Medieval Times Offers Family Entertainment – The Medieval Way

In a day and age where kids often seek entertainment in high tech electronics and wizardry, it’s good to know that some good ‘ole fashioned chivalry and knighthood can still do the trick.

Since 1983, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament has provided North American audiences with a unique live theatre performance that is meant to transport guests to the middle ages of Knighthood, Kingdom’s and tournaments of jousting and mortal combat.  Originally established in 1973 on the Spanish island of Majorca, the evolution and growth of the show took to North America 10 years later.  Currently there are 8 locations in the U.S. and one in Canada.

My family and I recently received an invitation to attend a show at the lone Canadian location in Toronto, Ontario.  In addition, my children were given a chance to take part in a new initiative at Medieval Times, that being a Junior Knight Training Program which takes place approximately one hour before the live show.  Our children were excited to participate and so we decided to visit for another Enviro Dad Reviews opportunity.

The live action-packed entertainment experience found at Medieval Times was inspired by the true medieval tradition of royal families inviting guests to a festival and feast to watch knights compete on horseback.  Throughout the approximately 2 hour performance, guests will be entertained by equestrian performances, a genuine falconer with a trained bird that flies across the theatre buzzing inches over the heads of many in attendance and a tournament involving six Knights on beautiful Andalusian Stallions competing in a tournament of skills and combat.

Medieval Times is a dinner theatre as well.  In an attempt to stay true to its medieval theme, a pre-determined four-course meal is served throughout.  This isn’t your typical buffet here, but a rather crude and basic feast of Tomato Bisque, roasted half chicken, spare ribs, seasoned potato and pastry for dessert.  A vegetarian meal as well as Halal or Kosher meals are available as well.

Another unique aspect of Medieval Times comes from the lack of cutlery used during the meal.  Forget the knife and fork here, for you are eating with your bare hands.    The  bisque is served in a soup bowl with handle, reminiscent of crude cast-iron soup bowl of yonder.  I found this aspect to be both desirable and challenging.  While crude, it’s unique and period-authentic approach is appealing for no other reason that this doesn’t happen elsewhere.

Where it is also challenging as we found out is that the menu offerings are not as kid-friendly as one might expect a family-focused venue to be.  My picky eaters struggled with the food served to them, and while it might be a good idea to consider slight modifications to the menu that would make it more palatable for some, I still think attempts to keep it period-authentic should be maintained.  How one achieves this, I honestly can’t say but if it could be achieved, it would avoid the inevitable “What a great show…I’m hungry” soundtrack that repeated itself behind me the entire drive home.

The Junior Knight Training program, which is free with a child’s admission ticket and is offered on a limited first come, first served basis for boys and girls between the ages of 5 – 12.  The children are brought onto the stadium floor where they are lined up and given simulated spears (basically wooden sticks shaped into a spear) to practice moves taught to them by seasoned Knights.  Lessons about chivalry and the proper decorum of Knights are also delivered by the King and at the end, the children bow to receive a group Knighting by the King himself.

The highlight of the event is without question the final tournament which involves the six Knights, each of whom has a colour-coded rooting section made up of people in attendance, doing battle with each other for ultimate supremacy.  The Knights take place in live jousting as well as simulated combat involving replica weapons from the middle ages.  The combination of theatrics and athleticism, mixed with a dramatic soundtrack and all the drama of vying for the affections of a fair maiden create an electrifying experience that had many of the 1,400 in attendance up on their feet and cheering the combatants on.

To put on a show like this is complex and involves countless hours of training and preparation.  Judging by the reviews of my children ranging from “Epic” to “Completely Awesome” all the way up to “Best show ever!”, I’d have to say that the effort put was well worth it.

While there are certainly some aspects of Medieval Times that may not suit all tastes, the overall experience is one of solid entertainment value and a great family event opportunity.  In addition to the Toronto, Ontario location, other Medieval Times locations can be found in Orlando, Florida, Buena Park, California, Lyndhurst, New Jersey, Schaumburg, Illinois, Dallas, Texas, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Baltimore/Washington, D.C. and Atlanta Georgia.

Information on all locations can be found at www.medievaltimes.com

 

Eric Novak

About Eric Novak

Eric Novak is a father of 4 who also thinks that environmental stewardship is a requisite of parenting. He's not a professional Dad nor is he an environmental scientist, but he's someone who gives a damn and is trying to make the right decisions as he lives his life as a father, environmentalist, part time professor and business owner. Eric has 4 children and resides in Ajax, Ontario.