Jedi Training Academy (2015-2018)

The Jedi Training Academy, rebranded as Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple from December 8, 2015, to November 4, 2018, was a wildly popular interactive show at Disneyland’s Tomorrowland Terrace, where young guests (ages 4–12) trained as Jedi Padawans to battle iconic Star Wars villains. This immersive experience evolved from its earlier 2006–2015 run, incorporating new characters and a narrative inspired by Star Wars Rebels and The Force Awakens.

Here are 10 fun facts about this galactic adventure during its 2015–2018 era, packed with lightsaber thrills and Disneyland magic!

1. Trials of the Temple Upgrade: Relaunched on December 8, 2015, as Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, the show replaced the original Jedi Training Academy (closed November 15, 2015) with a fresh story inspired by the Lothal Jedi Temple from Star Wars Rebels, featuring new villains and a temple-themed set.
2. Kylo Ren’s Debut: On March 5, 2016, Kylo Ren from The Force Awakens joined the show, replacing Darth Maul as a menacing foe. By September 17, 2017, he also replaced The Seventh Sister, dueling alongside Darth Vader, adding modern Star Wars flair.
3. Seventh Sister Spotlight: From December 2015 to September 2017, The Seventh Sister, a Star Wars Rebels Inquisitor voiced by Sarah Michelle Gellar, battled Padawans on the lower stage. Her eerie mask and double-bladed lightsaber thrilled fans.
4. Tomorrowland Terrace Stage: The show used the Tomorrowland Terrace’s unique rising and lowering stage (built in 1967), dramatically elevating villains like Vader and Kylo Ren from below, unlike Walt Disney World’s door-based exits.
5. Sign-Up Frenzy: Kids had to register early at a kiosk near Star Wars Launch Bay’s exit by Autopia, often filling up within hours. Parents were advised to arrive at park opening (even during Extra Magic Hour), as spots for the six daily shows (36 kids each) were limited.
6. Lightsaber Training: Each of the 30–36 Padawans received a plastic lightsaber and Jedi robe, learning a choreographed sequence of fencing-style moves from Jedi Master Vanzell Mar-Klar and apprentice Nedriss Narr. The routine was surprisingly complex, amusing audiences when younger kids struggled.
7. PhotoPass Memories: Disney PhotoPass photographers captured every Padawan’s battle, handing parents cards to access photos online. Kids also received a certificate and sometimes a pin, making it a cherished memento. The show’s spontaneous kid reactions—like a shy Padawan freezing before Vader or a bold one taunting Kylo Ren—made every performance unique.
8. Yoda’s Voice Cameo: Yoda’s disembodied voice guided Padawans through the Force, urging them to face their fears. In one scene, younglings used a “Force push” to banish villains back into the temple, delighting crowds.
9. Darth Maul’s Brief Return: Until March 2016, Darth Maul occasionally appeared as an apparition, dueling the Jedi apprentice to test her fear. His double-bladed lightsaber battles were a fan favorite before Kylo Ren took over.
10. Galaxy’s Edge Closure: The show ended on November 4, 2018, ahead of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening in 2019, as Disney shifted focus to immersive storytelling in Batuu.