Medieval Times was a staple for trips to Southern California when I was little. We took about a half dozen road trips down to the area while I was growing up, and we ALWAYS stopped at Medieval Times.
(To be perfectly honest, I was hoping every time to be crowned the Queen of Love and Beauty. I am still waiting to fill that particular wish….)
Last time I stepped foot into the castle was about 20 years ago.
So when the stars aligned and Medieval Times contacted me to attend one of their dinner theater shows during my trip to Southern California, I got a big ole dose of nostalgia and said “ABSOLUTELY, YES PLEASE.”
It was a long trip in rush hour from Ang’s house, so by the time we rolled up to the castle, I was beyond excited.
We took 2 out of 4 of Angela’s kids, and I made them all listen to my Hans Zimmer playlist most of the way there. (All “Pirates of the Caribbean”, all the time.) So I bet they were glad to get out of the car too…
So here’s the Cliff Notes version of how a visit to Medieval Times works:
- You arrive, and are “sorted” into a section. This section determines which knight is your champion, and who you cheer and who you jeer. You also get a crown. (I do love crowns.)
- While you are waiting in the foyer outside the jousting arena, there are all sorts of little skits and announcements from the king and his crew, and you can go visit the horses in the barn. There is a full bar, and you can purchase drinks in cups with flashing lights, and why yes I totally bought the flashing castle-tower-shaped one.
- You are released into your section for the dinner show, and get to eat while watching some knights fight for a championship. Don’t worry about where you get to sit, because every seat in the house is a good one!
- The knights duel and there’s a princess and a great storyline, and I won’t ruin it for you because you really should go.
After nearly 3 hours of entertainment and a good meal and awesome company, I have come to the conclusion that everyone should add Medieval Times to their Southern California itinerary, immediately. (they have 8 other locations too!)
Here are 4 reasons you should visit the Medieval Times castle next time you’re in the area:
- The knights. There are dudes on horses with lances or running around with swords. There’s no blood, so it’s OK for kids. There are SPARKS FLYING, so it’s awesome for adults.Plus, the knights are pretty easy on the eyes. I can see this being a great choice for part of a SoCal bachelorette weekend!
- You eat the food with your HANDS. Everything. From the soup to dessert, there are no utensils.
I was way too full to eat the dessert, but everything was pretty delicious. I especially enjoyed the tomato soup – I have never liked tomato soup, but this was really well-seasoned and tasty!
- YELLING! Yelling is my favorite. My volume button is often stuck at 11 when I’m excited.They encourage rowdy cheering for your section’s knight and boisterous booing for the opposition.
Keep it clean (obviously), But be loud. There are flags and rally towels available in some of the more extensive ticket packages, but waving your napkin is also encouraged.
- You’re fed, entertained and excited. There’s a show, jousting, skits, handsome men fighting to the death, gorgeous horses and so much more. It’s definitely fun for the whole family!
Side note: your ticket includes dinner and soda, coffee or tea and a dessert, plus the show. You can get additional perks if you purchase one of the add-ons…I’ve got my eye on the birthday package for my birthday trip next year!
Let me know on social media when you visit a Medieval Times location,
I would love to hear about it!
Here is the vlog from the day we attended Medieval Times too!
**I was provided with complimentary tickets to a Medieval Times show in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are mine.