The Extinct History of the Pirate Show on the Vegas Strip: The Abandoned Battle For Buccaneer Bay

Join us on a new Expedition Extinct as we head back to Las Vegas to look at the extinct Battle Of Buccaneer Bay at Treasure Island. This once iconic show featured a sinking ship, stunts, and pyro and was a staple of family-friendly Las Vegas. It was later replaced by the Sirens of TI before the ships were left abandoned as just a reminder of what used to be.
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Credits -
The Classic Sports - • April 1993 - A Look Ar...
Cartarsauce Theatre - / @cartarsaucetheatre9363
8 News Now - • Steve Wynn Talks About...
Trevor Wilkinson - • Treasure Island Las Ve...
Trevor Wilkinson - • Treasure Island Las Ve...
Steve Medlin - • The Full Original Pira...
Mista Fied - • 1993 Drive Down the La...
Jeb Socorro - • The Pirates of Buccane...
Honeybee - • Video
Matt Wilson - • Video
LetYrLiteShine - • Treasure Island - Las ...
Stunning Videos - • Video
Andria UA - • The Pirate battle in f...
Cruise Monkey - • Vegas Archive 1 The Si...
Steve Gray - • The Sirens Of T.I. - T...
VideoGJC - • Sirens of TI - Complet...

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Are you ready for more Expedition Vegas? Let me know which Expedition Extincts you would like to see!

[@daisy864]

The log flume at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, would be interesting I think

[@amuletkeyblade]

You could talk about the lion exhibit or the wizard of oz exhibit at mgm

[@JamesHughes1]

The big one at blackpool would be great

[@jeremycollins1558]

I would be interested in a video on the weird Broadway fad Vegas went to in the mid 00's. Phantom, Hairspray, Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages... etc

[@amuletkeyblade]

@@jeremycollins1558 yes! Can't forgot Mama Mia as well. I loved the theater they had built for Phantom.

[@dapperloser3025]

gotta love how the newer owners of this place are like "ugh who likes pirates lets turn this place into another generic vegas gambler hotel, that'll bring the guests"

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

right?!

[@sophienoh6787]

There is no way a pirate theme is less popular than the Roman Empire theme, a Renaissance Faire theme, a Venitian theme, and a French theme.

[@heatherp4297]

plus as soon as they started the de-theming and removing all the pirate stuff, Pirates of the Caribbean movies came out and pirates were HUGE again. The theming was the entire reason the hotel was great. I stopped bothering to go there at all once they tried to turn it into the "TI."

[@riverbear2441]

Lived here for 20 years now. I loved the old pirate show, and would go quite often. It was one of the main places we would go when friends or family were in town to visit. It was a favorite. Then when they changed it to the new show with all the gals, it wasn't as much of a favorite but was still enjoyable and exciting. That building has taken a lot of money from me and mine. They haven't gotten a penny from anyone of us since they took them away though. Another casino bust. Much rather take out money elsewhere now.

[@patrickperalta59]

so lets review the facts The Pirate show was created and over the years a grand total of about 60 millions of people came to see the show block traffic and have people wait around for each of the new show and to the new owners that means people are not interested in pirates. the new owners were stupid and blind as bats.

[@aceofprops4175]

I find the "family friendly" era of Vegas fascinating, I visited as a kid during that time and then recently as an adult and it's so strange to see all of the new and unique attractions that were there just gone now. I can't wait to see the episode about the Luxor, that place was a trip.

[@Kylehudgins]

There's an amazing behind the scenes promo video about the creation of Luxor uploaded here on KZbin. I've watched it like three times, it's wild.

[@chesterogilvie1393]

That motion simulation ride was wild.. miss the sega arcade

[@SuperFoxdemon]

Right! I remember this show and statues that came to life and the Star Trek experience. Now Vegas is all about clubbing, gambling, and food. I’d rather go to a Disney or Universal park

[@tassadar7945]

Try growing up visiting vegas, and then moving there in 2000, excited about all the cool stuff, and it just starts going away before your eyes.

[@uss_04]

Honestly I was coming of age around that time and I regret never seeing Luxor in its prime

[@raptor350rick]

With so many casinos/hotels concentrated in one area The family friendly approach set each casino apart. Now they all just blend together. Even as an adult I’m saddened that this place has change so much.

