Medieval Times
In the 1960s, on the small island of Mallorca, Spain, Jose Montaner had a thriving barbecue business. So did someone else. Montaner and his rival each vied for customers, locals and visitors from the island’s tourist trade.One day, Montaner overheard some English tourists talking about medieval fairs, and an idea occurred to him: What if he could lure more barbecue patrons by seating them in front of an indoor dinner theater with dueling knights, serving wenches, and horses?
El Cid:
Part of what motivated Montaner’s pursuit of what would become Medieval Times was his interest in Spanish history. He was also influenced by the 1961 movie El Cid, a drama starring Charlton Heston that featured many of the tropes meant to transport his visitors to 11th-century Spain: sword duels, castles, and galloping horses.
Florida:
Montaner put on a show in Spain for years before an investment panel was gathered to bring the idea to the States. Scouts visited Orlando, Florida in 1980 and came across a prime spot of real estate in Kissimmee, just 15 minutes from Walt Disney World. By 1983, the first Medieval Times on American soil was open for business.The appeal came from the idea of seeing what amounted to a live stunt show, with armored knights hoisting broad swords and ramming into one another in jousts. Their stage would be a massive sand floor; attendees could enjoy Cornish hen and cheer for one of six knights depending on which section they were seated in. In keeping with their (loose) interpretation of medieval practices, no utensils would be allowed.
The Kissimmee location of Medieval Times saw its attendance rise steadily, from 183,000 in 1984 to 600,000 by 1993. The investment firm opened a second location in Buena Park, California in 1986, and a third in Lyndhurst, New Jersey in 1990. The last castle in their expansion opened in Scottsdale Arizona in 2019.
Medieval Times uses so many Andalusian, or Spanish, horses that they have their own breeding farm in Sanger, TexasMedieval Times admit roughly 2.5 million peasants annually.
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/501000/knight-club-history-medieval-times-dinner-theater
Medieval Times Buena Park, California is a medieval-themed entertainment venue. Offering spectacular live shows with jousting and sword-fighting, the Medieval Times castle in Buena Park is part of the Medieval Times group – consisting of 10 castle-like venues across the USA. Visitors are served meals with the live show.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Medieval+Times+Dinner+%26+Tournament
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Medieval+Times+Dinner+%26+Tournament
Each section gets their own knight to cheer for which is designated by color. The show opens with a grand introduction of the queen, where she comes out on her horse and waves to the crowd before taking the thrown. She is just gorgeous, with all new costuming and special attention to detail that make her just stunning.
The knights take turns performing various tricks and tasks and compete against each other for the favor of the queen. And because there always needs to be a villain, a disgruntled knight shows up and wants to challenge the queen from her throne. He is met with competition, and a fight ensues.
https://thehomespunhydrangea.com/medieval-times-introduces-an-all-new-show
Seating is reserved and each seating section is assigned a knight to cheer for throughout the show. Every seat is a good seat with clear views of the action. However, some may prefer an up close first row seat or an upper level seat with views looking down on the show and crowd.
The castle opens 75 minutes before the show time printed on your ticket. During this time you will check-in, and get assigned a colored crown that will determine which knight you are going to cheer for. Then you will enter the Hall of Arms where you can enjoy several activities: gift shop, full-service bar, museum of torture. You can also see the horses up close or watch knighting ceremonies. 15 minutes before the show time you will be seated, so it is important to be there at this point since seating is first come first served.
The Tournament:
This is an action-packed two-hour medieval tournament. You will witness beautifully choreographed intricate battles, and authentic jousting during which one of the knights tries to strike the opponent with a lance while galloping towards him at high speed. The sword fights, the costumes, the horses, the music... everything incredible!
http://blog.planadayout.com/medieval-times-dinner-tournament
It began with the entrance of a single horse. Wow, that was a beautiful horse! A trainer then came out and there was a little narration about the growing relationship between horse and man. After that, quickly warped to the 11th century. We were introduced to the knights, one by one, as well as the reigning king and his daughter. All performers were in full costume (very detailed) and totally in character.
