Tournament of Kings Dinner and Show at Excalibur Hotel and Casino

Tournament of Kings turns dinner into a noisy medieval contest, with real horses, clashing swords, cheering sections, and pyrotechnics only a few feet away. Merlin sets the story in motion, King Arthur hosts the feast, and the villainous Mordred crashes the party.

I like the way your section becomes a country, giving you a reason to cheer instead of sitting quietly in the dark. I also like the hearty, practical meal, served right at your seat while the action rolls on. The main drawback is that the food can be plain or uneven, and the arena uses dust, smoke, fog, strobe lights, and loud effects.

Key points to know before you book

• You cheer for your own king: Merlin assigns each arena section a country, so the audience becomes part of the contest.
• Real horses carry the knights: Jousting, riding, swordplay, and stunts give the show more weight than a simple stage performance.
• The meal is medieval by design: Roasted chicken or Cornish game hen, potatoes, corn, bread, and apple square arrive without forks or spoons.
• The 90-minute schedule works well: It fills an evening without taking over your whole night in Las Vegas.
• The effects are close and loud: Pyrotechnics, smoke, fog, strobe lights, dust, and arena noise are part of the experience.
• The $79.60 price covers the basics: Your selected show ticket, dinner, taxes, fees, and handling charges are included, but parking, valet service, and drinks are extra.

What makes Tournament of Kings different

Las Vegas has plenty of large productions, but Tournament of Kings asks you to do more than watch. You are sorted into a country, given a king to support, and expected to cheer when the riders enter the arena. The result is part dinner theater, part sporting event, and part family outing.

The setting is King Arthur’s Arena inside Excalibur Hotel and Casino. The room is arranged around a dirt arena, with tables and seats facing the action. That layout puts the horses and performers close enough to make the riding feel physical. You hear the hooves, see the dust, and watch the knights handle real swords rather than relying only on stage lighting.

The story is easy to follow. Merlin explains the countries and introduces the contest. King Arthur gathers the rulers of Europe for a banquet and competition. The kings show their skills on horseback, then Mordred and his forces interrupt the celebration. The central idea is simple: the divided kings must unite against a common enemy.

That straightforward plot is useful in a loud room. You do not need to study Arthurian legend or keep track of a long cast. The show gives you enough story to understand the action, then gets on with the riding, fighting, dancing, and audience participation.

Entering Excalibur and finding the arena

You will find Tournament of Kings inside Excalibur, on the Las Vegas Strip. Enter the hotel and walk toward the central box office. Take the stairs down, then turn left at the bottom. The arena is on the right.

That route matters because Excalibur is a large casino property, and the show is not simply a street-level theater with its own obvious entrance. Give yourself time to get through the casino and find the box office area. If you arrive close to showtime, you may face a long entry line. Once admission begins, the line can move quickly, but arriving early removes needless stress.

Your mobile ticket is included with the booking. Keep it ready for scanning, and remember that bags may be searched. Backpacks, luggage, and similar large items are not allowed in the showroom, so do not treat the arena as a place to store your day bag.

The show is near public transportation, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Parking and valet fees are also separate. If you are driving, add those costs to the $79.60 ticket price when judging the full value.

Merlin, the countries, and your noisy assignment

The evening begins with Merlin, who explains that each section of the arena represents a country. Each country has a king, and your job is to cheer for yours.

This is one of the smartest parts of the production. You are not asked to remember complicated instructions. You simply learn which section you belong to, then respond when your king appears. The cheering gives children an easy role, but adults can get caught up in it too. It is entirely possible to leave hoarse after an enthusiastic evening.

The audience participation also helps the show feel less like a distant performance. You are still watching trained actors and riders, but your section becomes part of the drama. A quiet audience would make the contest fall flat, so the production gives you a clear reason to make noise.

Do not expect a refined, quiet theater atmosphere. The fun comes from cheering, reacting, and joining the spectacle. If you prefer subtle drama, this may feel broad and simple. If you like cheering at sporting events or want an easy activity for children, the format works well.

