knights in shining armour
Filed Under Places | January 31, 2012
While Toronto is well known for Casa Loma, it’s also home to another castle of sorts: Medieval Times. And it’s one with knights, horses, sword fights, cheering, jeering, jousting, and family fun at its best.
Located on the CNE grounds, Toronto’s Medieval Times is the only one in Canada (there are multiple U.S. locations). It’s essentially dinner theatre for families, inspired by the feasts and tournaments of the 11th century. Visitors enjoy a four-course banquet meal while they cheer on one of six Knights competing for victory. This is not “watch and be quiet” kind of theatre. In fact, the louder you are, the better.
We have to admit our expectations were low when we visited for a birthday party: we hoped for a half-decent show and prepared ourselves to leave hungry. But we were pleasantly surprised. It is touristy, no question, but you care less about that once the show starts and you begin cheering for your Knight and horse until, well, you’re hoarse.
The décor is suitably medieval castle-esque and centres around the tournament “stage.” The seating is theatre style, and you sit in sections assigned the same colour as your Knight. It’s easy to see all the action from wherever you sit. Maidens in full costume serve your meal and alcohol is available at an extra cost. The meal of soup, chicken, ribs, potatoes, and a dessert pastry (you can book ahead for a vegetarian option), was simple yet surprisingly tasty. And everything is eaten with your hands – no utensils to be found, which our kids got a kick out of.
We would recommend bringing kiddos aged 3+ because it helps if they can follow the story, get in to the cheering, and sit still for more than an hour. However, the show was so much fun even our toddler was mesmerized for nearly 45 minutes before she began squirming. You are welcome to bring babes in arms, and kids under age three get in for free as long as they sit on a parent’s lap and eat from their plate.
So while a tad touristy, and pricey if bringing a crowd, Medieval Times is certainly a fun family evening – especially for a birthday party or special event. And because the kids liked it so much, we may institute medieval night at our own house, if for no other reason than to save some cutlery washing…
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament: www.medievaltimes.com
10 Dufferin Street, Exhibition Place
Toronto
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