Spotlight: Orange County - Medieval Times

Spotlight: Medieval Times is a dinner show set in 11th century Spain. Guests feast on "baby dragon" while watching their territorial knight compete against knights from the other five regions to earn the favor of the princess. The champion gets the opportunity to defend her honor against the villain. The story is based on historical documentation of a real family from that era.

Location: There are several Medieval Times Castle restaurants. The one we went to was at 7662 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA. Other locations include: Kissimmee, Florida; Lyndhurst, New Jersey; Chicago, Illinois; Dallas, Texas; Toronto, Canada; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Baltimore, Maryland; and Atlanta, Georgia.

Cost: Adults (13+) - $61.95; Children (3-12) - $36.95 (but look for discounts)

Time: Showtimes vary depending on the season. Check the schedule at their website. Most dinner shows last about 1 1/2 - 2 hours.

Description: The Medieval Times dinner show takes place in an arena. Guests sit in one of six sections around the arena. Each section is dedicated to an area of Spain, and its corresponding knight. The show consists of various displays of horsemanship, falconry and banner waving, followed by a competition involving the six knights. Following the various skills competitions, knights compete in a joust to earn the title of Knight of the Realm. The knights face off in full armor, "fighting" each other using lances, swords, axes, maces, and shields. The winning knight is then called to defend the kingdom against a foreign threat. Although the swordplay is obviously scripted, the duels are very impressive.

the villian

The Royal Court

The Champion Knights for each territory

Jousting

Which will be the Princess's champion?

     The meal is served on period style plates and bowls. The meal consists of tomato bisque, baked bread, roasted chicken, buttered corn on the cob, an herb-basted potato, and a pastry, as well as beverages (Pepsi, iced tea, or water and coffee).

     In addition to the arena, the castle has a garden, a dance floor, a Hall of Arms, stables, a gift shop, and a Medieval Torture Museum.

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - There are 1-3 showtimes a day. Check out times in advance.
- Traffic is horrible on Orange County freeways in the evening if you are traveling any distance, so leave yourself plenty of time so that you don't arrive late for your show. Seating is based on a first come basis.
- The menu is the same for all guests; though a vegetarian meal is available upon request.
- You eat as if it were medieval times; so don't expect silverware. You eat with your fingers.
- The food is good, but not fantastic. You are paying for the show more than the meal. Personally, I feel the price is way too expensive. However, you can find big discounts online if you look for them. So buy your tickets ahead of time.
- There are various upgrades available to make your experience more memorable.
- Children under three may sit on their parents' laps, but are not provided with a separate meal.
- Dress is casual.

Nearby: Pirate's Dinner Adventure, Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland, The Queen Mary