mousetrap

Medieval Times' knights will capture the kids

By BY PETER COUTURE
Published May 27, 2007

ORLANDO

Just a few miles from the Magic Kingdom sits a lesser-known castle.

It's called Medieval Times.

I entered it recently with some reluctance and several busloads of third-graders.

Here's what I discovered: a show that is equal parts dinner theater and World Wrestling Entertainment.

The kids will love it, even if the adults think it's another kind of goofy.

It certainly met with the approval of the mostly elementary school audience during a recent matinee at the flagship Kissimmee location. Medieval Times, which has eight other "castles" in the United States and Canada, wisely separates its theater audience into zones that match the colors of its tournament knights the story line involves - what else? - a test of skill, treachery and the hand of a princess.

Alas, our Red Knight was vanquished in the finals, but not before our section loudly cheered his every duel and gave a thumbs-down to his opponents. The combat, whether hand-to-hand or on horseback, is Hollywood-level - especially the lance-splintering jousts.

Proclaimed the enthusiastic 8-year-old seated next to me: "awesome!"

The violence factor? Tame by movie standards but more exciting because the action is real. You can't help but wonder: What happens if a knight slips with one of the many tournament weapons?

Parents be warned, there is the requisite hawking of lighted souvenirs and tankard smoothies during the darkened arena show, which lasts about as long as the average movie. The food is more fit for a cafeteria than a king (but they don't skimp on the chicken). Still, this "dinner and a tournament" is worthy of the trip for its skillful choreography.

The schedule varies by season, and most of the shows are evening performances ($54.95 for adults and $34.95 for children 12 and younger), but there are "educational" matinees for school groups at a reduced prices ($25.95 plus $2.50 for a tour of the medieval village).

For a schedule and more information, go to www.medievaltimes.com or call toll-free 1-888-935-6878.

Also, Medieval Times just completed several upgrades that include an indoor ticket area and an expansion to ease the entrance of guests into the arena.

Other Orlando news

- Guidebooks: Avalon Travel Publishing this month is releasing Queens in the Kingdom: The Ultimate Gay and Lesbian Guide to the Disney Theme Parks ($17.95) by Jeffrey Epstein and Eddie Shapiro. The book comes in time for the annual (and unofficial) Gay Day on Saturday at the Magic Kingdom, with ongoing events at other entertainment parks.

- Fantasy of Flight: The aviation theme park is giving free admission to dads on Father's Day (June 17) when accompanied by a paying child or adult. For those of you not tempted to try the real thing, the Polk City park has a new Hot Air Balloon Simulator. See www.fantasyofflight.com or call (863) 984-3500.

Peter Couture can be reached at couture@sptimes.com.

ABOUT THIS COLUMN

Mouse Trap

Orlando is one of the world's most popular tourist attractions, right in our back yard. In this monthly column, Peter Couture reports on what's new and what's worth the drive, be it rides, restaurants or relaxation. For the rest of the series, visit travel.tampabay.com.

[Last modified May 24, 2007, 15:18:08]