The garlic bread hit the table at the same moment a knight in blue armor charged across the arena on a 1,200-pound Andalusian stallion, and the eight-year-old next to me screamed so loud she dropped her chicken leg into her lap. That’s Medieval Times Kissimmee in one sentence — ridiculous, loud, messy, and so much more fun than any adult expects it to be.
- Best time to go: Weekdays see smaller crowds and better availability
- Budget tip: Book online at least a week ahead for the best rates
- Pro move: Arrive 15 minutes early to grab the best spots
Medieval Times Orlando (technically in Kissimmee, ten minutes south of Disney) is the flagship medieval dining experience in Central Florida, and despite its reputation as a “kids’ show,” I’d argue it’s one of the most entertaining dinner experiences in the Orlando area for any age.
- Medieval Times Orlando tickets run $36–$68/person for general admission; the Royalty Package upgrade is $52–$85/person
- Front row seats make a massive difference — book the Royalty Package for guaranteed first-row arena seating
- Saturday evening shows sell out 2–3 weeks ahead during peak season; weeknight shows are half the crowd
What to Expect at Medieval Times Orlando
The show runs approximately 2 hours and follows a tournament format: six knights compete in jousting, sword fighting, and ring games while you eat a four-course meal with your hands (no utensils — that’s the gimmick, and it works). You’re assigned a colored knight upon entry, and your section of the arena cheers for that knight throughout the tournament.
The meal starts with garlic bread and tomato bisque (served in a bowl you drink from), followed by roasted chicken, sweet buttered corn, an herb-basted potato, and a pastry dessert. The food is better than it has any right to be — the chicken is genuinely well-seasoned and juicy, the bisque is creamy and flavorful, and the portions are generous. The vegetarian alternative (three-bean stew with hummus and pita) is decent but less exciting.
Drinks are sold separately: draft beer ($8–$10), wine ($9–$12), cocktails ($12–$16), and soft drinks ($4–$5). The two-drink upgrade add-on ($15) saves you a couple dollars if you’re planning on more than one.
Practical tip: Eat a light lunch before the show — the medieval feast is substantial, and you’ll want to be hungry enough to enjoy eating a full chicken with your bare hands without reservation.
The Royalty Package: Worth the Upgrade?
The standard General Admission ticket ($36–$68/person depending on day and season) gets you arena seating, the four-course meal, and the full show. The Royalty Package ($52–$85/person) adds guaranteed first-row seating, a cheering banner, a VIP lanyard, a knighting ceremony after the show, and a commemorative program.
Is it worth the $16–$20 upgrade? Absolutely yes, and here’s why: the front row puts you close enough to feel the horses’ hooves vibrate through the arena floor and to catch eye contact with the knights as they ride past. The sound of a lance shattering six feet from your face is viscerally thrilling in a way that the tenth row can’t replicate.
The knighting ceremony is a nice photo opportunity, especially for kids and birthday celebrants. The banner is surprisingly fun — waving it while screaming for your knight is half the experience, and the standard ticket guests look enviously at the front rows. The commemorative program is the weakest add-on, but at the total package price, it’s not why you’re upgrading.
For birthday celebrations, Medieval Times offers a Birthday Celebration Package ($20/person add-on) that includes a front-row seat, a paper crown, an announcement during the show, and a group photo with your knight. The Queen’s Celebration ($32/person add-on) upgrades further with a commemorative medallion and a personal meet-and-greet with the Queen character.
Practical tip: If you’re buying tickets for a group of 4 or more and can’t afford the Royalty Package for everyone, buy it for just the birthday person or guest of honor — they’ll get the first-row experience and the photo ops, and the rest of the group can sit in rows 2–3 for standard pricing.
Medieval Times Orlando vs. Other Locations
Medieval Times operates 9 castles across the US, and the Orlando/Kissimmee location consistently ranks among the top three. The arena is one of the larger ones (seating capacity around 1,100), the horses are well-trained Andalusians and Lusitanos, and the performer pool draws from Orlando’s deep entertainment talent — many knights are stunt performers who also work at theme parks.
Having attended Medieval Times in both Chicago (Schaumburg) and Orlando, the show quality is comparable. The key differences: Orlando runs more shows per week (5–7 vs. Chicago’s 3–5), which means more scheduling flexibility. The Orlando castle was recently renovated with improved sound systems and lighting. And the crowd skews slightly younger and more tourist-heavy, which means more enthusiastic cheering — the energy in the room is genuinely electric on a Saturday night.
