Ships fit for holding plenty of pirates’ loot have begun arriving in Pigeon Forge as Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show continues to take shape.
After eight weeks of construction by the creative team, everything is looking ship-shape and making its way to East Tennessee aboard 10 semi trucks. The first truck pulled into “dock” at the entertainment venue on April 2, and parts of the two 28-feet-tall pirate vessels have begun to be assembled as they arrive. The process will continue through most of April. After the enormous ships were designed, they had to be taken apart for shipping, then be reassembled inside the Pirates Voyage facility.
After assembly, each ship will be painted for its role during the dinner show as “home” for the teams of Crimson and Sapphire pirates. The large center platform in the middle of the lagoon is the final large piece of the floating pirate set, where much of the swashbuckling action will take place.
The lagoon from which these two ships will “set sail” also is in the midst of being constructed. The 15-foot-deep lagoon soon has begun to be filled with 300,000 gallons of water. Teams also are setting up the extensive rigging for the multitude of stunts performed throughout the show that will have audience members believing in magical mermaids and amazed by pirate feats. Another 10 trucks are beginning to deliver scenery pieces for the theater’s interior that will play an integral part in the adventurous ambiance of the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show.
“Our pirate set really is taking shape, and we can begin to see these pirate ships become ready for a family adventure with a dinner and show that will become a favorite for visitors to East Tennessee,” said Corporate Director of Marketing Steve Cruz. “After the set is finalized, we’ll welcome our cast of colorful pirates to begin their practices aboard ship in our lagoon. After extensive training in Myrtle Beach, they are excited to begin practicing the show and all the exciting stunts in this arena where guests will begin to see their performances late next month (in May.)”
Set to be complete in May, the construction phase is a $9 million project, in addition to the initial investment in the property for a total of $28 million.
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show located in Myrtle Beach, SC and Pigeon Forge, TN
Ahoy mateys! Dolly Parton is making good on staking her claim in Pigeon Forge with the construction of the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, her newest attraction in the Smokies, and the treasure – buried and otherwise – already has begun to arrive and take shape at the venue.
Construction on the Pirates Voyage building, located on the Parkway adjacent to The Island in Pigeon Forge, began the first week in January. The first – and biggest – task was to “build” the lagoon, the centerpiece of the set that will house the two pirate ships where the action of the entire show takes place. The digging of that foundation required removing more than 281 loads of dirt via dump truck for more than a month (that’s 4,500 cubic yards or 7,500 tons of dirt!); that part of the project was completed on Feb. 22. That 15-foot lagoon soon will hold 300,000 gallons of water. The installation and finishing of 600 cubic yards of concrete and 50,000 lbs. of steel in the 30,000 square foot arena began the week of Feb. 25.
When Dolly Parton opens her new Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge later this spring, the fun and adventure starts when guests first arrive at the entertainment attraction. The elaborate exterior of the building gives people just a small glimpse of the excitement that awaits during the show, which includes magnificent pirate costuming and special effects. Visitors will walk underneath a waterfall on their way to pick up their tickets to begin their Pirates Voyage.
[su_youtube url="https://youtu.be/iSiQzF3xr88" height="440"]
An extensive nationwide talent search began as soon as this entertainment project was announced last fall, and the cast of 20 has already begun show rehearsals and intense training for the acrobatic and diving skills required of pirates and mermaids alike in this show. One of the most anticipated phases of construction will happen in late March when the exterior starts to take shape and the large Pirates Voyage sign is placed outside the building.
“Among our ‘pirates crew’ here for our new Dinner & Show, we like to say that we are going ‘overboard’ with the details as we prepare everything – from the show elements to the new four-course menu to the exterior,” said Corporate Director of Marketing Steve Cruz. “This is going to be a show that guests to our Smoky Mountain area are not going to want to miss. People have been asking for details, so we thought now would be a good time to share some of those.”
Set to be complete in May, the construction phase is a $9 million project, in addition to the initial investment in the property for a total of $28 million. Now Booking Online for all 2019 shows. Guests can also call 865-505-AHOY (2469).
Follow Pirates Voyage on Facebook for the latest updates!
Keep an eye to the spyglass, mateys; Dolly’s pirates will be searching for treasure in the Great Smoky Mountains, next summer!
After nearly a decade of rave reviews and financial success on the Carolina coast, Parton’s newest Pirates Voyage dinner attraction is slated to open in the spring.
