The smell of sawdust and roasting meat hits you before you see the castle’s turrets. A trumpet blasts, a horse rears, and your section erupts on cue—part pride, part staged rivalry, all loud and glorious.
This article is part of our Medieval Historical Dining collection.
You’re asking the real question: is this the best themed dinner you can book for date night, group outings, or a corporate evening? Medieval Times Vs Tournament Of Kings: Which Dinner Show Is Better? isn’t just a comparison of two jousts and a drumstick; it’s a guide to the whole experience—food, theatrics, seating, and whether you’ll leave saying it was the best night out or a perfectly acceptable Instagram prop. I’ve tracked down the most unforgettable dining experiences for a decade, and I’ve got opinions. You’ll get the straight answers so you can book the right show for your plans in cities from LA to New York and beyond — book on Viator.
- Medieval Times is a solid, consistent chain with multiple cities, familiar menu, and crowd-pleasing pageantry—best for groups and family nights.
- Tournament of Kings (Las Vegas) sells spectacle: higher production value, louder stunts, and a Vegas-sized energy—best for tourists and big-date nights.
- Book smart: choose front-row or royal-box seating for the most immersive experience, request dietary needs 48–72 hours ahead, and expect to spend roughly $45–$120 per person depending on city and upgrades.
Table of Contents
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Medieval Times Vs Tournament Of Kings: Which Dinner Show Is Better? — Quick Verdict
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Price, Booking, Group Options, and Where to Go Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I get vegetarian or gluten-free meals at these dinner theaters?
Medieval Times Vs Tournament Of Kings: Which Dinner Show Is Better? — Quick Verdict
If you want a reliable, atmospheric, and indulgent medieval-themed dinner that you can find in multiple cities like Buena Park (near LA), Lyndhurst (near New York), or the Chicago suburbs, Medieval Times wins for accessibility and consistent value. It’s a go-to when you want an immersive dining vibe without the Las Vegas price tag or the sensory assault of a big production.
If your evening calls for a showstopping, stadium-scale spectacle with pyrotechnics, athletic acrobatics, and that extra-amped Vegas energy, Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur in Las Vegas is the one. You’ll pay more, and the show leans hard into the theatrical; it’s less subtle and more unforgettable in the “I-can’t-believe-I-saw-that” way.
Practical tip: if you care most about the meal, book Medieval Times and spring for a VIP upgrade. If you care most about the production, book front-row at Tournament of Kings and leave your phone in your pocket so you actually watch instead of record.
What the Shows Actually Are
Medieval Times runs as a chain of castle-style dinner theaters across North America, with locations that serve a four-course, medieval-themed menu while knights compete in arena tournaments. It’s a curated, family-friendly spectacle that leans into pageantry: banners, horses, and a predictable but comforting narrative of honor and rivalry. You’ll find castles near LA (Buena Park), New York (Lyndhurst, NJ), Chicago (Schaumburg area), Dallas, and Orlando, among others.
Practical tip: if you want accessibility, pick Medieval Times in a city near you. If you’re already in Vegas or planning a trip there, make an evening of Tournament of Kings and combine it with other Strip shows for maximum spectacle.
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📍 Book Medieval & Historical Experiences
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We earn a small commission if you book through our links — at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep reviewing experiences firsthand.
Food, Service, and Dietary Considerations
Both shows sell the fantasy of a medieval feast, and both expect rowdy diners who don’t mind getting a little messy. Medieval Times typically serves a four-course menu—soup or tomato bisque, a whole roasted chicken or spare rib option, potato, flatbread or garlic bread, and a dessert like pastry or cake. The classic presentation encourages you to eat with your hands; cutlery arrives if you request it. Portions skew generous, which feels indulgent after three rounds of cheering.
Tournament of Kings serves a plated or plated-style multi-course meal included with admission; historically they’ve encouraged the no-cutlery experience for authenticity. Options vary by performance and season, but expect straightforward comfort dishes—roasted meats, potatoes, gravy, and a sweet finish. Both shows offer vegetarian and child-friendly options, but strict allergy accommodations vary.
Practical tip: call or use the booking portal to request vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly meals at least 48–72 hours before the show. If you have severe allergies, follow up with a phone call so the kitchen flags your booking—don’t rely on onsite staff alone.