Horses, jousting, swords, and pyrotechnics

The action uses live horses and trained riders. Knights compete on horseback, demonstrate riding skills, and take part in jousting and sword fights. The horses are a major reason to choose this show instead of a standard musical or stage comedy.

The close arena seating gives the riding real presence. A horse moving through a dirt ring is different from watching a recorded battle scene. You see the animals, the riders, and the physical work required to control both speed and direction.

The show also includes dancers, acting, stunts, and special effects. Fire and pyrotechnic moments add a sharp change of pace to the medieval setting. The mix keeps the production moving, especially for children who may lose interest during long spoken scenes.

There are tradeoffs. The enclosed arena uses smoke and fog effects, strobe lights, and dust from the dirt floor. People with allergies, asthma, respiratory conditions, or sensitivity to horses and dust should consider that carefully. The horses are seated close to the audience, and the production is loud. This is not the right pick for someone who needs a calm, low-sensory evening.

The two-course dinner, served without utensils

Your meal is part of the show, not a separate restaurant stop. The standard dinner includes roasted seasoned Cornish game hen or slow-roasted chicken, lemon pepper roasted red potatoes, corn on the cob, a dinner roll, and an apple square for dessert. The menu may change, but the basic format remains a hearty meat-and-sides plate followed by something sweet.

In true medieval fashion, you eat with your hands. There are no forks or spoons for the main meal. That sounds like a small gimmick, but it adds to the sense that you are attending a banquet rather than simply watching a performance while holding a theater snack.

The food gets mixed marks, which is fair. Some nights the chicken is well seasoned and tender, and the warm apple dessert is a pleasant finish. Other meals may include dry chicken, bland sides, older potatoes, or a small piece of corn. Portions are generally described as adequate, but the menu is basic rather than gourmet.

I would book this for the entertainment first and treat dinner as part of the ticket value. If you want a fine dining meal, this will not meet that goal. If you want a filling plate delivered without leaving your seat, it does the job. The bread, potatoes, vegetables, and chicken also make the meal familiar for children who may not want to try an elaborate menu.

Servers bring drinks and can take alcohol orders during the show. Drinks are not listed as part of the included package, so plan to pay separately. A toast to the competing kings is part of the atmosphere, but you do not need to order alcohol to take part.

Special meals can be requested at least four hours before showtime. Available options include vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free, nut allergy, kosher, and kids meals. Kosher meals require 72 hours of advance notice. Call the Excalibur box office using the number on your ticket, since dietary needs should not be left until you sit down.

How the 90-minute evening unfolds

The full experience lasts about one hour and 30 minutes. That includes the story, audience interaction, riding, combat, effects, and dinner.

First comes the introduction from Merlin and the explanation of the country sections. This is when you learn which king to support. King Arthur then welcomes the rulers and frames the evening as both a feast and a contest.

The early competition gives the kings a chance to show their riding skills. You will see horses and knights move through the arena before the central conflict takes over. The production uses this portion to build up the different kingdoms and get the audience cheering.

The banquet continues as the threat from Mordred appears. The story shifts from friendly competition to a larger fight, bringing in more swordplay, stunts, effects, and united action among the kings.

Dinner is served during the production. Food arrives quickly, so you do not have to choose between watching and waiting through a long restaurant service. Still, you may find it awkward to eat during the busiest action scenes. If you want to focus on the performance, take bites during quieter moments.

The evening ends with the contest and the larger conflict resolved. You leave with the practical advantage of having dinner and entertainment handled in one stop. That makes the show especially useful on a busy Las Vegas evening.

Is $79.60 a fair Las Vegas price?

At $79.60 per person, the ticket is not a cheap dinner. It is also not simply a theater admission. The price includes the selected seating category, the 90-minute production, the two-course meal, taxes, fees, and handling charges.