[@dustmybroom288]

I feel the same way. In the past each hotel had there own unique elements that made you go wow. Now it is all a little bit disappointing. Tho the Flamingo exceeded my expectations last time I visited. Outside the hotel you could see actual flamingos and other birds for free.

[@streetwatcher_]

The only thing that makes em stand out now is the architecture

[@LeeAnnaHolt]

A couple of the performers spoke at my elementary school about the mechanics of the show and the stunts, including the guy on fire and the guy who rides the bow down. I have never forgot the presentation and that has to be almost 20 years ago. I miss that show so much.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

That’s amaizing!

[@LeeAnnaHolt]

They hid a scuba tank in the front of the bow for the HMS captain. So simple but blew my little 6 year old mind.

[@tylerharris7081]

I remember when I was a kid, my family visited Vegas. My parents did not know the show wasn't changed. So I spent the whole day eagerly waiting to see an awesome pirate battle. I have never been so disappointed to see scantily clad women shaking their things.

[@sebclot9478]

The first time I saw the show after the remodel was November 2005. We were in Vegas for a friends wedding. When I was last there in the summer of 2003 Buccaneer Bay had been closed down for construction, but I was under the impression that it was just a refit of the same show. The friend who was getting married was staying nearby, but hadn't seen the show yet. Thinking it was still Buccaneer Bay, I gave it my highest recommendation. When I talked to her the next day, she said it "kind of sucked". I was at a loss to explain her reaction. Until I had a chance to see it myself that night. My jaw just hit the floor. It sucked so badly and Buccaneer Bay had been so awesome.

[@grimmes1159]

I saw the show as a kid and was excited to see it again as an adult. Had to explain to me lady that it was all ass before lol

[@V8_Diva]

This exact same thing happened to me! I was like 2 years old and i was on my dad's shoulders. We had heard the show moved but we didn't know it completely changed. The amount of disappointment in my dad's voice was immeasurable. I was kinda mad too! I've never forgiven them for that!

[@KuyaMagik]

Im so lucky to have watched this show when i was a kid it was amazing!

[@sandradominguez2426]

Same here 🙂

[@fractal4284]

Me to was so cool and magical as a kid I also have a memory of getting into trouble as a child when I was playing a slot machine and actually hit a minor jackpot that required a hand payout. I had the $5 left over from the arcade, and when my mom wasn't paying attention while we were walking through the casino, she stopped to talk to someone. So, I sneaked off just a few steps away, inserted the money into the slot machine, and won! 😂 They did allow my mom to claim the winnings, but they weren't very pleased with me or her. We were asked to leave the property.

[@internetkurator9256]

Same here! Greetings from Bavaria

[@jennycraigadventures3314]

I’m a big Disney fan, but this show was awesome even by Disney standards. The the size and scope was huge and the pyro and stunt work were top notch.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Agreed!

[@TheLomdr]

@@ExpeditionThemePark It kind of reads more like a Universal Studios show from how it was described

[@sebclot9478]

@@TheLomdr In execution, yes. More like a Universal story line. But the quality was more Disney-like.

[@ruk2023--]

It completely out disneyed disney.

[@Robert-jz7hq]

"We evolved...to a more sophisticated feel" might be the biggest lie considering what happened to TI. Their show objectively "devolved" from an all ages favorite to a sex-focused snooze fest. 90s Vegas was great, im at least happy I got to experience it.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

90s vegas was the best

[@zacharyyamashita8554]

As did I.

[@mrswakka4186]

@@ExpeditionThemePark Actually, the late 70s till the mid 80s we’re the best. You could live like a king for $100 for a 3 day weekend!

[@benlujan288]

Me, too!

[@psymompa]

Loved this time period.

[@jacobcoburn3269]

The fact that they made an entire big-budget tv movie just to promote this resort is fantastic. Vegas videos are the best! I nominate the old Excalibur show for the next one!

[@racheljackson4428]

it's got a great story and i'm glad that the father has learned a important lesson.

[@MovieFan1912]

I never knew there was a TV movie made for this resort. If there are more movies like this, I would like to know, because it sounds interesting.

