The Royal Origins of Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

Do you remember Medieval Times? Eating dinner with your hands, downing flagons of Pepsi, all the while knights battle it out for your amusement. As it turns out, it’s an experience that began with actual Spanish nobility.
New here? Be sure to subscribe!
🔷goo.gl/x17zTL
Become a Producer on Patreon!
❤ / robplays
My Disney Podcast!
🎧ttapodcast.com
Follow me on Twitter!
📱 / midwaytomainst
Additional Sources
Vaughan, V. (1989). ‘Traveling Back a Thousand Years’, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jul, p8.
Medieval Times owner plans shopping center. The Orlando Sentinel, (1983, 7 Dec), p133.
Johnson, D. (1983). ‘Castle going up outside Kissimmee’, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug, p105.
Restaurant on schedule. The Orlando Sentinel, (1983, 5 May), p38.
Kilsheimer, J. (1984). ‘11th century is five hours away’, Tallahassee Democrat, 8 Jan, p29.
Kilsheimer, J. (1984). ‘Attendance builds steadily at Medieval Times theater’, 19 Feb, p12.
Medieval Times to auction horses. The Orlando Sentinel, (1984, 24 Feb), p131
Kilsheimer, J. (1984). ‘A piece of the past served with dinner’, Fort Lauderdale News, 4 Mar, p194.
Smith, J. (1984). ‘Feast for the eyes in Kissimmee’, Tampa Bay Times, 26 Apr, p73-4
Budd, B. (1984). ‘Chivalry lives in Kissimmee’, Florida Today, 21 Sep, p23.
Kilsheimer, J. (1984). ‘Medieval Times - It’s a Camelot in Osceola’, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Dec, p32
Carden, B. (1985). ‘Dinner theater gets taste of success’, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Mar, p17.
MEDIEVAL ATTRACTIONS N.V. v. COMMISSIONER, 72 T.C.M. 924 (1996), T.C. Memo. 1996-455, United States Tax Court.

[@mitwhitgaming7722]

I can never go to Medieval Times again. I was in the Allen High School marching band, and nothing will ever top 800 high schoolers filling nearly the entire arena and getting extremely into cheering on for their chosen knight.

[@Renato2Go]

I'm a Brazilian and was working with Disney Tours in the 90's and can asure: Medieval Times was a thing back there among Brazilians. I agree with Rob when he said it was a simple straight forward storyline to follow and could add an incredible word of mouth from those who came back after a Central Florida trip.

[@DistoryDan]

TEAM YELLOW KNIGHT!

[@Disneyfiend07]

Go green knight!!

[@phuongt7150]

I've been going for the past 3 years (before Covid) and get yellow knight every time. Not by request or anything. We just always end up with yellow.

[@malxredleader]

You know not @Disney Dan! For it is the Green Knight who reigns supreme!

[@carminecdinoproductions]

Agreed!

[@orenalairlines6101]

Hi Dan I did not know u watch midway to Main Street

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

One of the few things to survive through the years on 192. I'm surprised that Eisner didn't open a Medieval resort with a dinner show.

[@shockedcurve453]

Superstar Medieval Encounter

[@Brandis13]

@@shockedcurve453 In a way, he did, only that he brought it back to Europe. There is a Buffalo Bill themed dinner show at Disneyland Paris that has been running since 1992, some of todays cast members have been there since the beginning.

[@merrivideo]

@@Brandis13 Why am I just learning this :'( I went to Disneyland Paris 2 years ago

[@carminecdinoproductions]

I definitely want Disney to do a Medieval Times style dinner show but as part of a Medieval/Fantasy/Fairytale themed resort called “Disney’s Medieval Fairytale Castle Resort” complete with a dinner theater for dinner shows like a Medieval Times style show!

