days of chivalry live on in Big D, a time of jousting and feasting and paying tribute to those colorful knights in shinning armor, honoring the days of gaity and intense battle on the field, and indulging yourself with roasted meats and mead. Medieval Times: Dinner and Tournament, is a Dallas dinner theater that captures the spirit of gay old England and the days when knights gathered around the round table and dragons terrorized the countryside; where Lords and Ladies gathered to witness the chivalry of the age and everyone feasted on the spoils of  a decadent era. Now it's yours for the asking, and the price of an admission ticket - about $50. Welcome to  Medieval Times, an international chain entertainment company that has been cashing in on the world's love affair with gay Ol' England and the days of old since the first theater was opened in Spain in 1973 on the island of Majorca. As Medieval Times' popularity grew in its native country, the welcome Spanish invasion hit Kissimmee, Florida, in December 1983. Professional production and training staff from Spain brought with them the architectural flourishes, authentic costumes and weaponry that has become so popular in Europe. The U.S. response was immediate and overwhelming. Families, tourists and schools descended on the Castle and a new dynasty had begun. With the resounding success of the Florida Castle, plans were immediately developed to expand the company on the new continent. Six more Medieval Times Castles sprang up across North American in rapid succession. Buena Park in Southern California in 1986. Lyndhurst, New Jersey near New York City in 1990 Schaumburg, Illinois near Chicago in 1991 Dallas, Texas in 1992 Toronto, Canada in 1993 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in 1995 Baltimore/Washington DC in 2004. The journey back to the 11th century begins as visitors are greeted by King Alfonso and his daughter, Princess Esperanza. Guests receive a colored crown corresponding to their seating area and the Knight they will cheer throughout the show. The Master of Ceremonies soon orders the Trumpeters of the Realm to announce the opening of the Grand Ceremonial Arena. Guests proceed to their color-coded pavilion as the feast begins. Tournament of Skill While the feast is being served, the legend of a kingdom threatened by treachery but intimately strengthened by courage unfolds in the Grand Ceremonial Arena. The show has all the lance-splintering action and glorious pageantry guests look forward to with a whole new element - a Princess's love for a handsome, gallant Knight - and a riveting confrontation between a turncoat warrior and a surprise defender of the crown. Competition is heated as the six brave Knights of the Realm vie in a colorful tournament for the lead in the flag toss, ring pierce and javelin thrown - games of skill designed to hone a Knight's abilities in battle Lances Splinter, Broadswords Clash When the last game of skill has been won, Squires prepare the Grand Ceremonial Arena for the Joust. As trumpets sound, Knights in full armor astride magnificent Andalusians charge at each other brandishing 10-foot lances, intent on unseating their opponents. Once unhorsed, the Knights continue their battles on foot employing all the authentic weaponry of the medieval era - the sword, axe, mace and bola - in their quest for victory. In a shower of sparks, the cacophony of metal against metal and the deadly glint of whirling bola, all contenders eventually fall until only one brave Knight is left sanding to claim the title of New Champion. But deadly treachery in the King's trusted inner circle must first be quelled. Honor is Restored! As the plot unfolds with shocking twists and turns, truth, honor and love eventually triumph over evil and peace is restored to the kingdom. An unexpected event in the final minutes of the show brings guests to their feet in a deafening wave of thunderous cheers. All the Knights return to the Arena for a final rousing salute to the crowd of more than 1,000 noble guests. Highlights of the dramatic show include an original music score recorded by the world-renowned Prague Symphony Orchestra, exquisite period costuming and spectacular special events. While the entire affair is perhaps a little too staged, and while the feast isn't the finest spread you have ever had, the entertainment value is well worth the price of the ticket, especially if it's your first time. Next to the Texas Renaissance Fair, it's your best chance to capture the essence of Medieval Europe.