Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios was one of the best events we’ve ever attended.  It was so much fun!  My boys (husband included) were starstruck meeting Chewbacca, Boba Fett, Darth Maul and more.  We couldn’t get enough of Jedi Mickey’s at Hollywood and Vine and the Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast was out of this world.

There was one experience that I was really excited about–the Padawan Mind Challenge.  This lesser known sibling to the Jedi Training Academy queried younglings on their knowledge of Star Wars Rebels.  Hosted by Dax Lightspeed and Lele De’Nala, with a special appearance by Ezra, Sabine and Chopper, the Padawan Mind Challenge gave kids ages 4-11 the chance to show off their trivia skills.

Sign-ups for the Challenge are located at ABC Sound Studios (where one would normally sign up for Jedi Training Academy).  There are about 20 spots for each session at 12:15 and 4:15 pm.  Adults, do not fear, you can test your Star Wars knowledge as well with the Family Edition occurring at 2:30 and 6:00 pm.

The Challenge itself takes place on the Event Stage.  Each child is given two lightsabers, one red and one blue, and they use the lightsaber to indicate their answer.  My little guy had a hard time understanding how to answer and often “relied” on his fellow contestants for the answers.  It was quite comical after awhile–especially when the hosts picked up on it. Afterwards, each participant was given a toy (a Clone Trooper) courtesy of Hasbro.

DIStracted Tips:

• Arrive early to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  We were there by 7:10.  The gates usually open at 7:30 followed by the Stormtrooper welcome.
• To avoid the Jedi Training Academy crowd, proceed down Hollywood Boulevard and take a left at the American Idol Theater.
• Walk, do not run.  The crowd is varied; some are there for Jedi Training Academy, others to meet Chewie, and still others to ride rides.  You will have plenty of time to sign your child, or family, up.

Has your child participated in the Padawan Mind Challenge?  What did you think?