Ahoy, me hearties! Scalawag pirates have plundered the high seas of Orange County, California and captured good ol’ St. Nick and Mrs. Claus. They want to put an end to Christmas and ruin the holiday season for everyone. But with the help of landlubbers young and old, cheer on Santa as he saves the day in Pirates Take Christmas! presented by Pirates Dinner Adventure, the “World’s Most Interactive Dinner Show!”
Your swashbuckling adventure begins with a pre-show performance in the saloon waiting area where a variety of complimentary tray-passed appetizers are served. For the adults, libations of the alcoholic variety are available for purchase at the bar. But if it’s loot your lads and lasses seek, there are merchandise counters and face painting available in exchange for your gold doubloons.
During this time, you’ll also be introduced to your assigned pirate mascot, whom you cheer on the duration of the main show. We got Antonio, the fearless yellow buccaneer. But there’s also an orange, red, blue, purple, and green pirate. Each colored pirate represents a section in the auditorium where you’ll be seated. After the pre-show merriment, proceed to Treasure Bay Theatre where the main spectacle ensues.
Treasure Bay is quite an impressive theatrical set composing of an indoor lagoon with an authentically replicated 18th-century Spanish galleon anchored right in the center. Surrounding the ship is a hexagonal showroom with tiered seating for the audience/diners. Each side is designated a color that corresponds with your assigned pirate mascot.
Now you must be wondering about the food. After all, it is a dinner and adventure show. Well, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. My meal included the option of a tomato soup or house salad to start and an entree of a quarter roasted chicken, a shrimp skewer, mashed potatoes, and mixed veggies.
The kids’ menu also included soup or salad, as well as breaded chicken nuggets with a side of mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, and fruit (melon). For dessert, diners received tres leches cake. Yummy! But if you or anyone in your party have any dietary restrictions, there’s also a gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian menu available for both grown-ups and children. Just specify your preferences during ticket purchase.
As for the show itself. Well, I’m not gonna give any spoilers out, but let me just say that it is jammed packed with excitement. I mean, when the storyline involves Santa, Mrs. Claus, an elf, and pirates, how can it not be? There’s special effects, swordplay, stunts, cannon blasts (yes, cannon blasts inside the arena), pyrotechnics, (yes, that too), acrobatics, singing, and so much more. It really is great fun for the entire family.
Pirate’s Take Christmas! runs November 30 to December 25, 2018. But if you can’t make it to this holiday show, don’t fret. Pirate’s Dinner Adventure is open year ’round to entertain guests of all ages. Check Groupon for discounted rates. They’re currently running a 26% to 48% off promo, but act fast before they go. Goldstar has also been known to offer similar deals.
Pirate’s Dinner Adventure is located in entertainment city Buena Park in North Orange County. Nearby attractions include Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament and Knott’s Berry Farm. Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in neighboring Anaheim are only six miles away. So if you’re from out-of-town and looking to add to your things to do in SoCal or just a local wanting a fun night out with the family, get your tickets to Pirates Take Christmas! before Santa and Mrs. Claus head back to the North Pole.
Pirate’s Dinner Adventure
7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620
Phone: (714) 690-1497
Toll Free: (866) 439-2469
Website: piratesdinneradventureca.com
Disclosure: We received complimentary tickets in exchange for an honest review, but as always, all opinions are our own.
Originally published 12/02/17. Last updated 11/30/18.
What an amazing experience that must’ve been for your kids to see Santa take on the pirates.
This looks like so much fun! I bet the adults had as much fun as the kids. I know I would and I’m 30’ish.
It looks very appealing – great costumes and scenery. Your kids seem to have enjoyed it a lot.
Looks like a great suggestion for a Christmas dinner out with kids and parents alike! We all like pirate stuff, and from what you describe the show seems amazing. The Spanish galleon looks pretty impressive.
Very cute! I didn’t know that Santa Claus’s flight path, put him at risk of Pirate encounters.
It looks like your kids had a great time. Dinner theatre concept has declined a little over the years, from my experience. It is good to know there are still places like this around.
Thanks for sharing! Keep traveling and blogging. Adventure is better when shared with friends.
So fun! What a great experience to have with the family! I was always interested in visiting while I was living in So Cal and so bummed I never made it there! Maybe when I visit again!
Interactive dinner theatre is always fun, and this looks like a fabulous kid-friendly one! It’s a plus that the food was tasty, too… sometimes, I feel like places focus a littttttle too much on the performance and back-burner the food (pun totally intended). So glad you hear you had such a good time!