While I’d always heard of Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, I’d never been. For some reason, I always assumed it was just for kids. So when I was offered tickets to visit the Toronto Castle with my family, I thought it would be a great way to celebrate my son’s third birthday with our family (my other two sons are ages five and one). What I didn’t expect was how much my husband and I also enjoyed the show. We went in with no expectations and we came out very pleased impressed. The show was fun for everyone, regardless of age. In fact, there was an elderly couple sitting next to me and they were just as thrilled about the show as we were.
The Birthday Boy!
So, if you’re thinking of taking your family to Medieval Times, here is what you need to know!
Food
First thing you should know is that you are expected to eat with your hands! It’s part of the experience, just the way things were done back in the, well, Medieval Times! Vegetarian options are available and they take note of any allergies when you first arrive. Everyone in your party (with the exception of lap children) will be served a four course meal. These meals are huge. While we’re not talking about world class dinning here, the food is quite good. First course is tomato bisque soup (it wasn’t my favourite but my husband liked it and he’s not a big soup eater) and garlic bread.
This was followed by a huge piece of chicken. The chicken was actually pretty tender and moist. My boys gobbled it all up. It also comes with a side of corn and half a potato. To finish the meal you get dessert and coffee / tea. Each meal comes with complementary soft drinks (and one refill). Since it was a Saturday night, it was nice that we were able to also order some wine or a beer with our meal (at an extra charge). Since the meals are so large, you may not finish everything that they serve (this is especially true for the kids) but you can ask them to wrap up the leftovers for you.
Entertainment
The show is two hours long and is narrated by a witty Master of Ceremonies. Think Game of Thrones PG rated!
There are a variety of challenges for the knights, horsemanship, falconry (the falcon actually flies all around the castle and above the guests), and lots of cheering from the crowd.
Upon entry, you will be assigned a coloured card that will represent the colour of your section and ultimately which knight you will be cheering on.
I think that the audience participation and excitement is a big part of what makes the night fun, so the more people are into the action, the better your experience will be. We sat in the front row which I would highly recommend. While tickets are pricey, they are reasonable considering everything you get. Ie. a big meal and a fun night of entertainment for the whole family. This is definitely worth $66 for adults and $46 for kids 12 and under. You can often find discount code on Medieval Time’s website as well as coupons on various sites.
‘Scare Factor’
I don’t know about your kids, but mine scare easily. My five and three year old can barely watch a Bubble Guppy show in its entirety without hiding behind a pillow and blanket for the “scary” parts. I often skip out of attending events as I consider my kids reaction to what they will be watching / experiencing.
While my five year old did squirm for a few moments during some of the jousts, overall, my older boys were not scared at all. They had fun watching and cheering on and I often caught them completely captivated by what they were witnessing.
Uniqueness
If you’re looking for a fun night out with your family, this is a great option. The boys were so intrigued and captivated by the jousting and battles. They loved waving their flags and cheering on our red knight, who happened to win! My three year old is now obsessed with knights. As we were leaving the show, I overheard so much joy in everyone’s conversation as they were recapping their night (and knight). I believe everyone who was there was pleased with the show. I can totally see my family and I making this an annual event!
GIVEAWAY
One lucky Mayahood blog reader will win TWO tickets to Medieval Times in Toronto (valued at $130+). Enter the giveaway via Rafflecopter (please give it a few seconds to load). Contest is open to all residents of Ontario. Contest ends Friday February 12, 2016.
We are going to TO the summer so i would take my son and husband. We have NEVER been here and want to go SOOOO bad! TY!
I would take my son
I would bring my husband and buy two extra tickets and bring our kids! Thank you so much for the chance at going! looks like you guys had a blast!!!
I would bring my younger because him and I love cool stuff like this.
I would take my five year old. He would love it! I went years ago before kids and loved it myself!
I would bring my son because he loves knight and castle and it will be fun for him to see the show
I would bring my hubby of 36yrs. and our 13yr. old daughter would tag along.LOL
I would love to bring my best friend there…she hasn’t been able to attend yet.
This is so cute! I wanted to take Alexa but was worried she’d be scared. She gets scared during peppa pig!
I would bring my husband and our 3 year old! Thank-you so much for the opportunity!! 🙂
I would take my husband – we are looking for date night ideas!
will bring my hubby to have a date!
I would definitely bring my husband on a date night! He’s a hard worker and truly the best, so a night away together, doing something fun, would be awesome!
I would bring my husband because he deserves a night out!
Bring my friend for a night out
I would bring BF with me because it would make for an awesome date night 🙂
I’d take my sister because she’s always wanted to go and she never gets a night out!
I would bring my son, he needs to distress.
I’d bring my partner because he’d enjoy the show.
I would take my family, mom and brother just like I did in April in Orlando Florida. Everyone had a great time and The Kids are still talking about the fact that our knight won!
Even though I’m from Toronto, I’ve never been to their restaurant.
Besos, Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
I would take my boyfriend and my 4 sons, this would just help keep the cost down
I would bring my husband because I love him.
I would bring hubby as we both have always wanted to go there.
I would take my husband for an awesome date night! Thanks for the chance!
I would take my family. It would be a great family outing!
I think my son would love to go, so I’d love to win to impress him! But, I’ll have to get a ticket for my husband… can’t leave him at home 🙂
I was lucky enough to take my family to Medieval Times 2 x last year – I would give these tickets to a friend to take her boyfriend. This isn’t in their budget unfortunately.
I would take my mom out because she has never been there
I would bring my son.
I would take my son
i would bring my son – he would love this, he loves knights!
my daughter has been asking me to take her here for months now – this would be the perfect opportunity!
I would take hubby and our two kids. I think it would be a great night out!
I would take my son and his friend for his 8th birthday.
I would bring my boyfriend with me because we really need a fun “knight” out!
I would take my hubby because we’ve always had a lot of fun going there for date night in the past!
I would bring my mom because she would love this!
I would take my husband on a date. He loves fun, exciting activities so this would be totally right up his alley!!
I would take my son because he loves knights and what a cool boys night it would be!