What Medieval Times is and how the experience works

Medieval Times is a dinner theatre chain where you watch costumed performers on horseback perform choreographed combat and jousting while you eat a multi-course meal. The show runs continuously during your meal — you do not sit through it first and then eat. There are locations across the United States, Canada, and Europe, each built to look like a medieval castle arena from the outside and inside.

The basic structure is the same at every location: you arrive, check in, and are seated in a tiered arena around a sand floor. A narrator in period costume explains the story — usually a tournament between knights representing different kingdoms — and the performance unfolds in front of you over roughly two hours. Servers in medieval dress bring food course by course. You eat with your hands (forks and knives are not provided, which is intentional to the theme), and you are encouraged to cheer for your assigned knight and boo the villains.

The show is not improvised. The same script, the same horse movements, and the same fight choreography happen every night. This means the experience is predictable — you will see the same story arc and the same stunts — but it also means the performers have refined their timing and safety procedures through hundreds of repetitions.

Key Takeaways

  • Medieval Times is a two-hour dinner show where you watch mounted combat and jousting while eating a set multi-course meal with your hands.
  • Tickets vary by location and day of the week, with weekend and holiday shows typically costing more than weekday matinees.
  • You are assigned to a knight's section when you sit down, and the show encourages audience participation through cheering and booing.
  • The menu is fixed — you cannot order from options — and includes soup, salad, roasted chicken, ribs, and pastry, with vegetarian and dietary alternatives available if you request them when you book.
  • The show is the same every night, so if you have seen it before at another location or on a previous visit, you will see the same story and stunts.

Ticket prices and how to book

Ticket prices vary by location, day of the week, and time of year. Weekend and holiday shows cost more than weekday matinees. A single ticket typically ranges from around $60 to $100 per person, though prices are higher during peak seasons like summer and December. Children's tickets are sometimes discounted, and some locations offer lower prices for matinee shows on weekdays.

You book directly through the Medieval Times website or by calling the specific location. When you book, you choose your date, time, and seating level (arena floor, lower bowl, or upper bowl — higher seating costs less). You pay at the time of booking. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, you must tell the location when you book, not when you arrive, because the kitchen needs advance notice to prepare alternatives.

Cancellation policies vary by location. Most allow you to cancel or reschedule up to a certain number of days before your show date without penalty, but you should check the specific location's policy when you book. Some locations offer group rates if you are booking for ten or more people.

What the meal includes and dietary options

Everyone at Medieval Times eats the same menu. The standard meal includes tomato bisque soup, a green salad, a roasted half chicken, spare ribs, a baked potato, and a pastry dessert. Beverages — soft drinks, coffee, tea, and beer or wine — are included in the ticket price for most locations, though you can purchase additional drinks.

If you are vegetarian, vegan, or have food allergies, you must request an alternative menu when you book your tickets. Medieval Times can accommodate these requests, but the kitchen cannot prepare a different meal on the spot. Common alternatives include a vegetable plate or pasta dish, but what is available depends on your location. If you have a severe allergy, call the location directly before booking to confirm they can safely prepare your meal.

You eat with your hands — forks and knives are not provided at your table, though you can ask for them if you need them. This is part of the medieval theme. Napkins are plentiful. The meal is designed to be eaten quickly so you can watch the show without constantly cutting food.

The show format and what happens during it

The show begins shortly after you are seated and your first course arrives. A narrator in costume introduces the story, which typically involves a tournament where knights from different kingdoms compete. The narrator explains which section of the arena "belongs" to which knight, and your section is assigned a knight to support. You are encouraged to cheer when your knight enters, boo the villain, and participate in call-and-response moments with the crowd.

The performance includes choreographed sword fights, jousting on horseback, and acrobatic stunts. The horses are real and trained for the arena environment. The fights are staged — the outcomes are predetermined — but the stunts are physically demanding and the performers execute them the same way every night. Between major scenes, servers bring the next course of your meal.

The show is loud, fast-paced, and designed to hold attention. If you are sensitive to sudden noises, bright lights, or crowds, you should know that in advance. The arena is enclosed and can feel crowded, especially on busy nights. Children under a certain age (usually around 2 or 3) may sit on a parent's lap for free, but check your location's policy.

Seating levels and what you see from each

Medieval Times has three seating levels: arena floor (closest to the action), lower bowl, and upper bowl. Arena floor seating is the most expensive and puts you closest to the horses and performers. You may get splashed with sand or water. Lower bowl seating is mid-priced and offers a good view of the full arena. Upper bowl seating is the least expensive and is farther from the action, but you can still see the entire show.

The difference in view quality is real. From the upper bowl, you see the full choreography and the overall spectacle. From the arena floor, you see detail and feel the energy, but you may miss some of the wider action. Neither is objectively better — it depends on whether you prefer immersion or a complete view. If you are going for the first time, lower bowl is often the best balance.

Parking, arrival time, and what to bring

Most Medieval Times locations have on-site parking. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your show time. You will check in at the box office, receive your seating assignment, and be directed to the arena. The arena opens to guests about 15 to 20 minutes before the show starts, so arriving early gives you time to find your seat and settle in before the lights dim.

Bring a valid ID if you plan to order alcohol. Cameras and phones are allowed, and many guests take photos and videos during the show. The lighting is dim and the action is fast, so photos and videos often come out blurry, but there is no restriction on recording. Some locations sell merchandise — knight figurines, swords, and other souvenirs — in a gift shop, so bring cash or a card if you want to purchase anything.

Dress code is casual. You do not need to wear medieval costume, though some guests do for fun. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you do not mind getting sand on if you are in the arena floor section.

How Medieval Times differs from other dinner theatres

Medieval Times is a chain with a consistent format across all locations. The story, the show structure, and the meal are essentially the same whether you go to the one in New Jersey or California. This consistency means you know what to expect, but it also means there is no variation or surprise in the narrative.

Other dinner theatres — usually independent or smaller regional chains — often have different stories, different menus, and different performance styles. Some focus on comedy, others on mystery plots, and others on different historical periods. Medieval Times is specifically about medieval combat and jousting, and that is the only story it tells. If you want a different type of dinner theatre experience, you would need to look for a different venue in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

No. Outside food and drinks are not permitted. The meal and beverages are included in your ticket price. If you have severe allergies or dietary restrictions that Medieval Times cannot accommodate, contact the location directly before booking to discuss your options.

How long does the whole experience take?

Plan for about three hours total: 15 to 30 minutes for check-in and seating, roughly two hours for the show and meal, and 15 to 30 minutes to exit and leave the parking lot. The show itself is approximately two hours.

Is the show the same every single night?

Yes. The story, dialogue, choreography, and stunts are identical every night. If you have seen the show before, you will see the same performance. Some locations occasionally introduce new shows or seasonal variations, but these are rare and announced in advance.

What if I do not like the food?

The meal is set and not customizable beyond dietary restrictions you declare when booking. If you do not eat chicken, ribs, or the other standard items, you should request a vegetarian or alternative menu when you book. You cannot order something different on the night of the show.

Are there height or age restrictions for seating?

Children of all ages are welcome. Very young children (usually under 2 or 3) can sit on a parent's lap for free. There are no height restrictions, though children in arena floor seating may have a harder time seeing over the crowd. Check your specific location's policy on infant and toddler seating.