[@LaMostraVia]

Yup love these bud

[@jamesrael9557]

Yes, please

[@justycel4155]

What TV movie promoted this resort? I'd like to see it.

[@TheHisrose4]

I loved the pirate show. Las Vegas hasn’t been the same since they cancelled it. Those were the days my friend. We thought they’d never end. We were wrong. 😭😭😭

[@ryanb4940]

I live in Vegas. I remember seeing the original pirate show as a kid and loving it. The ship sinking was really incredible and huge. I remember the inside being so cool and detailed full of pirate and ship related scenery everywhere. In my opinion it was done perfectly. It looked expensive and still classy. After they remodeled… it looks like every casino on the strip now. Yeah it looks nice… they all look nice. They all look the same. I understand wanting to move from family friendly to focus on adults since it’s “Sin City” but it’s all so bland now. At the same time doing a new “theme” hotel would stick out too much now since everything is slowly removing the theming.

[@Freshnewz10]

There used to be an arcade called mutiny bay but I don’t remember when they closed it

[@Googledeservestodie]

My wife grew up in Vegas and was disappointed when we went as adults that the show was gone. This show, the Botanical Garden at the Bellagio, and the Volcano show at Mirage were some of the few things you could enjoy on the Vegas Strip without spending any money or showing your ID.

[@thefashionhoe]

Are the all gone now? I haven’t been since 2012 and they were all still there

[@abbdee3394]

@@thefashionhoethe volcano is currently out of operation, and will be torn down when the mirage is remodeled into the hard rock. The bellagio garden is still around though.

[@Robespierres_Ghost]

This show was legit. Good way to spend 20 mins. It was always packed in front of TI when this was showing.

[@mikeandmars2345]

Facts i remember looking at it back in 2013

[@kazzypoo]

Such a great show! We liked to hang around afterwards and watch the ship upright itself and go back into reset position. Vegas in the 90's was a fun time!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Agreed!

[@scrappy00001]

Loved visiting Vegas in the 1990. I don’t gamble so I don’t bother going anymore. I just fly to California now

[@AlphaRaptor2k6]

I've been to This Era of Vegas twice, 1995 and again in 1998. Never got to see the show, first time due to high winds making it unsafe to do a show with all that pyro and lack of trying the second time. New York, New York and Monte Carlo were quite a place to explore. MGM's amusement park was also lost on me, because they didn't make it easy to navigate to via the casino (on purpose (?)).

[@matthewbinder8021]

I saw it once by accident when I was a kid and it kind of ruined it for me. LOL.

[@walterwhite1]

@@matthewbinder8021 details

[@likeaboxofchocolates]

Omg I got to see the original show and the “sin” version of it. The original show was really fun to watch as a kid, it really was like being at Disneyland for the duration of the show. I saw the showgirls version was I was 15 and it was so awkward because some parents had little kids and no one in the crowd was impressed by the new show.

[@chrisbiro1]

For the past 30 years I have done parrot shows for a living as a pirate, even have my own 40ft long two masted schooner I set up at county fairs. I have been doing shows at the Las Vegas Renaissance fair at Sunset Park for much of that time. The original pirate show at the Treasure Island was the highlight of every years Vegas trip. I would sometimes while dressed in my own pirate outfit take one of my parrots into the Treasure Island and get swarmed with people wanting to get photos with us. Many times I have watched both the original show and the later siren show. The original show was by far the best show. As much as I enjoy watching semi naked women dance around (wenching is part of my job description as a pirate after all) the siren show was boring. The new painting of ship was boring. The original show was in no way boring. And now that they have installed a CV pharmacy over the original parking space of the British ship and removed most of the pirate theme from the hotel, the TI is even more boring. In fact, this same change has taken over all of Las Vegas, and it's all boring now. The Las Vegas strip has McDonalds and Pharmacies on it. WHY??? It's now just a large shopping mall, nothing else. Though I still do my show in Las Vegas at Sunset Park (was just there a few weeks ago with the show) I no longer spend any time on the strip because it is so boring. It is very sad how the suits have ruined what was once such a memorable Las Vegas experience.

