Family Night Out at Pirate's Dinner Adventure
You may not have to walk the plank but be prepared to participate in this 90-minute pirate extravaganza. The family-friendly pirate show is non-stop action and entertainment with a surprisingly tasty dinner included.
Arrive early for the best seats. The doors open 90 minutes before show time and seat numbers are assigned at check-in for general admission and for upgraded seating. Once inside, hot appetizers are served and there is ample opportunity to purchase every type of pirate souvenir imaginable or get your face painted like your favorite pirate. On weekends, the early shows are full of families and kids dressed up in costume.
While non-alcoholic drinks are included with dinner, all drinks during the pre-show are an additional charge. The drink selection is vast and can be pricey so pay attention or you'll be left with no pirate's booty by the end of the night. Popular tropical-themed drinks are available in fishbowl and pirate boot glasses in pink and blue vacation colors; they also have a good selection of draft beer.
Entrance into the theater is a grand affair. Guests follow an assigned pirate into the theater while wearing a matching colored bandana. The round, 700-seat theater has good views from all sections although the seats that are highest up may feel far away from the action. The pirates make an effort to choose volunteers from all sections and not just the front rows.
Audience participation begins immediately as guests are asked to cheer for their pirate and madly wave their bandanas as they compete against each other in games and group participation activities. The show is not scary for most kids but it is loud and dark, but most children are so entranced by the non-stop action that they forget about everything else including their dinner. Parts of the show focus on acrobatics and are much quieter but still keep little ones entertained.
Once inside the theater, dinner service begins immediately with intermittent opportunities to purchase souvenirs from strolling staff. It's not called the Pirate's Dinner Adventure for nothing and if you expected airplane-quality food you'll be happy to know the food is much better. The Port of Call Feast includes a soup or salad, Treasurer's Chicken or Buccaneer BBQ Pork Loin and Princess Anita's Royal Dessert - apple crisp and vanilla ice cream. There is a kids' chicken nugget dinner available as well.
Bottom Line: This is a fun night out with the family. Arrive early for the best seats, be ready for the kids to whine for souvenirs during the pre-show, enjoy your dinner and the hour-and-a-half show, which is just the right amount of time for kids.
Located in Buena Park just off the 91 freeway, Pirate's Dinner Adventure has easy access from the freeway and complimentary parking.
Pirate's Dinner Adventure
7600 Beach Boulevard
Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 690-1497
Pirate's Dinner Adventure website
Kristi Marcelle is a travel writer and regular contributor at Ciao Bambino. She loves planning travel adventures with her family, a good glass of wine at the whining hour and the Green Bay Packers. Follow her on Twitter @kristimarcelle.
