Green Looks Good on You... and the Horse You Rode in On.

[Tater]

Click here to get your exclusive coupon package for Medieval Times.

Here ye, here ye! Gather 'round as I regale you with a tale of royal treatment for everyone in my little potato clan.

We recently received an invitation to dine with King Philippe and Princess Leonore in his castle for the holidays. And who can say no to the king, right? So princess Tater Tot, my parental spuds, and I board our carriage and head to the king's castle.

When we arrived at Medieval Times, we were greeted at the gates by some of the king's servants and were given a magnificent paper crown in the color of our knight for the evening. We all had our favorites... I preferred the blue knight, princess Tater Tot fancied the black and red knight, and my dad enjoyed the yellow knight. But the winner was my mom... her favorite? The green knight. We popped on our new gear and headed towards the castle doors. There we were welcomed by none other than King Philippe himself. Our lovely greeting was followed by a moment for a photo together. Quite the howdeedo, right? I know, I know... I was delighted myself.

We wandered thru the castle grounds, down the halls, through the medieval torture museum, out onto the beautifully Christmas-lit courtyard and through to the bar, gift shop and horse stables, where we gazed upon the Andalusian horses used throughout the festivities. It's literally a plethora of fantastic medieval trinkets and gigantic royal equestrians.

Huh? I'm sorry. What was that? Oh no, you heard it right. The king has an amazing museum filled with various medieval torture devices, each with device instructions, tortures inflicted and the crimes needed in order to find yourself in said pickle. Let's just say, punishment nowadays is a cake walk. Ouch.

It is now time to dine so we gather in the dining hall as trumpeters announce our arrival. We find our way to our seats and are surprised to find that we have been presented with many royal gifts at our table: a flag in our knight's color, a program introducing us to King Philippe's knights and a great DVD with behind the scenes footage. Hurrah!!!

We soon realize that we are cheering on the enemy. Our knight, Don Temple, is actually not part of the King Philippe's court, but a sworn enemy sent with a treaty. Bonus? He has NEVER been unhorsed in the joust. Our curiosities are peaked.

Off go the lights and on begins the show...

We dine on a most delicious four-course feast fit for a king (pun totally intended) and enjoy the most incredible show we've ever seen in a castle in Buena Park. Dancing stallions, a falcon soaring above our heads, knights battling for supremacy, and crowds cheering on their loyal knight to victory, waving their flags with the most enthusiastic vigor. A spectacular battle ensues, filled with jousting, sword fights, lances and shields, each knight fighting for his honor and every spectator hoping their knight is the victor. It was quite the sight to see.

The battles come to an end and our Don Temple has dominated the competition like no other. Unfortunately, he endures an untimely "death", but not before he taunts each and every fan of each and every other knight. It was fantastically devilish and we loveloveloved every minute of it.

Princess Leonore is delighted by the night's festivities and it is time to thank her knights. She tosses each knight flowers and the knights toss their flowers to a maiden of his choice. And this is where princess Tater Tot went whacky. A six year old and flowers... are you kidding me? This was the part where she cheered her tiny tush the most. ANYTHING for a flower! And our knight came by and he slowed down right in front of her. He gives her a wink and says “Soon, princess” and tosses his flower to another maiden. This went on for a few rounds and needless to say, my little princess was getting confused.

Then came the next round of gifts from the princess, a sash to be given to each knight's "Queen of Love and Beauty". It was time for our quasi-victorious green knight to receive his sash. The "Queen of Love and Beauty" he bestoweth upon? Yup, that's right. The adorable princess Tater Tot. Needless to say she was overjoyed by the whole thing. Her knight rode up on his white horse and with a gentle bow, presented his queen with his sash attached to the end of his lance. Yeah... I know, right?

A wench from the king's court comes by and takes a picture of Tater Tot with her sash and her crown and comes back with the photos we've taken throughout the day for purchase. Like we could actually pass up such mementos! My little one chooses the picture with her and our green knight because "I wanna remember him forever and ever." Yeah... you gotta love little girls.

The night was over and we walked to our carriage to head home. And as we began to talk about the night's festivities, we realized that we had all lost our voices in battle. Now THAT'S what you call a great night.

All in all, it was a magical night with my little Tater family. But with all the things we received at Medieval Times, there are three things you shall be deprived...
1. Utensils.
2. Cheesy dinner theatre.
3. Your voice... unless you did it wrong.

Click here to get your exclusive coupon package for Medieval Times.

[Suzanne Wilkinson]

I haven't been for years, but this lovely written blog makes me want to visit the Castle once again, and reclaim my handsome knight...wonder if he's still among the living!!! What a wonderful adventure for the Tater family! Thanks.

[The Nightowl]

she's TOTALLY the queen of love of beauty, just like her mama <3

[Michael Maxsenti]

What a great tale...my grand daughter hopefully will be so honored.
:)
You make this grandfather feel guilty for having not taken my 7 year old yet for an evening of such fun.
Thanks!