Tournament of Kings Dinner and Show at Excalibur Hotel and Casino

The best thing about Tournament of Kings is that you do not just watch the action. You are assigned to a kingdom, cheer for its king, and eat a medieval-style dinner while horses, knights, sword fights, smoke, and fire fill the arena. It is part dinner theater, part sporting event, and part loud family party.

I like the real horses and strong audience participation. I also like the clear, easy story: Merlin sets up the kingdoms, King Arthur calls a banquet, and the evil Mordred crashes the party. The main drawback is the food. It is filling and often tasty, but it is a simple chicken-and-sides meal, and some portions may be bland or dry.

Key points to know

• You cheer for your assigned king: Each arena section represents a country, so your job is to make your side heard.
• Real horses share the arena with the performers: Expect close-up riding, jousting, swordplay, dust, smoke, and pyrotechnics.
• Dinner is eaten without forks or spoons: The meal includes chicken, potatoes, corn or seasonal vegetables, bread, and apple square.
• The show runs about 90 minutes: You receive your meal during the performance, with drinks available for purchase.
• Children usually get the most out of it: The broad story, costumes, noise, horses, and cheering work especially well for families.
• Arrive early for the entrance line: Lines can build before showtime, though admission may move quickly once doors open.

Entering King Arthur’s Arena at Excalibur

Tournament of Kings takes place inside Excalibur Hotel and Casino, just off the Las Vegas Strip. Once inside, walk toward the center box office, take the stairs down, turn left at the bottom, and look for the arena on the right.

This is not a quiet theater with a small stage. The performance area is a dirt arena surrounded by sectioned seating. Each section represents a country, and the placement of your seat determines which king you support. That simple setup gives the show its energy before the first sword is drawn.

I suggest arriving with enough time to find the arena, pass through the entrance line, and settle in before the lights change. One practical note is easy to miss: backpacks, luggage, and similar large items are not allowed in the showroom, and all bags may be searched.

The arena has restrooms available during the show. You can also order alcohol from your server, although drinks are not part of the listed dinner inclusion.

Merlin, kingdoms, and a simple story

The show opens with Merlin, who explains the rules of the evening. Each part of the audience is a country, and each country has a king. You are encouraged to cheer for your own side, and the crowd noise becomes part of the production.

King Arthur gathers the rulers of Europe for a banquet and a contest of knightly skill. The plot is easy to follow, which matters when the arena is loud and the action moves quickly. You do not need to know medieval legends beforehand.

The story turns when Mordred, the evil wizard, attacks the celebration. The kings must set aside their rivalry and unite against him. This gives the jousting and battles a clear purpose rather than presenting a string of unrelated stunts.

I would not come expecting a subtle drama or a serious history lesson. This is broad, theatrical entertainment. The acting, dancing, costumes, and exaggerated good-versus-evil story are designed to keep the whole room involved, including children who may have limited patience for a long stage production.

Horses, jousting, and fire in close quarters

The main attraction is the action in the arena. Real horses carry the knights through riding displays, jousting, and combat scenes. The sword fights use real metal swords, according to the experience information, and the performers combine riding skill with choreographed battles.

The horses are close to the seating, which makes the action feel immediate. You can see the riders working with their animals rather than watching distant figures on a conventional stage. That closeness is one of the show’s strongest features, especially if you or your children enjoy horses.

The production also uses pyrotechnics, strobe lights, smoke, and fog. Fire effects add a Las Vegas touch to the medieval setting, while the dirt arena creates dust and a slightly rougher atmosphere. Some people may find the dust and effects exciting. If you have allergies, asthma, respiratory problems, or sensitivity to horses or dust, you should consider that exposure before booking.

The enclosed arena is smoke-free in the ordinary indoor sense, but the production still uses theatrical smoke and fog. If that distinction matters to you, ask the box office about current conditions before attending.

A hands-on banquet, not a restaurant dinner

The meal is part of the show rather than a separate restaurant course. The typical dinner includes roasted seasoned Cornish game hen or roasted chicken, lemon pepper red potatoes, corn on the cob or seasonal vegetables, a dinner roll, and an apple square for dessert. The menu can change.

You eat with your hands. There are no forks or spoons, which fits the medieval theme and gives the meal a playful twist. It can also be messy, so do not expect a polished fine-dining service.

The food receives mixed reactions because expectations differ. I would describe it as basic, filling banquet food. The chicken can be nicely seasoned and tender, and some diners find it very good. Others find it dry and wish for sauce. The potatoes and vegetables may be perfectly acceptable, though they can also seem bland or less fresh depending on the serving.

Portions are generally enough for a full dinner, but this is not the reason to book the show. The reason is the combination of dinner and live action. If you want an elaborate meal, spend your money elsewhere and attend a regular performance. If you like the idea of eating roasted chicken while cheering at a knightly battle, the simple menu makes sense.

Special menus may be available if requested ahead of time. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-allergy, kosher, and children’s meals are listed as possible options. Most requests need to be made at least four hours before showtime by calling the Excalibur box office. Kosher meals require 72 hours of advance notice.

How the audience becomes part of the show

The cheering is not a small extra. It is one of the main activities. Your section is expected to support its king, and the performers work the crowd for loud responses. If you enjoy shouting, clapping, and taking sides, you will have an easy time joining in.

The production can become quite loud. That is good for the atmosphere, but it may not suit someone looking for a calm dinner or a quiet theater night. One useful tip: if you cheer enthusiastically, you may lose your voice by the end. Bring the right attitude, especially if you are attending with children who want to make plenty of noise.

