Medieval Times Dinner Show in Orlando

If you’re planning a trip to Orlando and want an evening that’s a little different from the usual theme parks, the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is one of those attractions that promises an engaging mix of history, entertainment, and good food. It’s been running for years as North America’s longest-standing dinner show, and it definitely earns its reputation. While it might not be everyone’s cup of mead, it’s worth considering if you’re after a lively, immersive experience that’s suitable for a wide range of visitors.

What we really like about this show is how it combines spectacular medieval-themed decor and costumes with live-action jousting and sword fights. Plus, the four-course feast served without silverware adds to the authentic feel — even if it’s a bit messy. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the show can get loud, and the sound quality might be a little inconsistent, which could be a factor if you’re sensitive to noise or have young children. This experience suits families, history enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a fun night out with a bit of a medieval twist.

Key Points

• Historical atmosphere with medieval artifacts, armor, and coats of arms
• Live tournament featuring jousting, sword fights, and horsemanship
• Four-course meal served sans silverware, with options for soft drinks
• Approximate duration of 3 hours makes it a substantial evening activity
• Ticket price around $80, with most guests booking roughly 25 days in advance
• Good for a wide audience but might be too loud for very young kids or those with hearing sensitivities

What to Expect from the Tour

The Entry and Atmosphere

Your experience starts as you step into what feels like an 11th-century European castle—right in the middle of Orlando. The Hall of Arms is a great first stop, where medieval artifacts, coats of arms from noble families, and shiny suits of armor give you a taste of the period. It’s a fun way to set the scene before heading into the main event. The entire environment is decorated with medieval banners and lighting that evoke the feel of a grand castle from centuries ago.

Most visitors find the setting quite convincing and immersive. As one reviewer noted, “walking up to the castle, the bar area, the staff, and the entire experience was all on theme.” It’s clear that effort has been made to create an authentic medieval atmosphere, which adds to the overall enjoyment.

Seating and Viewing Zones

Once inside, you’re assigned to one of six color-coded zones, each representing a region of Medieval Spain. The seating is arranged in a large arena — a setup that fosters a lively, communal vibe. The idea is to cheer for your knight as they compete in jousts and battles. Keep in mind that the seating can be hard, and some reviewers mention that the sound system isn’t perfect, which might make it harder to catch every word if the volume isn’t just right.

The Dinner Experience

The highlight for many is the meal. You’ll be served a four-course feast, which is a significant part of the adventure. The menu typically includes chicken, potatoes, corn, and some spicy seasonings, so if you’re sensitive to heat, it’s worth noting. The food is generally seen as good, with moist chicken and hearty sides, although a few reviews mention that the seasoning can be a bit too spicy for some tastes. You won’t need utensils — the food is eaten with your hands, adding to the medieval feel, but also making for some messy fun.

The Live Show — Jousting and More

The main event is a two-hour live tournament hosted by Queen Maria Isabella. Expect impressive horsemanship, jousting matches, sword fights, and hand-to-hand combat scenes. The show tries to keep the audience engaged, with plenty of crowd interaction and lively commentary. Reviewers agree that the horsemanship is quite impressive, and the costumes are colorful and detailed.

However, some mention that at times, it’s difficult to hear the announcers clearly, especially when the noise level rises. “It was fun and entertaining,” one reviewer noted, “but hard to understand the speakers for some reason.” So, if you’re someone who loves to catch every word, be prepared for some background noise.

Duration and Overall Pacing

The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, which some might find a little long, especially for very young children or those with limited attention spans. A few reviews mention that the show can feel lengthy, but others appreciate the amount of entertainment packed into the evening.

The Cost and Value

At around $80 per person, it’s a reasonably priced night out considering the entertainment, themed decor, and the meal included. Most book the tickets about 25 days in advance, which suggests it’s a popular choice among visitors. Although it’s a non-refundable experience, the value is in the overall experience rather than just the meal or show alone.

The Reviews in a Nutshell

Guests seem to love the visual spectacle — beautiful costumes, gorgeous horses, and an engaging show. Food quality gets mixed reviews; many find it good, but a few feel it could be better seasoned or less spicy. The staff generally receives high praise for friendliness and attentiveness, making the experience smoother.

A recurring theme is how much fun people have, especially families and groups celebrating special occasions. One reviewer said, “It was a fun experience, staff was outstanding, and the show was outstanding. Really got the crowd involved.” Others note it’s a perfect outing if you want a lively atmosphere and some medieval flair.

Considerations and Downsides

While most reviews are positive, some points to think about are:
– The sound quality can be inconsistent, making it hard to hear announcements at times.
– Seating can be uncomfortable for some, especially on longer shows.
– The spicy seasoning might not suit everyone’s palate.
– It’s quite loud, which might be a concern if you prefer quieter environments or have very young children.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This show is ideal for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for an entertaining night out. If you have kids who love knights, horses, or action-packed shows, they’ll likely be thrilled. History buffs may enjoy the medieval artifacts and costumes, while those simply looking for a fun, lively evening will find plenty to love.

However, if you’re extremely sensitive to noise or prefer a more subdued experience, this might not be your best pick. Similarly, if you’re after a gourmet meal, be aware that the food is hearty and fun but not haute cuisine.

Final Thoughts

The Medieval Times Dinner Show in Orlando offers a lively, visually stunning take on medieval entertainment with a hearty four-course meal. It’s a perfect way to step back in time, cheer for knights, and enjoy a show with good food and a buzzing atmosphere. While not silent or refined, it’s fun, engaging, and generally well-loved by visitors who want a memorable night out with a splash of history and a lot of excitement.

If you’re looking for something different from theme parks or want an evening filled with action, costumes, and a bit of regal flair, this is worth considering. Just keep in mind the potential noise and the spicy seasoning if those are factors for you.

FAQ

Is the ticket price around $80 worth it?
Considering the live tournament, medieval decor, and four-course meal, most guests find it a good value for the experience. It offers a unique night out that combines entertainment and dining, which can be more memorable than a typical dinner.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most people tend to book about 25 days ahead since it’s a popular attraction. Booking early helps secure your preferred date and seating zone.

Is parking free?
Yes, parking is included at no additional cost, making it convenient to attend without extra worries about parking fees.

How long does the show last?
The entire experience runs about 3 hours, including the meal and the live tournament.

Are children allowed?
Yes, kids generally enjoy the show, especially if they’re into knights and horses. However, some reviews note that the show may be a little long for very young children or pre-schoolers.

What’s the dress code?
There’s no official dress code, but casual attire is fine. It’s best to wear comfortable clothes since there’s a lot of sitting and some messiness with the hands-on meal.

Are the costumes and horses visually impressive?
Absolutely. Guests frequently comment on the beautiful costumes and gorgeous horses, which add a lot to the medieval ambiance.

Is the food spicy?
For some guests, yes. The chicken and sides can be a bit spicy, so if you’re sensitive to heat, you might want to mention this when booking or just be cautious with the seasoning.

Can I bring service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed, making it accessible for those with specific needs.

What about the sound quality during the show?
Some reviews mention that at times it’s hard to hear the announcers clearly, so it might be a good idea to bring hearing assistance if needed or just expect some moments of background noise.

If you’re after a fun, themed night with a dash of history and some good ol’ fashioned entertainment, Medieval Times in Orlando definitely deserves a spot on your list. Just come ready to cheer, eat with your hands, and enjoy the spectacle.