[@Brandis13]

@@carminecdinoproductions Surprisingly, Disney is pretty conservative as far as hotel theming goes, the outside looks nice and tells a story, but the rooms are pretty much generic, with mostly light theming touches. Other park operators, like Europapark or Phantasialand in Germany or Puy du Fou in France. For example, at Puy du Fou, there is a hotel themed like a medival castle, the room doors are heavy and look like they were made from untreated and wood-worm holed planks. The toilet seat looks like in an outhouse, but hides a regular, modern flush toilet. Another hotels looks like a medieval tournament field with round tournament tents, those are regular buildings, but then the inner and outer walls are covered with colorful tent clothes. What I want to say is that a medieval themed Disney hotel would probably look rather tacky (Imagine the WDW casting center on a grander scale, for example). :-)

[@trickycrayon]

I can't get over how it's basically just the joust from the local renfaire, but inside and all at once instead of happening in 3 segments throughout the day...lmao

[@nilus2k]

You are not even exaggerating. I know here in Illinois a lot of the guys who work at Medevil times pick up some extra work commuting an hour north to the Bristol Ren Fair on the weekend to get some extra jousts in

[@trickycrayon]

@@nilus2k I'm sure!

[@TitoTimTravels]

Yeah, in Dallas a bunch of the guys work Scarby and Medieval Times. 😎

[@zitaveronica]

One of the favorite memories was a middle school trip to the one in Buena Park-I think we took up a whole section. I remember in the middle of the show when they announced all the special quests (people celebrating birthdays or anniversaries) and our school was named last-we all just went wild. The guy making the announcements then turned to the king and said “As you can see they don’t get out much”, which of course made us laugh even more.

[@ludmillanon]

This is so weird. I live in El Albir and drive past the Magic Robin Hood all the time when I go to Benidorm. I never thought it'd be connected to those American versions or mentioned in a KZbin video in a million years.

[@paper_pirate]

I remember going here as a kid. My dad brought plastic utensils for us😂

[@LeadTrumpet1]

I’ve been to the Lyndhurst castle multiple times. It is very popular with NYC tourists as it isn’t that far away and you can arrive by train or bus from Penn Station or Port Authority respectively.

[@rmannayr2129]

IT'S EVERYONE'S FAVORITE PAST TIME! EATING CHICKEN WITH YOUR HANDS AND DRINKING PEPSI!

[@movienerd202]

Coke

[@ElyseExplosion]

I freaking love Medieval Times. I've lost track of how many times I've been to the Lyndhurst castle - field trips for school and girl scouts, birthday parties, and just for the hell of it. I could totally go for half a chicken and some jousting.

[@carminecdinoproductions]

Yeah!

[@UmmYeahOk]

Surely I’m not the only person who brings in disposable silverware and napkins! I also bring in at least one marker to write “I LOVE YOU X KNIGHT!” on my paper placemat. Every time I do this, I get a rose. Last visit was my daughters first, so I had her hold it up. That rose made her trip extra magical, she even kept it for weeks.

[@merrivideo]

disposable silverware?

[@UmmYeahOk]

@@merrivideo eating utensils. You know what I mean. I wouldn’t leave behind good cutlery to be thrown out.

[@TheComicRelief9001]

It's so nice to hear about a bizarre venture from my childhood that's actually still around

[@AlphaNovemberHotel651]

So pleased it survived when so many attractions built along the 192 back in the 1980s boom time didn’t. Will definitely be visiting when I can next travel to the area.

[@wasagoo]

I'M SO GLAD Medieval times expanded! I've only had the chance to visit the Toronto castle in Canada 3 times. I would love to visit one of the American castles one day, they look so much cooler. Does the village still exist? I'm so glad for his idea, because I love medieval times history too!! Also, high school?! My class went to MT in grade 4 when we learned about monarchy and different types of governments

[@RariettyC]

As someone who has watched Jenny Nicholson's video about Evermore, I find it really funny how much Medieval Times kinda already nailed so much of Evermore's concept

[@Yensid951927]

I went to the one in New Jersey during a middle school trip, I remember me and my friends having a lot of fun.

[@carminecdinoproductions]

I went to the one in Lyndhurst, New Jersey!

