There is something new and fun coming to Pigeon Forge, TN this summer and our family cannot wait! Pirates Voyage and Dinner Show is touted as the “most fun place to eat.” Pirates Voyage and Dinner Show invites you on the website to ” join the most famous pirate, Blackbeard, and his quarter master, Calico Jack, as they lead the Crimson and Sapphire crews in a battle on land, on deck, in water and high above full-sized pirate ships in an indoor hideaway lagoon! Be amazed by beautiful mermaids, tropical birds, and much more all while you enjoy a fabulous four-course feast.”
I had the opportunity to visit the Pirates Voyage and Dinner Show location in Pigeon Forge last week to learn more about what it takes to get ready for such an amazing production. After eight weeks of construction by the creative team, everything is looking ship-shape and parts of the set made its way to East Tennessee aboard 10 semi-trucks. The first truck pulled into “dock” at the entertainment venue on April 2, and parts of the two 28-feet-tall pirate vessels were assembled after they arrive. That process will continue through most of April. After the enormous ships were designed, they had to be taken apart for shipping, then were reassembled inside the Pirates Voyage facility.
After assembly, each ship was painted for its role during the dinner show as “home” for the teams of Crimson and Sapphire pirates. The large center platform in the middle of the lagoon is the final large piece of the floating pirate set, where much of the swashbuckling action will take place. We were able to visit with Blackbeard himself who is very excited to be performing in Pigeon Forge!
The lagoon from which these two ships will “set sail” also is in the midst of being constructed. The 15-foot-deep lagoon soon has been filled with 300,000 gallons of water. Teams also are setting up the extensive rigging for the multitude of stunts performed throughout the show that will have audience members believing in magical mermaids and amazed by pirate feats. We saw the beginning of the testing for the fire effects and pyrotechnics during the visit. Another 10 trucks are beginning to deliver scenery pieces for the theater’s interior that will play an integral part in the adventurous ambiance of the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show.
“Our pirate set really is taking shape, and we can begin to see these pirate ships become ready for a family adventure with a dinner and show that will become a favorite for visitors to East Tennessee,” said Corporate Director of Marketing Steve Cruz. “After the set is finalized, we’ll welcome our cast of colorful pirates to begin their practices aboard ship in our lagoon. This large cast includes more than two dozen aerialists, divers dancers and singers. After extensive training in Myrtle Beach, they are excited to begin practicing the show and all the exciting stunts in this arena where guests will begin to see their performances late next month (in May.)” We learned the Sea Lion habitat is complete and those beloved members of the cast will arrive in early May!
We were shown the menu for Pirates Voyage and Dinner Show. It looks so tasty including family favorites such as soup, fried chicken and mac n’ cheese. Vegetarian and gluten free meals are also available upon request and needs to be mentioned at the time of the reservation.
Set to be complete in May, the construction phase is a $9 million project, in addition to the initial investment in the property for a total of $28 million. The show is set to open May 24th with the official grand opening on June 7th! Reservations are now being taken for all 2019 shows; ticket information is available at piratesvoyage.com or by calling 865-505-AHOY (2469). Are you planning to go? We can’t wait!
