From Sandcastles to Medieval Castles
While holding court at your Grand Strand Vacations coastal palace, many of our visiting kings, queens, princes and princesses build castles in the sand, complete with turrets and salty moats. At the end of the day (depending on high tide), though, King Neptune sends in a barrage of waves to level these carefully crafted strongholds.
If you haven’t gotten your fill of castles, head over to one of the area’s premier attractions: Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. With its combination of a medieval banquet and competition between knights, it is rated one of the top dinner attractions in North America.
The history of Medieval Times dates back to 1973 when the first one opened in Majorca, Spain. The entertainment venue was created to mimic a historic medieval tradition. Royal families would invite guests to a festival and feast that would include a show of sorts – knights competing on horseback. In the early years of Medieval Times, this display took place in outdoor arenas, which were split into sections named for regions of medieval Spain. Guests cheered for the knights fighting for their region.
With proven success, the company decided to take the show across the Atlantic 10 years later, building the first U.S. castle in Kissimmee, FL. Five castles later, Medieval Times opened here in 1995. Today, there are nine 11th century styled castles throughout the United States and Canada.
One of the reasons Medieval Times continues to be popular is because of the company’s commitment to being historically accurate when it comes to weapons and costumes. To keep the show fresh, the characters and storyline change every few years.
The most current characters include (descriptions from Medieval Times):
King Philippe
After years of war and sacrifice, King Philippe finally secured the peace of his ancient enemy, the King of Leone. As a young man, the glory of battle drove the King, but as the day approaches when his son will inherit the crown, the good King desires only peace.
Prince Tristan
On a mission for his father, the King, Prince Tristan must leave his bride in the King’s care and ride to Leone. With hope for peace in the Realm, he travels to sign a treaty that will free the two kingdoms from the harness of war.
Princess Leonore
Newlywed Princess Leonore, radiant in her noble beauty, longs for the return of her husband, Prince Tristan. Alone at the ramparts, she seeks news of his return and holds on to the memory of their bittersweet parting.
Royal Falconer
The Royal Falconer performs wonders with his mighty birds of prey. The tournament includes a live flight of the royal falcon, soaring over the heads of the King’s guests.
Lord Chancellor
Introduces the Tournament of Knights, where the King’s guests will behold incredible feats of skill and daring performed by the brave champions who hail from every corner of King Philippe’s realm.
Herald of Leone
Amid the grand celebration, a message from the King of Leone is delivered by this brave horseman. He has prepared a special stallion presentation for the King and his guests.
Master of Horse
The kingdom is home to a prized collection of magnificent Andalusian stallions. Throughout the evening the Master of Horse and his team will present the King, Princess and their guests with several dazzling displays of superior horsemanship.
The Black & White Knight
Don Iofre Santa Creu is the defender of the ancient shrine at Santiago de Compostela. Adorned in Black & White, he is mightiest in skill among an order of warrior priests whose arrival upon the field brings despair to the impure of heart.
The Blue Knight
As a young squire, Don Alberto del Mau earned his place among the Knights of the Realm in a desperate battle. Renowned as a champion of the defenseless, the Blue Knight’s blood will not be cooled, nor his vengeance postponed, for those who bring war and unquiet to Valiente.
The Red & Yellow Knight
Lord del Font is the personal champion to the Count of Perelada. The sword of this invincible soldier has raised him to fame. Defeat and regret have been the reward of the countless challengers who have offered their honor and their shields to the point of the Red & Yellow Knight’s lance.
The Yellow Knight
In defense of Navarre, Don Eduardo del Rey is the rock. The Yellow Knight is well-versed in the arts of chivalry, yet in attack, he is the lion uncaged! Let the ring of steel herald his arrival and the smoke of battle linger in his wake, for a legend of the Realm walks among us.
The Red Knight
Truest son of mighty Castilla, Baron Ruiz de Roig has been called the “lion’s heart” in many a battle. Set him at liberty, and paralyze the enemy! With little pleasure will the ambitious look upon the banner of Castilla hanging in the list.
The Green Knight
This warrior of Asturius is an unquestioned master of weapons. Don Temple has never been unhorsed in the joust. No mantle of peace or of serenity will ever grace his shoulders, for his temper is the dragon’s claw.
Here at Grand Strand Vacations, we love a good dinner and a show, especially when it involves sword-fighting, jousting and other medieval games!
From now until Dec. 30, kids 12 and under are free (one child admission when you purchase one full-priced adult ticket). Just mention discount code KFW9. For more information on the free admission for kids or to purchase tickets, call (843) 236-4635, ext. 2703, or go to http://www.medievaltimes.com/promotions/kids-free.php.
Stay tan,
Grand Strand Vacations