on-one with the routine they have just mastered.  Of course there is lightsaber sound effects, mist and lights which add to the effect.

 All of the kids defeat the 2 evil one’s who then descend back down in the stage, the kids cheer and they have proven themselves to be great Padawans and all return their sabers and robes and are given a certificate.  THe nice thing is they have shows throughout the day 10:30am, 11:35am, 12:40pm, 2:25pm, 3:30pm and 4:35pm so if you miss the chance at one show, you could come back later on.

The terrace also serves food and has tables that overlook the stage for viewing.  Salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, chicken, fries and a cute kids meal in a Star Wars box are all offered.

From there of course I went to a few of my favorite rides both inside Disneyland like the Disneyland Railroad, Star Wars and at CA Adventure Park I had to go hear the Red Hot Chili Peppers on CA Screamin’ as well as go to Soarin’ which I really enjoyed.  Much different to go without kids and just be one yourself!  Weather was 73 and perfect and crowds were light, perfect time of year to go!