Orange Beach pirate show drifts into uncertainty after third delay

The proposed Pirates Voyage dinner theater is refusing to lower its colors, though the ambitious project remains stalled in choppy waters. Weeks after a vocal segment of the Orange Beach community sounded the alarm, the fate of the attraction continues to drift toward an uncertain horizon.

A Project Lost at Sea

A planned unit development request for the Pirates Voyage dinner theater is still technically on the books, despite growing skepticism from city leaders regarding its viability. The franchise, which boasts successful locations in Panama City Beach, Myrtle Beach, and Pigeon Forge, has faced a recurring pattern of silence in Orange Beach.

During Monday’s planning commission meeting, no representatives from the developer were present to advocate for the proposal. Lannie Smith, chairman of the Orange Beach Planning Commission, noted, "I believe their intent is to pull it. I thought they would do it prior to this meeting."

This absence marks the third time the project has been deferred—a rare occurrence for the commission. City officials have set a firm deadline: the project is scheduled for consideration at the July 13 meeting, which will serve as the final opportunity for it to remain on the agenda. "You have to do something instead of letting it just float out there," said city planner Griffin Powell.

The Clock is Ticking

If the developers hope to move forward with the city council, they must revise and resubmit their application by June 29. According to Powell, the city has not received any updates or new plans for the site since April, and Kadre Engineering, the project's representative, could not be reached for comment.

A May 6 town hall meeting at the city’s performing arts center drew massive opposition from locals concerned about noise, traffic, and the ethics of keeping captive animals. Councilwoman Ginger Harrelson remarked that the surge in community engagement was unprecedented for the city.

Councilman Robert Stuart confirmed that the council has not revisited the issue since that town hall. Meanwhile, Mayor Tony Kennon maintains that he remains focused on securing the best outcome for the Beech RV Park site, located across Alabama State Route 161 from City Hall.

Community Concerns

Local opposition centers on the logistics of the site, with residents fearing the attraction will exacerbate congestion on Route 161—a vital artery for beach traffic. While some critics suggest building north of the Intracoastal Waterway, interest in that alternative appears minimal.

Despite the pushback, opponents have clarified that their resistance is not aimed at the entertainment value of the show itself. The Pirates Voyage experience typically features high-stakes, interactive pirate battles between the Crimson and Sapphire crews, paired with a four-course meal. With adult tickets currently running around $80 at the Panama City Beach venue, the brand remains a major regional draw, yet its future in Orange Beach remains entirely up in the air.