Medieval Times Scottsdale Puts the Tournament First

The public verdict

With a 4.7 Google rating from more than 8,000 reviews, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament has unusually broad support for a themed attraction of this scale. Public feedback consistently treats it as an entire evening of entertainment rather than a conventional restaurant meal. Diners highlight the atmosphere, coordinated service and sense of occasion, while families and celebration groups appear especially enthusiastic.

The most common praise centers on how smoothly the experience comes together. Guests are assigned to color-coded sections, encouraged to support a knight and drawn into the competition. That structure gives the crowd an active role and helps create the high-energy arena atmosphere mentioned throughout reviews.

Knights, horses and crowd participation

The tournament is the main event. Reviews repeatedly call out staged fighting, competitions, horse choreography and falconry, with some guests describing the production as entertaining from beginning to end. Staff members remaining in character also strengthen the medieval setting. Decor and the grand-hall presentation receive positive notices from diners who enjoy immersive attractions.

Team loyalty can become part of the fun. Reviewers proudly identify with sections such as Red and Yellow or Yellow, then recount cheering their knight through the contests. That crowd participation makes the format particularly well suited to children, multigenerational groups and first-time visitors. Not every diner considers the show exceptional, but the overall pattern is strongly favorable: the production is polished, accessible and easy for a group to enjoy together.

Dinner during the action

Food feedback in the supplied reviews is positive, though less detailed than the commentary about the performance. Chicken, potatoes and corn are the recurring dinner items mentioned by name. Guests describe the meal as hot, filling and delicious, and service earns praise alongside the show.

Still, this is best judged as a dinner attraction. Anyone primarily seeking menu choice, quiet conversation or a restaurant-led evening may find that the arena production dominates the experience. The expensive price level also makes value dependent on how much the group enjoys theater, spectacle and participation, not simply the food served.

Planning the evening

One practical tip appears clearly in public feedback: arriving 30 to 40 minutes before the feast allows time for entry, the welcome and pre-show activity. That buffer should also make the start of the evening feel less rushed.

Upgrades are available, including a Queen’s upgrade mentioned by one reviewer, but the supplied feedback does not establish whether the added cost consistently improves the experience. The safest reason to book is enthusiasm for the core package: a medieval-themed hall, assigned cheering sections, a hearty set-style dinner and an arena show featuring knights and horses. Based on its rating volume and recurring review themes, Medieval Times Scottsdale is a dependable special-occasion choice for groups ready to participate rather than watch quietly.