About two weeks ago my family and I were invited to opening night of the new Medieval Times show in Chicago. Let me tell you, we had a great time! Unfortunately, Buddy had the stomach flu that day so he and Daddy stayed home and I brought two friends last minute. They did a great job of welcoming us that evening. They had open bar on any drinks, appetizers (the kind that anyone will eat, not fancy!), swag bags on our chairs, etc. I think this was one of the best social media events I ever went to! It’s always nice when you can bring the family along with you.
Get ready to experience history like never before. Travel back in time to the 11th century at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, North America’s longest running dinner attraction, as an all-new show is unveiled on March 21, 2012. The first completely new show since 2007, this live performance has been two years in the making and features even more action-packed entertainment and a reimagined four-course feast fit for a king! Medieval Times is located at 2001 N. Roselle Rd. in Schaumburg, IL
While the new show has undergone a complete overhaul, some traditions remain. The live show still features two- and four-legged performers with a true medieval utensil-free meal, all in a recently updated, castle-inspired arena. However, the new live production presents even more of audience favorites such as live jousting, swordplay, horsemanship and falconry. Guests become part of the action, filling arena seats and cheering for one of six “Knights of the Realm,” named after historic regions of medieval Spain.
“The new show is designed to keep our guests on the edges of their seats from the opening moment,” says Saj Rizvi, vice president and general manager of the Chicago Castle. “New & returning guests will feel the electricity in the air from the riveting new battle scenes and grand costumes, to the new lighting and on-going action set to a fresh musical score.”
“Guests will see a celebration of the horses along with more action and elements of high drama. The new show’s streamlined plot allows more concentration on the action,” said Leigh Cordner, Medieval Times creative director. “When we started to put pen to paper, we knew we wanted to grab guests’ attention from the moment they take their seats. This led us to the creation of the opening moment, when Liberty Horse enters the arena.”
The food was pretty good. They started us off with a flatbread and tomato soup. Keep in mind that there are NO utensils! The kids enjoyed dipping their bread in the soup. Monkey was so entranced with the show that she didn’t notice when they took away her soup and she was very mad at me that I let them take it. For main course we got a half chicken, a spare rib and roasted potatoes. I especially liked the potatoes. The chicken had a really good seasoning on it. I think the rib needed more sauce, but I guess since you’re eating with only your hands they’re trying to be conscious of that? For dessert we got an apple danish. I wanted to sit there and eat everyone’s. 🙂 If you are Vegetarian, they do have a Vegetarian plate as well.
The show really kept us entertained! We were in the Red Knight’s section and front row. It was an awesome spot to sit! We were right by the entrance to the theater so we had up close interaction with the knights and it felt like I could reach out to touch the horses. Our night gave Monkey a flower and she was so happy! (I can’t believe that almost two full weeks later that flower still looks perfect!) Later on he came by and asked her if he’d see her smile at all that night. (She’s a lot like her Mom and doesn’t smile a lot.) He got a smile out of her then. Little Man said his favorite part was the fighting. Monkey was not happy with that part. You can see in the picture that she covered her eyes and had our friend cover her ears. Someone gave Little Man a light up sword at the beginning of the show. I still have no idea who it was! He loves that sword. I really wish I could have brought Buddy and my Husband. We’re probably going to go again sometime this summer so the whole family can experience it together.
Buy It:
You can purchase tickets for Medieval Times for $59.95 for an adult and $35.95 for children 12 and under. If you keep an eye out, though, you can usually find discounts and coupons to make your trip cheaper.
Note: I was given passes for my family to view Medieval Times in Chicago for VIP night. All opinions are my own.
you got some good photos. we loved the old show we saw in December, food looks the same.
It’s an expensive ticket, but when you think of it in terms of dinner AND entertainment, it’s totally worth it. I’ve been several times and I’ll go again. I love it!
I’d love to go! I bet the boys would enjoy the show too.