Imagine the unbelieving look of surprise in a child’s eyes.
“You mean, I get to go watch knights on horses battle each other and it’s ok to eat with my hands?”
Why, of course it is. This is “Medieval Times” – a dinner theater like no other you are likely to encounter, a festive evening of jousting and other knightly activities witnessed by cheering crowds stuffing their faces with grease-laden fingers. It’s an evening fit for a king.
Medieval Times originally opened in Florida in 1983, then spread to a number of other states around the country. Guests purchase tickets ahead of time for the event and are led into a large arena, surrounded by dinner tables. Each is given a colored crown for their respective section and encouraged to cheer for one the six knights that will soon demonstrate their skills in events such as a flag toss, ring pierce, and javelin throw. Upon completion of the contests, and amidst a flurry of trumpets, the armored knights are thrust into the heat of battle against each other, astride magnificent Andalusian horses, to see which one will emerge victorious. Showers of sparks accompany each clash of metal upon metal, accompanied by superb lighting effects, and a musical score sure to give you the impression that you are indeed in a faraway time and place.
As you watch the action, you are served a hearty feast of appropriate grub such as chicken on the bone, ribs, potatoes, and – um, carrot and celery sticks with ranch dressing. Ok, so maybe there are some modern liberties taken but one thing certainly lends authenticity to your meal – no silverware. That’s right, throw the table manners out the window and encourage your inner desire for unchecked gluttony that you’ve kept locked up since childhood. It’s not only encouraged, it’s expected.
After the evening’s festivities, and honor and love have triumphed over evil, restoring order in the kingdom, guests are encouraged to visit “The Knight’s Club” where they can mingle with the medieval warriors, take pictures, and drink and make merry. You leave feeling as if you traveled aboard a time machine, back to a place where chivalrous Knights bravely defended their honor in front of a crowd of greasy slobs. Luckily, no time machine is necessary however. You just need to pack to family in the car and head on over to the nearest Medieval Times, where there is plenty of fun to be had – and plenty of napkins.
