Knights in shining armor, vast kingdoms coming together, and fighting for their queen’s honor. These are all components of the experience at Medieval Times. Medieval Times is located in various cities with Dallas being one of them. It is an immersive experience, and although it can seem silly and immature for many, it can be an amazing adventure for young audiences.
On Feb. 15, 2024, I had such an experience when I attended a field trip there with my AP European History class. At Medieval Times, you are treated with a ‘feast’ and a show, watching these ‘brave knights’ fight for the queen’s blessing and acknowledgement. Along with that, throughout the show, we were presented with questions regarding anti-bullying, and what to do if someone is being bullied. The experience was overall enjoyable and I would definitely recommend it for younger audiences. Although it is a fun experience when you’re older, it does seem a bit funny watching the show.
The show lasted around an hour and thirty minutes. Before the experience begins, there is a gift shop located outside the arena, and many things are sold from glowing cups to real-life swords and shields. Although, the real weapons are put away for the days that there are school trips. On school trip days, that is also when the lessons over anti-bullying are presented. I mean, if you try to imagine adults learning about anti-bullying, the experience may seem less enjoyable.
The shows are directed towards kids, and during the show, there are interactive bits that the actors do, where they ask the audience questions, and even hand out gifts at times. During the show, flowers are given out to the audience, along with a ribbon from your corresponding knight. I was one of many to receive such a flower from the knight in my corresponding section.
Once the dueling sequence begins, there are precautions taken in order to ensure the safety of the audience. Mesh curtains are brought down, and all exits are pointed out before the start of the show. The real weapons are used during the fighting, and all the fights are choreographed, but I suppose that is a given to maintain safety as the first priority.
At the end of the show, once a winner has been crowned, one lucky girl in the audience is picked to be a ‘princess’ and normally this is one of the younger girls in the show. On school trip days, the youngest audience members sit together, and the older audience members sit together. There are a total of six sections, with corresponding colors in each section, and one knight per section. The duration of the show can vary from one to two hours, and many food options are offered from vegetarian to vegan, and they are very accommodating.
They are located at 2021 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas. They open at 8:30 AM-10:30 PM on most days, with reservations needed beforehand. The tickets are $67.95 for adults, and $40.95 for children.