The focus then went back to the Pure Spanish Andalusians that were brought out.
https://www.cookiesandclogs.com/medieval-times-dinner-tournament-buena-park
Some of the most talented Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament cast members are the horses. The magnificent stallions are born performers. Nearly all of their more than 400 horses are raised at Medieval Times’ Chapel Creek Ranch in Sanger, Texas.
Training begins early. As weanlings, Medieval Times horses are introduced to lead ropes and halters. Saddles come at age two. Long reins and simple exercises such as lunging follow. At age three, the horses move to their new homes — one of nine North American Castles — where they learn advanced-level dressage from a master horse trainer. Then life as a pampered performer begins.
After a few years in the spotlight, the Medieval Times horses move back to the Chapel Creek Ranch. There, the horses live out their lives in royal treatment.
Chapel Creek Ranch:
Opened in 1991, the 241-acre Chapel Creek Ranch in North Texas is home to Quarter Horses, Friesians, Menorcans, as well as the Pure Spanish Horses the company breeds.
Pure Spanish Horses:Prized by medieval royalty for its astonishing strength, agility and even temperament.
Andalusian:
“Medieval Times originated in Spain, so it was natural that the creators chose the great Spanish Andalusian breed for its shows,” said Kerry D. Graves, vice president, marketing & sales for Medieval Times. “Andalusians stand higher than most others and their bodies are muscular and strong while also very flexible, which helps them perform in the shows as they did in the military during the medieval ages.”
https://www.writinghorseback.com/medieval-times-horseback-riding-vacation-at-buena-park-ca
Did you know that a falcon's eyesight is 89 times better than a human's? This allows them to spot small prey from great distances!
https://m.facebook.com/MedievalTimesBP/posts/2310500148976660?_se_imp=1G5qAwlnmcy1gOMpY
Tanya came out serving our tomato bisque and dragon bread. The rest of the meal included a baby dragon (half a rotisserie chicken), as well as a small cob of corn, half a seasoned potato, and an apple turnover for dessert. No utensils allowed either. We're all eating with our hands. I was impressed by the food. It was actually pretty good, and you get a decent sized portion.
https://www.flowerstales.com/2016/09/medieval-times-dining-as-kings-royalty.html
4 Course Meal Medieval-style as we ate with our hands. It starts with dragon’s blood (tomato soup) and garlic toast then followed by roasted chicken (baby dragon), buttered corn on the cob, potato wedge, and ends with lemon pound cake for dessert and coffee.
https://letsplayoc.com/posts/orange-county-medieval-times-buena-park-castle-specials
The small room holds over a dozen Medieval torture devices, and I have to say they were pretty grotesque to read about.
https://californiathroughmylens.com/medieval-times
Introduced in the 14th century, suits of armor were expensive. The effective body shielding was tailor-made by a metal-smith to the intended wearer. Armor originally began as metal helmets and shields. Later, steel plates to cover the chest were added. Over time, the full head-to-toe suit or armor was developed. Suits were heavy, hot and awkward to wear. Much training had to be done on and off the horse in order to be a masterful warrior in combat while wearing a suit of armor. Horses also had to become used to the added weight.
In the gift shop there were options to purchase many type of different swords as well as fun flags by color to cheer on the color of your team in the show to come.
https://danisdecadentdeals.com/2013/08/08/medieval-times-fun
Specialty drinks and large overflowing steins.
https://www.medievaltimes.com/experience/the-feast
All of the weapons displayed are used in the actual battles of the tournament. The development of weapons used by legions afoot in hand-to-hand combat led to innovations for maximum devastation. For Knights of the Realm the ability to master these weapons and continue the battle when dismounted was an essential part of their training, Lances and Greatswords worked well from horseback, but on the ground a variety of other weapons proved more effective at defeating the enemy in battle.
Mace and Bola:
This armor fighting weapon could be
easily made of simple materials with a
wood or steel shaft from 1-5 feet in
length. The ball, made of steel, iron,
bronze, or stone, was often studded or
knobbed for maximum effect.
Tremendous damage would be struck
upon the enemy as the short length of
chain between shaft and ball
developed great striking force.
