Dr. Pennington-Gray shares expertise on plot shift at Medieval Times

April 25, 2018

In an article featured in the Orlando Sentinel on April 21st, 2018, Dr. Lori Pennington-Gray shared her expertise on how the #MeToo movement has been changing tourism destinations. For the first time in over 30 years, the Medieval Times, an interactive dinner attraction with Middle Age twist, has a queen ruling over the lands as opposed to a king.

“The #MeToo movement has changed the conversation,” Dr. Pennington-Gray said. “The #MeToo movement has overruled the historic authenticity at some shows and attractions. Even though it might have been that way, it’s causing people to sit back and say, ‘No, that’s not OK.’”

According to the article, the plot of the new female-led show took two years to develop and does not involve anyone vying for the queen’s hand. Instead, the queen rules no longer in the shadows, but on horseback with riding boots instead of dainty slippers.

This change to Medieval Times is not the only attraction in the Central Florida area. Disney World recently closed down their popular Pirates of the Caribbean ride and switched out a section of the ride where they auctioned off brides to auctioning off chickens.

Some families might take into account the changes when they choose where to visit, said Pennington-Gray, adding that women are typically the decision-makers in their families when it comes to making vacation plans.