Hi Jeff,
Guess what? Starting in Jan 2012, the Moms Panel site will include a Disneyland specialist. That could be you in 2013. The application process should take place again late summer / early fall 2012. Keep your eyes open.
Jedi Training Academy (JTA) at Disney's Hollywood Studios (DHS) is out of this world fun for kids between the ages of 4 & 12. JTA is currently held several times daily, year round. The times will be listed on your
Times Guide that you pick up along with your Guide Map when you enter the park.
The number of participants is limited & they start registration first thing in the morning & stop once the spots are filled for the day (they usually fill up fast during peak seasons). If this is something your kids would like to participate in, head that way first. They will need to be present with you to register because they ask participants a couple of questions to make sure they can follow some basic directions. On the day I visited they started sign-ups during the morning Extra Magic Hours (EMH).
JTA is located next to Star Tours. During our recent visit, they were holding registration at Sounds Dangerous with Drew Carey. There was a sign in front of the Sounds Dangerous theater directing people to the signup area. The location may vary but it will be held in an area near the JTA stage - just ask any Cast Member in that area.
There will be a PhotoPass Photographer during the show getting shots of all of the participants. Following the session, be sure to stop by so that he/she can give you a slip of paper with instructions on how to get those pictures added to your Disney PhotoPass.
Wishing you minnie magical memories :-) Allison