Combining the grandeur of medieval castles with the sizzling aroma of roasting chicken and the majestic sight of purebred Andalusian horses, each Medieval Times venue offers an immersive dining experience extravaganza. Capable of concurrently serving a thousand rotisserie half-chickens in 20 minutes, these establishments lead in the dinner theatre spectacle stakes. Moreover, by managing America's most extensive Andalusian horse breeding program, Medieval Times goes above and beyond to provide a realistic Middle Ages setting.

Jon Speier, general manager, once shared in a 2013 Texas Monthly interview about these coveted Andalusian horses, “They have their origins from artificial insemination to their upbringing on Texas fields with free roam and unlimited oats, before they ultimately entertain thousands of spectators," which is a beautiful view of their journey.

Serving as the venue for several cultural events and television shoot sequences, the nine Medieval Times castles spread across Atlanta, Chicago, Baltimore, Buena Park, Dallas, Lyndhurst, Myrtle Beach, Orlando, Scottsdale, and Toronto have become landmarks in their regions. Irrespective of their locations, both freestanding and built within larger complexes, people within the continental U.S. are never far away from these spectacles of the past.

Despite the rise and fall of themed restaurants and the cultural saturation of the media, Medieval Times, which first opened in Orlando in 1983, has proven its longevity. Its appeal remains strong, outlasting competitors like The Rainforest Café.

A resounding feature that bolsters the popularity of Medieval Times is its consistency. From serving up hearty meals of rotisserie chicken to maintaining age-old utensils, it gives dining a primitive feel unmatched by any other food joints. Although its fare might not be fancy or gourmet, there's something satisfyingly simple yet filling about a meal of rotisserie chicken, potato wedges, half corn on the cob and garlic bread, all consumed using hands.

This ability to serve heaps of nourishing food that passes required health inspections and is cool enough for everyone's fingers simply adds to its convivial appeal. Besides, the plentiful food, there's also a blend of Old World charm and modern day fun that sets Medieval Times apart from others like Disneyland and Renaissance fairs.

Think of a seamless, quick-paced two hours and fifteen minutes of immersive dining without audience interaction, professional performance featuring knights and purebred horses, all encompassed within the rock-solid walls of a castle. This combination of relaxed viewing, hearty eating and minimal audience participation makes Medieval Times an irresistible proposition. Despite it offering a whirl of sequences, the show remains constant and equally engaging at every visit.

Speaking of the Middle Ages experience, former knight Gerald Dudley, who served at the Dallas castle in 2005, stated, "It's like combining the ambiance of the worst restaurant you've ever worked in with a rodeo and a store that upsells swords." Despite the dramatic portrayal, he recollected fondly one of his best co-workers being a horse, and another one, his worst.

Maintaining its charm, Medieval Times promises a mix of amusement, nourishment, and reminiscence, as it continues to thrive in the modern world, staying true to its medieval roots.