[@eugeneketaminekrebs3403]

Same. Went to the one in Arundel Mills, Maryland 5 or 4 years ago. Never been there ever since. Pretty good food for what it was.

[@jamescarrington6504]

The best field trip ever is going to a Medieval Time Dinner Show. I am fortunate enough my Middle School Sixth Grade Field Trip went to the South Carolina location

[@L8RG8R2U]

I remember growing up in Kissimmee, my family would always drive by Medieval Times when we went out to town. Sadly we were never able to go, but it’s on my bucket list to go someday

[@carminecdinoproductions]

I definitely want Disney to do a Medieval Times style dinner show but as part of a Medieval/Fantasy/Fairytale themed resort called “Disney’s Medieval Fairytale Castle Resort” complete with a dinner theater for dinner shows like a Medieval Times style show!

[@starcitycreations]

My wife and I visited the one in Myrtle Beach many years ago. It was quite a blast!

[@phuongt7150]

I go to the Buena Park location. It's so fun, but the seating is so tight. They really cram you into those tiny seats.

[@AveryTalksAboutStuff]

I just saw a commercial for this and I was like, "really? In this climate??" 😂

[@robonyan6415]

its the historically accurate plague for a true medieval experience

[@christalbot210]

@@robonyan6415 Sure! {snaps fingers} We'll go with that. 😀

[@johnychen]

Great video. I noticed that Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede has a pretty similar format to Medevil Times.

[@Clay3613]

The fake mountain backdrop is incredible.

[@UmmYeahOk]

There’s a restaurant clone in Orlando (and I think maybe also in Anaheim) called Pirate Adventure. It’s the same premise, only you have different colored pirates instead of knights. They do a bunch of stunts, and there is singing, and audience participation. You also aren’t required to pay for the meal. I remember liking it in 2009 when I was 27, but my second visit in 2020 (38yo) it felt pretty childish. There were a lot more children than the adults I saw last time. You know, “family friendly,” which is fine, because that’s what we technically were after... ...I guess. The thing is, with MGM/DHS and EPCOT being a mess, we were trying to expand our trip to Universal, which was very hard to do. We spent 3 and a half days there. I think we gave up and spent one day at AK and two at MK, which was good, considering the fact that a month and a half later both resorts closed.

[@rmdewberry2482]

Grew up going to Medieval Times in Dallas with family and school trips!

[@subzippo]

Remember? I've been to three castles in the last five years; Kissimmee, Toronto, and Chicago. I love it.

[@AmyC531]

I went on a class trip to the Lyndhurst one in 1996. My parents, who were both chaperones, snuck in utensils - I was mortified.

[@doombuggywa]

Went to the Medieval Times in Buena Park California and I was very surprised at how much fun I had and for 40 bucks I thought it was very reasonably priced. you got fed a whole half of a chicken which is pretty good and a two hour show.

[@nzzaney]

I went to the one in Toronto for my birthday a few years back while visiting for a friends wedding the same week. It was awesome. I still have my flag

[@carminecdinoproductions]

I want more Medieval Times locations in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York in the NYC area, etc.!

[@knighterrant1983]

Thank you for this! As a Kissimmee castle performer from the 80's and 90's, it was a nice trip down memory lane seeing some of your early castle (and village) pics! And you are right...Medieval Times has survived and thrived, while its closest competitor Arabian Nights had to fold.

[@playboymaxim]

Lived in Central FL for 9 years, passed by it a million times, never checked it out. My next trip I will make it a point to visit lol! Great job as always!

[@SaturnCanuck]

Thanks Rob. I have been to the Toronto Ontario show and damn it's a lot of fun!

[@imakecomments]

my grade went to one of these on our sixth grade dc trip in 2015. it was a really fun break from all the presidential happenings of the day. a lot of fun and the food was great!

[@mrheroprimes]

high school has a DC trip, we stopped at the mall that has a medieval times on it before heading to the hotel.

