Since 1977, fans have dreamed of visiting a galaxy far, far away and learning the ways of the Jedi. Many have gone to extreme lengths, from building their own lightsabers, costumes, and robes to creating their own "character" and back-story, but none have come close to true Force powers... And those are just the adults. What about the children? How can they learn to be real Jedi?
Kids are great at using their imaginations which is the heart of the Star Wars universe. But sometimes you really want your fantasy to become reality. So what better place than Disney World?
Jedi Training Academy is an interactive experience that began as a part of Walt Disney World's Star Wars Weekends. It's part show, part experience and in the tradition of Disney, magical.
This year Disney has embraced the theme "Where Dreams Come True" but the Jedi Training Academy has been making Star Wars fans' dreams come true for many years now.
Meet some of the people responsible for making JTA come to life and get a sneak peek behind the scenes of Star Wars and Disney.
Mark Renfrow
Show Director / Writer
Walt Disney Entertainment
When did JTA start and how did it come about?
It debuted in May of 2000 at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park in Florida, as part of the annual Star Wars Weekends event. In 2000, the Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park decided to make Star Wars Weekends an annual event. In this new four-week long format, the event would need to be enhanced with the addition of several new Star Wars-themed offerings. We met and came up with an idea for an immersive entertainment experience that allowed kids to live the adventure of becoming a Jedi while providing the guests in the audience an entertainment show. The combination of the Force and our brand of Disney magic felt like a home run. Following the Star Wars lore, our team wrote an interactive show that gave younglings the opportunity to go through training under the auspicious tutelage of a Jedi Master. And what better way to feel like a mighty Jedi than to learn how to properly wield a lightsaber? Since the toy lightsaber was already popular, we figured we already had one of the keys to make the show a success. Now all we needed was a classic "good vs. evil" conflict -- hello Mr. Vader!
What ideas didn't make it?
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.
What was Lucasfilm's reaction?
Our partners at Lucasfilm were thrilled with the experience. I remember watching their faces as they soaked up the excitement of Jedi Training Academy. That was a great day.
How is this show different than most other rides/shows at the park?
Before I answer how it is different, let me tell you how it is similar. Disney Parks' mission is to make every experience magical, filled with wonderful storytelling that hits on a number of emotions; it also must be great family entertainment that is designed to leave everlasting memories that families can share. "Immersive Entertainment" is a way guests can live out their dreams at Disney Parks. For example, guests also can join the fun of High School Musical at our theme park, and at the Magic Kingdom they can join Sheriff Woody from Toy Story in an interactive and entertaining "roundup."
What were some of the challenges?
With the script and foundation of the show, there were no real obstacles that I can remember. Any possible issues were typical and expected when working with another company's popular story and characters. Any real hurdles were in the show's stages and their tricks and theming. Yet, what an issue to have. The show is so popular that it needs a larger or more elaborate stage! Though this may have created some logistic hurdles, all the positive greatly outweighed the dark side. I'm thrilled with both of the outstanding stages (at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park). They are both very different, yet each able to deliver a dynamic experience.
Why does the show work so well?
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- It takes place surrounded by the magic of a Disney Theme Park
- Kids get to live a Star Wars dream. What kid doesn't want to experience the Force?
- A successful story arc: Participation, learning a cool skill, success in that skill, good over evil, acceptance in the order of the Jedi.
- Strong performers that do an outstanding job in bringing each role to life.
- Vader!
- Whether you have a child in the show or not, everyone in the audience find themselves supporting the students, and thus the audience is a united force.
- Watching iconic Star Wars characters come to life -- live and in-person.
- Hearing numerous memorable lines from the Star Wars films that the audiences know and love not only entertains, but makes them feel somehow connected.
- The unknown barrage of questions that run through the Guests' mind during the show: "Will my child pay attention and do what he/she is supposed to?" "What will the kids do when Vader emerges?" "I didn't know Vader and his posse were in this?" "What will my childdo when he/she has to actually duel against the dark lord of the Sith?" and many more.
- Family and friends getting to experience one-of-a-kind magical memories that star their little Padawan.
What does JTA teach to its participants?
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, the awesome feeling of accomplishment, to name a few.
How do the parents react?
Though they always appear thrilled, I have heard many testimonies about the roller coaster of emotions that often go along with something like this: Hope, elation, strong anxiety, relief, great joy, and extreme pride. Because the show is never exactly the same due to the reactions of the kids, so too are the reactions of the audience. When I need a little Disney magic, all I have to do is watch the reaction of the parents at the end of the show -- it's a great feeling.
Do adults want to come onstage and try it?
Sure they do! Some to be a kid again, some to play Star Wars, and some who just want to get back at Darth Vader, for some strange reason.
How did the show go from a few weeks a year to year round?
Disney is all about magical memories and making dreams come true. This show is all about living a dream, and in doing so, lasting memories are made.
How does Star Wars fit into the Disney family?
Very well, I see strong similarities in both. Both focus on: family entertainment, wonderful storytelling, memorable characters, and fun. Disney Parks are known as the world leader in family theme park entertainment. Star Wars is the greatest movie saga ever told. Two great tastes that taste great together.
JTA has traveled not only to Disneyland but also to Celebration. Star Wars fans are a tough bunch to please. What was the reaction from the fans there?
Even stronger! So many lines from the films are laced into the script. Each time one is delivered, it's like an audience hearing their favorite song at a rock concert. Also, every single one of them wishes they were up on that stage! With such a thirst for more and new Star Wars elements, those fans get to see character moments from a Jedi Master, Vader, and even the stormtroopers that are new, exciting, and often hilarious. Fan audiences are ready to have a blast, and thankfully they do...even the purists.
Who is your favorite Star Wars character?
I feel I know way too much about Star Wars, but you just stumped me. I like so many and there are some in each film. I really can't single one out...though I do have a fond place for the poignant Rancor Keeper.
Ray Park/Darth Maul was here recently. What did he think of JTA?
He said he had heard many great things about the event but this past year was his first time to attend. Afterwards, he told me that his experience far surpassed his expectations. He's a great guy, wonderful performer, and fabulous with our guests. He had a big ol' grin on his face the whole time. With it being a Friday, Saturday and Sunday weekend, by the third day he was pulling out all the stops! We hope he comes back in the future.
What is it about becoming a Jedi that appeals to children?
The color brown? Or maybe, the magic, mystery, and power of the force. Those lightsabers may have something to do with it as well.
You get to play in the Star Wars Universe in Disney World. How much do you love your job?
"It goes to 11."
Do you have any specific memories or stories from a particular training session?
Stories -- there isn't enough time and ink. Though some that are most dear are those of children with disabilities, mental or physical, that have gone through the class and have come out the other side stronger, healthier, and happier; miraculous stuff that also changes the observer.
