I recently visited Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament in Toronto, Canada and had to share my pleasant experience as a Muslim visitor. This is the fourth time I have been to the show and have always had a memorable time. What makes Medieval Times stand out for me is there ability to accommodate halal food as well as a prayer space.
What is Medieval Times?
Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is a 2-hour LIVE theatrical show with horses, falcons, king, queen, knights, and horsemen. The show takes you back in time.
The experience starts as soon as you enter the building (aka castle) where staff address you as “My Lord” and “My Lady”. At the registration desk, you are assigned a color (green, white, red, etc) and that is the knight you support throughout the tournament. Everyone also receives a paper crown with the team color they have been assigned.
The show itself is a competition between 6 knights as they show off their skills in a jousting tournament. In between the jousting, horsemen entertain the crowd with their horsemanship by making their horses do a variety of different acts. You are also served food and drinks as you enjoy the show.
Halal Food at Medieval Times
Throughout the tournament, guests are served a 4-course meal. The meal includes a half roasted chicken, garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, herb-basted potato, sweet buttered corn, and dessert. The best thing about the M
edieval Times Dinner and Tournament in Toronto, Canada is they offer Halal meals. You must call them at least one week in advance so
they can ensure they have the halal chicken in stock. The chicken comes wrapped in aluminum foil which signifies to me there is no cross contamination with other foods. It’s also worth noting that there are no utensils provided. You must use your hands – sunnah style.
There is also a vegetarian option available if you prefer that option.
With that said, I have called Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament only 1-2 days before to request Halal meal and they have been able to accommodate but you’re better off calling a week in advance.
Prayer Space
I had called Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament one day before our scheduled show and had requested if they are able to accommodate us for prayer. The show was conflicting with Maghrib and I would not have enough time after the show to find a Masjid or reach home. I got in touch with Guest Services and they graciously agreed to provide my family and I space to pray after the show. They made a note on my reservation and when I arrived at the location the supervisor was very kind and happily took us to a secluded area in the back. Alhamdulillah.
Prayer is not an act of worship that we can take lightly. I understand that sometimes out of fear or lack of confidence we are willing to delay or even miss prayer. We feel shy or uncomfortable praying in public or not having the courage to ask for a prayer area. But in my 23 years of living in the West, I have found that it never hurts to ask. More than likely people happily accommodate and it makes my experience as a Muslim so much better.
Which Ticket should I buy?
Tickets cost between $40-$50 (CAD) and you can usually find a coupon code if you google “Medieval times coupon“.
You can purchase VIP packages that offer bonuses like front row seats, VIP lanyard, a cheering banner, group photo and more. You really do begin feeling like royalty when you go with one of the VIP packages. However, I have had the opportunity of going just with general admission as well as the top tier “Queens Royalty” and personally I find all the extras as money-making “gimmicks”. If you are on a budget and just want the Medieval Times experience, general admission is an excellent option and you don’t really miss out on anything in terms of the show and dinner.
In conclusion, I highly recommend making a visit to Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. You will not be disappointed.
Make sure to check out the Muslim Travel Guide for Canada for more things to do and see in Canada!