[@ThiccTropius]

I went to the newest one (Scottsdale, AZ) and I wanted to do it for a long time... good thing I did! It was a very engaging show, like I knew the fights were choreographed, but I was like "ahhhhh" at moments because of how crazy it got. (Was on Team red and yellow, was cheering for team green, and team red.)

[@meluckycharms111]

Interesting topic that I haven’t seen covered elsewhere. Good choice!

[@Housewarmin]

This was of the funnest experiences I’ve ever had!!! I thought it was gonna be cheesy and kiddish. But boy was I wrong! Everyone should do it ☺️☺️

[@PeteJohnWilson]

Just realized you went back to the Rob Plays theme music and I consider this a positive. I prefer it.

[@Brandis13]

Wow, had no idea that the idea for this show originated in Europe. Never seen the Medieval Times show, but have been many times at Buffalo Bill's WIld West Dinner Show at Disneyland Paris which is basically the same concept, just with indians and cowboys. That show is really well done. Would love to see a video from you about it.

[@twixieshores]

Yes! I've been waiting for this video! Medieval Times was always something fun growing up

[@HarrierDubois]

I went last night for the first time in my 26 years. Really fun, glad I stumbled across your video. Really well done.

[@AvidSonicFan]

Maybe I have never been to a restaurant in that exact chain, but I remember back in the Summer of 2005, I and my family actually went to a similar dinner show in Las Vegas' Excalibur Hotel called "Tournament of Kings".

[@rogermoreno1152]

Went to Medieval Times Dallas location when I was a kid with my family. I have fond memories of it, I was very much into swords and knights and general fantasy when I was a kid it was right up my alley

[@Tylerff26]

Perfect timing for this video I’m going to the Kissimmee location tonight while on a visit to central Florida

[@SYIBOI]

I went for a middle school trip to one and I remember they were quite stingy with our food, being a cheese stick and a single chicken wing. I was STARVING afterward, but other than that it was really cool actually. I do hear if you go as not part of a school trip you get more food, so I'd like to go back sometime and try it out.

[@defreynmusic]

Not only part of US american culture, this same exact format was brought to a theme park in Brazil in the 90's and it is still going till this day!

[@katherinealvarez9216]

Yup, people love horses and play acting. I did go to one of these when I was a kid.

[@vincelamb4063]

My children and I went to the Illinois location in the northwestern suburbs of Chicago in 2001 or 2002. I think it was my son's idea. We had a great time. My younger daughter and I went to the Kissimmee, Florida location with my now ex-girlfriend and her kids in 2003. We were just as entertained the second time, even though we knew what was coming.

[@georgeabruzzo7705]

Went to the Lyndhurst NJ Medival Times once when it first opened. Can’t believe it’s still open.

[@Housewarmin]

Viscount is pronounce Vy-Count

[@merrivideo]

I loved Mallorca. This is another awesome part of it. Thanks Rob.

[@BonBon42]

🎪💫 GO RED & YELLOW KNIGHT❣️ 💫🎪

[@alexandermitchell9070]

I had vaguely heard of this and was fully expecting you to talk about how they expanded too much and too quickly, and went under. Pleasantly surprised at the outcome and I may have to go to Medieval Times when possible.

[@BowTiesareCool12]

I lived in Orlando for about a year total when I worked at Disney World and I had no idea that the Medieval Times down there was the first one in the states! (I've been to the one in Illinois on a field trip in elementary school) Similarly, I had no idea that one of the hotels I drove past everyday on my way to work was the old Nickelodeon Hotel! wild :)

[@carminecdinoproductions]

I wanna see a circus themed dinner show with some live animals like horses, dogs, and a few others as well as a performers in animal costumes as elephants, tigers, and a few other animals!

