My Lords and Ladies, let the fun begin!
That’s the frame of mind my Houseful was in when we trekked to Schaumburg, Illinois for an afternoon of knights, food, and fare at Medieval Times.
Upon entering the castle, we were greeted with several “M’ladies” (my two daughters and I) and “M’Lords” (my husband and two sons) and were shown inside the castle to take photos and enjoy beverages while we wandered around the castle, until the start of Knight Training.
We were able to observe Knight Training for my 12 year old son in the royal court. There he and other young men learned specific swordsmanship stances with wooden swords and were able to do a call and repeat with three of the Knights of the Realm. Even though it was pretty obvious that my son was one of the older Knights in Training, he seemed to genuinely have a great time swinging and blocking and using weaponry from the medieval age. Knight Training took place an hour before showtime and is recommended for boys 5-12 years of age. It’s free with any paid admission, and is open on a first come, first served basis. As an extra incentive, they give out wooden swords and shields at the end of training.
After training was the show. I can assure you, it’s magnificent. Moreso because EVERYONE who works there has literally transported themselves back in time to the 11th century. The accents, the traditional dress, and the joy in feeling like you are indeed a guest of the King and his court just makes you feel wonderful. I kept wanting to bow or something! We were seated in the Red section, and promptly introduced to our server for the evening who gave us instructions for cheering. Ultimately, we wanted our Knight to win it all, but we also were able to cheer for any of the other Knights on our side of the court.
While we were being regaled with several competitions between each of the Knights of the Realm, there were several small shows in between. My favorite had to be the Falconer, mostly because I was a *little* afraid and amazed at the Falcon that didn’t seem to want to land again. It swooped over all of the heads of the guests and continued to circle until it caught the prey that it’s trainer was swinging on a long rope. There was also a review of horses and several tricks, and even a little comedy between the King and Lord Chancelor. You should also be prepared for a protagonist to show up sometime in the show and give the King an ultimatum. We don’t like ultimatums!
There are a couple of pieces of advice that I have for you all. Come HUNGRY. There was so much food that we had to take some home. Our four course meal consisted of Dragon’s Blood Soup (tomato bisque) Dragon Scales (focaccia bread) Baby Dragon Fowl (an entire half of a chicken) One Dragon’s Rib (one spare rib) and Dragon Fingers (large potato wedges). You are given two large soft drinks and apple pie as desert. When I say that I was full, I’m not kidding. Be prepared to eat with your hands only as well, because, well, there were no instances of silverware in the 11th century. My children LOVED that aspect of it. The touch of pewter plates and bowls really made everything feel genuine as well.
The show lasts approximately two hours and consists of small contests between all six knights until one is proclaimed a winner. When each knight successfully completes a challenge, he is given flowers from the princess to give to the young ladies in the audience. My daughter was over the MOON when she received her very own pink carnation from the Red Knight – right after he kissed it. I tell you, such a romantic this one is. I’m thinking that she was the luck that he needed to pull out and beat all the other knights of the Realm.
At the end of the show, we were able to take a quick tour of the stable and the dungeon. I’m SO happy that medieval torture does not exist anymore, because the methods that they used were hard-core. I will go ahead and let you know that this area may not be suitable for younger children, or adults who offend easily. It was definitely history filled, and a little bit scary.
I’m anxious to visit again, and hopefully, when we go back, our Knight is the lucky one again! I wouldn’t bring my young twins again though. Mostly because their attention span was lost before the main entree even came out. We had to entertain them a little bit more than we wanted, and they were considered lap babies, so my husband and I didn’t have a lot of comfort. My 3yo daughter enjoyed herself just fine. I *may* have screamed my head off in support of our Knight, and was super happy at the fact that he won.
Win Tickets to Attend a Medieval Times Performance at Chicago Castle
We have a 4-pack of tickets for Medieval Times at Chicago Castle in Schaumburg, Illinois. Tickets must be used within 60 days of the winner being announced, advance reservation is required (Medieval Times will contact our winner to make arrangements). Value of this prize is $240. Just use the Rafflecopter form below to enter this giveaway. New to Rafflecopter? Watch this 45-second video on how to enter!
Disclosure: Author received complimentary admission and dining in order to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions expressed belong to the author.
Natasha Nicholes is the genius mind behind Houseful of Nicholes, a blog where she shares the daily happenings of her family. This family consists of her husband, Mr. Houseful, oldest son – the cellist, the 3 year old – ladybug and her set of twins Lil’ Miss and Sir Twizzler. Life is busy, but bountiful and blessed. You can find her trying to take over the world, or cavorting in the nearest JoAnn Fabrics in Chicago.
I’d like to live in the 1930’s
Going back in time is so filled with fantasy. I would love to go back to Sutter’s Mill and the start of the California Gold Rush. actually it wouldn’t be so glamorous. My ass (or donkey) would probably have an attitude and not bathing for months is not appealing.
I would go back to the 1960’s and hang out with all the Hippies
Going back in history for me would mean going back to the time span of Feb. 2005 to 2006. Those were the years where my daughter was an infant. I was in love with everything in my life at that time!:)
I would go back in time to the 1950s to see the birth of rock and roll.
I’d like to go back to the 50’s, just think it would be neat to do.
