Review of Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament – Toronto

We’re received many invitations (from friends) to go to Medieval Times but have been unable to for various reasons.  It finally took an invitation from one of Book Boy’s classmates to get our family out to experience this popular attraction.

Here’s our family’s take on the night and some tips to help your family fully enjoy the night!  Also included is a video of the best medieval pre-tournament announcements ever made!

Details:  Medieval Times Toronto, 10 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON
(888) 935-6878, www.medievaltimes.com

Concept:  “Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament is North America’s longest running and most popular dinner attraction.  Guests experience an evening of quality, family entertainment inspired by 11th century history; and witness live jousting, swordplay, horsemanship and falconry. Guests are taken back in time and encouraged to cheer for one of six “Knights of the Realm,” named after historic regions of medieval Spain, while feasting on a four-course banquet served in true medieval, pre-silverware fashion.”

Money Saving Tips:

-Before booking your tickets, ensure you research what ticket specials your local Medieval Times may be offering.  We purchased tickets under the “Buy 4, get each for $30″ special.

-At the end of the night, you’ll also get a letter offering you a ‘Buy One Get One Free” offer to use on a return visit to Medieval Times, valid until Dec30/10.  To redeem, just use the code THANK10 when booking online or via phone.

-If you’re having dinner at Medieval Times and have already paid for parking somewhere else in the immediate vicinity (i.e. at one of the other Exhibition Place Buildings in Toronto), then when parking at Medieval Times, show them your ticket and they might let you park there for free (because it worked for us)!

Enjoyment Tips:

-Arrive about 30 to 45 minutes before your show to enjoy the inner foyer of the stadium.  Here, you can see displays of armour, different birds, a small view of the stables, etc.  And don’t forget the souvenir stand!

-All meals are eaten by hand so make sure you wash your kids’ hands before going into the stadium.  At the very least, bring some wipes and/or hand sanitizer.

-Our meal consisted of a Tomato Soup, Garlic Bread, a 1/2 Chicken, one Pork Rib, potatoes and a pastry desert (and quality of the food was good!).  The vegetarian meal includes tomato bisque soup, garlic bread, a large Portobello mushroom cap stuffed with whole grain rice and bean blend, a large skewer of roasted vegetables, hummus with pita chips and a  pastry desert.  For kids who are picky eaters, don’t hesitate to ask your waiter (serf or wench) for extra garlic bread or whatever your kids will actually eat.

Tips from the Marketing and Sales Manager at Medieval Times:

“The style of the arena allows for all seats to be decent as it was built in a ‘theatre in the round’ style, however our choice seating is the Kings Royalty package for those who like to get up and close to the action.”

“The souvenir/gift shop offers hand made swords from Spain and fancy princess hats to tyke-size armour and swords for the young ones.  The show is suited for all ages and as such so is the gift shop!”

“The Knighting ceremony is a fantastic way to honour a milestone or special occasion; the honoree is sworn in by the King in front of all the castle guests before or after the show, receives a commemorative photo and scroll to mark the occasion and also receives a mid-show announcement by the MC to which the entire crowd responds with a cheer.  You can arrange for a knighting at the scroll masters desk in the castle upon arrival or if it’s a surprise by phone 1-888-WE-JOUST.”

Best Medieval Introductions: From “A Knight’s Tale”.  The intro they do at Medieval Times doesn’t even come close…

Overall Experience:

As long as you get your tickets at a discount, the night out is worth the price of admission.  Make sure you go with people who will enjoy the experience with you (like we did) and that will only increase the ‘fun’ factor!

Do you have any other tips?  If so, please share them with the Incredible Dad Community via the comments section below!

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