Having grown up in Southern California my entire life, I often find that while I’ve ventured all over the second largest city in the US, there are still many places to explore, particularly with my children. I love finding unique, off-the-beaten activities that offer memorable experiences like Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Buena Park.
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Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Last week, my kids and I headed over to see the brand new show that recently made it’s debut at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. For the very first time in the 34-year history of the show, Medieval Times introduced a female character as the new queen and successor to the throne! The new queen is firm but kind, and inherited the throne after the passing of her father, the former king.
Image: Medieval Times
It has been 6 years since the longest running dinner attraction has made any changes to its show, which has been seen by more than 15 million people in the US and Canada. Taking suggestions from their guests, who provided feedback on the roles that women played within the production, Medieval Times worked to introduce the new show which features an entirely brand new story with new costumes, lighting, choreography, and music.
Live jousting, sword fights, horsemanship, and falconry comprise the show where guests are taking back to Medieval Times. Guests are still divided into teams according to color and rallied to cheer for one of the six Knights of the Realm.
The show is thrilling and colorful, filled with spectacular displays of jousting and horsemanship. The three of us really enjoyed the show, which still feels familiar but exciting given the recent changes.
Medieval Times Menu
The royal feast at Medieval Times is as integral to the experience as is the horsemanship and the live jousting. The four-course meal includes garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, roasted chicken, sweet buttered corn, herb-basted potatoes, a pastry of the Castle, coffee, and two rounds of select beverages. A full-service bar is also available for adult guests.
Vegetarian meals include hummus, warm pita bread, carrot and celery sticks, three-bean stew with fire roasted tomato and brown rice, fresh fruit or Italian ice, coffee, and two rounds of select beverages. Be sure to request a Vegetarian meal when you purchase your Medieval Times Tickets.
The portions are extremely generous and despite the amount of people the venue is feeding, I still found the meal to be delicious and well-prepared.
7 Things You Didn’t Know About Medieval Times
- The new show features more than 700 new costumes for all nine castles’ performers, including horses. The costumes are custom-designed and hand-made at a dedicated costume shop near the Dallas Design District.
- There are two hundred new suits of armor, shields, and helmets, all custom-designed and hand-made at a dedicated armory in Florida.
- The show boasts more than 350 team members and 225 horses who have rehearsed new lines and fight scenes for three months all while still presenting the previous show.
- The Medieval Times queens underwent an intense two months of training to become experts at riding the Andalusian stallion for the new show.
- Dr. Daniel May directed and recorded Medieval Times’ new show composition in Kiev with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. He also directed the choir in Ukraine with lyrics written by notable poet and choir member Solomia Gorokhivska.
- The live-action film score is precisely synchronized with every element of the show – from lights to fights; jousts to jabs; the Queen’s entry to curtain closings; and more.
- The production features 120 hours of programming with 300 new music cues and 500 new lighting cues. Buena Park is one of several castles installing and programming a new LED lighting system that offers 256 colors versus the old 14-color system. The system is powered by 10 miles of cable and an estimated $1 million upgrade.
Tips for Visiting Medieval Times With Kids
Here is what you need to know before you visit Medieval Times:
- The show runs for 2 hours. Keep that in mind with regards to your children and whether or not they can sit through the show.
- Children under the age of 3 are admitted without charge, but must sit on an adult’s lap. While the show is not scary, there are periods of darkness and action scenes that might be perceived as loud to infants and toddlers.
- Seating is assigned on a first come basis so be sure to arrive early. Castle doors open 75 minutes prior to show time and guests can enjoy the festivities (visit the gift shop, grab a drink, visit the museum of torture, observe the master falconer and his birds of prey up close, watch knighting ceremonies before the show) that go on in the Hall of Arms.
- Although the four-course meal is utensil-less, parents can request utensils for their children. If you have dietary preferences or food allergies, be certain to speak with your server as vegetarian meals are available and he/she can check to see if a food contains an allergen.
Medieval Times Discount
To celebrate the debut of the new show, Medieval Times is offering several deals and discounts.
At present, you can use the code “MAY18” to receive adult admission for $42.95 and child admission for $30.95 (Savings up to $19 per person). Valid for shows through 12/31/2018 and tickets must be purchased by 6/3/2018.
For more information about the show, or to view their current offers, just visit the website.
7 Things Kids Will Learn at Medieval Times Educational Matinee
Photo Credit: Medieval Times, Rockin’ Mama
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