The audience interaction also helps couples and adults enjoy the show without children. You do not have to be a medieval enthusiast. The mix of rivalry, humor, dancing, horses, and special effects gives adults enough to watch while the younger members of your group cheer for their side.

Who gets the best value from the $79.60 price

At $79.60 per person, the ticket includes the selected seating category, the show, the two-course dinner, taxes, fees, and handling charges. Parking, valet service, drinks, and hotel transportation are not included.

The price makes the most sense if you compare it with a separate dinner and a separate live attraction. You receive roughly 90 minutes of entertainment and a full meal in one booking. For a family, that combination can be convenient, especially when everyone wants something different from a typical Vegas evening.

The value is less clear if food quality is your top priority. The meal is intentionally simple, and the show is designed for broad appeal rather than premium theater. I would book it for the horses, battles, crowd participation, and unusual format. I would not book it as a destination meal.

The price can also be worthwhile for a first Las Vegas visit. You get a very specific Excalibur experience rather than a generic stage show: dirt under the horses, a cheering section, a medieval story, and dinner served during the action.

Timing, tickets, and getting settled

The experience lasts about one hour and 30 minutes. A mobile ticket is provided, but confirmation may take up to 48 hours and remains subject to availability. Check your ticket carefully before heading to the theater.

There has been at least one case where a ticket problem required a trip to the box office before entry. I would keep your confirmation ready, arrive early, and allow extra time if anything looks unclear at the entrance. The box office is downstairs near the arena, so it is close if you need help.

The show is near public transportation, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided. If you drive, parking and valet fees are also separate. Excalibur is a large casino resort, so plan a few extra minutes to get from the Strip entrance to the theater.

Children age 3 and younger can attend free, but they must sit on a parent or guardian’s lap and share that adult’s meal. Children age 4 and older need a full-price ticket, their own seat, and their own dinner. Anyone under 16 must attend with an adult.

Accessible seating is available. Request it in the special requirements field when booking.

What the show does especially well

The strongest part of Tournament of Kings is the way several ordinary ingredients become one shared event. A chicken dinner alone would be forgettable. A horse show alone might feel short. A basic story alone would not carry the evening. Together, they give you a clear, active night out.

The horses are a major advantage. They add real movement and physical presence that recorded effects cannot match. The riding and jousting also give the knights something meaningful to do, rather than simply wearing armor on a stage.

The performers make good use of the audience. You are not left watching from a distance. The country sections create a friendly contest, and the cheers help children understand the basic plot: support your king, watch the battles, and hope your side wins.

The fire effects, strobe lights, smoke, and fog add spectacle. They can feel intense in the enclosed arena, but they also prevent the show from becoming a slow dinner with occasional swordplay.

Where expectations need adjusting

The food is the clearest weak spot. Some diners find the chicken delicious and the apple dessert warm and satisfying. Others find the chicken dry, the vegetables bland, or the potatoes and corn less fresh than expected. I would keep expectations at the level of a large banquet meal served to a full arena.

The show is also intentionally simple. You get a straightforward medieval adventure, not a complex plot or historically exact account of royal Europe. That is a strength for families and a limitation for adults seeking sophisticated theater.

The dirt floor and close horse seating are part of the charm, but they also mean dust and animal proximity. Anyone with respiratory concerns should take the listed warnings seriously. The same applies to strobe lights, pyrotechnics, smoke, and fog.

Finally, the entrance line may be long, especially near showtime. Arriving early is the easiest fix. Once the doors open, the line can move quickly, but you should not plan to arrive at the last minute.

Should you book Tournament of Kings?

Book it if you want an energetic, family-friendly Vegas night with real horses, sword fights, cheering, and a meal built into the ticket. It is especially well suited to children, first-time Las Vegas visitors, couples who want something different, and anyone who likes interactive entertainment.

Think twice if you need a quiet meal, dislike eating with your hands, have sensitivity to dust or theatrical effects, or expect restaurant-quality food. For most people, the show is the real purchase and the dinner is a convenient extra.

My practical choice would be to book the experience when the group values shared fun more than fine dining. Arrive early, check your mobile ticket, request any special meal at least four hours ahead, and be ready to cheer for your king.

FAQ

Where is Tournament of Kings located?

The show is held in King Arthur’s Arena at Excalibur Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

How do I find the arena inside Excalibur?

Enter the hotel and walk toward the center box office. Take the stairs down, turn left at the bottom, and the arena is on the right.

How long does Tournament of Kings last?

The show lasts approximately one hour and 30 minutes.

What food is included?

The typical meal includes roasted seasoned Cornish game hen or chicken, lemon pepper roasted red potatoes, corn on the cob or seasonal vegetables, a dinner roll, and an apple square. The menu may change.

Do I need utensils for the dinner?

No. The meal is served in medieval style, and you eat with your hands.

Can I order alcohol during the show?

Yes. Your server can take drink orders, but alcoholic drinks are not included in the ticket price.

Are children allowed to attend?

Yes. All ages are welcome. Children age 3 and younger may attend free, sit on a parent or guardian’s lap, and share that adult’s meal. Children age 4 and older need a full-price ticket.

Are special diets accommodated?

Special menus may be available for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-allergy, kosher, and children’s meals. Requests should be made at least four hours before showtime. Kosher meals require 72 hours of advance notice.

Are bags allowed inside the arena?

All bags may be searched. Backpacks, luggage, and similar items are not allowed in the showroom.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted and are not refundable.