[@yanelymontoya1274]

I still enjoy the Renaissance fair. My children love the birds you bring. Thank you for keeping it alive♡ hope to see you this year

[@chrisbiro1]

@@yanelymontoya1274 We will be there again this year.

[@happilyeverawkward1948]

When this show closed, they hardly gave any notice to the staff and let them go right before Christmas. After Steve wynn sold the property it went downhill so quickly.

[@maybellinewilson7455]

I turned 21 in 1993 and Vegas was just amazing. Usually went 2-3 times per year to Vegas in the 90s. The TI show did not disappoint. The MGM grand with the wizard of oz, original lion mouth entrance, theme park, the Luxor and Excalibur were so cool, even for us newly “legal” adults! And I still loved the nostalgia old casinos that were still there: the stardust, frontier, the sands had so much character. Was in Vegas last week for a concert and didn’t even bother going on the strip.

[@Pantheragem]

I stayed there in '97. I was 22, still a kid as far as I'm concerned. We went there for my dad's 50th. Vegas really was a lot of fun then.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Good times yet!

[@haveagreatday3664]

Hoping the “family friendly” theming makes it way back to Vegas. So much fun!! Especially for us 90’s kids who enjoy the nostalgia and emersion.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Me too!

[@chazzwozzio]

While they are at it they need to bring back the star trek experience

[@aaronbritt2025]

It won't. Vegas has become 100% corporate. Anything that doesn't "generate value for shareholders" will never happen.

[@Freshnewz10]

The only way that will ever happen is if our culture begin to promote more marriages which pro creates children. Our millennial and generations z aren’t getting married like they used to be which has less kids and if there is kids many of them are single mothers. Companies aren’t willing to invest in a product that won’t get them a lot of consumers. In the 90’s there were lots of millennials children and that’s the reason we had this cool stuff. I think the only marketing Entertainment company that still does that is Disney parks which has monopolize all the kid stuff because of the nostalgia in many Disney adults

[@sccarguy8242]

I saw the original show and loved it !! So much so I could not wait to see its again on my next visit. Unfortunately it had been replaced by Sirens, and it was horrible… I mean truly and completely horrible….. it’s sad that they got rid of the theming, which made it stand out on the strip, and it just became another hotel without a soul.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

The first was s good!

[@toastnjam7384]

I recall hearing a story that it was a mistake to put the pirate show in front, it should have been in the back. Majority of the spectators moved on and didn't enter the casino so it didn't capture enough paying customers . If it was in back they would have to walk through the casino and leave the same way. The one time I watched it most left without entering, me included

[@JaredConnell]

Same with the Bellagio fountains, the mirage volcano, etc. though, if it were in back most people probably just wouldn't go

[@nordisk1874]

I saw the original show, I’m happy I did!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Me too!

[@AndreOutlaw]

I only saw the second show. It was dull. We left after a couple of minites, because we were sure there was something more interesting not far away.

[@MiguelGG03]

90s Vegas was so awesome! We’d take family trips there during that time a few times a year. It had things for the whole family. Gambling for adults; Arcades and attractions for kids. Good times!

[@happilyeverawkward1948]

As a Vegas local growing up here in the 90s was amazing and totally amazing. Now it's gone so downhill, even as an adult I'm saddened to what my city has become

[@Freshnewz10]

Do you know what happen to the treasure island arcade and when it closed down

[@streetwatcher_]

@@Freshnewz10it had an arcade?

[@TheRadical42]

I'm glad I got to see the original Pirate Show. That was so much fun! The Sirens of TI is fine but I miss the old pirates.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

A classic for sure

[@TheFanBoy1233]

As a old Cali historic man this really hit me hard in the stomach cause it was always the most funniest & most funest thing in the world! Can’t believe it closed!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

A shame for sure!

[@TheFanBoy1233]

@@ExpeditionThemePark Right, Ain’t It!

[@rissamarie1280]

Growing up my mom worked at TI. They used to have kids Christmas parties for us kids and the girls from the pirate show would come down and be on stage talking. When Steve Wynn owned TI we also got free tickets to wet n wild every year and a lot of other cool things! Thanks for posting this! I've never actually seen the pirate show despite all of this 🖤

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

That’s awesome!

