Las Vegas: Tournament of Kings Show at Excalibur

At Excalibur’s Tournament of Kings, dinner comes with a side of jousting. You sit around a dirt arena, cheer for your knight, and watch horses charge through tests of racing, sword fighting, and chivalry. King Arthur, maidens, a court jester, smoke, fog, and fire complete this old-fashioned Las Vegas spectacle.

I like the close view of the horses and the fact that dinner is included rather than sold as an extra. The hand-eating rule is silly in the best way, and the story gives children a clear reason to keep watching instead of simply staring at a stage.

The main drawback is the enclosed setting. Horses work close to the audience, and the show uses pyrotechnics, strobe lights, smoke, and fog. People with epilepsy should not attend, and anyone uneasy around loud effects or animals should think twice.

Key points to know before you book

• The arena puts horses and knights close to your seat, with a dirt floor and action spread around the room.
• Your dinner is part of the ticket, including roasted chicken, potatoes, corn, an apple square, and a dinner roll on the regular menu.
• You eat with your hands, since cutlery is not provided.
• The production combines jousting, sword fighting, horse racing, music, dancing, pyrotechnics, smoke, and fog.
• Meal choices cover several diets, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, but special requests must be made at least four hours before the show.
• Children age four and older pay full price, while children three and younger may attend free on an adult’s lap and share that adult’s meal.

Entering Excalibur’s medieval arena

The Tournament of Kings is built around a simple idea: take the familiar King Arthur story, add real horses and armored knights, then serve dinner while the action takes place around you. It is not a quiet theater performance. It is a loud, physical show designed to make you cheer.

You take your seat in an arena with a dirt floor. The setting matters because the horses are not distant stage props. You see them working close to the seating area, which gives the riding and jousting a direct, almost sporting feel.

The story follows Arthur and his knights through tests of bravery and treachery. You can expect King Arthur himself, maidens who sing and dance, a court jester, and a series of contests involving racing, jousting, and sword fighting.

I would describe the production as family entertainment with a medieval costume rather than a serious history lesson. The plot gives the show shape, but the main attraction is the mix of live animals, performers, food, and special effects.

What happens during the show

The program moves between story scenes and contests. Knights ride horses, race around the arena, and face one another in combat. Jousting provides the most obvious medieval image, while sword fighting gives the action a more personal edge.

The horse work is the reason to choose this show over a standard stage production. You are not watching a film or a recorded stunt sequence. The movement takes place in front of you, and the dirt arena helps the show feel more like a tournament field than a theater stage.

The story also includes lighter moments. The court jester provides comic relief, while the maidens sing and dance between the more aggressive scenes. These changes of pace are useful, especially for younger children who may enjoy the characters more than the political side of the Arthur tale.

King Arthur functions as the center of the story, tying the contests to ideas of loyalty, bravery, and chivalry. You do not need prior knowledge of Arthurian legends to follow the basic plot. The production gives you enough visual cues to understand who is competing and why the knights are being tested.

Expect theatrical effects along with the live action. Pyrotechnics, strobe lights, smoke, and fog are part of the production. These effects add noise and spectacle, but they also mean the show is not suitable for people with epilepsy. If someone in your party is sensitive to flashing lights or enclosed special effects, this is an important consideration, not a minor footnote.

The medieval dinner at your seat

Dinner is included with the show ticket, which makes the experience easier to budget. You are not choosing between a performance ticket and a separate meal reservation. The food is served as part of the event, and the medieval theme continues with one memorable rule: there is no cutlery.

You eat with your hands, just as the show’s medieval setting suggests. That can be fun for children and adds a bit of theater to the meal. It can also be awkward if you prefer a formal dinner or have dietary needs that make hand-eating difficult. Bring the right attitude, and perhaps a willingness to accept a little mess.

The regular meal includes:

• Roasted chicken
• Lemon pepper roasted red bliss potatoes
• Corn on the cob
• Apple square
• Dinner roll

The meal is hearty and straightforward. It is there to keep you fed during the show rather than to serve as a fine-dining experience. I like that the food matches the setting without becoming too complicated. You can focus on the horses and performers instead of choosing from a long menu.

The regular menu is nut-free and peanut-free. A children’s meal is available for ages four through twelve, with chicken tenders, fries, and an apple square. Children’s meals are not simply smaller adult plates, so this option may be more familiar to younger diners.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices

The meal planning is more flexible than the medieval theme might suggest. A gluten-free meal includes roasted chicken, lemon pepper roasted red bliss potatoes, corn on the cob, and fresh fruit.

The vegetarian menu includes pasta with marinara, potatoes, corn, and fresh fruit. The vegan menu includes pasta with marinara without cheese, potatoes without butter, corn without butter, and fresh fruit.

All listed special menus are nut-free and peanut-free. The key practical detail is timing: you must request a special meal at least four hours before the show. Do not wait until you arrive at Excalibur and expect the kitchen to change the plate on the spot.

The kosher meal option is currently unavailable. If that restriction affects your plans, this is a reason to choose a different dinner show or make another meal arrangement.

Why the close seating matters

The seating setup is part of the appeal and part of the caution. You are seated in close proximity to the horses and the dirt arena, so the action feels more immediate than a distant stage performance.

