Busch Gardens: Review of "new" Pirates 4-D

rejobako

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Took my daughter to BG over the weekend and we checked out the new Pirates 4-D movie/experience that replaced the old Haunted Lighthouse version.

The film itself is very well made. I wasn't aware of this at the time, but apparently this feature has been running for nearly a decade at other Busch theme parks, and at the Luxor in Las Vegas as well. I guess that's why I was confused when a fairly healthy-looking Rodney Dangerfield appears in a cameo, even though he died back in 2004. The 3-D effects are first-rate, and the performers feature Leslie Nielson and Eric Idle.

There are several warnings as you go in about making sure you put your cellphones and other moisture-sensitive items in a waterproof environment, and that the feature may be "too intense" for small children. I think the first warning is unnecessary, but the second one is valid.

Warning: spoiler alert -- if you don't want to know about the suprises in the film, stop reading now . . . . . .
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You'll definitely feel some water during this "4-D" experience, but I can't imagine it being enough to damage a phone or camera, unless maybe you have them blocking the little nozzles on the seat in front of you. They use the water to simulate pigeon droppings (from above) and the Captain spitting water out at you, etc.

Other effects include your seat bottom vibrating rapidly during an "angry bee" scene, and quick bursts of air on your ankles when the spiders appear. It was at these points in the show when my 6 year old daughter was a bit freaked out by the experience. She didn't like it at all, although within seconds she was laughing excitedly at the next scenes depicted in the film. Can't say the same for a couple of younger children seated elsewhere in the theatre. At least a half dozen parents had to take their screaming/crying children outside.

Although I think they tried to make it interesting for all age groups, my guess is that the demographic that would be most likely to enjoy it would be teenagers. It's definitely worth experiencing, but depending on your schedule for the day, I don't think I'd call it a "must see". Save that designation for losing your lunch on Sheikra.
 
I've been wondering about this show. We missed it the last time we were at BG. It sounds Fun. I think we'll make a point of it to see it next trip....Which is coming up soon!! YaY!! Speaking of Sheikra I really enjoyed that ride! Next time I'd like to try for the front - maybe?! ::biting my nails:: - I went on that ride on our last trip....I Don't think I have Ever been so scared in my life! Just wondering if you had a chance to go on it front row? & If so, what did ya think??

~Kristi
 
This show was also running at Thorpe Park over here in the UK for the last 6 - 7 years or so - it's a very good show, one of the original 4d films. Personally, I think it's ok, not one of the best, especially when compared to Shrek, Philharmagic, Tough to be a Bug, etc.
 
WeLuvDisney05 said:
I've been wondering about this show. We missed it the last time we were at BG. It sounds Fun. I think we'll make a point of it to see it next trip....Which is coming up soon!! YaY!! Speaking of Sheikra I really enjoyed that ride! Next time I'd like to try for the front - maybe?! ::biting my nails:: - I went on that ride on our last trip....I Don't think I have Ever been so scared in my life! Just wondering if you had a chance to go on it front row? & If so, what did ya think??

~Kristi

My youngest son rode front row on Sheikra earlier this year. He said it is a totally different experience than riding it in any other row. LOL He loves the ride and even rode it several times when the lines were 2-3 hour waits when it first opened last year. He said front row when it does the stop and you hang there a second before you go straight down can freak you out. LOL He can't wait to get his older brother in that front row seat.
 

pirates is a step up from the haunted lighthouse, but pales in comparison to shrek, philharmagic, etc.

sheikra in the front row with your hands and feet up is amazing. :)
 
Can't wait to see this attraction in Dec.
Any other changes planned for Busch Gardens between now and December?
We spent 2.5 days at BG Dec 2005 and can't wait to go back.
 
OK so I chickened out with going front row on Sheikra. (BTW - Thanx Rabflmom & Sylvester McBean for answering my Sheikra question! - Just read your posts today). We went to BG - Fri. evening & today (morning to afternoon). We had a Great time BUT my goal this trip really WAS to ride Sheikra front row! I went middle - last time & today - back row. My DH told me that someone had said to him that back row was scariest/best soooooooo I went ahead & went w/the back (at the time, I told myself that I was "being brave" - based on the comment and all But now I think I just used that as an excuse to get out of going front row!) Next time for sure! (?) Well, Maybe....Did I mention that I'm kinda afraid of heights?!.....

As far as the Pirates 4-D goes.....I'm glad we tried it this trip (b/c I was curious about it) But I can't say the same for my dd's - they Did Not like it! Even my 6 yo who is usually up for anything (Sheikra & ALL roller coasters she sooooo wants to go on!)....She didn't even like the movie. A lot of it I missed b/c I was trying to console her during certain parts & my DH missed some too b/c he was comforting my youngest DD (she wasn't even wearing the 3D glasses!) I don't think she liked the 4D effects (the water & air) & she didn't like how loud it got in the theatre when people were reacting to the movie effects. I got really freaked out

****(spoiler ahead) by the part when the crabs were pinching at your ankles. There was a scene where there were bees (mentioned in the first post) my 6 yo hated that part. (end of spoiler) ****

I think that if your kids are sensitive to loud sounds or if they don't like bugs or critters then they won't like this. It really is Intense just like the warnings say. Wow, this post makes me sound like a wimp....Really, I'm not, I swear!!! Anyway.....

Have a Great night & Happy Easter!!!

~Kristi
 
DD9 and I saw the show a few weeks ago, and she said NEVER again. Mind you this is a child who really isn't afraid of anything (roller coasters, etc). The special effects were pretty realisitic and a couple mentioned already sort of "freaked" me out as well at the time. I was glad that we saw it though!


DD can't wait to ride all the coasters - she needs 2" to be 54"!
 
Still have Haunted Light House at BG Williamsburg or did in April. Cant wait until Oct to see the new one at Tampa. Does any one know if they have these on DVD. Liked the Haunted Light House and would like to show some of my family members who arent into Theme Parks. I know it wouldnt be the same with out the effects but I would still like the movie.
 














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