That bundled price can make sense if you want a complete evening activity for a family. You do not need to arrange a separate dinner reservation, find another attraction, or keep children entertained between courses. The show, food, and seating all happen in one place.

The value is weaker if your main goal is high-end food or a quiet stage performance. The menu is straightforward, and drink orders cost extra. Parking and valet fees are also outside the ticket price.

For many people, the strongest value is the combination of live horses, audience participation, and action effects. A regular meal at Excalibur would not give you the jousting, and a separate show might not include dinner. If those elements appeal to you, the price is easier to justify.

Who should book this show

Families with children often get the most from Tournament of Kings. Children can cheer for a king, watch horses at close range, and follow an uncomplicated good-versus-evil story. Children age three and younger may attend free, but they must sit on a parent or guardian’s lap and share that adult’s meal. Children age four and older need a full ticket and their own seat and dinner.

Adults do not need children as an excuse to attend. Couples and groups can enjoy the physical comedy, sword fights, dancing, and special effects. The show also makes an easy first-night activity because it gives you a set start, a meal, and a clear finish.

It may not suit people who dislike noise, dust, strobe effects, smoke, fog, or close contact with horses. It is also a poor choice if you need a sophisticated menu. The production is intentionally broad, loud, and participatory.

All ages are welcome, but anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Accessible seating is available if requested in the special requirements field at checkout.

Practical timing and ticket advice

The show averages about 27 days of advance booking, so I would not wait until the last minute for a preferred date or seating category. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Plan to arrive early enough to locate the arena and deal with the entry line. This matters most for evening performances, when the casino can be busy and the show entrance may gather a crowd. The line may move fast once doors open, but a rushed arrival is an avoidable nuisance.

The venue has restrooms available during the show. You can also order alcohol from your server. Keep large bags, luggage, and backpacks elsewhere because they are prohibited in the showroom.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the local start time. Cancel at least a full day ahead for a complete refund. Inside that window, refunds are not available and changes are not accepted.

Should you book Tournament of Kings?

Book it if you want a full evening of action and dinner, especially with children, first-time Las Vegas visitors, or anyone who enjoys live animals and audience participation. The real horses, close arena seating, cheering sections, sword fights, and pyrotechnics give the night a strong sense of occasion.

Think twice if you want a quiet meal, delicate food, or a polished theatrical drama. The chicken and sides can be plain, and the arena is loud, dusty, smoky, and highly interactive.

For the right audience, the $79.60 package is a sensible Las Vegas splurge. You get dinner, a clear story, live riding, and a reason to cheer. Just arrive early, request dietary needs ahead of time, and expect to eat with your hands.

FAQ

Where is Tournament of Kings held?

The show takes place in King Arthur’s Arena inside the 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 will be on your right.

How long does the show last?

The experience lasts approximately one hour and 30 minutes.

What does the ticket include?

The ticket includes the selected show category, the Tournament of Kings performance, a two-course dinner, taxes, fees, and handling charges.

What food is normally served?

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

Do I need utensils for dinner?

No. The meal is served in medieval style, so you eat the main course with your hands rather than using forks or spoons.

Can I request a special meal?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free, nut allergy, kosher, and kids meals may be available. Requests must be made at least four hours before showtime. Kosher meals require 72 hours of advance notice.

Are children allowed to attend?

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

Are drinks included?

The dinner is included, but drinks are not specified as part of the package. Your server can take alcohol orders during the show.

Are bags and luggage allowed?

Bags may be searched. Backpacks, luggage, and similar items are not allowed inside the showroom.

Is accessible seating available?

Yes. Accessible seating options are available. Request them in the special requirements field when booking.

What effects should I expect?

The show includes horses, pyrotechnics, strobe lights, smoke, fog, dust, and loud arena action. Anyone sensitive to horses, dust, allergies, asthma, or respiratory conditions should consider these conditions before attending.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and the amount paid is not refunded.