[@chancellorjake]

You know you're a Trekkie at heart when you recognize JG Hertzler as one of the bad pirates from the film based solely on his voice.

[@tommloye4626]

A fantastic lesson in how to turn the most unique experience on the strip into a steaming pile of mediocrity.

[@ReclusiarchBraumBT]

Was at treasure island in the 90s and I loved this show. Went back for the first time last week. TI and Avengers STATION were empty. Although STATION was cool it didn’t seem to be creating the draw the TI owners wanted. Btw their “shopping” is the world’s largest 24hr CVS. In that same week Excalibur had the same giant line for check ins I remember seeing in the 90s.

[@dnte666]

Growing up in Vegas during this era, this was my favorite show hands down. If my family drove anywhere remotely close to the strip I would plead to drive by the Treasure Island to see the battle

[@ReaverLordTonus]

The irony is that in 2003, when the revamp was completed, Disney premiered a little movie called Pirates of the Caribbean and basically revitalized the pirate genre. Treasure Island in its older form would have probably seen a resurgence of interest and the show would have been very popular.

[@so-calseany1176]

WHY WOULD YOU TRIGGER SO MANY GOOD MEMORIES OF THE BEST FREE VEGAS SHOW THERE EVER WAS?!?!? 😭😭😭 Also…. Screw Sirens of TI!!!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Hahaha exactly!!

[@sccarguy8242]

Correct on every level

[@stannnleee3440]

i can't believe that quality of show was free. It really was something else, all those fire blasts and gunshots and stunt work!!!!

[@jeremycollins1558]

I had that movie as a kid. One of the actors from the show scared me really bad so the hotel comped us a basket of "pirate booty" which had that movie in it.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

A real treasure!

[@jgatzby4263]

So Treasure Island changed from ‘yo, ho, ho’ in 1993 to ‘Hoe, hoe, hoe’ in 2003

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Hahahah yes

[@Been.Here.Since.2007]

Pretty much.

[@lewkaplanski7616]

Kudos to you for that statement!

[@DeadAbeVigoda]

Then it became "Ho ho hum."

[@lewkaplanski7616]

@@DeadAbeVigoda Really!

[@TL_oS]

I miss this show. Treasure Island was such a great resort back then. It’s a disaster now. Ruffin destroyed it, such a shame😿

[@briannestewart5126]

I live in Vegas and I remember seeing this as a kid. I'm not a fan of pirates but what they did is truly amazing

[@DarMar106]

Legendary Disney Imagineer Bob Gurr helped in the design of the sinking ship. I met him at a party once he told us the whole story. Particularly how Steve Wynn gave him an “impossible deadline” to figure it out. It was really cool. Also, any excuse to use that Lance Burton clip huh? LOL

[@mackhavoc477]

I had dinner with Bob a couple years ago at Disney's Los Feliz home and told him that it was unceremoniously replaced with a Walgreens and Señor Frogs, d'oh!!

[@missakt7489]

Makes sense, never knew!

[@averyeml]

@@mackhavoc477 lmao oh my god I’ve been in that Walgreens but honestly never thought about where it would be in relation to the ships 😳

[@PoseidonXIII]

Man, I busted a gut laughing when you mentioned the sexy dancers taking over the pirate ship.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

As they do ha

[@Jay2646]

I saw this show when I was about 5-6 years old and it was my only memory of Vegas. For decades I thought I had just made it all up and the ship didn't really explode and nothing really sank. Imagine my surprise when I found out the show was real and it was identical to how I remembered!

[@GhostCarnival]

This one certainly unlocked some ancient memories I had hidden away. I went to this show with my folks at the time, I barely remember it all. I definitely recall staring out the window of my pops Ford irritated we didn't just park right there and watch, it didn't matter to me that people were trying to drive normally. This, and the MGM theme park really made vegas a very strange yet interesting place to grow up. It was a constant bombardment of different things, from all these different parts of the world desperately trying to leave their mark on it. Thanks for making these, it's fun to look back on

[@LoveStallion]

Sometimes I miss the Vegas of the late 90s. So many goofy resorts. When I was a kid, we'd pass through frequently and the only resort with any sort of theme was Excalibur, and it was on the edge of the Strip. Now it's surrounded by all sorts of other places.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Me too!