“The show has been so successful in Myrtle Beach that we kept looking at Pigeon Forge and wondering why we didn’t already have a Pirates show there,” Dolly said. “We have the perfect location, in one of the hottest areas of Pigeon Forge, and the time is now for my pirates to stake claim to the Great Smoky Mountains!”
When complete, the 21,000 square foot arena, adjacent to The Island in Pigeon Forge, will be the stage for Crimson and Sapphire pirates to battle on deck, in the water and in the sky above their full-sized pirate ships in a 15-foot-deep indoor lagoon. Spectacular acrobatic competitions, live animals and an original music score by Dolly Parton and Mark Brymer creates an immersive adventure experience all while guests enjoy a spectacular five-course pirate feast.
“We’re glad we can finally share Dolly’s exciting news,” Jim Rule, World Choice Investments CEO said. “For some time, we have been working on set and costume designs, unique show elements for this theater and animal and staff training. We’re all looking forward to opening in 2019.”
Additional details about the project will be released soon. Site construction is slated to begin in early January with an opening projected for spring.
Experience the spirit of Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction this holiday season. Now through January 5, 2019, families can create new traditions at America's #1 Choice For The Holidays! With a full-scale living Nativity, four-course feast, and an arena full of the merriest sights and sounds, every guest will leave jollier than Old Saint Nick.
To celebrate the reason for this holiday season, guests will watch a special re-enactment of Jesus’ birth with Mary, Joseph, three wise men, and a living Nativity with live camels, donkeys, and sheep. This touching scene reflects on the importance of Christmas.
Taking a whimsical turn, The Sugar Plum Fairy brings a number of toys to life for a magical celebration in “Toys Come to Life.” Including stunning aerial displays set to the unforgettable music of The Nutcracker, families can watch in awe as their childhood fantasies come to life.
Stampede’s 32 magnificent horses, not to be confused as Santa’s reindeer, will race one another in exciting competitions as audience members cheer their respective sides of the North Pole and South Pole to victory. And after the arena is transformed into a winter wonderland of glistening snow, Old Saint Nick arrives by sleigh to complete the festivities.
The entire holiday experience is enhanced by the state-of-the-art, LED wall in the show’s 35,000-square-foot arena, which seamlessly complements the exciting action with stunning holiday scenery. Guests will feel as if they have been instantly transported to the clear skies above Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth.
Adding to the lineup, Christmas dinner includes Stampede’s signature four-course feast consisting of Stampede’s original creamy vegetable soup, homemade buttery biscuit, a whole rotisserie chicken, hickory-smoked barbequed pork loin, buttery corn on the cob, herb-basted potato, Stampede’s own specialty dessert and unlimited tea, coffee or Coca-Cola® products. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available upon request.
Guests are invited to start their fun-filled evening when they arrive early for side-splitting holiday comedy and Christmas classics during the exciting pre-show entertainment included with every Stampede ticket.

Christmas at Dolly Parton's Stampede in Branson, MO, runs through January 5, 2019. World-renowned ice skaters Anasztazia Kenyeres and Matthew Scoralle bring a touch of grace to our holiday show with their special presentation,“Adagio On Ice!”

Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge, TN, runs through January 5, 2019. Guests can also take advantage of a special Christmas Combo and enjoy Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede and Christmas Celebration! Dinner Show!
*"Coca-Cola" is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company.
Family Reunions bring families together and fun, family adventure creates lasting memories worth repeating year after year. Plan your family reunion with the Partons and the Owens. Get this special offer at Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Adventures in Pigeon Forge, TN.
Get $3 off child tickets* for a limited time at Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Adventures!
Use Promo Code: 17SMACH
The cast at Smoky Mountain Adventures will amaze you as both families show off their incredible skills and talents. Avie Lee puts you on the edge-of-your-seat as she and Lee fly above the crowd in a breathtaking aerial act. Plus, the Partons and the Owens will thrill your entire family as they defy gravity in specialty acts and competitions.
We all know there’s nothing more important than a healthy, happy family. And there’s no better way to enjoy your family reunion than with good, clean family adventure at someplace special! Take advantage of this special offer and bring your family to the most exciting place to eat!
Plan Your Family Reunion With This Special Offer Today
*Cannot combine this offer with any other Smoky Mountain Adventures offers. Only valid on online reservations. Not valid on prior purchases. ©2017 Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Adventures.