Compared to Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur in Las Vegas, Medieval Times runs a longer show (2 hours vs. 75 minutes), serves a better meal, and offers a more polished production. Tournament of Kings is cheaper ($55–$70 including dinner) and has the Vegas spectacle factor, but Medieval Times delivers more for your money if dinner theater is the main event rather than a side attraction.
Browse all medieval dining experiences nationwide to compare locations and shows.
Planning Your Visit
The Kissimmee castle is located at 4510 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, about 10 minutes south of Disney and 20 minutes from Universal. Free parking is available in a large lot directly in front of the castle. Rideshare works fine, but the castle’s location on a busy highway means pickup timing can be tricky after the show — order your ride 10 minutes before the show ends.
Doors open 75 minutes before showtime for the Hall of Arms experience — a pre-show area with a bar, photo ops, and medieval décor. The bar prices are steep ($10–$16 for cocktails), but the atmosphere is fun and it’s worth arriving early if it’s your first visit. Skip the $25–$35 souvenir swords and shields unless you have kids who will melt down without one.
Shows run Wednesday through Sunday, with additional shows during holiday weeks and school breaks. Weekend evening shows (6:00 or 7:30 PM) sell out fastest. Wednesday and Thursday shows are the least crowded, with attendance sometimes at 50–60% capacity — which means more personalized interaction with the performers and a more relaxed dining pace.
Practical tip: Buy tickets directly from MedievalTimes.com rather than third-party resellers — they frequently run email-exclusive promotions ($10–$15 off per ticket) and the site’s calendar shows real-time availability so you can pick the least-crowded show.
Medieval Dining Beyond Medieval Times
Beyond Medieval Times, Orlando’s medieval dining options are limited compared to cities with active Renaissance Faire scenes. The closest Renaissance Faire is the Bay Area Renaissance Festival in Tampa (about 90 minutes west, February–March), which features turkey legs ($12–$15), mead ($8–$12/glass), and banquet-style seating at the King’s Feast ($45–$60/person).
For a medieval-adjacent experience in the Orlando area, Raglan Road Irish Pub at Disney Springs offers a “Rollicking Raglan Brunch” ($35–$55/person) with live Celtic music, step dancers, and a four-course meal served family-style. It’s not medieval-themed per se, but the communal dining and entertainment format scratches a similar itch.
Check out the full Orlando experience guide for murder mystery dinners, food tours, ghost tours, and more. Browse all immersive dining experiences for unique dinner shows across the country.
Know Before You Go
The show is loud — arena-level loud. Expect horse hooves, crashing swords, cheering crowds, and a PA system turned up to theme-park volume. If you’re sensitive to noise, bring earplugs for the jousting segments. Children under 3 get in free but may be startled by the noise; the staff offers “quiet seats” in the upper rows for families with toddlers.
You will get messy. No utensils means your hands will be covered in chicken grease and tomato bisque by the second course. Napkins are provided (generously), but hand wipes from home are a smart backup. Wear something you don’t mind getting a splash of soup on.
The gift shop sells swords, crowns, cloaks, and dragon figurines ranging from $8–$65. Most items are overpriced tourist souvenirs, but the metal replica swords ($35–$50) are actually decent quality if you or your kids are into that.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Medieval Times Orlando cost?
General Admission is $36–$68/person depending on the day and season. The Royalty Package is $52–$85/person. Birthday packages add $20–$32/person. Drinks are separate: beer $8–$10, wine $9–$12, cocktails $12–$16. Budget $60–$90 total per adult for a complete evening with one drink and tip.
Is Medieval Times Orlando just for kids?
Not at all. About 40% of the audience on any given night is adults without children. The show’s humor, horsemanship, and spectacle appeal across ages. The bar in the Hall of Arms and the option to add beer and cocktails make it clear this isn’t exclusively a children’s attraction. Date-night couples and adult friend groups are common, especially on Thursday and Friday shows.
What’s the best seat at Medieval Times Orlando?
Front row in the center section, directly facing the jousting lane. The Royalty Package guarantees first-row placement. If you’re on General Admission, arrive when doors open (75 minutes before showtime) and ask the usher for the lowest available row in the center section. End seats offer closer interaction with the knights as they ride past.
Can I bring outside food or drinks to Medieval Times?
No — outside food and beverages are not permitted. The meal is included in your ticket price (four courses). Dietary accommodations (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) are available with 24-hour advance notice when booking online. Kosher meals require 72-hour notice.
How long is the Medieval Times Orlando show?
The full experience runs about 2 hours from the opening ceremony to the final tournament round. Add 45–75 minutes for the pre-show Hall of Arms experience if you arrive when doors open. Plan for a 3-hour total visit from arrival to departure.