Poleaxe or Battleaxe:
The bludgeoning and cutting weapon also
known as a head axe used a wooden shaft
of 4-5 feet in length topped with a sharp,
curved blade axe head. A blow delivered
by the Poleaxe, struck with significant
force, could dismember the enemy in a
single blow. Some variations, such as the
Gisarme, were massive and ornate and
reached shaft lengths of up to 14 feet.
Longswords, Greatswords,
and Broadswords:
Ornamental in design these blades
also dealt a mighty blow when struck
down upon the enemy. Both edges were
honed to be razor sharp and could cut
through armor when in the hands of a
mighty knight. One of the largest of
weapons on the field of battle, these
swords ranged from 50-72 inches,
and most often were swung with
both hands for maximum force.
Lance:
Usually made of ash hardwood and tipped
with steel, this weapon of the joust would often
be used in the onset of battle. Knights astride horseback
struck down the enemy before he could reach the mounted
warriors. Shaft lengths of 9-14 feet, protective hilts above
the handle grip, and leather straps to support the lance,
all worked in concert to give the knight an advantage
over an enemy on horseback or on foot.
Helmet, Shield, and Armor:
Designed to deflect the lance, the
protective gear was made from hammered
metal sheeting with leather and steel ring
connections. Chainmail was often used to
supplement the armor. The shield and helmet
were adorned with design elements from
the Knight's Heraldry to be identified as
friend or foe in the heat of battle.
https://danisdecadentdeals.com/2013/08/08/medieval-times-fun
- Atlanta Castle
- Baltimore Castle
- Buena Park Castle
- Chicago Castle
- Dallas Castle
- Lyndhurst Castle
- Myrtle Beach Castle
- Orlando Castle
- Scottsdale Castle
- Toronto Castle
Medieval Times Florida is located in Orlando, and offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks. As you arrive, the stand alone Orlando Castle’s large walls are set off by a moat and drawbridge, really setting the tone for your fun evening ahead. This Castle was the first Medieval Times’ in North America, opening in 1983.
The Castle doors open 75 minutes prior to show-time, be sure to leave ample time if you want to explore the village and torture chambers on the castle grounds. You will also need time to see the pre-show in the great hall of the castle.
https://journeyswithjenn.com/medieval-times-florida-review
When you get there, they assign you a color and a table. We were in the green section, rooting for the Green Knight. Everyone gets in the spirit and wears the crown of their section. Then the feast was on and there was dressage and a falconry and drill team demonstration while we were eating. Pretty cool. The jousting was neat. There was sword fighting, too, and a bad guy who had to be defeated.
http://reversingthepolarity.blogspot.com/2018/09/medieval-times.html
Have you seen the castle off I-90 in Schaumburg? In the main part of the castle there is a large open space with medieval decor, royal chairs, knight armor, souvenir stands and photo opportunities. You can hang out in this area for a while or continue into the arena and seating area.
There really aren’t any bad seats. Obviously the closer probably the better, but it’s not like the United Center where you can’t see much when you sit at the top. There are six different sections with different colors, so you cheer for the knight of the color section you are in.
https://mykidlist.com/medieval-times-chicago-schaumburg
The Medieval Times Castles take you back to a time of knights, horsemanship and chivalry. The indoor courtyard of the castle has plenty to keep you occupied before the show begins and you’re escorted to your table. Beverages for the young & drinks for 21+ are available for purchase and there are a number of kiosks to buy souvenirs and items to help cheer your knights on. There are knighting ceremonies to watch, and suits of armor & weapons to be fascinated by as well. You can also visit the “Torture Chamber” for an additional small charge.
https://www.threedifferentdirections.com/a-knight-of-celebration-at-medieval-times.html
Once you get your lanyards and crowns it's time to explore the Hall of Arms. Here you pick out Royal gifts, explore the museum of torture, see the Royal Falconer and his birds up close, select a drink from the full-service bar or simply sit and enjoy the grand medieval feel of things.
To say Medieval Times is just a show is not doing it justice. This is a tournament of honor, strength, and courage and let’s not forget the 4-course dinner fit for a Queen.
