A castle dinner show in Orlando is weirdly good. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament turns a meal into a real arena-style performance, with an 11th-century castle vibe and a live tournament that keeps the focus on action.
I like the way the evening is built for crowd energy, not just passive watching. And I like the hands-on feel of the meal, served with no silverware, while the show kicks off.
One heads-up: the sound can be tough at moments, especially with a noisy crowd, and there can be occasional aisle traffic that pulls you out of the story.
In This Review
- Key things I’d circle before you go
- Entering the 11th-Century-Style Castle in Orlando
- How the Arena Zones and Kings of the Realm Shape the Show
- Four-Course Medieval Feast: What the No-Silverware Meal Means
- The Two-Hour Tournament: Jousting, Sword Fights, Horses, and Falconry
- Staff, Service, and the Small Things That Make It Easier
- Seating Reality: Benches, Sound, and How to Get Good Value
- Timing, Parking, and Getting There Without Hotel Pickup
- Price and Value: Is $82.72 Worth It?
- Who Should Book Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
- Should You Book This Medieval Times Dinner Show?
- FAQ
- How long is the Medieval Times Dinner Show in Orlando?
- What’s included with admission?
- Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?
- Do I get a mobile ticket?
- Is parking free?
- What happens during dinner?
- What kinds of acts are part of the live tournament?
- What if the show is canceled due to poor weather?
- Can I cancel or change my ticket?
Key things I’d circle before you go

- Hall of Arms photo-and-wander time before you reach the arena
- Six color-coded seating zones tied to regions of Medieval Spain
- Four-course dinner with two rounds of soft drinks
- Two hours of live competition: jousting, sword fights, horse acts, and falconry
- Staff vibe that’s consistently friendly and attentive
- Easy added comfort with free parking and a mobile ticket
Entering the 11th-Century-Style Castle in Orlando
The experience starts the moment you step into a complex built to feel like a European castle. You’re not waiting in a plain lobby; you’re walking into the theme. I like this because it sets the tone fast. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down for a few minutes and still feel like you’re part of the event, not just arriving for it.
Before the arena action begins, you’ll pass through a display area known for its medieval artifacts. There’s a Hall of Arms feel here—coats of arms and weaponry arranged for viewing. Even if medieval history isn’t your thing, it helps you get oriented. You’ll know where you are, where to go next, and why everyone keeps funneling toward the main show space.
Practical note: go a little early if you can. One of the most common “wish I had” moments is simple: people want more time to look around and grab photos before they’re herded into their seating zones.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Orlando
How the Arena Zones and Kings of the Realm Shape the Show

Once you’re inside the arena, the production nudges you from spectator mode into rooting mode. Guests sit in one of six designated color zones, each tied to a region of Medieval Spain. Then the evening leans into the game of support: you’re encouraged to cheer for one of six Kings of the Realm.
That matters more than it sounds. A lot of dinner shows can feel scripted in a sleepy way. Here, the seating setup is designed to give the audience a role. If you pick a zone and actually commit to cheering, the whole show reads like a live contest instead of a staged performance.
You’ll also hear Royal trumpeters announce the call to the feast and the show schedule. It’s theatrical, yes, but it also serves as timing. It tells you exactly when to settle in, when dinner begins, and when the tournament energy ramps up.
If you’re sensitive to loud crowd moments, keep in mind that you’re in an arena with a cheering soundtrack. That’s part of the package.
Four-Course Medieval Feast: What the No-Silverware Meal Means

This is where Medieval Times becomes more than a show. Dinner is a four-course Medieval feast, served as the live production opens, and it comes with two rounds of soft drinks.
The biggest “feel” difference: the meal is served without silverware. That changes the pacing. It makes the experience hands-on and a little playful, which is a big reason families tend to enjoy it. It also means your comfort level matters. If you don’t like eating that way, plan to lean into the event energy rather than treating it like a formal restaurant meal.
Food quality gets consistently positive feedback. People describe it as flavorful and in large portions. And there’s a useful detail: if you can’t finish, you can take leftover plates home. That’s a win when the show runs long or when kids hit the wall before dessert.
Taste notes you might want to anticipate: seasoning can be heavy for some palates. A few people thought items were too spicy or too salty, and one person wished there was bread with soup. So if you’re the type who loves mild flavors, it’s worth going in knowing the seasoning style leans bold.
The Two-Hour Tournament: Jousting, Sword Fights, Horses, and Falconry