The Shows: Stunts, Horses, Acting, and Atmosphere
Medieval Times trades on a dependable formula: knights representing colored sections, ceremonial announcements, choreographed jousts, and periodic rider-horse tricks. The acting tends to be broad and enthusiastic rather than subtle; that’s the point. Atmosphere varies by location—some sites skew more intimate and atmospheric, others feel like a themed chain to the core.
Practical tip: for both shows, choose seats that put you ring-side or in the front rows of your colored section. You’ll see the action up close, feel the spray from swordwork, and get better photo ops (if you must). Expect loud noises and sudden movement; if you’re sensitive, earplugs help without sacrificing the experience.
Price, Booking, Group Options, and Where to Go
Ticket prices move with location, demand, and seat level — check current prices on Viator. Expect these ballpark ranges: Medieval Times adult general admission from about $45–$95, VIP and front-row seats pushing toward $80–$120. Tournament of Kings in Las Vegas usually starts around $65–$100 for standard seating, with premium seats and upgraded packages reaching $120–$160 depending on the night and extras.
Group bookings and corporate events get discounts and add-ons. Medieval Times offers group rates for parties of 20–100+ and has packages for corporate outings with private meeting space in some locations. Tournament of Kings can handle large groups in Vegas and often links with hotel packages at Excalibur for corporate or bachelor/bachelorette nights.
Booking tips: weekend shows sell out fastest—book 2–4 weeks ahead for standard nights and earlier (6–8 weeks) for holiday weekends. If you’re in cities without either brand—like San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Nashville, Miami, New Orleans, or Savannah—you’ll find alternatives like murder mystery dinners, dinner cruises, and local supper clubs that offer immersive dining and themed dinners.
Practical tip: check package deals that bundle hotel + show (especially in Vegas). For city nights, look for midweek discounts and combo offers if the location partners with nearby attractions.
Pro Tip: Book the best available seats you can afford—front-row and VIP upgrades turn the spectacle into an intimate, electric memory — check current prices on Viator. If you’re choosing between saving $15 or sitting ringside, spend the extra cash and thank me later.
📍 More Experiences to Consider
Medieval Times Dinner Show in Orlando
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We earn a small commission if you book through our links — at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep reviewing experiences firsthand.
Continue Reading
Explore these related articles for deeper study:
- Medieval Dinner Theater Shows You Can Find Outside Of Medieval Times
- Tournament Of Kings Las Vegas: A Complete Guide To The Excalibur Dinner Show
- Medieval Times Dinner And Tournament: What To Expect And Is It Worth It?
- Medieval Times For Adults: Why It’s Not Just A Kids’ Show
Frequently Asked Questions
Which show should I pick for a romantic date night?
If you want a playful, indulgent date with a strong photo moment, Tournament of Kings in Las Vegas feels like a big, thrilling night out. If you prefer a consistent, atmospheric experience with a cozy-feeling crowd, choose Medieval Times and book VIP or front-row seats—those give you the intimacy without losing the spectacle.
Can I get vegetarian or gluten-free meals at these dinner theaters?
Yes, both shows offer vegetarian and child-friendly options, and many locations can accommodate gluten-free needs. Always request dietary accommodations when booking and follow up by phone 48–72 hours prior; that’s the only reliable way to get the kitchen to flag your meal.
Are the shows kid-friendly?
Both shows cater to families and are broadly kid-friendly; the action is energetic rather than scary, and kids love cheering for colors and knights. That said, the volume and live animals may overwhelm very young children, so plan accordingly and expect to step out if needed.
What’s the dress code and should I dress up?
Dress codes lean casual to smart-casual—most people show up in jeans, dresses, or cocktail attire. If you want to commit to the theme, go medieval or wear a fun date-night outfit; no one will judge you for a velvet cloak. Comfortable shoes are wise; arena seating can be tiered and involves stairs.
How far in advance should I book and are there discounts?
Book midweek shows 2–4 weeks ahead; weekends and holidays often sell out 4–8 weeks in advance. Look for weekday discounts, combo packages (hotel + show), and group rates. For corporate events, contact the venue for a tailored package and potential meeting space.
You’ve got two clear lanes here. If you want a widely available, indulgent, and reliably immersive themed dinner that works for groups and family nights, book Medieval Times in a city near you—Buena Park, Lyndhurst (NY area), or Schaumburg (Chicago area) are good bets. If you want an amped-up, showstopping evening and you’re in or headed to Las Vegas, book Tournament of Kings, spring for the front row, and make it the centerpiece of a bigger Strip night.