Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

kissimmee knights — 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.

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.

The Royal Feast Menu

1. Drinks: Upon arrival and being seated in the arena, guests are offered a selection of drinks. These are served by a costumed wench or serf in keeping with the medieval theme.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Choices usually include soda (Coke products), iced tea, or water.
Alcoholic Beverages: There is also an option to purchase alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. Drinks are served in themed mugs or goblets for a more immersive experience. Alcohol is an additional cost unless you upgrade to certain VIP packages that may include a drink.

2. Appetizer: Tomato Bisque Soup: The first course of the meal is a hearty Tomato Bisque Soup, which is served in a small metal bowl. The soup is creamy and rich, flavored with tomatoes and seasonings, and provides a warm start to the meal.

Garlic Bread: Along with the soup, guests receive a serving of garlic bread, which is crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for dipping into the soup.

3. Main Course: Half Roasted Chicken: The main attraction of the feast is a large portion of roasted chicken, typically half of a chicken, roasted to golden perfection. The chicken is seasoned and slow-cooked to ensure that it’s tender and flavorful. The portion is generous and filling, providing the essence of a royal banquet.

Spare Rib: Alongside the chicken, guests are served a single BBQ spare rib. The rib is covered in a savory, smoky sauce and adds a taste of medieval indulgence to the meal.

4. Side Dish: Herb-Roasted Potato: A perfectly seasoned herb-roasted potato is served as a side dish. The potato is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, flavored with herbs and spices to complement the chicken and rib.

Sweet Buttered Corn: The potato is accompanied by a serving of sweet buttered corn, typically a half cob. The corn is simply prepared, with butter bringing out its natural sweetness.

5. Dessert: Castle Dessert: For dessert, guests are treated to what is typically called the Castle Dessert. The specific dessert can vary depending on the location and time of year, but the most common options include:

Lemon Pound Cake: A moist, lightly sweetened lemon-flavored cake that serves as a refreshing end to the feast.
Occasionally, chocolate brownies or other pastries are offered as well.

6. Vegetarian and Special Diet Options: For guests with dietary restrictions or preferences, Medieval Times offers an alternative vegetarian meal that includes:

Three-bean stew with fire-roasted tomatoes, brown rice, and warmed pita bread.
Hummus and carrot and celery sticks as a starter.
A fresh fruit or sorbet for dessert.

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.

Vicinity of Medieval Times

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.

Additional Information

VIP and Royalty Upgrades: Some Medieval Times locations offer VIP packages that may include priority seating, upgraded beverages, and other perks like commemorative flags, framed photos, or additional appetizers.
Menu Variations: The menu remains largely consistent across different Medieval Times locations, but occasionally, there may be slight variations in dessert or side dishes depending on the region and time of year.

For more information visit: https://www.medievaltimes.com/orlando