Country music legend Dolly Parton has built an entertainment empire that spans decades.
But her latest venture is creating a buzz unlike anything she’s done before.
And Dolly Parton just opened one attraction in Florida that has families racing to the beach.
Dolly Parton brings Pirates Voyage to Panama City Beach
The Queen of Country Music officially opened her Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Panama City Beach, Florida, marking another milestone in her entertainment dynasty.
The $60 million attraction represents Parton’s biggest single investment in family entertainment to date.
The dinner theater combines high-energy entertainment with spectacular action as audiences witness epic battles, explosive effects, and gravity-defying stunts.
Two massive pirate ships serve as the stage where crews compete for legendary treasure in an immersive theatrical experience.
Parton made a special appearance on June 5, 2025, for the media event and VIP opening before the show opened to the general public.
"The atmosphere and the people here in Panama City Beach have been so welcoming and excited to have us here," Parton said at the opening event. "I love helping families make the best memories when they are on vacation, and that’s what everyone in Panama City Beach focuses on, too. To me, it has been the perfect place to open this new Pirates Voyage."
Construction on the massive entertainment venue began in early 2024, and Parton personally oversaw many of the details that make the experience unique.
The cast includes talented performers with backgrounds in theater and athletics who execute impressive aerial work and water stunts.
The venue features a deep indoor water feature where divers perform as part of the show’s aquatic elements.
The massive theater accommodates over 1,000 guests and has created 300 employment opportunities in the local community.
A feast fit for pirates and landlubbers alike
The Pirates Voyage experience goes far beyond just entertainment.
Guests receive a hearty dining experience featuring themed dishes that complement the swashbuckling atmosphere.
The meal starts with creamy soup and fresh-baked bread before moving to the main course of roasted poultry and barbecued pork.
Traditional sides round out the dining experience with corn and potatoes prepared in the venue’s signature style.
"I promise that Pirates Voyage will be the most fun place to eat in Panama City Beach," Parton said at the opening. "Take it from me – every part of this pirate feast is delicious so be sure to come hungry!"
The themed menu adds another layer to the immersive experience that Parton is known for creating.
Everything from the food names to the presentation fits perfectly with the pirate theme.
Dolly’s vision for family entertainment comes to life
For Parton, Pirates Voyage represents more than just another business venture.
It’s about creating lasting memories for families in an age when quality time together is increasingly rare.
"The excitement and adventure in Pirates Voyage is something I have loved being a part of, and I loved writing the song that our beautiful mermaids perform to – ‘Sail Away,’" Parton explained. "Above all, I see myself as a storyteller, and this is an entertaining experience that combines so many elements in one show that people will want to experience it again and again."
The show features spectacular elements that appeal to all ages.
The production includes aquatic performers who gracefully move through water sequences before dramatic diving exits.
Audiences experience the warmth of fire effects and the mystery of supernatural elements that emerge throughout the performance.
The talented ensemble delivers heroic action and aerial excitement that keeps families engaged from start to finish.
A new chapter in Dolly’s entertainment empire
Pirates Voyage in Panama City Beach marks Parton’s expansion into new markets across the country.
She already operates successful Pirates Voyage locations in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, but the Florida venue represents her biggest single investment in the concept yet.
The new attraction joins Parton’s entertainment empire that includes Dollywood theme park and various dinner shows across multiple states.
The timing couldn’t be better for Panama City Beach, which has been rebuilding its tourism industry after Hurricane Michael devastated the area in 2018.
Parton’s investment shows her confidence in the area’s recovery and future as a top family destination.
The venue is expected to bring hundreds of jobs to the local economy and attract visitors from across the Southeast.
Pirates Voyage represents the kind of wholesome, family-friendly entertainment that Parton has championed throughout her career.
At a time when many entertainment options divide rather than unite families, Parton’s vision offers something different.
The show provides an escape from everyday life while bringing multiple generations together around a shared experience.
For families planning their next beach vacation, Panama City Beach just got a lot more interesting.
Dolly Parton has once again proven that she knows what families want – great food, amazing entertainment, and memories that will last a lifetime.