Medieval Times Dinner Show in Orlando

If you’re looking for a lively, family-friendly night out that combines history, entertainment, and a hearty meal, the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament in Orlando is worth considering. As North America’s longest-running dinner attraction, it promises an evening packed with knights, horses, and a whole lot of medieval flair.

What we love about this experience is how it transports you to a different era, with impressive costumes and authentic-looking armor that set a captivating scene. Plus, the spectacular horsemanship and exciting jousting matches keep everyone on the edge of their seats. On the downside, some might find the audio quality a bit lacking, making it hard to catch every word during the show.

This tour is ideal for families, history buffs, or anyone wanting a fun, interactive night out. If you appreciate theatrical displays that blend history with entertainment, and you don’t mind a somewhat noisy environment, you’ll likely find this experience well worth the cost.

This experience made our article of The 13 Most Popular Dining Experiences In Orlando.

Key Points

• Authentic Medieval Atmosphere: The castle setting, medieval artifacts, and costumes help create a convincing ambiance.
• Family-Friendly Entertainment: The show appeals to kids, with plenty of action, horses, and colorful characters.
• Hearty 4-Course Meal: No silverware, but plenty of food, with options like chicken, potatoes, and corn.
• Exciting Live Acts: Jousting, sword fights, and horsemanship are highlights that keep the audience engaged.
• Value for Money: At around $80, it offers about three hours of entertainment and a full meal.
• Accessibility: Free parking is included, and most travelers can participate, though there’s no hotel pickup.

An In-Depth Look at the Medieval Times Experience

Setting the Scene: The Castle Entrance and Artifacts

Your adventure begins as you arrive at the castle-inspired venue. The entrance transports you to an 11th-century European castle, complete with banners, coats of arms, and medieval weaponry on display. Walking through the Hall of Arms, you can admire armor, shields, and weapons that set an authentic tone for the night ahead. This initial impression is one of the many touches that make the experience immersive, even if it’s all staged for entertainment.

The Arrival and Seating: Six Colors, Six Regions

Once inside, the excitement builds as royal trumpeters announce the call to dinner, summoning guests to their seats in a designated color zone — one of six representing different regions of medieval Spain. The themed seating adds a layer of authenticity, and it’s fun to see different sections of the arena, each with its own identity.

The Dinner Experience: A Medieval Feast

The meal is served sans silverware, which can be a surprise for some. Expect a four-course feast with options like juicy chicken, seasoned potatoes, and corn — all of which are generally well-liked, though some reviews mention a preference for less spicy seasoning. The food is plentiful and served quickly, allowing guests to enjoy the show without long waits.

While some reviews note the food is simply “okay,” others praise the moist chicken and friendly service. Keep in mind, the meal’s main purpose is to fuel the entertainment, not to be a gourmet experience.

The Show: Jousting, Sword Fights, and Horsemanship

The core of the evening is the live tournament, which lasts about two hours. The show features knights on horseback competing in jousts, engaging in sword fights and demonstrating impressive horsemanship. Spectacles such as hand-to-hand combat and decorated knights in shining armor are highlights, especially for children and history enthusiasts.

Reviewers repeatedly mention the gorgeous horses and the colorful costumes, which add visual appeal. One reviewer noted, “Costumes are beautiful colors and the horses are gorgeous and they do a lot of different things,” emphasizing how well the visuals are executed.

Audience Interaction and Atmosphere

Throughout the show, the actors and knights engage the crowd, encouraging cheers and participation. This lively atmosphere keeps the energy high, making it more than just a passive viewing experience. Some reviewers comment on how “staff was outstanding,” and the show is described as “fun and entertaining.”

However, a few note that sound quality can be inconsistent, making some announcements difficult to hear clearly. The noise level, combined with the stage effects, can sometimes make it hard to catch every detail.

Accessibility and Practicalities

Parking is free, and the entire experience lasts around 3 hours, which makes for a comfortable evening. As the tickets are mobile, quick entry is straightforward, though note that there is no hotel pickup or drop-off included. The venue is near public transportation, making it accessible for most visitors.

Honest Feedback: What Could Be Improved

Several reviews mention the sound system as an area for improvement, with some guests finding it difficult to understand the announcers. The bench seating is described as uncomfortable for longer periods, so bringing a cushion might be a good idea for those sensitive to hard seats.

On top of that, while the food generally receives positive feedback, some travelers find it overly seasoned or spicy, which might be worth considering if you prefer milder flavors.

Pricing and Value

At around $80 per person, this experience offers a good balance of entertainment and meal for about three hours. Families and groups often find it cost-effective, especially considering the included parking and the full evening of entertainment. For those interested in a themed, theatrical adventure that combines history, spectacle, and a hearty meal, this price point is reasonable.

Who Will Love Medieval Times?

This show is perfect for families with kids who enjoy live performances, horses, and medieval costumes. It’s also great for anyone who appreciates theatrical staging and a bit of history served with fun. If you’re seeking an interactive experience where you can cheer for knights and enjoy a casual feast, this is a solid pick.

If you prefer quiet, sophisticated dining experiences or are looking for a gourmet meal, this might not be the best fit. It’s more about entertainment and atmosphere than culinary excellence.

Final Thoughts

In essence, Medieval Times Orlando offers a lively, family-friendly night that combines themed entertainment with a hearty meal. The impressive horsemanship and costumes create a sense of authentic adventure, while the interactive show keeps everyone involved.

The experience’s value lies not just in the spectacle but in the chance to enjoy a unique atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back into medieval Spain — minus the actual danger. It’s a fun outing for those who enjoy a good story told with action and color, especially if you’re traveling with children or history buffs looking for a memorable night.

While the audio could be better, the overall energy and spectacle make for a solid evening out. We recommend arriving early to settle in comfortably, and perhaps bringing a cushion for those bench seats. If you’re okay with a loud, lively environment and want a dinner with a dash of drama, Medieval Times in Orlando is likely to deliver a good time.

FAQ

Is parking free at Medieval Times Orlando?
Yes, parking is free for all guests attending the show.

How long does the experience last?
The entire event takes approximately 3 hours, including the show and dinner.

Are there options for people with dietary restrictions?
The main meal is a four-course medieval feast, primarily featuring chicken, potatoes, and corn. Specific options for dietary restrictions are not detailed, so it’s best to inquire directly.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Most travelers book about 25 days in advance on average, so last-minute bookings might be limited, but availability varies.

Is the experience suitable for young children?
Yes, many reviews mention kids love it, although some say it might be a bit long for pre-schoolers. The action and colorful costumes are very engaging for children.

What about accessibility?
Most travelers can participate, and the venue is near public transportation. Service animals are allowed.

Do I need to wear formal attire?
There’s no dress code, but casual, comfortable clothing is fine. It’s a themed environment, so dress comfortably.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?
Outside food and drinks are not permitted, as the meal is included and served as part of the experience.

Is this experience suitable for large groups?
Yes, it can accommodate group bookings, especially since tickets are assigned to specific zones.

What should I bring for comfort?
A cushion for the bench seats might improve comfort, and binoculars could enhance the view of distant action.

In the end, Medieval Times Orlando offers an engaging, family-friendly night filled with action, color, and a surprisingly good meal. It’s an experience that will likely entertain both kids and adults alike, especially those eager for a bit of medieval adventure with modern-day conveniences.