I don’t think that I would want to go back in time… I’d rather look toward the future.
I would love to go back to high school years. Knowing what I know now, it would have been so different!!!
Id love to go back to the 40s/50s, see how it was
I would go back to the signing of the Declaration Of Independence!
I would to go back to the 1700’s and experience life in the british colonies on the east coast of the US
The Victorian Era so I could wear huge, frilly dresses
I’d only go back to 2005, the year my daughter was born, just to get baby snuggles and kiss tiny toes again.
i’m not sure, although i think the roaring ’20s would be fun
Great place! Haven’t been there in years
Thank you! I would like to go back to the Victorian Age! The dresses were fabulous! MattandColleen Fuller
My husband and will be celebrating our 28th wedding anniversary at Midevil Times. This will be our first vacation ever and we are so excited. I would love to be able to go a couple of times while we are in Chicago. There just isn’t enough time. Midevil Times is the only real reason we have chosen to take our first vacation to Chicago. I did purchase the tickets for the first row so this should be thrilling. I will post more after we have been there…Keep watching for my update.
i would travel back to the 60’s
Have talked to people that have gone here, and they all said that it was fun.
the day i was born i want to start over from scratch and make more out of my life so much of this one has been wasted
This is our favorite place to go! We have never had a bad experience. Cant wait till the next time we go.
I would like to go back to when my kids were first born as I have learned so much I think I could be a better mom than what I was when they were tots.
I would love to go back the the 1600’s
I would love to go back to the 50’s
Was able to go this summer for the first time. I highly recommend the show. It was fantastic! An evening of unforgettable experiences!
I like the small shows in-between too. Also, great description about the food.
Would love love love to win. Stationed in Great Lakes due to the Navy. Would love to get away and have a night of fun.
I like the 20’s – simply for the flapper dresses!
Heard so many good things about this place.
I’d love to go back to the renaissance, just to see what t was really like 🙂
That’s a tuff one to answer, don’t know for sure, but would really like to go to this place.
Renaissance for the change in ideas
I’d go back to a time where I had more money and try to spend it more wisely!
I would definitely go back to the 60s. I think I was born in the wrong era. The music, fashion and just culture of the time. I would definitely be a teenager in the 60s.
Wouls like to try this place sometime.
I would pick 1920’s. Still have toilets, and life was simple back them.
I would love to go back to the Harlem Renaissance. Great literature, style and music.
I would love to go back to edwardian times… big dresses and tea time!! Just Loverly 🙂
We’ve never been and always wanted to! Adorable photos in your post 🙂
Wow – this sounds incredible!
I would love to go to Medieval Times!
Have never been to this place, but have heard great things about it.
I would love to go back to the 1770’s and meet George Washington. He has always been my fave!
Oh how awesome. I would love to spend time in the 18th century in England. but only if I could be assured of being part of the gentry and not in the servant class! 😉
I think it would be great to go back to the 70’s – I’d love to be able to experience the decade I was born!
Haven’t been here since my 17 year old was little. I’m sure my littler ones would enjoy it.
To me the sixties was a much loved time in my life.
I guess I’d go back to the days before the US was “discovered”. But I’d want to go as a man. A native man, actually. IN FACT, I’d like to go completely invisible because I have no doubt that I could NOT survive longer than a few days. Also? I’d like to be able to fly. can you arrange all of that?
I would go back to the 80’s and enjoy old school hip hop and just being old school.
I would go to Renaissance times.
I would probably just go back about 20 years or so. It would be interesting to see it from that perspective knowing what I know now.
Im convinced I was meant to be a hippy, but was born in the 80s. 🙁
If it was just for a quick visit, I’d want to go back all the way to Biblical times, perhaps witness the birth of Jesus or meet the Disciples.
We were in Schaumburg last weekend and visited Legoland. Thanks for your detailed review of Medieval Times. We’ve never been there and it is a place I think my family would enjoy visiting.
I would like to visit the pioneer days. However, I would gladly return to the current day. I would miss electricity and indoor plumbing!
I’d only want to go back for a short time to see what it would be like when all the women wore corsetts and dresses. I love my life too much to stay there, though. Would be fun to see. : )
it’d be cool to live in the victorian days…live in a big victorian house too!
annae07@aol.com
I go back to the 1960s too, I love the music
I would love the 60’s. Not too long ago and lots of dramatic changes!
Call me a hopeless romantic, but I’d love to go back to the victorian days. The clothes looked so pretty, but I’ll bet they were a pain to wear.
I would love to go back and hang out with my mom and her sibs when they were kids in the ’40s & ’50s. I know it probably wouldn’t be as much fun as they’re stories make it seem, but it sounds to me like their childhood was a blast!
I’d love to meet Laura Ingalls!
I would love to win the tickets to Medieval Times!
When I was younger I used to think the 50s would be cool (the music, poodle skirts, drive-ins), but now I think I’d prefer to be right here!
Pioneer in a log cabin or be the lady that got to touch Jesus’ garment :o)
I wouldn’t want to stay there, but I’d love to visit the late 30s/early 40s and meet my grandparents.
I know this sounds crazy but I don’t think I would want to go back in time. It seems that every period has danger of different sorts.
mike2ff@yahoo.com
My kids love that place!