In a major break from Medieval Times’ 34-year tradition of casting a king in the show’s lead role, the company has revealed that a queen is now in charge and sole ruler of the land. She is cast as a firm but kind ruler respected throughout the kingdom who inherited the throne at the passing of her father, the previous king. The NEW Show and Tournament is called SOVEREIGN -- Long Reign The Queen!

Thanks to Medieval Times for providing complimentary tickets. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own

Medieval Times Show and Tournament

 Medieval Times is always such a special treat for my family and most especially, my children. I have been taking my children for a decade now! We are so fortunate there is a fabulous Medieval Times in our area right here in the Chicago area. My children have been going for the past decade and have always loved the show, the knights and most especially the beautiful horses.

We always arrive well before the time the show is scheduled to begin in order to tour the castle. I would highly recommend you plan to arrive an hour before your show begins so that you can enjoy all the castle has to offer as well. The castle opens 75 minutes prior to every showtime, so there is plenty of time to view all the castle has to offer! My kids love to visit the the Museum of Torture. This is an add-on feature available in the castle prior to the dinner and tournament that I personally think is a NOT TO BE MISSED!  Whilst touring the castle, you can also see authentic medieval artifacts at the Hall of Arms. There is also the opportunity to make purchases at of medieval artifacts or great souvenirs for your family.

MUSIC

Medieval Times new music was composed by Dr. Daniel May, a composer and jazz pianist who scored “Everest” and other films and who has worked with Sting, The Moody Blues and others. He directed and recorded Medieval Times’ new show composition in Kiev with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. He directed the choir in Ukraine with lyrics written by poet and choir member Solomia Gorokhivska, and a solo cellist and violin player from Pittsburgh. This is Daniel's 4th score with Medieval Times!

HORSES

Medieval Times is our favorite location to view beautiful horses. The pure Spanish horses in at Medieval Times will amaze you. These amazing horses work extremely hard for the knights.  Whilst the knights are jousting, the horses charge at speeds of approximately 15 to 20 mph and reach an impact velocity speed of about 30 to 40 mph.

The Andalusian and Fresian horses are simply breathtaking and our favorite part of the horse exhibit during the tournament is the Capriole dance (ie:  An upward leap made by a trained horse without going forward and with a backward kick of the hind legs at the height of the leap) or the beautiful classical dressage movements. 

KNIGHTS

The Medieval Times knights have been practicing and rehearsing the new fights for months prior to ALL NEW SHOW: SOVERIGN! There was so much hard work that went into the new show from the choreography of the knight fights and the training of the horses. There are new horseback fights and NEW differences in the jousting tournaments! We were so excited to see the incredible new helmets that included bull horns and deer antlers. The Medieval Armory and the Director of Fight Choreography also paid homage to the first ever joust helmets with the styling of the Blue Knight's helmet!

SOVERIGN

Jousting, fighting, horsemanship, swordplay and a fresh, hot, four-course feast remain central elements of Medieval Times' dinner attraction. With the cast and script change come a series of other significant changes to the show:

• More than 700 new costumes for all nine castles’ performers including horses, all of which are custom-designed and hand-made at a dedicated costume shop near Dallas Design District.

• 200 new suits of armor, shields, and helmets, all of which are custom-designed and hand-made at a dedicated armory in Florida.

• More than 350 team members and 225 horses train and rehearse new lines and fight scenes for three months while still presenting the current show.

• It takes two months to teach a queen to ride an Andalusian stallion.

• New music was composed by Dr. Daniel May, composer and jazz pianist who scored “Everest” and other films and who worked with Sting, The Moody Blues and others. He directed and recorded Medieval Times’ new show composition in Kiev with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. He directed the choir in Ukraine with lyrics written by poet and choir member Solomia Gorokhivska, and a solo cellist and violin player from Pittsburgh.

• The audience experiences a live action film score that is precisely synchronized with every element of the show, from lights to fights; jousts to jabs; the Queen’s entry to curtain closings; and more.

• The sound and light team spends 120 hours programming 300 new music cues and 500 new lighting cues.

Bill Of Fare

As always, guests will enjoy the delicious Bill of Fare. Your Medieval Times server will bring you the royal feast. This full four-course, utensil-free meal includes: Garlic Bread, Dragon's Blood Soup(ie: Tomato Bisque Soup), Baby Cooked Dragon (ie: Oven Roasted Chicken), Herb-Roasted Potato, Sweet Buttered Corn, and a Pastry of the Castle. Also included are select Non-Alcoholic Beverages. There is a full-service bar available pre-show, during and post-show. My kids love the slushies!

Plan A Visit

Medieval Times Savings

Adults $42 & Kids $32 (Save up to $19 per person)

Use Code: FEAST17 | Valid for shows through 1/31/2018. Tickets must be purchased by 12/17/2017.

NYE 2018: A Celebration of the Centuries

Join Medieval Time for the Family New Years Eve show! Ring in the new year a little early at the 3:00 PM show and enjoy the Junior Knights Training prior to the tournament!

Junior Knight Training

Bring Your Children to Train with the Medieval Times Knights Free with Each Paid Child Admission*
December 26th - 31st | Training starts one hour before the first show of the day. Doors open 90 minutes before show time. A group Knighting ceremony will follow the training.

Saturday, December 30th 1:30 PM Show, Doors 12:00 PM, Guests enter arena at 12:20 PM, Knights in training starts at 12:30 PM

Friday, December 29th 1:30 PM Show, Doors 12:00 PM, Guests enter arena at 12:20 PM, Knights in training starts at 12:30 PM

Following the training, experience the BRAND NEW SHOW! Soverign!

*Children must be between the ages of 5 and 12 to participate. Space is limited and training is available on a first come first serve basis for the first 100 kids. Training is open to both boys and girls. Closed toe shoes are required to participate. Valid only at the Chicago location. Admission to the show required.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament – Chicago
2001 N. Roselle Road | Schaumburg | (847) 882-1496
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