By Paul Bonnette
It was with heavy anticipation that guests waited for the doors to finally open for Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show in Panama City Beach. For months, construction crews worked diligently building the 60,000 square foot theater from the ground up. It was worth the wait as Dolly Parton walked out on stage arm in arm with Crimson Captain Red Scarlett and Sapphire Captain Doubloon to welcome everyone to the grand opening of Pirates Voyage.
But let’s go back to the beginning. On a chilly morning in February of last year, the first shovels of dirt broke ground in Pier Park on the brand-new 1,000-seat entertainment venue. From that point on, it was almost impossible not to steal a peek at the progress of the building as many drove by the area. Locals and visitors were not the only ones who were excited to start building. Dolly Parton was quoted as saying, “How exciting that we’re breaking ground for my Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Panama City Beach. When we open this spring, there will be pirates, mermaids, exciting acrobatics, pyrotechnics, and even a few songs that I wrote – it’s a show everyone in the family is going to love. Everyone knows I dream big, so we are definitely going ‘overboard’ with the details as we get started!”
The excitement continued on in the summer with a “topping out ceremony” as construction crews placed the final steel beam atop the building, an age-old construction tradition that signifies the finishing of the last major aspect of the building’s exterior profile. As summer came to a close, construction began on the interior of “Buccaneer Bay,” excavating approximately 5,500 tons of sand and soil to create a 15-foot, 600,000-gallon lagoon pool complete with two pirate ships.
As construction continued this year, excitement continued to build as locals and visitors alike eagerly anticipated the grand opening, until at last the day had arrived. Having witnessed the building of this 60 million dollar investment from the ground breaking to the topping out ceremony, it exceeded all expectations. From the moment you enter, it’s impossible not to become instantly immersed in the world of scallywags with a pre-show area with live entertainment, pirate-themed drinks and snacks, and a gift shop–or join the crew with pirate and mermaid makeovers. All this, before it’s even time to enter Buccaneer Bay.
The main show dazzles and shines with acrobats, mermaids, sea lions, sword fighting, and even a spooky visit from the ghost of Davy Jones. The show is only rivaled by the food, which has proven to be just as big of a hit with their four-course feast including Half O’ Roasted Chicken, Me Hearties Pulled Pork, Cob O’ Buttery Corn, Matey’s Mashed Potatoes and of course the famous Buccaneer Biscuit and Voyager Creamy Vegetable Soup. Exceptional food, exciting action, and mesmerizing mermaids, what more could you want, except perhaps a visit from a very special guest?
As we took our seats, overwhelmed by Buccaneer Bay, a very familiar voice sang out, welcoming us to the show. “I bet you’ve never seen a pirate like me, right?” As Dolly walked out on stage at Buccaneer Bay, she went on to welcome everyone to the opening of the show.
“We want to invite all of you to Panama City Beach and to the brand new Pirates Voyage Dinner Show and it’s going to be opening up for all the great folks that live around here and for all the great folks that come here on vacation….It’s the perfect place to bring my next pirate crew and everybody here on Panama City Beach has been amazing.”
Dolly closed out by thanking everyone and of course, adding a nod to one of her famous songs.
“You have fun, just know I love you, I will always love you, and thank you so much.”
Whether you come for the exciting adventure with swashbuckling pirates and mermaids or perhaps the famous cuisine that Dolly Parton’s show are known for, one thing is certain.
This is sure to be an Arrrr’esome time for the entire family.
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