Journey back to an age of chivalry, majestic horses, and valiant knights with our in-depth review of Medieval Times Buena Park. This renowned dinner and tournament experience offers an unparalleled escape into a bygone era, promising an evening of spectacular entertainment and a feast fit for royalty. My family recently embarked on this exciting adventure, and we’re thrilled to share every thrilling detail of our unforgettable trip to this truly captivating venue.
Our recent visit to Medieval Times Buena Park was an absolute blast, marking my first return to this live-action arena since my high school days. I must confess, experiencing the spectacle through the eyes of my own children made it infinitely more enjoyable! The sheer wonder and excitement on their faces as they cheered for their knight was truly priceless. We extend our sincere gratitude to Medieval Times for generously providing our family with tickets to attend this magnificent event, allowing us to capture and share our incredible photos and insights with you. (Please note: this article may contain affiliate links, originally published 8/15).
Your Medieval Times Buena Park Adventure Begins
For those who have yet to embark on the grand adventure that awaits at Medieval Times in Buena Park, allow us to give you an exclusive sneak peek and prepare you for an experience like no other. Your journey begins the moment you step foot through the imposing gates of a magnificent castle. The attention to detail in the architecture and decor immediately transports you from modern-day Southern California into a world steeped in medieval lore.
Upon arrival, a crucial step in your immersive experience is the assignment of your knight. Depending on the size of your party, you are directed to the best available seating within the grand arena and presented with a colored paper crown. This crown signifies your allegiance and will determine which valiant knight you’ll be passionately cheering for throughout the evening’s tournament. For us, the blue crown was a perfect fit, much to the delight of my daughter, whose favorite color happens to be blue!
After a quick family photograph to capture the moment, we ventured deeper into the castle’s Great Hall, an bustling area teeming with activity and excitement. This pre-show experience is a show in itself, designed to build anticipation for the main event.
The Pre-Tournament Spectacle
Even before guests are ushered into the grand arena for the main event, the Great Hall offers its own brand of entertainment. Costumed characters mingle with the crowd, adding to the medieval ambiance. We witnessed an engaging pre-show ceremony where several lucky audience members, including children, were called forward to be “knighted” by the King himself. This charming ritual often includes special birthday announcements, making those celebrating their special day feel like true royalty. It’s an excellent way to involve the audience and create personalized, memorable moments.
Adding to the visual splendor of the pre-show, some of the magnificent horses that would later grace the arena were on display, allowing guests to admire their beauty and grace up close. These noble creatures, primarily pure Spanish Andalusians, are an integral part of the show, showcasing incredible horsemanship. Alongside them, a majestic falcon, a key performer in the evening’s aerial display, was also presented, captivating onlookers with its piercing gaze and impressive stature.
The Great Hall also features various booths and stands where you can purchase flags, banners, and other medieval-themed souvenirs to further enhance your cheering experience. The energy in the hall is palpable, building excitement with every passing minute. And then, the highly anticipated announcement arrives: “It is time to enter the arena!”
As you enter the grand arena, you’ll find your seats according to the color of the crown you received earlier. This ingenious seating arrangement fosters a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition among the audience members. Each section passionately roots for its designated Knight, creating an electric atmosphere filled with cheers, shouts, and enthusiastic flag-waving. It’s an interactive experience where every audience member becomes a part of the spectacle.
A Feast Fit for a King: The Royal Dinner Experience
The true magic of Medieval Times Buena Park unfolds as the main show begins, seamlessly blending thrilling entertainment with a unique dining experience. The fun truly kicks off as you are served a fabulous, multi-course meal, designed to transport you back to a time when eating with your hands was the norm! That’s right – no silverware is provided, encouraging a truly authentic medieval feast.
The meal typically includes:
- A generous serving of roasted chicken (half a chicken per person), tender and flavorful.
- A perfectly baked potato, offering a hearty complement to the main course.
- A delicious ear of corn on the cob, adding a touch of sweetness.
- Warm garlic bread, perfect for soaking up every drop of flavor.
- A steaming bowl of creamy tomato soup, a delightful starter.