For families, that proximity can make the ticket feel worthwhile. Children can see the animals, riders, costumes, and effects as they happen. The show does not depend on a complicated story alone. Even if a child loses track of the Arthur plot, there is still a horse race, a knight, or a comic performer to watch.

The same arrangement may not suit everyone. If you dislike being near horses, dust, or loud action, the setting may feel too intense. The enclosed arena also concentrates the effects. Smoke and fog are not just occasional background decoration, and strobe lighting may be uncomfortable for some people.

Large bags, luggage, and backpacks are not allowed. Plan to arrive with only what you need for the show. This is especially useful to remember if you are spending the day moving between hotels, attractions, or transportation stops.

Unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Children must attend with an adult, and the seating and meal rules change by age.

Bringing children: age rules and practical value

All ages are welcome. Children three and younger may attend free, but they must sit on an adult’s lap and share that adult’s meal. This can save money for a very young child, though a long show with a small child on your lap may not be easy for every family.

Children age four and older pay the full ticket price. They receive their own seat and their own dinner, with the children’s menu available for ages four through twelve.

That pricing structure is worth considering before you book. A family with several children over age four will pay for each full ticket, but the ticket also covers dinner and a full theatrical production. Compare the total against the cost of a separate family meal and another evening activity, rather than judging the ticket only as a theater admission.

The show’s strongest family feature is its variety. Horses appeal to animal lovers, sword fighting adds action, the jester supplies comedy, and the meal gives younger children something concrete to anticipate. The possible weakness is the noise and intensity. A child who dislikes flashing lights, smoke, or enclosed crowds may not enjoy the spectacle as much as one who loves knights and castles.

Who will get the most from this experience

I would choose Tournament of Kings if you want a show that feels distinctly different from a standard Las Vegas concert or stage production. The combination of horses, jousting, dinner, and audience cheering gives it a clear identity.

It suits families particularly well, especially children who already enjoy knights, castles, or stories about King Arthur. It can also work for adults who want a light, playful evening rather than a serious drama.

The show is less suitable if you want refined dining, a quiet performance, or an intimate theater setting. The meal is practical and hearty, not a culinary centerpiece. The story is easy to follow, but the production favors spectacle over subtle acting or detailed historical accuracy.

People with epilepsy should not attend because of the strobe lights and other effects. Anyone concerned about smoke, fog, pyrotechnics, or close contact with horses should take the warnings seriously.

Is the dinner included value for the ticket?

Because the ticket includes both the performance and dinner, the value depends on how much you want the complete event. If you would otherwise pay for a family meal and a separate evening attraction, combining the two can make sense.

The meal is not a reason to attend by itself. Roasted chicken, potatoes, corn, and dessert are filling but uncomplicated. The value comes from eating as part of the show, with the hand-held meal reinforcing the medieval theme.

For children, the combined format may be especially useful. You do not need to arrange a separate dinner before or after the production, and the meal gives the evening a clear rhythm. For adults seeking a memorable restaurant experience, the food will probably feel basic.

I would also factor in the special meal rules. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available, but you must request them no later than four hours before showtime. The unavailable kosher option may affect the value for anyone who requires it.

Simple tips for a smoother evening

Arrive prepared to leave large bags, luggage, and backpacks behind. Those items are not allowed, and the restriction is easier to handle when you know it before reaching the entrance.

Tell the provider about dietary needs at least four hours ahead. The regular meal is nut-free and peanut-free, and several alternate meals are offered, but advance notice is required.

Expect to use your hands for dinner. There is no cutlery, so the meal is intentionally informal. If that sounds inconvenient rather than fun, keep it in mind when comparing this show with other Las Vegas entertainment.

If you are attending with a child three or younger, remember that the child sits on your lap and shares your meal. Children four and older need a full-price ticket and receive their own seat and dinner.

Should you book Tournament of Kings?

Book it if you want horses, knights, and dinner in one lively package. The close arena seating, live riding, jousting, sword fighting, and theatrical effects give the show more physical energy than a conventional stage performance. Families with children who enjoy medieval stories are likely to get the most from it.

Skip it if you need a quiet setting, formal dining, or freedom from flashing lights and smoke. The show is also a poor fit for anyone with epilepsy or anyone uncomfortable sitting near horses in an enclosed dirt arena.

For the right audience, the hand-eaten chicken dinner is part of the fun, not a flaw. You are paying for an evening of theatrical spectacle and participation, with a meal built into the story. That makes Tournament of Kings a practical choice for a family night at Excalibur, provided you are comfortable with the noise, effects, and medieval-style mess.

FAQ

Where is the Tournament of Kings show held?

The show is held at Excalibur in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Is dinner included with the show ticket?

Yes. The ticket includes the live show and dinner.

What food is served on the regular menu?

The regular menu includes roasted chicken, lemon pepper roasted red bliss potatoes, corn on the cob, an apple square, and a dinner roll.

Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals available?

Yes. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan meals are available. Special meal requests must be made at least four hours before the show.

Do children need tickets?

Children three and younger may attend free, sit on an adult’s lap, and share the adult’s meal. Children four and older need a full-price ticket and receive their own seat and dinner.

Is the show suitable for people with epilepsy?

No. The show uses strobe lights, pyrotechnics, smoke, and fog, and it is not suitable for people with epilepsy.