The heart of the night is the live tournament segment. The ticket includes a two-hour live show featuring the crowd favorites: jousting, sword fights, horsemanship, and falconry.
Here’s why that lineup works. Jousting and sword combat scratch the action itch. Horse performances add skill and spectacle in a way that feels more physical and athletic than many staged stunts. Falconry brings variety and gives the show a different rhythm, especially when you’re watching with kids who may need a change-up.
The show also uses audience energy deliberately. You’re encouraged to cheer for your chosen side, and the performers respond like it’s a real contest. That crowd partnership is one of the top reasons people keep returning, even if they’ve been to similar events before.
If you have young children, consider your tolerance for time and noise. A few comments suggest it can be a bit long for pre-schoolers, and that sound clarity can vary with crowd levels.
Staff, Service, and the Small Things That Make It Easier
What makes this show feel “smooth” is the staff. Friendly, attentive service comes up again and again. People have singled out waiters and waitresses for being warm, quick to help, and even funny with a lively personality.
Two named examples show up in the feedback: Jess is mentioned for attentive, upbeat service, and Ashley is mentioned as well (spelled as recalled). I can’t promise every server is the same person, of course, but it points to a pattern: service tends to be a strength here, not an afterthought.
If you have dietary needs, it’s smart to ask ahead and be clear when you arrive. There are mentions of accommodating dietary requests. The dinner format is fixed, but the staff has shown willingness to handle needs when they can.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Orlando
Seating Reality: Benches, Sound, and How to Get Good Value
This isn’t a theater with plush seats. Seating is bench-style, and at least one person found the benches hard. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s the kind of detail that helps you pack correctly.
Also, sound quality matters. Some people report it can be difficult to hear announcements made by the King and Queen, due to crowd noise or system volume. Others mention the sound system could be better, and that it’s hard to catch everything at key moments. If you want to follow the story and cues closely, you’ll have a better time if you arrive early, get oriented, and choose seating where you can see and hear without fighting the acoustics.
A practical tip: bring a light layer. Arena temperatures can change, and you’ll be seated long enough to notice.
Timing, Parking, and Getting There Without Hotel Pickup
The experience lasts about three hours. It’s also not tied to hotel pickup and drop-off, so you’ll be responsible for getting yourself there. The good news: free parking is included, which simplifies the logistics a lot in Orlando.
There’s also a mention of being near public transportation. So if you’re not driving, it’s not locked to private cars only.
One more planning detail: this show averages booking about 22 days in advance. That’s not “panic now,” but it does suggest demand is steady. If your schedule is tight or you’re aiming for a specific time window, earlier booking is usually smarter.
And don’t stress about paperwork too much. Tickets are delivered as mobile tickets.
Price and Value: Is $82.72 Worth It?
At $82.72 per person, Medieval Times isn’t a budget snack—it’s a full evening commitment. The value comes from what’s included, not from the ticket number alone.
Here’s what you’re paying for:
- A two-hour live tournament
- A four-course feast
- Two rounds of soft drinks
- Free parking
- Admission to the arena show experience with the castle-theme atmosphere
If you compare this to buying dinner and then paying for a separate show, the bundled format makes sense. You’re getting multiple “events” in one ticket: performance + meal + audience participation.
Is it worth it for everyone? It depends. If you hate loud venues, dislike hands-on eating, or strongly prefer hearing every word of an announcer, you might find the ticket feels less fair. But if you want a night with live action, horses, and a big crowd atmosphere under one roof, the price usually tracks.
There’s also a broader value angle: people mention the portion sizes and staff quality as money well spent. One person even noted they’ve returned multiple times, which is often a sign that the experience holds up.
Who Should Book Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
This works especially well for:
- Families looking for a structured night out that keeps kids engaged
- Couples who want a fun, themed experience with real arena energy
- Anyone who likes horses, stunts, or live animal performances
- People who don’t mind a loud crowd and want to cheer for a side
It may not be the best match if:
- You’re very sensitive to noise or sound clarity
- You strongly dislike eating without utensils
- You expect a quiet, restaurant-style meal with lots of downtime between courses
The good part: the event is described as something most people can participate in, and it’s an easy add-on when you’re already in Orlando.
Should You Book This Medieval Times Dinner Show?
I’d book it if you want a classic Orlando-style dinner show where the performance actually runs the show, not just the dinner. The combination of a castle-themed arrival, a four-course meal, and a two-hour tournament with jousting and horses is a solid package for one night.
If you’re deciding between this and something more modern or more “seated-the-whole-time,” consider your priorities. If hearing every announcement matters a lot to you, plan to arrive early and pick your seat wisely. If you’re okay with crowd noise and a hands-on meal format, you’ll likely have one of those easy, memorable evenings that feels like it belongs in the trip.
FAQ
How long is the Medieval Times Dinner Show in Orlando?
It’s about three hours total, including the dinner experience and the live tournament portion.
What’s included with admission?
Your ticket includes the two-hour live tournament, a four-course Medieval feast, two rounds of soft drinks, and free parking.
Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
Do I get a mobile ticket?
Yes. You’ll receive a mobile ticket.
Is parking free?
Free parking is included.
What happens during dinner?
You’ll enjoy a four-course Medieval feast served without silverware as the live show opens, along with two rounds of soft drinks.
What kinds of acts are part of the live tournament?
The tournament includes jousting, sword fights, horsemanship, and falconry.
What if the show is canceled due to poor weather?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Can I cancel or change my ticket?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.






























