Medieval Times!

A quick trip to the Schaumburg Castle made for a great way to celebrate some birthdays.   Ticket prices could create some sticker shock....but the food and show are fantastic and we found some online discounts without much searching.  We got the kids a flag with our knights colors to wave as he fought.    I'll just let the pictures tell the story.  :D

We talked to this man before the show.  He's been a falconer at Medieval Times for 22 years.  The falcon is clearly ready for his close up.

Since the castle doors open 75 minutes before the show starts there is plenty of time for some photos....and places to take them.  There is also a bar and some souvenir shops.  You can buy tickets for a torture museum as well but we didn't. 

The "Bill of Fare" is a full 3 course meal.  There is SO Much FOOD! All of it delicious  The dessert was ice cream which would never be my first choice....but still delicious.  

She ate her dragon blood soup (tastes like tomato) and was very excited about her half chicken.  

The show starts as the meal is served.   The horses are phenomenal.

The master of horse did an amazing show.  This horse did some really cool footwork and at the end bowed to the queen.

Knights (3 for the east, 3 for the west) are presenting to the Queen.  Each section is assigned a knight to cheer for (and his 2 friends although "don't get carried away")  They do some lance tricks (capture rings, etc) and the horses run through some "formations" to start things off.  

Ready for the joust.  The "dress" helmets were way fun!

Before the joust netting is dropped in front of the crowd.  Wood splinters everywhere.  

After each joust the knights found hand to hand on the ground.  Sometimes with swords but also with other weapons.  It was fun to see the sparks.  But this was my least favorite part. I can't imagine the strength required though to lift the weapons which were clearly metal and to move around in that sand. 

We had a great time enjoying the dinner and show!  I think we all might have had different favorites but it was well worth the trip to see it.