[@MiJoOc76]

Thank you, Rob!! I recall experiencing Medieval Times as a student. 👍🏽 (Side note: in Buena Park, CA, a Pirates Dinner Theater opened right next door to Medieval Times and has similar “team” / section idea. 🤔)

[@edvaira6891]

Orlando used to have the same Pirate Show on International Drive, but I think it closed...Pirates is a LOT of fun and has better food, at least the one in Buena Park does

[@memethyst]

ive never been to one but i've always wanted to go, it looks so fun

[@j.j.q1379]

i went as a kid. and i got a horrible headache so sadly never went back.

[@trickycrayon]

That sweet-ass Lipizzan kick right at the beginning...🔥

[@rmannayr2129]

I LOVE MEDIEVAL TIMES!

[@annerogers6895]

My friend and I went recently here in Atlanta. It was my second time and her first time and she thought it was a bit pricey, but at the end of the night she discover it was worth it bc it was considered as one of her best days ever! Medieval Times is really awesome! The original down in Florida is worth visiting.

[@joshhale9355]

I just went this past Saturday for my 27th birthday, exactly 20 years after my first time there. 2 decades might zap the joy for this out of you, but dammit, I felt like a little kid. Everyone was into it, no one was being a downer and everyone was cheering for their knight as if it was their favorite sports team. The environment and atmosphere was incredible. I got knighted and that was such a fun thing to do 20 years later. It is genuinely a great time for some fun where you can shut your brain off and enjoy something. I had been wanting to go back since I saw the Game Grumps video there backstage years ago and it finally happened. I had a big goofy grin on my face the whole time and almost lost my voice from cheering for our night the whole time. 10/10 experience, fun for everyone, and pretty affordable honestly which was surprising. Alcohol is a little expensive but you also have to remember what type of thing you’re at so you should go in knowing that if you’ve ever seen pro sports at a stadium/arena. Overall, still a 10/10 experience 20 years later.

[@UmmYeahOk]

I remember being scared in the late 90s that our school wasn’t going to go to Medieval Times by the time I was a senior (Class of 2000). The problem was that they serve alcohol. This is stupid as we were all underage and thus, would be carded. I don’t know if the chaperones bought it, or some really old senior. It was common to hold kids back in kindergarten so they would be better at sports, but even then, we’re talking about being held back multiple years to be 21, and I think once you’re 22, you’re no longer allowed free public education. Anyway, thankfully we all got to go then.

[@brycevo]

I really hope to visit them if they're still open

[@Morbos1000]

I've never been to one despite living in the LA area. I think the problem is I'm a 90 minute drive from Disneyland. So between the drive down there in the morning, the very full day at the theme park, then having another 90 minute drive back home ahead of me I've never had the energy for it. Instead we get a quick and simple dinner then head home.

[@akcalo]

I've gone to the one in NJ 3 times! I love it!!

[@SilverStarBlaze766]

I went to the one in my state on a trip in high school for band (we did a medieval themed show) and it was a lot of fun, even as a junior in high school

[@UnderwaterHunter96]

I did the same, also on a band trip

[@tarag2705]

Great video! My cousin and her husband were the king and queen at the Lyndhurst location for quite a few years in the early 2000’s. I remember when I was 16 the entire family went to see her and she arranged for me to be picked as the Queen of Love and Beauty by our knight…most embarrassing moment of my life 😅…I loved this video brought back great memories of many trips to the Jersey castle. Now that I live in Central Florida I’ll need to go to the Kissimmee location

[@NickWalters571]

I used to live down the street from the Kissimee castle and would go there often. It wasn't busy during the day so I would skateboard in their parking lot.

[@IndyPatCon]

Anthony cool well produced video Rob. Kudos Sir.

[@ThatSoddingGamer]

When I was a kid, I wanted to go to one of these. Never did, and as an adult I often forget it exists. Hmmmm, something to add to the bucket list, I guess?

[@reneebarger5194]

And what about the Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas? My boys loved that dinner show, my husband & brother loved the wenches!

[@edvaira6891]

Vegas’ show has a better plot! Better food, too!

[@giggity1296]

Nice use of Cable Guy

[@captainrexdad990]

Awesome look back at medieval times.. I never knew and im glad I've seen this.. thank you!

