A first-timers guide to Medieval Times in New Jersey: What to expect

Experiencing Medieval Times is a rite of passage. Maybe you took a school trip or passed it on the highway driving through New Jersey and wondered, "Do people really go to this place and eat chicken with their hands while knights fight in front of them?"

The answer: yes, enthusiastically.

As someone who finally went for the first time, suited up in armor and weapons, met the horses and became queen, here’s everything to expect when you finally cross "go to Medieval Times" off your bucket list.

The royal rundown

Medieval Times traces back to late-1960s Spain, when José Montaner turned his family farm's barbecue restaurant into a live, 11th century jousting show, inspired by his family history. The concept arrived in the United States in 1983, in Florida, and eventually expanded into the network of castles that includes the Lyndhurst, New Jersey, location (149 Polito Ave.). Among the 10 castles in North America, popular locations include Orlando, Myrtle Beach, Baltimore, Chicago and Toronto.

According to Ross Turkington, showcase lead (known onstage as Lord Rosco duBuff), attendance remains strong thanks to the "you have to see it once" appeal.

• Location: Lyndhurst, New Jersey; approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Melville.
• Capacity: Up to 1,250 guests per show.
• Show times: Shows run year-round Friday through Sunday, with occasional Thursday performances. Holiday shows take place Dec. 23, 24 and 26 through Jan. 4. Saturdays are consistently sold out, and holiday periods see a big surge as school breaks begin, so it’s best to reserve tickets early.
• Cost: $76.95; $46.95 ages 3-16; includes a two-hour tournament and a four-course feast with soft beverages.
• Audience: Think 8-year-olds celebrating birthdays next to 40th birthday celebrations and bachelorette parties. It’s a surprisingly balanced mix that adds to the appeal.

The stars of the (k)night: The horses

Before the show, I got to meet the real stars: the horses. The purebred Spanish Andalusian horses in the show today date to the Montaner family breed that lived in medieval Spain. Raised at Chapel Creek Ranch in Texas, the horses are transported to the castles around age 3. They're well-trained, groomed, calm and very accustomed to visitors. They also age out of performing when they turn 18, which staff describe as "middle age." After that, they're retired to a local farm through a longtime donation partnership.

The weapons

During a tour of the armory, one thing became clear: The equipment is real metal. Knight Ethan Benell explained that performers train intensively, arriving six hours before the show to stretch, do yoga and warm up with the horses. While Benell has a college degree in acting, many knights have athletic backgrounds. When weapons collide during the show, the edges shave sparks, creating bursts of light. I even held a few weapons, including the intimidating double ball bola, and can confirm they’re heavier and more technical than they look from the seats.

The armor

No part of this visit humbled me more than trying on the armor. Each knight wears a different colored feather in his protective helmet to match a decorative cape, representing one of the six kingdoms and the audience’s seating sections. I suited up and attempted to hold a sword and shield. The helmet made it hard to see; the breastplate made it hard to move. I gained a new appreciation for anyone performing stunts in 30 pounds of gear.

The feast

Stepping inside the dim room before showtime, I stared in awe at the huge sand-covered arena, surrounded by bleacher-like seats. I entered my assigned row and reached my place setting: an iron plate, iron bowl, a tall iron mug — and zero utensils. It looked like something out of "Game of Thrones.''

This is not a knife-and-fork situation. This is hands-on chicken, soup-sipping, medieval dining.

The feast consists of garlic bread, dragon's blood (tomato) soup, roasted chicken, corn on the cob, a roasted potato and an éclair. The vegan option includes rice, beans and potatoes with pita and hummus.

It’s intentionally messy and fun, and the communal atmosphere is part of the charm. I sipped my soup from the iron bowl and picked apart the chicken like I’ve always dreamed. At Medieval Times, it’s not just allowed, it’s celebrated.

The show

Once the jousting begins, it’s clear why the venue continues to draw crowds. The actors embody their roles and transport you back in time. The choreography, stunts, falconry and horse work are tightly produced, and sparks do fly — literally.

Everyone in each party gets the same colored crown upon arrival, with one of the six colors representing a knight’s royal court. Together, you cheer on your assigned knight to see who will prove bravest. You'll catch yourself ooo-ing, ahh-ing and shouting proudly at your section's knight as he takes on the joust. It feels like a true sporting event, and everyone gets into it.

At the end of the show, one guest is chosen as royal for the night. Somehow, that guest ended up being me (I promise I had no idea).

Why go now

Medieval Times is one of those places you think you understand until you’re actually inside. The energy, the cheering, the stunt work, the horses, the weirdly delicious medieval meal — it’s all part of a very specific type of nostalgia you didn’t know you needed.

For first-timers, here’s the takeaway: If you’ve always been curious, this is the time to finally go.