Trips on a Tank

TRIPS TANK on a

For this month’s Trip-on-a-Tank our family had the opportunity to visit the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Kissimmee, FL. On this family adventure we were able to travel through the mists of time to a forgotten age of devotion, courage and love and were able to experience the pageantry and excitement that would have been ours as guests of the queen ten centuries ago. Not only did we get to see an electrifying show featuring heroic knights on spirited horses displaying the astounding athletic feats and thrilling swordplay, but we also were able to enjoy a “hands-on” feast as the dynamic performance unfolded before us.

From the moment we entered the castle and were greeted at the ticketing booth to the moment we left the Medieval Times Museum at the close of the evening, we were

taken care of by staff dressed in medieval costume speaking in old English. It was quite impressive that no matter how ridiculous our kids questions were, not one ever broke character throughout the evening!

After we left the ticketing booth, we were handed our cheering banner and paper crowns, and bid entrance to the castle grounds. As soon as we entered the castle grounds, there was a lot to see and do before the show actually began. We shopped for souvenirs, toured the Medieval Museum, met the Royal Falconer and her falcon, snapped a photo with the Queen, checked in on the horses and enjoyed socializing with many of the serfs, wenches and knights!

In the Hall of Arms, there was a spectacular array of Medieval weaponry as well as dozens of different coats of arms for many prestigious families. It was a great spot for photos and it was exhilarating to view and admire all the elaborate Medieval décor. Another fun experience

was something they called the knighting ceremony. For an additional cost, the Queen will “knight” your child or a loved one in front of everyone - putting them in a cape, and then during the show the Royal Court will make a birthday, wedding, graduation announcement during the show.

Finally it was time to enter the arena. As the festivities began, trumpeters herald all the Queen’s guests into the Grand Ceremonial Arena where we were seated in one of the six color-coded sections corresponding to the colors of one of the daring Knights. We were seated in the red section and cheered on our Red Knight throughout the show.

After the opening, we were able to witness intricate battles with authentic weaponry and enhanced armor, which grabbed everyone’s attention from the moment we sat down. While enjoying the show all the Queen’s guests were treated to a utensil-free feast. The menu included tomato bisque, focaccia bread, oven roasted chicken, corn on the cob, herb-basted potato split into quarters, dessert, beverages and coffee. Serfs attended

Medieval Times Orlando Castle 4510 W. Vine St. Kissimmee FL 34746 www.medievaltimes.com 1-888-WE-JOUST

to our every need and the meal was quite delicious and is rightly called a “feast.”

The show itself was really fun and full of energy. We watched jousting as well as lots of great horsemanship. The costumes were really intricate and the knights did a great job of interacting with the audience. Kids waved their flags and cheered on their knight and the knights even threw out carnations to the audience. There was also a part in the show where a falcon flew right over our heads several times!

After the main meal was coming to an end, the show really began to ramp up! The Knights put on a spectacular display of equestrian skills and Medieval pageantry and the arena was filled with

the thunder of hooves and cheers as the Tournament of Games began. The entire arena joined in the revelry as we all cheered on our Knights.

For the final portion of the show, the Green Knight challenges the Queen and

the knights stand up to defend the Queen’s honor. The final portion of the show was an electrifying display of swordplay and combat. The musical score which played in the background help to provide a fabulous backdrop for the battles and really helped to draw all of the guests into the story. In the end, the Green knight was defeated and Queen’s kingdom was protected!

Our Medieval Times show experience was truly an evening to remember. If you’re looking to make a large group of people happy (and I have to admit I think it was SO much fun being there with a large group) and can’t decide between a dinner and a show, why not do it all?! The Medieval Times Dinner Theater was a great way for our family to make memories that will definitely last a lifetime.

Capturing the Imagination of all ages! Medieval Times is based upon authentic Medieval history and is the true story of a noble family with documentation dating back to the 11th Century. Medieval Times began with two dinner / entertainment complexes located in Majorca and Benidorm, Spain. The first North American Castle in Kissimmee, Florida opened in December 1983. Medieval Times’ Castles have since entertained more than 60 million guests. TRIPS TANK on a

What can I expect at a Medieval Times performance? Expect almost two hours of jousting, swordsmanship, thrilling hand-to

hand combat, displays of extraordinary horsemanship and falconry as part of an exciting yet touching story set in Medieval Spain.

What else does Medieval Times have besides a dinner show? Medieval Times also features an excellent bar, gift shop, Hall of Arms displaying medieval artifacts and a Museum of Torture.

Field Trips The student program at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament enhances your classroom lesson by producing an educational and entertaining program for students of all ages. There are learning materials to supplement your medieval lesson plan before your epic 11th-Century field trip!

How can I get reservations or tick ets? Seating at the Castles is limited and reservations are strongly recommended. The online ticketing allows for viewing of showtimes as well as purchase of tickets and enhancement packages. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 1-866-543-9637.

Castles open 75 minutes prior to showtime, and the shows run approximately two hours. The showtimes schedule varies by season and may be subject to change. Admission price includes the show, a fourcourse dinner and two rounds of select non-alcoholic beverages. Ticket prices vary at each Castle and do not include sales tax and gratuities. Groups of 15 or more should book reservations with the individual castle Group Sales Department as far in advance as possible.

Spring Break Savings Kids & All Students $31.95 | Adults $41.95 (Save up to $33 per person)

Use Code: SB20 by May 3, 2020 Valid for shows thru December 31, 2020 Admission to the Medieval Life Village • Two-Hour Tournament • Four Course Feast • Magni cent Pure Spanish Horses • Authentic Sword Fights and Jousting

Use discount code SB20. May not be combined with any other discount, special o er or group rate. Not valid for special shows, holidays or prior purchases. Restrictions may apply. Upgrade packages, tax, gratuity and applicable fees are additional. Valid only at the Orlando castle for shows through 12/31/20. Excludes the late NYE show. Tickets must be purchased by 5/3/2020.