Medieval Times in Kissimmee is a Fun Dinner Show Experience

The Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament in Kissimmee is one of nine similar shows located throughout the United States and Canada. Close to Disney World and other area attractions, Medieval Times presents visitors with an opportunity to enjoy a night of medieval-style events and antics performed by experienced horse riders dressed in medieval costume. Guests also enjoy dinner while watching the show.

The facility that houses the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament in Kissimmee resembles a castle. This was the first of the company's attractions to be built in North America, opening in 1983. Previously, the attraction had its start in Mallorca, Spain. Unlike the other Medieval Times attractions in the U.S., the one in Florida offers a little something extra - an eight-cottage medieval village that allows visitors to explore what life was like during that era.

The centerpiece of any Medieval Times facility is the gala feast and dinner show. Patrons sit in an arena-like setting that divides guests into several teams, each team with a designated color. Before the show begins, costumed wait staff begin to serve guests a dinner that they must eat without the benefit of silverware. This hands-only dinner usually consists of fare such as tomato soup or something similar, roasted chicken, spare ribs, an herb-basted baked potato half, a fruit-filled pastry or cookie, and accompanying beverages including soft drinks, coffee, and tea. Vegetarian meals are available as well.

Shortly after the meal begins, the show begins as well. The show centers around six knights, dressed in different colors, all vying to prove that they are the best at what they do. The story of each knight is presented and guests seated in the color-coordinated sections cheer for their knight as King Philippe and Princess Leonore look on. Prince Tristan also appears on his horse and the Royal Falconer thrills visitors with the live flight of the royal falcon. Other characters also join in on the action as the knights, armed with realistic-looking medieval weaponry, participate in a traditional tournament of that era. In the end, one knight emerges victorious.

The beautiful horses that participate in the show are all Andalusians raised at the Medieval Times ranch in Texas. The horses are trained at a young age, brought to Medieval Times castles at age 3, and sent back to the ranch a few years later to enjoy their retirement.

In addition to enjoy the food and show, guests may visit the onsite gift shop at the Medieval Times in Kissimmee, which sells medieval souvenirs and tournament-related items including apparel and other products.

Many visitors go to Medieval Times to celebrate birthdays and receive free admission and other perks on their special day. Package deals are also available for special holidays such as Valentine's Day.

Prices range from about $40 to $60 per person and guests may pay extra to be considered "royalty'', at which point they will receive preferred seating, a special cheering banner, a commemorative program, and a behind-the-scenes DVD.