And to top off this splendid repast, a bit later in the show, a warm apple pastry or similar dessert is served, providing a sweet conclusion to your savory meal. Soft drinks are included, and adult beverages are available for purchase from the roaming servers. Dietary restrictions can also be accommodated with advance notice, ensuring everyone can enjoy the feast.
Medieval Times Buena Park Tournament Review: The Grand Spectacle
The arena itself is brilliantly designed, featuring a royal box at one end where the King and Princess preside over the festivities, lending an air of authenticity to the proceedings. Below them, the Knights and their loyal “helpers” prepare for the ultimate test of skill and bravery. The beautiful Andalusian horses, central to the show’s grandeur, also make their magnificent entrances.
The seating arrangement ensures that every guest has an excellent view of the action. Even if you’re seated higher up in the stands, like us (we were just two rows from the very top), your view remains unobstructed. The tiered layout means you can easily follow every detail of the show, from the nuanced horsemanship to the intense sword fights.
Then, with a flourish of trumpets and a roar from the crowd, the battles truly begin at Medieval Times to determine which Knight will prove victorious! The tournament is a dynamic showcase of various medieval skills and combat. It commences with dazzling displays of horsemanship, where the knights perform intricate maneuvers on their powerful steeds, demonstrating agility and control. A breathtaking falconry demonstration often follows, with a majestic bird of prey soaring over the arena, showcasing its incredible speed and precision. This is truly a highlight, captivating both young and old.
The heart of the tournament, however, lies in the intense combat. Knights engage in thrilling sword fights, their blades clashing with resounding force, creating sparks and an exhilarating din. The choreography is masterful, making each duel feel authentic and dangerous. But the ultimate test of courage and skill is the jousting tournament. With lances poised, knights charge at each other on horseback, aiming to unseat their opponents. The thunderous impact of the lances striking shields sends vibrations through the stands, eliciting gasps and cheers from the captivated audience. It’s an adrenaline-pumping experience that truly brings the medieval era to life.
While our Knight, unfortunately, didn’t claim the ultimate victory, finishing as the runner-up, it hardly mattered. The thrill of cheering on our color, the collective excitement of the crowd, and the sheer spectacle of the tournament created an immensely enjoyable and memorable experience for my children and me. It’s truly an active form of entertainment where the audience’s participation fuels the energy of the show.
Why Medieval Times Buena Park is a Must-Visit for Families
Medieval Times Buena Park isn’t just a dinner show; it’s a journey into history, a celebration of chivalry, and an incredible bonding experience for families. For adults, it evokes a sense of nostalgia, perhaps bringing back fond memories of childhood visits or simply offering a unique escape from the everyday. For children, it’s an immersive fantasy come true – watching real knights battle, seeing majestic horses up close, and being part of a cheering crowd creates memories that will last a lifetime. It encourages active imagination and provides a valuable lesson in history, albeit in an incredibly entertaining format.
Tips for Your Medieval Times Buena Park Visit
- Book in Advance: Especially for weekend shows or holidays, tickets sell out quickly. Booking online is recommended to secure your preferred date and time.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself ample time to explore the Great Hall, enjoy the pre-show entertainment, take photos, and visit the gift shop before being seated in the arena.
- Embrace the Theme: Don’t be shy about cheering loudly for your knight! The more engaged you are, the more fun you’ll have. Consider purchasing a flag or souvenir to show your allegiance.
- Dietary Needs: If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free), notify Medieval Times when booking or upon arrival. They are generally accommodating.
- Special Occasions: Medieval Times is a fantastic venue for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or other special events. Consider purchasing a “Celebration Package” for extra perks.
This unique dinner show, with its combination of thrilling live entertainment and a delightful medieval feast, stands out as a premier attraction in Southern California. It’s a truly immersive experience that captivates all ages, fostering a sense of wonder and excitement that is hard to replicate. To plan your own epic journey back in time, we highly recommend visiting the official Medieval Times website to purchase tickets. Keep an eye out for discounted offers and special promotions that are frequently available. Prepare yourself for an evening of noble steeds, valiant knights, and an unforgettable adventure!