Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show preparing to debut its South Pacific Celebration
It seems unbelievable now since decades of dust have piled around the memories and obscured our vision. But for 12 years, a magical, mystical, improbably and fiscally irresponsible place lived in the Smokies. Porpoise Island, it was called. And it brought – quite literally – Polynesian culture and dropped it each summer, landing smack dab in the middle of the Pigeon Forge strip.
Born in 1972, Porpoise Island was only open for the summer months. They imported dolphins from Mississippi and also Polynesians from the South Pacific to work at the attraction. The logistical costs alone must have been massive.
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Alas, this wondrously unlikely attraction wasn’t meant to last. As Queen notably sang on the Highlander Soundtrack, “Who wants to Live Forever?” Porpoise Island closed in 1984. And took with it the South Pacific winds that had for a short time blown through the Smokies.
But now, just over four decades later, another visionary, another icon, another chance to increase profits has been spotted in the Smokies. It’s the Pirates. They’ve sailed to the South Pacific. And they have brought back at least some of the magical days of yore, as the ’80s are often called.
What Is the South Pacific Celebration?
It is not, somewhat unfortunately, a revival of the classic musical “South Pacific.” Wash that thought right out of your hair. No, it seems the folks behind the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge are adding a little bit of Polynesian flair to the proceedings.
Within the context of the show, the Pirates have sailed – like Marlin Brando in “Mutiny on the Bounty” – around Cape Horn. They find their way across the Indian Ocean to the South Pacific as they search for mermaids, gold and “perhaps more sea lion friends.” Why are pirates looking for sea lion friends? It’s a plot hole. We’ve got to live with it.
On the far side of the world, the Buccaneer Bay crew finds a “talented and energetic group of inhabitants on what they thought was a deserted Polynesian island.” In celebration, the talented and energetic inhabitants welcome the pirates with “dramatic and powerful sounds of percussion on their beautiful native drums.” I am very pleased to note the drums are native. The talented and energetic inhabitants wouldn’t be caught dead with migrating drums, after all.
Anyway, coolness ensues. The Pirates – actually the guests eating fried chicken and ham – are treated to a “combination of rhythmic movement, colorful costumes, roaring voices, and exciting vocal and musical exclamations.”
The show ends with a fiery finish. The Pirates leave, and one of the natives showcases his skills to light up the adventure. The sky above becomes part of the act with pyrotechnics, and a “grand display of giant flowers” surround the islanders as they dance and bid the Pirates adieu.
What Does Dolly Think of All This?
If you didn’t know, Pirates is one of Parton’s signature Pigeon Forge attractions. The astute businesswoman who brought the amazing Festival of Nations to Dollywood for several seasons is tickled to put the Polynesia back in Pigeon Forge.
“I’ve been all around the world and have seen so many different types of entertainment,” said Dolly. “I love the amazing variety of music in different cultures. Any chance I get, I incorporate something new in my shows that people might not get to see anywhere else in this area. So, since not everyone gets the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of a Polynesian island, I just decided to bring all that here to Pigeon Forge. And I thought I’d throw in an act with fire, too. Leave it to me to ‘fire folks up’ with actual fire – it’s a hot number! I can’t wait for folks to see this amazing new part of my Pirates Voyage show and feel transported to the tropics and back in this island celebration.”
Will the Pirates Also Bring the Taste of Polynesian Culture to the Show?
Sadly, no. I have gone on record several times saying I’d prefer they drop the dinner and keep just the show. Truthfully, all the Pigeon Forge Dinner shows. But for your ticket, you will receive with a four-course feast of Voyager Creamy Vegetable Soup, a Buccaneer Biscuit, Cracklin’ Pan-Fried Chicken and Swashbucklin’ Sugar-Cured Ham, Cob-O’ Buttery Corn, Matey’s Mac ‘n’ Cheese and a choice of desserts.
The soup’s OK.
Is Anything Else Changing in the Show?
I presume there will be some changes. They’re not just adding 20 minutes of Polynesian fire dancing and drums to the run-time. I’m sure there will be some cuts for time. However, show officials have assured that staples of the show like sword fights, cannons, mermaids, live animals and, of course, pirates will remain. In addition, a crew of characters will perform high-flying acrobatics in the water of the show’s 15-foot-deep indoor lagoon.
How Long Will the Addition to the Show Run?
While it’s unclear when the new show launches – Pirates officials said spring season – it will run through 2025.
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