Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, located in Kissimmee, Florida, offers an immersive, family-friendly experience that transports guests back to the Middle Ages. Set in a replica 11th-century European castle, this unique attraction combines a live-action jousting tournament with a four-course feast fit for royalty. Visitors witness knights in full armor competing in medieval games of skill, while enjoying a hearty meal—all without modern utensils, to maintain authenticity.
Medieval Times is more than just a dinner show; it’s a complete experience that captures the grandeur, chivalry, and pageantry of the medieval era. The Florida location is part of a chain of castles across North America, each offering a similar blend of dining and entertainment.
The Experience
1. The Castle and Pre-Show Before the show begins, guests are invited into the grand medieval-style castle. The decor and ambiance are designed to immerse visitors in the 11th century, complete with stone walls, flags, suits of armor, and other period decorations. Guests are welcomed by the Queen of the castle and assigned to one of six colored sections, each representing a knight they will cheer for during the tournament.
The Hall of Arms, the main gathering area before the show, offers opportunities for guests to browse medieval-themed merchandise, see the knights’ horses in the stables, and even pose for photos with actors in period costumes. The venue often includes a pre-show where guests can enjoy additional entertainment, such as sword fighting demonstrations, falconry, or photo ops with the royal court.
2. The Tournament Once inside the Grand Arena, guests take their seats in the tiered sections, each corresponding to a knight competing in the tournament. The arena is a large sand-filled space in the center of the seating area, where the knights demonstrate their skills in horseback riding, jousting, sword fighting, and other medieval combat techniques.
The show is divided into several acts, with knights competing in a series of games that test their agility, accuracy, and strength. Events include:
- Jousting: Knights charge at each other on horseback, aiming to knock their opponent off their horse with a lance.
- Sword Fighting: Knights engage in intense sword battles, complete with dramatic sparks and staged choreography.
- Medieval Games: The knights also compete in traditional games, such as ring spearing and flag throwing, demonstrating their precision and horsemanship.
Throughout the tournament, the Queen and her royal court preside over the action, and the audience is encouraged to cheer loudly for their assigned knight, creating an exciting, interactive experience. A live announcer narrates the events, and the tournament culminates in a final showdown where only one knight emerges victorious.
3. The Feast One of the highlights of the Medieval Times experience is the four-course feast, which is served to guests during the tournament. The menu typically includes medieval-style fare such as roasted chicken, garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, sweet buttered corn, herb-basted potatoes, and a dessert pastry. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request.
In keeping with the medieval theme, the meal is eaten without utensils, as it would have been during the time period. Guests are encouraged to eat with their hands, which adds to the authenticity and fun of the experience.
4. Knights, Horses, and Falconry The knights are central to the performance, and each one is outfitted in elaborate armor and colors representing their house or region. In addition to the knights, the show features beautiful Andalusian horses, which perform elegant dressage routines between tournament events. Falconry is another feature of the show, with a trained falcon soaring through the arena in a display of medieval hunting techniques.
Educational and Family-Friendly Focus
Medieval Times is designed to be both entertaining and educational, providing an authentic glimpse into the history and culture of medieval Europe. The show includes historical references to knighthood, chivalry, and medieval combat techniques. Additionally, the Florida location often hosts school groups and offers educational packages that include lessons on history, medieval customs, and the code of chivalry.
For more information visit: https://www.medievaltimes.com/orlando