Pirates or Knights? And who offer the best discount tickets?
In Buena Park, California, two interactive dinner shows take place right down the street from each other: Pirate’s Dinner Adventure and Medieval Times.
Scroll down this page for where to get discount tickets for Medieval Times and Pirate’s Dinner Adventure. But first, let me tell you about my recent visit.
I attended a conference at Knott’s Berry Farm for bloggers who write about California theme parks. Both Medieval Times and Pirate’s Dinner Adventure are located within walking distance of Knott’s Berry Farm and the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel where we stayed.
So we split off with half of us dining at Pirate’s and half at Knights. I chose Pirates, and both groups reportedly had a blast. We held little contests and our Pirate’s group won overall. But it could have easily gone the other way on another day.
Many of us were a little surprised by how much fun both places actually were. We thought we were too cool for corn. Silly bloggers. We got over ourselves quickly and got into the spirit of the evening.
First, walking into each of these establishments is like entering a small theme park, so you really should go with that in mind. After they open the doors, they give you time to look around the place, belly up to the bar, browse the gift shop, and have a photo taken. The themed decor got us in the mood for the pre-show, which prepared us for what to expect from the dinner show.
SAVVY TIP: If you’re thinking of buying swag at the gift shop that involves hats, swords, eye patches, or other costumes to wear during the show (lots of people do), get that done before your photo session.
The food at Pirate’s was decent, and the bloggers who dined with the Knights didn’t complain either. Both featured comfort food like fried chicken and potatoes, which you might appreciate, considering all the battles going on right in front of you. Also, we found there are really no bad seats at either place.
If you’re game for a fun evening and find yourself in Orange County, take the Buena Park Challenge and decide between the two.
Here’s my quick review and a roundup of discount ticket sources so you can choose your own adventure.
Pirate’s Dinner Adventure Review
Address: 7600 Beach Blvd Buena Park, CA 90620
Pirate’s Dinner Adventure features the requisite swashbuckling swordplay, dynamic duels, special-effects and aerial stunts. The songs were fun, and the characters did a great job of entertaining us.
Disclosure: My meal was complimentary as part of the AWEsome Retreat Conference.
You’ll dine and be entertained aboard an authentically replicated 18th-century Spanish galleon anchored in a 250,000-gallon indoor lagoon with night sky lighting. We dined on a tasty fried chicken dinner, but some of the other bloggers requested gluten-free or vegan (in advance).
Each seat section has their own pirate who you can cheer on as they act out their exploits, complete with cannon blasts, pyrotechnics, wit and wizardry. We sat in the orange section, and no slight to our orange pirate, but have our team was drooling over the blue pirate, the hero who got the girl in the end of the story.
You’ll have an opportunity to interact with the story (but you don’t have to). Several children are offered an opportunity to get up on the ship and participate in the action. If your kid is an extravert, they will love it.
Medieval Times Review
Address: Buena Park Castle, 7662 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620.
Inspired by an 11th century Spanish feast and tournament, Medieval Times is family-friendly and includes a four-course banquet and knightly entertainment.
While you dine, you can cheer for your favorite knights showing off their jousting, swordsmanship, and hand-to-hand combat.
I admit that during my most recent visit to Buena Park I was in the mood for pirates over knights, this show has something the pirates show doesn’t: horses. I love horses and Medieval times shows them off in style. So next time I’m going Knights!
How to Buy Discount Tickets for Pirates or Knights
The following sources have tickets for less than buying at the door. Each one offers something a little different, so check them out and choose the best one for you. Follow the links for current pricing info (which can change without notice so I don’t want to post them here). The percentage you get off the full price and coupon info remains the same.
Pirate’s Dinner Adventure Discount Tickets
1. Pirate’s Dinner Adventure Discount via Goldstar
{Find Tickets} This source requires free sign in but they usually have the cheapest price. Their fees tend to be higher though, so check it out and do the math. Read the fine print for any date/time restrictions.
2. Pirate’s Dinner Adventure Discount via aRes Travel
{Find Tickets} These tickets valid for use any day you like. There are fewer restrictions and the fees are only $2.
Medieval Times Discount Tickets
1. Medieval Times Discount plus Coupon Code via Trusted Tours
{Find Tickets}: They currently offer the best overall price plus savvy readers can save an extra $1 with code LAMD1 at checkout. Children under 2 always go free.
2. Medieval Times Discount Tickets via Goldstar
{Find Tickets} Goldstar only sometimes has them but I haven’t seen Medieval Times listed their recently for the Buena Park location. Check it just to rule it out. Note: their search feature only works if you’ve selected for the right region (Orange County). Remember, they usually ask for free sign-up to see their prices.
