Okay, so I have read this thread a few times and finally have some time to reply to all of you out there who are interested in knowing more about the Pirates Dinner Show.
I have been to the show twice as I live in So. Cal. This is my experience:
When you make your reservations they tell you to be an hour early. This is for a good reason. There is a whole "back story" show that happens in the waiting area before the official show starts. The "back story" show includes lots of schtick, an aerialist, magic, and just lots of fun audience participation stuff. They also have several stations of appetizer type food out in the waiting area so if you come hungry be sure to not overdo on the apps like I did the first time I went
. I seem to remember veggies, fruit, shrimp and coctail sauce, cheese, crackers, salami, mini wieners, mini burritos, and a few more things I think.
Like Medieval, you are assigned a color to root for and will be allowed to enter the arena by color. The first time I went we were the last to be seated and sat at the far left of the arena. It was so far left that our vision of the stage and most of the action was blocked by the set. I actually remember almost falling asleep. However, this last time that we went we sat smack dab in the middle and I had a great time. It sure made a difference being able to see what was going on.
So before the show starts they take your drink order and the Pirates are wandering around searching for audience members to participate throughout the show. I was chosen this last time and it was a lot of fun. Might I add that our color won that round!!
So the show focuses on the story of Pirates who have kidnapped some important people and the fun and games that ensue. There is singing, dancing, more schtick, trampoline action, and pirate competition that gets everyone rooting for their color of pirate. I do think I should mention that there is a lot of gun play and sword fighting as well. Something to think about for those with smaller children. I went with my DH, and some friends who brought their 4 yr old daughter and 5 yr old son. The kids loved it and surprisingly so did my DH. This coming from a man who humors my Disney obsession is high points for the show from me.
The food is comparable to Medieval in my opinion however I believe that you have more choices. You can go to
Pirate's Dinner Adventure ~ Buena Park, California :: Port of Call Feast to see the choices. I chose the beef and it was pretty good. Although it was not what I expected. It turned out to be cubes of meat in a gravy type sauce. My DH loved his chicken. A side note about the food. My friends were offered a kids subsititution of chicken fingers for their children. However, they opted to stay with the full meal as there was no discount for the substitution.
I am sure I am leaving stuff out so if you have any questions about something I did not address please feel free to ask me.
I would say that for a fun, non-Disney thing to do while in So. Cal this is definitely a good choice. I agree that it is expensive but for me it was worth it. I hope this helps.
