Move over Arthur! Away with you Sir Galahad! The real thing is here! Well almost. Every evening, down in Kissimmee, Florida, the age of chivalry comes alive. Thundering horses; battling knights and the clash and clang of their broad swords and shields ring out in the balmy night air. It is the Medieval Times!
The mood is set even as you http://www.loveorlandotickets.co.uk/blog/admin/Posts/Add_entry.aspx#approach. The imposing gleaming white walls of Kissimmee Castle, protected by an encircling moat and entry only through a lowered drawbridge, all highlighted by dramatic lighting creates an anticipation that is fully realised when you enter the premises. There are also eight cottages that replicate a village from medieval times, which gives you that feel of by-gone times.
If you get there early (and it is a good idea to do so) you must check out the large array of tools, weapons and instruments of torture. It is fun trying to figure out what some of these intriguing devices are and their purpose. The waiting area is done up like a grand old castle with all sorts of props to strengthen the atmosphere of the period.
There is a liquor bar. The highlight of the bar’s offerings is a concoction called the Executioner. It is served in a margarita glass and contains generous portions of every kind of liquor. Quaffing the stuff will have you all pumped up for the action to follow!
At the check in, you are assigned to one of the knights and given a crown and a flag of his colour. You are his support section and that is a really fun part. You participate by heckling the opposing knights and cheering your assigned hero as he bravely battles his foes. You have ring side seats to the action.
The main protagonists are six knights who battle for the Championship in The Tournament of Knights. They are the Black & White Knight, the Blue Knight, the Red and Yellow Knight, the Yellow Knight, the Red Knight and the Green Knight. The proceedings are watched over by Don Carlos, the King, and his beautiful daughter.
The first half of the show features jousting by the knights and the action involves displaying their considerable riding skills. For all the action of the costumed actors, and the story line they play out, the outstanding performers of the show are the gorgeous looking and intelligent stallions. The play-acting and sets give you a really good idea of what a joust was like.
As this part of the show draws to a close, your meal is brought in. The food is another exciting part of the evening’s entertainment and fit for a king – albeit a medieval one. No cutlery is provided and that is deliberate. You are supposed to attack the food with your fingers - in keeping with the proceedings.
Your royal feast consists of:
• Oven Roasted Chicken
• Garlic Bread
• Tomato Bisque Soup
• Herb-Roasted Potato
• Spare Rib
• Pastry of the Castle
• Select Non-Alcoholic Beverages
The fare for vegetarians is just as fulfilling and consists of:
• Hummus
• Warm Pita Bread
• Carrot and Celery sticks
• 3 Bean Stew, fire-roasted Tomato and Brown rice
• Fresh Fruit
The action continues with the Royal Falconer orchestrating a display by falcons that includes a flight of them swooping above your head. The action ends with several pretty ferocious looking hand to hand combat sets involving different weapons. After the show, the knights (in their full regalia) come out to the waiting area so you can get in some photographs.
All in all, the Medieval Times Tournament and Dinner requires you to suspend reality and have a really fun night out – whether you are 8 years old or more.
Show Timings:
Weekdays – 7pm
Saturday and Sunday – 6pm and 8pm.
Address:
4510 W. Irlo Bronson Highway
Kissimmee
Florida 34746
Image Courtesy- Emily Auth