The South Pacific theme returns for Pirates Voyage’s 8th season in Pigeon Forge
Swashbuckling adventure returns to the Pirates Voyage and Dinner & Show for its 8th season in Pigeon Forge. The popular South Pacific show elements that debuted last year will remain in 2026.
Pirates is – in my opinion – the best of the massive Pigeon Forge Dinner shows. But there is something to be said for the Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Dinner Show. It’s not really fair to compare the two, though. The only thing they have in common, unfortunately, is that they both serve a subpar dinner.
Pirates is one of three dinner shows in the Forge owned by Dolly Parton and her partners. But Dolly’s Stampede is more popular, at least by numbers. The Hatfield and McCoy show is funnier. That said, Pirates has – IMO – the best experience of the three.
What is Pirates Voyage?
In a way, it reminds me of an old vaudeville type show. But done in an elaborate theater with a massive Pirate ship and a deep pool. There’s acrobatics – an animal act – comedy, competition, diving, music, and more. It’s a big show.
Or we’ll let Dolly describe it.
“My crew at Pirates Voyage has everything shipshape as we get ready for this season’s adventures with our cast of pirates, mermaids, islanders, sea lions, and so much more,” said Dolly. “The incredible performers in my Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show bring to life an adventure that I just know families will love as much as I do. Watching the show with all the music, the special effects, and those amazing performers makes me feel like I’m a kid again! If you’re visiting Pigeon Forge, you won’t want to miss all the fun, the action, and one of the heartiest, tastiest meals in the Smokies!”
Pirates Voyage guest participation
Guests are split into two colorful sides. They are encouraged to root for their respective side in a series of competitions. While the onstage competitor gets “to win Davy Jones’ coveted sunken treasure,” there’s no prize for the winning side in the stands. It would be nice if they upped the stakes a little. In other words, let the winning side have something valuable, like seasoning for their meal.
In addition to acrobatic mermaids who dangle from anchors in the sky, guests get to meet Salty the Sea Lion, who performs a variety of sea lion tricks. My favorite part of the show is the high-diving pirates who perform truly impressive feats as they plunge into the 15-foot deep lagoon below. However, if Dolly can ever get one of them to do the full Triple Lindy, made famous by Thorton Melon, I will give this show all my money and go every week.
The South Pacific-themed portions of the show are sparked by the pirates. They are on a search for mermaids and booty (pirate booty), of course. But then they veer off course where they find “a talented and energetic group of South Pacific islanders who combine rhythmic movement, colorful costumes, roaring voices, and exciting vocal and musical exclamations for a South Pacific Celebration that is epic and not to be missed on any trip to Pigeon Forge.”
There’s fire dancing, singing, and fire drumming. It’s all pretty cool.
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How about the dinner?
It’s not good. Listen, I’ve beaten this – not-at-all-fiery – drum enough. The dinner theatre model in Pigeon Forge excels at the theatre part and struggles with the dinners. The offerings are bland and uninspiring. I understand why. The food has to be palatable to a wide range of expectations. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it. It’s particularly disheartening, considering how good the food is at Dollywood and how much attention to detail and skill are applied compared to what you get at the dinner theater places.
Is it worth it?
Yeah… probably? The rest of my family – wife and three kids ages 10-20 – love it. And would go often if it fit better in the family budget. Prices start at $71.26 for adults and $60 for kids. You get a lot of show for your money. However, I would rather they knock $20 off the price, and I get something to eat afterward. Certainly, as an occasional treat, it’s worth checking out at least once. Pirates is located at 2713 Parkway in Pigeon Forge. Visit the website here.
Do you enjoy Pirates Voyage? Let us know what you think in the comments and on the socials!