[@SR-zc6lk]

Goofy? Nah, dawg.

[@joep4235]

fantastic vid, thanks so much for the memories ! The original pirate show is still the most fun I have ever had at a Vegas show, and I have been going once or twice a year since 1995. Afterwards, we would head to the Excalibur, and have prime rib at Sir Galahads... also sadly gone. I still love Vegas, but nothing today compares to those late 90's years...

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

The real reason why The Battle for Buccaneer Bay ended: *The pirates left after they realized the rum is gone*

[@juicyfruit6311]

But.....why is the rum gone?

[@IronSouls]

I happened to get lucky to see both versions of this show. I remember being super impressed with the Pirates show even as 22-23 year old. I went back a few years later and caught Siren. I literally couldn’t believe what I was watching. It wasn’t that it was bad really it was just… to much and also kinda boring? I remembered being very disappointed they changed it.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Yeah me too

[@perceivedvelocity9914]

I saw both versions of the show. The original was great. The "updated" one was terrible.

[@SuckMeSidew4ys]

I too got to see both. ‘98 was my first time . Then Sirens was horrible! It was awkward and just shameful compared to what it was! My imagination nope’d out so fast 😞

[@nmmrcd2]

2nd show was atrocious

[@Nanced52]

I apparently picked the perfect years to be a kid growing up in Vegas. I remember this show fondly!!!!!

[@hamilcross]

another highlight of my childhood!! i distinctly remember walking the strip with my family from out of town and watching this as a sprightly 6 year old. my dad always made sure to go all out and take us to the strip when family was here. i’m still devastated that it’s gone.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

A classic

[@mandyg1715]

I remember my parents taking me when I was little I miss the original show, I wish they still had to share with my kids.

[@AwkwardKidAdventures]

As I was watching this, I couldn't imagine how on earth it would become extinct. It looked amazing! Like, in general I couldn't be paid to go to Vegas, but for that experience, I'd be tempted. And then to tear it all down for some generic "sexy ladies dance in scraps of clothing"? No wonder the new owners got rid of the pirate adventure: they had no imaginations. :P

[@jimmydilley9138]

The 90s treasure island was the shit and some of my favorite childhood memories are from here! TI also had the most amazing arcade I have ever been to in my entire life in it!

[@ddd228]

Better than circus circus?

[@IsurvivedAntiochCA]

I live in an area where (one of) the pirate dinner show(s) take place. I love it and I do not apologize. I wish I could’ve experienced this show. People would be like “so did you come here for the tables or the burlesque clubs?” And I’m like “no dude, pirates.” Edit: I mean the first version of the show haha.

[@Pookie2112]

I found family friendly vegas way more fun tbh. The arcades and attractions were great

[@aaronbritt2025]

I've lived in Vegas since '92. There's one reason for the disappearance of the outdoor shows, roller coasters, etc... The casinos figured out that they were costing more than what they were generating. It's ALL about the money. I actually ran a Bobcat skid steer loader with a concrete breaker on the front tearing out the Nile River ride in the Luxor. It was a sad time. I used to spend hours in the Luxor in the "Arcade" area, on the rides with my friends.

[@rgs8970]

*hits play "ah, now I just sit back and wait for Lance to arrive"

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

He sneaks in!

[@SuckMeSidew4ys]

@@ExpeditionThemePark don’t ever stop! It should continue your be a staple of your Vegas Series! As always, Love the work bro! 🤜🏽

[@ryeinc]

Pretty incredible how top notch the film and show were!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Yeahhh

[@gavin9068]

My parents loved the original show so much they still talk about it now

[@Fuzzlekinz]

It's sad finding out about something really cool but knowing that it doesn't exist anymore. I would have loved to see the pirate show in person.

[@annmarieprice4751]

One of the best shows on the strip! My husband was a pirate & played pirate captain from 96-2000… then it went to the Sirens of the Sea… nothing beat the original it was awesome!

