Tucked inside a castle-like building in Schaumburg, Illinois, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament is unlike any restaurant you have ever visited. From the moment you walk through the doors, you are swept back in time to an era of knights, horses, and royal feasts.
Whether you are planning a family outing, a birthday celebration, or just a one-of-a-kind night out, this place delivers memories that last long after the final joust. Get ready to cheer for your knight, eat with your hands, and experience the Middle Ages like never before.
The Castle Exterior That Sets the Mood Before You Even Walk In
Before the show even begins, the building itself starts the magic. Medieval Times in Schaumburg is housed in a massive castle-like structure that towers over the surrounding area.
Drivers passing on the highway have reportedly pulled over just to wonder what that fortress actually is.
The dramatic exterior features stone-textured walls, archways, and a design that genuinely looks like it belongs in 13th-century Europe. Arriving at dusk makes the experience even more striking, as exterior lighting casts an epic glow over the entire structure.
Families often snap photos in front of the entrance before heading inside. It signals that something truly different is about to happen.
First impressions here are not just good — they are unforgettable, setting the tone for an evening packed with excitement, pageantry, and medieval wonder.
The Grand Hall Where the Party Starts Before You Are Seated
Stepping inside the castle, guests first enter the Grand Hall — a sprawling pre-show space buzzing with energy and medieval atmosphere. Costumed staff greet visitors in full character, never breaking the immersion for even a moment.
The energy here is warm, welcoming, and just a little theatrical.
This is where you can browse the gift shop, grab a drink from the bar, and watch the horses being prepared for the main event. Arriving early is strongly recommended, because the Grand Hall experience alone is worth the extra time.
One reviewer noted watching the horses get ready for the show during this window and finding it genuinely fascinating.
Colorful banners hang overhead while the sounds of medieval-inspired music fill the air. By the time seating begins, guests are already buzzing with anticipation, fully primed for the spectacle ahead.
Cheering for Your Knight Based on Your Section Color
One of the most thrilling quirks of Medieval Times is that your seat determines your knight. Each section of the arena is assigned a color — red, yellow, green, blue, black and white — and your knight represents your section throughout the entire show.
This simple setup turns a dinner theater into something that feels like a live sporting event.
Strangers sitting next to each other instantly become teammates, cheering, booing rival knights, and celebrating every victory together. The camaraderie is real and completely infectious.
One guest described their nephew crying when their blue knight lost — because the nine-year-old truly believed it was all happening for real.
Staff members enthusiastically encourage audience participation, making sure every section feels invested. Win or lose, cheering for your knight is one of the most joyful parts of the whole Medieval Times experience.
Jousting and Horsemanship That Leaves You Breathless
The centerpiece of the Medieval Times show is the jousting — and it is far more impressive than most first-timers expect. Knights on horseback charge at full speed toward each other, lances aimed and armor gleaming under the arena lights.
The sound of hooves thundering across the arena floor sends a genuine shockwave through the crowd.
Beyond jousting, the horsemanship demonstrations are a treat on their own. Riders perform precision maneuvers and choreographed routines that showcase years of dedicated training.
Multiple reviewers described the horses as among the most impressive parts of the entire evening.
The athleticism on display is extraordinary. These performers are not just actors — they are skilled equestrians and stunt artists who commit fully to every moment.
Whether you are eight or eighty, watching knights battle on horseback inside an arena is an experience that simply does not get old.
Falconry Demonstrations That Add a Surprising Layer of Wonder
Not everyone expects to see a bird of prey soaring overhead during dinner — but that is exactly what happens at Medieval Times Schaumburg. The falconry demonstration is one of those bonus moments that catches guests completely off guard and ends up being a highlight of the night.
A trained falcon swoops dramatically through the arena, responding to its handler with precision that feels almost magical. One reviewer called it a “nifty surprise,” while another marveled at the bird doing “amazing flying” during the show.
It adds a layer of authenticity to the medieval setting that goes beyond what most dinner theaters attempt.
Falconry was genuinely practiced during the Middle Ages as a sport of nobility, so its inclusion here is historically fitting. Watching this ancient art performed live in a castle-like arena is one of those moments you genuinely cannot find anywhere else.
The Four-Course Feast You Eat Entirely with Your Hands
Forget forks. At Medieval Times, the meal is served the old-fashioned way — with your hands, just like people actually ate during the Middle Ages.
Far from feeling awkward, this utensil-free approach becomes one of the most talked-about and genuinely fun parts of the experience.
The four-course meal includes Dragon’s Blood tomato bisque soup, garlic bread, a seasoned half chicken, roasted potato, and corn on the cob. Reviewers consistently praise the bisque as a standout, with one guest calling it the best tomato bisque she had ever tasted.
The chicken earns high marks too — tender, well-seasoned, and served hot.
Wet wipes are provided after the chicken course, which is a thoughtful touch. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available for guests with dietary needs.
Eating this way genuinely brings you closer to the spirit of the era in a way that silverware never could.
The All-In Character Performance by Every Single Staff Member
What separates Medieval Times from a typical themed restaurant is the total commitment of every person on staff. From servers to hosts to the performers in the arena, everyone stays fully in character throughout the entire evening — and that consistency transforms the experience from entertaining to genuinely immersive.
Servers address guests as lords and ladies. Hosts make royal proclamations.
