Behind the Scenes at Medieval Times
Behind the Scenes at Medieval Times
Let the tournament begin! With that announcement the dinner and tournament at Medieval Times in Buena Park begins, but ever wonder what it takes to make this live 2 hour show go off without a hitch? We were treated to a fun filled afternoon on a private tour of areas most visitors to the castle never see all lead by one of the most knowledgeable and charming head knight of the show Marten Richard Borg or as he is referred to by his co workers "Borg". We also got to see a brand new addition to the horse area and were even given some fun news concerning the show itself, big changes are coming to the tournament, care to learn more?
Borg explaining to us the different weapons used during the show.
Helmets and chest armor used during the tournament, all kept looking tip top by the knights.
The knights use many types of weapons during the tournament and need to know how to yield them like second nature. From the mace, to the Bolas (single and double) several swords along with the lance the knights are proficient in protecting themselves while ensuring the safety of their opponents. There are several different moves that are practiced over and over to accomplish this for the sake of the knights safety and the overall enjoyment of the tournament goer.
Several hours of practice and training before each show to keep the knights safe.
So how do you become a knight? Is there some college class, have to be an athlete or have a gymnasts background. You just have to be 18, have a strong work ethic and the rest you will get at the castle. Now what a cool career right? Short lived as it may as knights "lifespan" is on average only 5 years but many like Borg have been doing it for more than twice that long. But it's not all fighting and competition in the arena, there is so much more involved for the 6 knights that perform in the show at one time (there are around 20 knights and squires in total).
The newly added corals outside allow the horses to get sun and roll around.
The stables and holding pens are but just one area the horses are kept in. There is a new outdoor area that allows a few horses at a time to get some sun, stretch their legs and roll around. It's located to the rear of the castle, be sure to visit if you are catching an early show.
Dungeon museum has many antique and reproduction pieces on display.
Did you know the castle has a dungeon museum? Just after you get your crown at the very end of the tower room you will find the entrance. For just 2 bucks you can take a self guided tour of their cool collection of replicas and actually pieces used during the dark ages and learn about these twisted tool of the trade used in the Middle Ages. Super cool area to see before the show both you and your kids will enjoy! Be sure to purchase your passage to this very interesting display at the ticket counter before entering the castle.
Coming soon! I've always wondered if the knights and performers get bored with the same story line, come to find out they change it every 4-5 years. Well that time is almost upon us! Next year (sometime in February 2018) the tournament will be getting a new story line and I can't wait to find out the plot! I was told by our serving wench that there is a an older couple that attends the show every Sunday and sits in the same section each time, couple goals right there!
Did you know? The Buena Park castle was the second of the 9 locations to open in the chain (all in the U.S except for 1 in Canada), and it is one of the top visited, entertaining over a half million guests just last year. Were you one of them, we sure were. Below are the current specials being offered at the castle, for a 4 course dinner, live show and a cool venue that will have you cheering on your favorite knight, I don't think you can beat the price.
Hope you enjoyed this behind the scenes coverage, we love visiting the castle and learning a little more about it each time we visit. It really takes a ton of preparation, training and showmanship to pull of this show and the fine people of the castles dedication truly shine through in every performance. Huzzah!
Fall Savings
Adults $42.95 & Kids $30.95 (Save up to $19 per person)
Use Code: FALL2017 | Valid for shows through 1/31/2018. Tickets must be purchased by 10/31/2017.