Experiencing the Medieval Times

http://www.medievaltimes.com/

Have you heard of Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament?   If not, you definitively need to check this out.   Essentially the show brings to life six knights, donning armor, and competing in a jousting tournament for the title of “King’s Champion.”

Two years ago, my husband and I went to celebrate our anniversary.   Last year, my husband decided to bring the boys (ages 9, 6 and 4 ¾) to discover the medieval times with him as a surprise.  I stayed at the RV park with our daughter who was too young for this sort of event.   But we agreed that the next time we do this, the whole family will be going…

Throughout the show, you will be served a royal feast that includes: Oven Roasted Chicken, Garlic Bread, Tomato Bisque Soup, Herb-Roasted Potatoes, Spare Ribs, and Pastry of the Castle.  If you prefer a vegetarian meal, make sure to specify this while making your reservation.    We found that there was definitively too much food on our plates (both times).   When my husband went with the boys last year everyone was able to eat and they brought some leftovers back to the trailer.

Beware of one thing concerning the supper… No utensils are available.   You eat with your fingers and drink your soup!    Let me tell  you that it made a huge impression on Jérémy who was 4 at that time.   Sometimes he still talks about it… *grin*

Needless to say, I think that next time I will pack a few diaper wipes (which are handy even if you don’t have a diaper to change anymore) in my purse to clean up the sticky fingers.

The boys were so excited when they arrived there, they just couldn’t believe it.    Dad splurged a bit and bought them wooden swords and shields and even bought something for his little princess.   They had the opportunity of posing with one of the knights, watch a jousting match with real horses and probably ate more than their stomachs could handle.   But even with the price attached to this dining experience, it was so worth it.  They talked about it for weeks after that.   And they can’t wait to go back and bring their little sister.

My advice for those of you who are interested in experiencing this meal and the show–plan enough time for your visit.  You will have to arrive in advance even though you will be assigned to a specific section, and you won’t be sitting on your hands if you get there early, as you can also explore the castle before the show.   Visit the horses (through a window), explore the store area (yes it is all about merchandising), and wait patiently to be invited inside the dining hall.  This was an experience of a lifetime and it will give your family amazing memories.

As a homeschooling family, we can also use this outing with some lessons on medieval times and how people lived during that era.    I am fortunate to have wonderful book with interesting information about this time period.  

The price is expensive.  For an adult expect to spend 63.95$ (plus tax and processing fee) while a child 12 years old and under will be 40.95$ (plus tax and processing fee).  But for an experience of a lifetime, I would highly recommend this dining event to our friends.

Castles can be found in Atlanta, GA, Baltimore/Washington, D.C.,  Buena Park, CA, Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, Lundhurst, NJ, Myrtle Beach, SC, Orlando, FL and Toronto, ON (Canada).

In Toronto, the Medieval Times Castle is located at 10 Dufferin St., Exhibition Place.

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