Even after the show ends, cast members remain in character for photos and interactions. One reviewer specifically praised how staff were “excellent at reading the crowd,” adjusting their energy to keep every section engaged and excited.
This level of dedication takes real training and discipline. It is the kind of effort that guests notice immediately and remember long after they leave.
For families with young children especially, having every adult around them fully commit to the fantasy makes the experience feel genuinely magical rather than just theatrical.
Birthday Celebrations and Special Occasions Done Right
Medieval Times has become a go-to destination for birthdays, anniversaries, and milestone celebrations in the Chicago area — and it is easy to understand why. The combination of a live show, a hot meal, and an atmosphere unlike anything else makes it feel like a genuinely special occasion rather than just another dinner out.
Several reviewers shared birthday stories that turned into lifelong memories. One mom brought her daughter for her birthday and described the experience as “fantastic from start to finish.” Another guest had her nephew knighted during his ninth birthday visit, which left him absolutely beaming.
The venue offers upgrade packages that include prime seating, cakes, and additional perks for celebrating guests. While the VIP packages receive mixed reviews on value, the front-row seats that often come with them are widely considered worth it.
Celebrating here guarantees a story worth telling for years.
The Gift Shop Stocked with Swords, Daggers, and Royal Souvenirs
Souvenir hunters will find plenty to love in the Medieval Times gift shop, which is stocked with everything from replica weapons to royal accessories. Daggers, swords, shields, knight helmets, and toys for younger guests line the shelves alongside hats, mugs, and other keepsakes that capture the medieval spirit.
One guest mentioned purchasing daggers specifically to display in their office — a purchase that clearly made a lasting impression. The gift shop is located in the Grand Hall area, making it easy to browse during the pre-show window before being seated in the arena.
Prices lean on the higher side, as expected at a specialty attraction, but the quality of many items makes them worthwhile display pieces rather than throwaway trinkets. Whether you grab a toy sword for a child or a decorative piece for your home, leaving with a souvenir keeps the medieval magic alive long after the evening ends.
The Full Bar and Signature Souvenir Drink Mugs
Medieval Times Schaumburg offers a full bar experience to complement the show, serving everything from craft cocktails and mead to soft drinks and lemonade. Bartenders actually come to your seat to take drink orders, which is a surprisingly smooth touch that keeps guests from missing any of the pre-show excitement.
The signature souvenir mugs are a popular add-on — colorful, oversized, and perfectly on-theme. Several reviewers mentioned the adult slushie drinks as a crowd favorite, though more than one noted the price point is on the steeper side at around thirty dollars and up for specialty beverages.
Mead — the ancient honey-based alcoholic drink associated with medieval feasting — is also available and adds an authentic flair for adults looking to lean fully into the experience. Non-alcoholic options include Pepsi, lemonade, and water as part of the standard package.
Cheering for your knight is always better with a goblet in hand.
The VIP and Queen’s Package Upgrades Worth Considering
For guests who want to elevate the experience, Medieval Times offers several upgrade packages — including VIP and Queen’s packages — that come with perks like priority seating, front-row placement, and additional food items such as cake or dessert. These upgrades can genuinely transform a great night into an exceptional one.
Front-row seats are widely praised across reviews. Being that close to the action — where you can feel the vibration of hooves and see the expressions on the knights’ faces — is a completely different level of immersion.
One reviewer who received a VIP upgrade described the front-row experience as “fantastic.”
That said, opinions on the full value of VIP packages are mixed. Some guests feel the extra food inclusions do not always justify the price jump.
The consensus seems to be: prioritize the seating upgrade above all else, and treat the additional food perks as a bonus rather than the main selling point.
The Dramatic Storyline That Makes the Show More Than Just Stunts
Some guests arrive expecting a simple stunt show and leave stunned by how much actual storytelling is woven into the performance. Medieval Times Schaumburg features a full dramatic narrative — complete with a Lord Marshal, royal intrigue, villain knights, and heroic moments — that gives the jousting and combat genuine emotional stakes.
One reviewer was so impressed they wished there had been a playbill listing the cast, comparing the standout performers to professional theater actors. The production uses fog machines, dramatic lighting, and carefully timed music to heighten every scene.
It is theatrical in the best possible sense.
Children especially respond to the storyline because they invest emotionally in the characters. Parents report kids cheering, gasping, and even tearing up when their knight faces danger.
That emotional connection is what elevates Medieval Times beyond a novelty attraction and into the territory of genuinely memorable live entertainment.
Why Medieval Times Schaumburg Is Worth Every Penny
Let’s be honest — Medieval Times is not the cheapest night out in the Chicago area. Tickets, drinks, upgrades, and souvenirs can add up quickly.
But the sheer volume of five-star reviews from guests of all ages suggests that most people leave feeling the experience was absolutely worth the investment.
The combination of a live equestrian show, falconry, theatrical combat, a four-course meal, and total character immersion is genuinely hard to replicate anywhere else. Reviewers describe feeling transported, exhilarated, and part of something special — words rarely used about a typical restaurant dinner.
Located at 2001 N Roselle Rd in Schaumburg, Medieval Times is also conveniently positioned near Woodfield Mall and other attractions, making it easy to build a full day around the experience. With a 4.7-star rating across over 12,000 reviews, this is one Illinois attraction that consistently delivers on its extraordinary promise.
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