There is something fun about getting dressed up and going to dinner. But at a themed-dinner theater, it goes a step further. Just when you thought it would be fun to eat chicken legs with your hands and watch knights go at it to win a flower from the Queen, Medieval Times is a lot more than that. Many make this a full-day event – dressing up in full attire from head to toe, and even arrive super early. Here’s a sneak peek into the world of the Middle Ages and how to plan ahead.
1. You want to arrive early.
All the regulars know that you show up early. As in two hours before the show early (sometimes sooner!). We arrived at 3pm for our 5pm showing and there was already a line outside! Not to worry, they let you in the building early and there is also some fun entertainment outside to keep you busy while you wait. Keep an eye out for who might show up! The doors open 75 minutes prior to the show.
2. Come fully dressed – or buy your own.
Part of the fun is dressing up! Many come already decked out from head to toe, but if you aren’t sure you can buy a lot of fun (but pricey!) items inside. Once you walk in, you’ll be assigned to one of six “teams” (or villages!) to cheer for. Ours was the green knight. You’ll sit according to your village and you can buy items inside to match – like swords, headdresses, armor and more. They range from styrofoam to wood and prices vary for all budgets.
3. Pre-show festivities
You can actually plan ahead of the show to be “knighted” by the Queen. These are fun additions for birthdays and large groups. They will call your name and you get to go up and be knighted and get a photo to prove your new status. There is also a fun Hall of Arms decked out with many artifacts and armor worth browsing and snapping photos up as you wait for your real entertainment to start. There is even a medieval torture museum – make sure to find it!
4. The Feast
The food that comes is a four-course meal you eat with your hands. 1 – tomato soup and garlic bread 2 – large chicken leg/breast with potatoes and corn on the cob, 3 – dessert which is a cake you can pick up and eat and of course drinks including soda and coffee. There is also a full bar available (at an additional cost) and vegetarian options. No – there is no kids menu or “substitutions” or chicken tenders, so don’t ask. But honestly – my son LOVES the food and picking up the chicken to eat with his hands during the show. It’s all part of the experience!
5. Steel and Steed
The show lasts for about two hours full of fun jostling, falconry and of course, real horses! This authentic 11th Century tournament replicates how knights would compete for the affection of the Queen through a series of challenges, and you’re invited to be a guest and have a first-hand view of the valiant knights on horseback. Some of the challenges include a ring pierce, flag toss and javelin throw.
Pricing
Adults are $62.96, children are $36.95 for general admission. Children under the age of three can come for free if they sit on the lap of an adult and eat the food on that plate. There are however lots of upgrades options including better seating, priority seating and even adding birthday cake slices. Note: there really isn’t a bad seat in the house! We sat up higher (directly next to the Queen!) and we have a great view! GRAB TICKETS HERE NOW.
Remember to bring some cash – there are lots of fun things to purchase to join in the fun from $5 flags to wave and cheer on your knight (some of these are added in the upgrades!) to your own armor.
Parking is free onsite.
Where is Medieval Times?
We go to the one in Lyndhurst, NJ (about 30 minutes outside of NYC). But there are nine castles in North America.
