In a Galaxy Far, Far, Away…or Not so Far Away at Hollywood Studios

My family has recently been able to enjoy the new Star Wars offerings at Hollywood Studios as well as enjoy some old favorites. The kids enjoyed dressing the part for the day.

Dressing for a day of Star Wars fun!
Dressing for a day of Star Wars fun!

Even if you are not a huge fan of Star Wars, I think you will still enjoy these adventures into the world of the Star Wars saga.

Jedi Training

Jedi Training was awesome! I had seen the show before, but my 10 year old son really wanted to try it this time, as well as some friends that were traveling with us. We arrived at Hollywood Studios at opening and the line had already started forming for Jedi Training sign ups right next to Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular at the Adventure Outpost. The line was a bit intimidating and we were unsure if we would make it, but it moved rather quickly and cast members would come out to speak to the line and let you know what times they were currently scheduling, so you could decide if that would work for you. You must have your Jedi Knights in line with you and they are firm with the 4-12 age requirement (My just turned 13 year old was a little bummed until he saw that most participants were around 8). Have your My Disney Experience app ready with your dining reservation times and Fastpass+ times so that you can choose a time that works for you. We received a 3:40 pm return time ticket for a 4:10 show. They had an earlier time, but it interfered with a Fastpass+ so we opted for a later time.  Make sure you return on time or you may miss the fun.

Learn to Fight the Dark Side
Learn to Fight the Dark Side

We arrived at our return time with our ticket and the kids were instructed to choose a circle dot to stand on, they received their robes to wear, and parents followed behind the parade of kids on the way to the stage area next to Star Tours below the AT-AT Walker. The Jedis were split into two groups, one group on the upper stage and one on the lower stage where they were given light sabers to begin their training. They stood on circle dots on the stage area where they heard a back story and practiced their moves. Each Jedi had a chance to fight either Darth Vader or the Seventh Sister. There were some great surprises during the show, but I don’t want to give too much away.  Even the audience was asked to use the force to aid in the training.  There were photo pass photographers there capturing the event and we were given a photo pass card at the end. You would then meet your Jedi at the stage exit.

We decided it was well worth standing in line for!  You can check out a video of my son fighting Darth Vader here.

Fighting the dark side
Fighting the dark side

Star Tours

Star Wars Comes Alive
Star Wars Comes Alive

Star Tours has always been a favorite ride for my family but we really enjoyed the new portions of the ride that included scenes from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The store at the ride exit Tatooine Traders was very crowded and busy. There was a line to make your own light saber that went out the door and down the ramp outside the store and the make your own droid station was also quite busy. Keep in mind if you are going to be making it out to Disney Springs that there is a place there you are able to make light sabers and droids as well. We weren’t sure this trip if we would be making it, so waited in the line to make them and sent them back to our resort.

Star Wars Launch Bay

Chewbacca can be cuddly for the littles
Chewbacca can be cuddly for the littles

We really enjoyed viewing the Star Wars displays, memorabilia and short movie at Star Wars Launch Bay about the making of the films. The kids favorite part of Launch Bay was meeting Chewbacca and Kylo Ren, as well as Jawas trying to trade wares and Storm Troopers walking around on patrol outside.

Those kids aren't for sale Jawa!
Those kids aren’t for sale Jawa!

Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away

This stage show started right after our visit so we just missed it, but it is located in front of The Great Movie Ride and occurs on the half hour during the afternoon. Check your times guide.

Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular

Spectacular Fireworks
Spectacular Fireworks

Do Not Miss! This is the best fireworks show I have ever seen. The choreography of the fireworks with the music was truly impressive. Starting this summer they will be adding amazing projection effects and lasers to this show and it will be simply Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. It will still include iconic music from the Star Wars saga as well as special effects and fireworks.

Don’t forget to pick up a Darth Vader Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake at ABC Commissary…Yum!

Darth Vader Cupcake

These events have really gotten us excited about the new Star Wars Land to come in the next few years.  What is your favorite Star Wars themed activity at Hollywood Studios? Find out more about Star Wars and other offerings at Hollywood Studios here.

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