Our throats hurt a little as we left Medieval Times in Kissimmee. The audience participation rabble-rousing rises to fever pitch as sections of the crowd cheer for their knight. It took some concerted screaming, in behalf of our red-and-yellow knight, to be heard above the stomping, clapping and sis-boom-bah for the other five.

Kids love this! One small girl across the arena did jumping jacks in the aisle, carried away by the sheer excitement of the jousting tournament. I remember my own son's exhilaration when we celebrated his seventh birthday with a trip to the Kissimmee area that included two such dinner attractions, a trademark dining event for the region. Any given night, you can laugh at flapper follies, watch awesome steeds perform wondrous feats, cheer on dashing pirates, solve a murder mystery or celebrate a luau, in addition to partaking in a Medieval feast.

Right in Kissimmee, three diverse shows entertain with extravagant stage and hearty dining fare. The action at Medieval Times takes on epic proportions as knights compete for honor in a setting of treachery and wizardry. Come early to tour Spanish Medieval Village (for an added $3.50 charge), peopled by costumed working artisans who explain the food, clothing and torture devices of the era.

Then sit down to a full meal where only one thing is missing: silverware. That's right, you eat with your hands, so the kids are already loving it. Tiers of long tables surround an oval arena where handsome knights on mighty Andalusian stallions perform games to test their worthiness. As the first of the dinner show features in the Kissimmee area, and the first of a string of Medieval Times throughout the country, this show invented and has perfected the art form.
Children of all ages thrill to the pounding hooves and glistening coats of the horses and the Broadway-quality costuming and effects.

At Arabian Nights, the 15 different breeds of 70 beautiful horses headline a cast that portrays an enchanting princess love story, introduced during a pre-show in the outer great room. Feats of horsemanship intertwine with the plot as spectators witness acrobatic bareback riding, a Wild West show, a comic genie, magic and more. In partnership with the late Walter Farley, author of Black Stallion and other children's books, Arabian Nights touts its Black Stallion segment and has initiated a city- wide literacy program that donates Farley books to schools while introducing students to horses like those portrayed in his popular novels.

In its 17th year, Arabian Nights is the only of its kind in the nation. Children of all ages thrill to the pounding hooves and glistening coats of the horses and the Broadway-quality costuming and effects. For a special occasion, sign up for the VIP Experience, where you can tour the stables, sit up front and enjoy other perks. Everyone partakes in a three-course dinner with five choices of entrées and, as in all the dinner attractions, unlimited beverages.

For dinnertime entertainment, you don't have to drive to separate locations for dinner and a show. In Kissimmee, the two converge in one convenient and outrageously entertaining experience perfect for families.