Pirate's Dinner Adventure

Get your “arg” on at the undeniably entertaining Pirate’s Dinner Adventure in Buena Park. Performances take place within an enormous simulated lagoon, where you’ll be seated with other guests at one of six “ships”. Each one is led by a fearless pirate who, along with dozens of actors, singers, and stunt performers, takes you on a rollicking adventure on and around a meticulously detailed full-size replica of a classic 18th-century Spanish galleon (complete with 12-metre masts, cannon blasts, and lots of fiery pyrotechnics).

Choose from the current main shows, like the year-round “Legend of the Loch Ness Monster”—which involves a princess, buried treasure, and the mythic creature—or the seasonal shows “Vampirates” and “Pirates Take Christmas.” Each show stars the Evil Captain Sebastian, and comes with its own interactive plotline: Guests, including kids, can join the fun as volunteers, assisting their pirates with challenges around the arena, from hoisting sails to battling ferocious sea dragons or rescuing Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Or go to the later-evening Teatro Martini, the variety show for adults with live music, comedy, and acrobatics, which takes its inspiration from vaudeville and burlesque.

It’s swashbuckling good fun, plus it includes a full-course dinner. The typical “feast” includes roast chicken, shrimp skewers, salads, and a tres leches cake drizzled with chocolate; there are also vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, along with kids’ meals with chicken nuggets and mac ’n’ cheese. There’s a cash bar for adult beverages, and opportunities to upgrade your experience to include seating (plus swag) in the front three rows.