Medieval Times $7 million dollar renovations are still under way
First conceived on the island of Majorca in 1973, Medieval Times later opened a similar attraction in Spain. The concept of a Royal Family inviting guests to a tournament complete with a sumptuous feast quickly gained popularity in its native country Spain.
Among nine castles that are opened country-wide, Kissimmee is Medieval Times flagship for their award-winning dinner show and tournament. Medieval Times dinner tournament first opened in 1983 and has been serving guests ever since in it 1,100 seat European-style castle decorated for a noble family.
Like all theme parks in Orlando, changing times demand that entertainment companies continue to renovate and improve their images due to rivaling competition. As part of a $7 million dollar renovation project, Medieval Times has undertaken a huge remodeling to increase its effectiveness and appearance for its guests.
The first thing that anxious tourists see when they approach the castle is a state-of-the-art 38 foot display sign that continuously highlights different scenes from Medieval Times Dinner Show. After a guest arrives, they are encouraged to meander through the village with new walk-ways and seating. The village is an authentic replication of an actual medieval village found in the 11th century in Spain. Complete with Carpenters, blacksmiths, weavers, coppersmiths, villages are busy with their daily chores dressed in the garments of the times.
Soon its time for the big event, guests are directed to a brand new drawbridge with extended moat (no alligators just ducks) which leads guests directly to the ticket booths on the ground level. Both King Alfonso and Princess Experanza are waiting inside the Kings hall probably double the size of the waiting area, decorated with noble crests and lined with showcases of medieval memorabilia of the time.
Thirsty guests have direct access to both the new Gift Shop in the King's Hall and Wine Room which are both connected to the main waiting room. After a fresh brew, some friendly conversation in the conveniently located booths in the Wine Room, a call is made to the royal guests to enter the theatre.
As the guests travel to the tournament area, access is gained through a brand new entrance to the arena which will make the flow of guests more efficient said Mara Tilen, Medieval Times Guest Service Sales Manager. On the way up the stairs, guests will see hand painted mosaics on the walls of gallant knights in battle with primitive weapons.
In order to serve that sumptuous feast of Garlic Bread, Vegetable Lasagna, Soup, Steamed Vegetables, Seasoned Rice, Pastry, and Beverages, Medieval Times built a brand new kitchen on the upper level facilitating the delivery of food by serfs and wenches dressed in the periods costumes.
Guests are quickly seated in the 1,100 seat equestrian theatre as serfs and wenches systematically serve a four course banquet feast for their noble guests. There is no silverware because guests would eat roasted chicken and spare ribs with their hands to mirror the medieval guest’s tournament dinner said Miss Tilen.
The show which seems to jump right out of a storybook revolves around King Alfonso who has lost his brother in battle. The king wants to find a night to replace his fallen brother in order to avenge his death. The king calls for a tournament where six brave knights will compete in the arena astride the Andalusian horse to determine a new champion.
Lastly through the clash of steal and flying sparks, good will triumph over evil in this winding plot of nobility, strength, vengeance, courage, love and romance.
Among nine castles that are opened country-wide, Kissimmee is Medieval Times flagship for their award-winning dinner show and tournament. Medieval Times dinner tournament first opened in 1983 and has been serving guests ever since in it 1,100 seat European-style castle decorated for a noble family.
Like all theme parks in Orlando, changing times demand that entertainment companies continue to renovate and improve their images due to rivaling competition. As part of a $7 million dollar renovation project, Medieval Times has undertaken a huge remodeling to increase its effectiveness and appearance for its guests.
The first thing that anxious tourists see when they approach the castle is a state-of-the-art 38 foot display sign that continuously highlights different scenes from Medieval Times Dinner Show. After a guest arrives, they are encouraged to meander through the village with new walk-ways and seating. The village is an authentic replication of an actual medieval village found in the 11th century in Spain. Complete with Carpenters, blacksmiths, weavers, coppersmiths, villages are busy with their daily chores dressed in the garments of the times.
Soon its time for the big event, guests are directed to a brand new drawbridge with extended moat (no alligators just ducks) which leads guests directly to the ticket booths on the ground level. Both King Alfonso and Princess Experanza are waiting inside the Kings hall probably double the size of the waiting area, decorated with noble crests and lined with showcases of medieval memorabilia of the time.
Thirsty guests have direct access to both the new Gift Shop in the King's Hall and Wine Room which are both connected to the main waiting room. After a fresh brew, some friendly conversation in the conveniently located booths in the Wine Room, a call is made to the royal guests to enter the theatre.
As the guests travel to the tournament area, access is gained through a brand new entrance to the arena which will make the flow of guests more efficient said Mara Tilen, Medieval Times Guest Service Sales Manager. On the way up the stairs, guests will see hand painted mosaics on the walls of gallant knights in battle with primitive weapons.
In order to serve that sumptuous feast of Garlic Bread, Vegetable Lasagna, Soup, Steamed Vegetables, Seasoned Rice, Pastry, and Beverages, Medieval Times built a brand new kitchen on the upper level facilitating the delivery of food by serfs and wenches dressed in the periods costumes.
Guests are quickly seated in the 1,100 seat equestrian theatre as serfs and wenches systematically serve a four course banquet feast for their noble guests. There is no silverware because guests would eat roasted chicken and spare ribs with their hands to mirror the medieval guest’s tournament dinner said Miss Tilen.
The show which seems to jump right out of a storybook revolves around King Alfonso who has lost his brother in battle. The king wants to find a night to replace his fallen brother in order to avenge his death. The king calls for a tournament where six brave knights will compete in the arena astride the Andalusian horse to determine a new champion.
Lastly through the clash of steal and flying sparks, good will triumph over evil in this winding plot of nobility, strength, vengeance, courage, love and romance.
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