Have you been to Medieval Times? Last week was our first visit to to the Buena Park castle and it was a pretty good experience.
Our Purchasing Experience: The price to go to is a bit steep starting at $61.95 for adults and $36.95 for children, but there is almost always some sort of discount offer available. Be sure to check out their social media outlets for exclusive offers. You can purchase your tickets at their box office, over the phone or online. We purchased our tickets online with the Kids Eat Free promo. Afterward we saw many different offers on social media that possibly would have been better (they were not) and I called to see if we could update our discount code. I found out I would be able to and receive the difference via gift shop credit. I also figured out they don't respond to any social media messages like other vendors/brands/company; so if you need assistance use their website contact us form or call your castle directly.
Our Check in Experience: Their website says that doors open 75 minutes before your show. Word of caution, arrive early! Their parking lot isn't really big and part was closed off for construction, and although we did not encounter parking issues since we were the first show of the day if you are the second show keep in mind guest parking will overlap. We arrived 60 minutes before our show and there was a line. It took us about 20 minutes to check in and get our assigned seating and paper crowns. You can bypass this by upgrading your seats and it comes with a couple other perks. Also the reason for the long wait is the shuffle of taking souvenir pictures with the King, Princess, Knight or whoever they have posing. If you are not interested in purchasing that photo just skip ahead to move to the great hall.
The great hall is basically a giant gift-shop. You can purchase all sorts of souvenirs from crowns to swords, shot-glasses and even a suit of armor! Everything is a bit pricey but a must is purchasing a cheering flag. There are two different flags available in all of the knights colors from $2-$5. You can also check out the horses which are beautiful, grab a an alcoholic libation at the bar, visit the torture museum,and watch the knighting ceremonies.
After getting through the check in process and taking the kids to use the restroom and get washed up we really only had enough time to buy our flags and head to our door to find our assigned seats. So if you are interested in checking all that stuff out make sure you are there early, upgrade your seats, or check it our after the show.
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Our Dining Experience: The food wasn't bad. It wasn't great, but not terrible. You start off with a bowl of tomato soup and garlic bread. Dinner is roasted chicken, potato, corn on the cob. Dessert is a fruit pastry, and two rounds of soft drink beverage. There is a vegetarian option for those who prefer it. It is stadium style seating with bar/counter top table. There isn't very much leg room so those who have long legs may find it uncomfortable for an extended period.
Our Show Experience:
It starts out with a demonstration of the beautiful Spanish horses. Followed by a "Tournament of Skill." The acting is well... lets just say its great for the kids and those with imaginative minds. But in all honesty if you are not willing to play along and get into the atmosphere this is not the place for you. We cheered for our knight and booed our competitors. Waved our flags high when our knight won, and we were ecstatic when my niece was chosen to be the Queen of the tournament. I mean just look at my daughter's face, I don't think she could be happier if she would have been chosen herself!
Great recap. I've never been either and I didn't know what to expect other than there would be a duel of sort and that I'd have to eat with my hands. I think it's so cool how your niece was chosen. That picture of J behind her is priceless. Just goes to show how positive and good natured she is that she was THAT excited for somebody else. Good parenting right there! :)
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