GaryinStoneMountain on Trip Advisor 12 years ago
11/28/2010, 12:45 PM
After reading some of the reviews, we were wondering if this was going to be a great attraction or a money grubbbing tourist trap. Fortunately our experience was very positive and couldn't wait to share our thoughts.
About us... We are locals, an older couple, and experienced the show with no kids of our own.
Regarding arrival time, 45 minutes before the show was plenty of time for us to look around and watch the kiddies and a few birthday adults get knighted. If you want more time to relax, there is a bar and a large fireplace to unwind. They ask you to be there early so that you might purchase flags, colored lights, or other items. Fine with me, helps to keep the admission price lower. As long as you have a ticket, you will not get a bad seat. There are none.
We were seated by section color, so there were no mass stampedes into the arena, just an orderly entrance with several hosts guiding us to our section and seats. We paid for no extras and were seated on the second row. They do take bar drink orders and sell trinkets after seating but were not at all pushy or obtrusive. Although not listed on the menu, I was able to order a diet soda for my beverage with meal. Coffee is served later at no extra charge.
The reviews are right about the tomato soup. It was a bit bland and could have been served a bit hotter. Garlic bread was warm and crunchy, just as I like it. The roast chicken side was hot, moist and flavorful. There was a seasoned rib that wasn't too bad but certainly was not the highlight of the meal. They serve a baked potato half that was OK but we reached for more salt and pepper to help it along. Apple triangles finished the meal and were delivered steaming hot and tasted great. The portions are big enough so that you will not leave hungry and many people asked for carry-out boxes.
The show was much more than we expected. Birds and horses, lots of horses. The horses, danced, pranced, and literally hopped up and down. Very entertaining. Then there were the knights. Six of them, each performing tests of skill and bravery. Sure, the moves were rehearsed, but it didn't take long to realize the danger was real. Sparks fly, wood splinter sail into the air, and mace balls clanked loudly upon the shields. At one point, transparent mesh screens were lowered so that audience members would not be hurt from any flying arms. There was not just one battle, there were several. One after the other, each with exhausting axe swings and high jumps. It is a wonder no one was seriously hurt during the show. We loved it.
After the 2 hour program was complete, a folder was placed in front of us with a not-so-subtle reminder that tips were not included in the price.
As we exited the attraction, we noticed that they received a perfect 'A' from the health department for food sanitation.
In summary, we had a great time. Kids around us loved it and got to meet the performers after the show. Go for the exceptional program and not the average food. As for the prices, sure, the optional bar drinks are high and trinkets cost money, but so does keeping all those horses housed, healthy and fed. And the arena clean, and all the employees paid. Look for the discounts that often appear. Our seats were half price and we considered that money well spent. We will be back.