If you’re wondering what to expect at Medieval Times in Orlando, I’ve got answers! Get ready to take a step back in time, watch a jousting tournament and eat with your hands, all in a big castle. Here’s what to expect, what to wear and what you can do during your evening of medieval merriment.

This is not a sponsored post, I’m just sharing our experience. I actually contacted Medieval Times Orlando after purchasing my tickets, to let them know I was publishing a post and to ask if there was anything unique I should know about the show or anything particular to look for. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any response!

An Evening at Medieval Times Orlando Dinner and Tournament

I’ve been driving by the castle for years but never gotten to go inside until our recent Orlando trip. There are several Medieval Times located around the US, and we went to the one near Disney in Kissimmee, but it’s usually just referred to as Orlando. We had a really good dinner and got to watch a fun show. Here’s what to expect and a few tips to get the most out of your visit.

Don’t Pay Full Price, There’s Always a Coupon

I got excited and jumped too fast to book my tickets at full price at $67.95 per adult and $40.95 for kids, but I should have waited! Not only are there coupons on the website, but if you put in your e-mail, they’ll send you coupons!

I got the VIP tickets, but it’s not really much different. We got seated first and were closer to the bottom of the seating, so a little closer to the action. Every seat has a good view, however, so if I were to go again, I’d just get regular seats.

Costumes Are Optional

I always planned on dressing up if I went, and even though my family was totally lame and didn’t join in, I still dressed up all by myself. I got a great dress on Amazon (click here to find the dress, it comes in lots of colors!) and added a tiara because if I’m going to a castle, I might as well be royalty.

There were several people in the crowd dressed up, but a majority were not. But I did feel better seeing I wasn’t the only one! I also saw several women in their medieval finery with a date in jeans and a t-shirt, so I applaud those who dressed as a couple.

But not to worry if you don’t have an outfit! You’ll be provided with a majestic paper crown on arrival.

Be Prepared to Buy the Kids a Light-up Toy

You’ll be waiting in the great hall before the show, where you can get a drink and do some shopping. There’s plenty of medieval trinkets and toys, but the one thing all the kids want is a light-up weapon. My son went with the light-up battle ax for $20.

If the kids (or you) are just looking for something to wave during the tournament, they do provide free banners which will be at your seat.

It’s More than Just Jousting

The jousting tournament is actually the last part of the show. Before that there will be games of skill, sword fights, horse dancing (yep horse dancing) and a falcon show.

The fighting parts were pretty neat, with actual sparks flying off the weapons when they collided. There’s also a story woven through the show, about a knight trying to take over the castle. (At least, I think that was the deal) My son’s attention started to waver during some of the horse show parts. He wasn’t very interested in the dancing horses.

There was a lady with a trained falcon that did several loops around the whole area, which was cool to see.

You’ll Be Eating with Your Hands

Wash those hands, because there was no cutlery in medieval times! Everything you’ll be served can be eaten with fingers or sipped from a bowl. The food itself was surprisingly good.

Our first course was a hearty tomato basil soup, followed by garlic bread, roast chicken and potatoes. The only thing I didn’t like was the dessert, which was some kind of cream stuffed pastry.

And they do provide plenty of napkins and wipes for messy fingers!

Get Into It and Have Fun

The more you embrace the experience, the better time you will have. Cheer for your knight and wave your banner! He might even toss you a pretty flower. Then be sure to boo all the other contenders.

Yes, you can tell the fighting is a little staged, but it’s also obviously well-practiced with lots of moves and hard-hitting hits. One wrong move and these guys could really get hurt. Those weapons are real metal and clash with a loud bang and showers of sparks flying off them. The jousts also smash to pieces and splinters of wood go flying when they hit.

Overall, we had a really good time and a good dinner. It’s a neat place to go for a date or take the kids. Just make sure you snag a coupon code first!

About the Author

Candy Keane is a digital content creator and long-time cosplayer, most well-known for being on the cover of the Star Wars documentary Jedi Junkies. After making costumes professionally for over a decade, she now writes about geek culture and mom life, and continues to cosplay for fun, while sharing her love of costumes on Instagram @SewGeekMama. Her first children’s book, I’m Going to My First Comic Convention, was published in 2020 and won a Story Monsters Approved award for Excellence in Literature.

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