Queen Maria Isabella welcomes you to dine with her and her royal court. Always a generous host, the Queen has commanded her royal chefs to cook her favorite meal just for you.Medieval Times’ noble guests feast on garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, roasted chicken, sweet buttered corn, herb-basted potatoes, the pastry of the Castle, coffee and two rounds of select beverages.
The excitement of a medieval expedition of beautiful horses, a royal falcon and 6 Knights battling for the honor of the Queen through jousting and weaponry is a night you will never forget.
https://themrstee.com/staycation-destination-medieval-times-myrtle-beach-sc
I was prepared for an evening of cheesy theatrics masquerading as entertainment. I was not prepared to be genuinely entertained... and surprised at how well-executed the entire experience is. The show has been around for a long time (astonishingly, it began in Florida in 1983), and for anything to survive that long - let alone a dinner theater show - it has to have some merit.
We visited the Baltimore Castle, which - despite the name - is actually located about 20 minutes south of Baltimore. This location is actually part of a huge mall, but from the outside, it really does resemble a castle.
The Tournament of Knights has several events, including rings (they use jousts to spear small and large rings), jousting, and sword fighting. We sat in the yellow section. The yellow knight won. Boo-yah.
https://theroarbots.com/medieval-times-baltimore
We caught the evening show on Wednesday, and I was surprised how pack it was of people, and also was amazed at the inside look. The decor made you feel like you have walked into a castle time warping back to ten centuries ago. You see Kings, Queens, and servants walking around authentically dressed in medieval outfits. Too cool!
The decor at Medieval Times is a replica of Majorca and Benidorm, Spain. All battle gear are real, and that includes swords and other weapons used in the shows.
https://www.productreviewmom.com/2016/07/we-crash-castle-at-medieval-times.html
Everyone is given paper crowns celebrating their assigned knight section when you check in. If you upgrade your tickets like we did, you also receive a coordinating banner to wave around as well. The upgraded tickets guarantee you better seating but honestly I think even 3rd or 4th row seats would have been great. One lucky lady receives a favor from her knight:
https://desertchica.com/medieval-times-adventure
Medieval Times is a great attraction for kids and adults alike. The food is really good and the serfs and wenches are fantastic. The jester running the sword shop is super into what he does and is very knowledgeable about proper handling and care for the weapons.
Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is a family dinner theater featuring staged medieval-style games, sword-fighting, and jousting.Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament:
- Shows are performed by a cast of about 75 actors and 20 horses in each location.
- 1983: the first Medieval Times location opened in Orlando, Florida
- 1986: the second location opened in Buena Park, California
- 1990: Lyndhurst New Jersey
- 1991: Schaumburg Illinois
- 1992: Dallas Texas
- 1993: Toronto Ontario
- 1995: Myrtle Beach South Carolina
- 2003: Hanover Maryland
- 2006: Lawrenceville Georgia
- 2019: Scottsdale Arizona
The shows change about every six years. A new show premiered in late 2017, and for the first time, the lead role was filled by a queen rather than a king.Guests are served a four-course meal timed with the presentation of the tournament. The standard offering is garlic bread and tomato bisque soup, a half rotisserie chicken, sides of herb-roasted potato and buttered sweetcorn, and a castle dessert. Vegan and allergy-friendly options are available.
The tournament opens with a light show and introduction of the six knights of the realm and their counties, represented by their colors throughout the castle. Also featured are choreographed equestrian, falconry, and character skills. A story-line ensues featuring the first female ruler, Doña Maria Isabella, attended by knights, squires, serfs, and wenches on parade and in competition.
Knights on horseback compete at games, including catching rings on a lance, flag passing, and javelin tossing. Horseback jousts and fights have large nets to protect the audience from the wooden splinters from the lances and flying weapons. The winner is honored as "Champion" and "Defender of the Realm" and chooses a lady from the audience to be the "Queen of Love and Beauty."
#1 Dinner Attraction in North America. In the 1960s, on the small island of Mallorca Spain, Jose Montaner had a thriving barbecue business. So did someone else. They each vied for customers, locals and visitors from the island’s tourist trade. One day Montaner overheard some English tourists talking about medieval fairs, and an idea occurred to him: What if he could lure more barbecue patrons by seating them in front of an indoor dinner theater with dueling knights, serving wenches, and horses?