[@RebelliousRobot]

Yeah, I've been to that place on a field trip. Medieval Times.

[@EthanCrossMedia]

Yes, I've been there 3 times! 😀 My local one is Schaumburg in the Chicago metropolitan area, as I'm in Illinois! 😀 I also saw locations in Orlando, FL (first location, located in Kissimmee, I only saw it on a billboard ad there) and Dallas, TX (where my relatives live).

[@sammybeanson]

My family almost got kicked out because we scream boo’ed for every knight that wasn’t ours

[@ChuckyChickenCartoons]

Holy cow I was just thinking of researching this exact topic this morning! Rob, you mind reader you!

[@RichJordan3]

Great video, love the branching out from just Disney. Cool history for a restaurant that I know of but never thought about. I love learning how these places open up.

[@playboymaxim]

All these places have a connection to WDW, some made it, and some didn't but everything in Central FL. is pretty much connected to the Mouse.

[@txag007]

I went to one in the Dallas area back in the very early 2000s. It was a fun time had by all!

[@WatcherPrime]

One day... I will yell this at an medieval times event. "KNAVE! I am Kou von Bran, son of Bran von Dough and your pillaging my lands ends here! Prepare to taste Steel and God's Judgment!" Just to see how the staff and actors react.

[@torpedo8384]

I still want to see this. Closest I’ve seen is King Arthur’s Tournament at the Excalibur hotel/casino in Vegas!

[@heru-deshet359]

The thing about M.T. is that you only need to see it once. It's always the same and VERY expensive.

[@DuchessRococoPuff]

I’ve always wanted to go, it looks like fun! Great video Rob!

[@playboymaxim]

I passed by it a million times when I lived there lol

[@movienerd202]

We have one in Lyndhurst, NJ

[@BobSaget69]

I loved going there growing up!!

[@janickgoudeau6126]

Mr.Play's, would ya show us and give us, the happy viewers a tour of your Disney cruise ship etc.

[@bradleymiller437]

I drive past it every day. Just a mile away. Oh to be in the 80s and 90s!

[@SilverScribe85]

First off; in recent months, I purchased the movie El Cid on DVD and loved it the moment I watched it. Sure, knight battles in '60s movies aren't quite as good as the ones in Excalibur but the movie was still great. Secondly, I've only been to the NJ Medieval Times on two separate occasions in my life. But I loved both of those experiences, regardless; especially since the second time I went was for a birthday party one of my old classmates was holding. Third, Medieval Times is one of three places where I can let loose my inner olde soul; the other examples being my local Renaissance Faire and playing D&D. I absolutely love the Medieval and Renaissance periods; the arts, the pageantry, the nobility and of course, the warriors of legend we call knights. If I were able to drive on my own, not only would I want to WORK at either Medieval Times or the Ren Faire. But I would actually feel more at home with either of those jobs than my own family did with any of THEIRS

[@ketch_up]

I absolutely loved this - it's something so many folks are aware of, but I never knew the story. Thanks so much for creating this.

[@rmannayr2129]

AH YES MEDIEVAL TIMES! GO GREEN KNIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dannyortiz0406]

I live like 2 mins from the Kissimmee medieval times one

[@rmannayr2129]

I'M SORRY, WE DON'T HAVE COKE, WE HAVE PEPSI!

[@BradChristianTV]

So good! Nailed this one for sure...

[@MarkTrombly]

Love the violin music towards the end. It almost made me cry.

[@lissettet]

I really enjoyed this video and how you’re also discussing topics outside of Disney.

[@lissettet]

I would love to see more about universal and other attractions

[@Hessed3712]

This is so cool! I was just thinking about Medieval Times and looked them up assuming they went out of business years ago. I’m glad they made it through the bubble burst of 08 and the pandemic last year. Is it my imagination or was there a copy cat business called Arabian Knights?

[@allkindsofmusic2275]

Love all the Epcot pavilion logos in the background!