[@TwilightGirl2341]

Born in 1997, (in Vegas) I saw bits and parts of the show but never fully saw the whole thing… it’s one of the things I wish I saw. 😭🥺 Family friendly vegas was some of the best times in my childhood. It actually made me love the fact I was born there. But as I grew older and as it all went away is when I wanted to leave. Now I live in louisiana. I still miss my Vegas but family friendly Vegas was the best.

[@SkepticalChris]

I remember visiting Treasure Island during its Pirate era when I was 14. It was also revolutionary that the resort was the first to host a Cirque du Soleil show, Mystere, which to this day is still one of the greatest performances I've ever seen. It really was more kid friendly, but they really went to the maximum effort with themeing. Shame to see that it went extinct and became just another generic casino with shops.

[@icollectstories5702]

I can't imagine the safety equipment and protocols that would allow such an _immersive_ show to run for ten years. But I think they should have included seating and sold tickets to defray the cost; it could have been packaged with accommodation. The planning commission should have anticipated the traffic hazard.

[@mackhavoc477]

The cost was absorbed by every hotel guest at TI and people who went to see Mystere, but the powers that be decided that Señor Frogs and Walgreens were more important

[@LukeTDoesStuff]

I saw both versions of this when I was a kid. I remember loving the first show and was super excited to see it again... with my grandparents...

[@dehydratedwat3r]

this was the highlight of my trips to Vegas in the 90's as a little kid. i remember my mom and i getting to sit at the restaurant with a perfect view of one of the shows

[@mro4ts457]

As an adult, I’d take the old Treasure Island over the new “TI” any day. No idea why anybody stays there these days…

[@kentmac8925]

So glad they changed it into a CVS

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

What an upgrade

[@ATLien712]

Crazy I was 6 when I went to Vegas, stayed at Circus Circus, and saw this show back in the summer of '95

[@bradleyh7582]

Im so glad that I was able to experience all of the great shows in vegas

[@kalipassion04]

I use to love the Treasure Island show even all the adults in our family loved it.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Me too

[@TankCop]

Oh memories. I remember seeing this show in full when I was just in my middle teens. Great fun. 😌

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Yep !

[@MattWilsonVegasFan]

Thank you for making this and crediting my video of it from ‘93! I really loved seeing the pirate show. It was so well done and brought so many people there. Sad to see it no longer runs. They put so much money and effort into it. A lot less people in front of Treasure Island these days. Thanks again!

[@williamspendlove]

I bore my wife with tales of the pirate battles every time we're in town, it never grows old!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Haha she missed out!

[@scottleicht2258]

Vegas had so much more family friendly experiences in 90s early 2000s I can't wait for it all! Amazing videos!!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

So much good stuff!!

[@DisneyMarkUK]

I had no idea the show had been cancelled although I recently saw a Vegas vlog by Wonderhussy showing that the lake was drained and it was in a bit of a state. Thanks yet again for another fabulous video 👏🏻

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you as always Mark!

[@mattchtx]

I love watching videos like these. Growing up in Las Vegas, the pirate show at Treasure Island and the volcano, secret garden, and dolphin show at the Mirage were places I went to for elementary school field trips. We got behind the scenes tours to all of these attractions-as field trips. Even the field trips to the Jet Puff marshmallow factory and Ethel M’s chocolate factory couldn’t beat that.

[@TheLovelyMudkip]

WOW! the memories this invoked. My parents took my sister and I as toddlers to Vegas in the early 2000's and I don't remember much but this show stood out to me. The heat from the pyrotechnics, the awe of the ship sinking What I would give to see it in person again

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Me toooo

[@claytonslavens2074]

There was a "Battle Bar" behind the British ship that guests of the hotel could sit and watch the show. You literally were in the show. The British Captain would also be on the bridge of the ship when they "raised / reset" it. I must have seen that show 6 times the few days we stayed there. Also Black Dog, the evil pirate captain was played by J. G. Hertzler, also know for Star Trek DS9 Klingon General Martok.

[@Been.Here.Since.2007]

Interesting fact.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

The 90s and early 2000s really were a golden age for themed entertainment, huh?

[@RichJordan3]

I'm so glad you did this. We went to Vegas in 94 at the height of the family thing and we waited all night to see this show. 12 year old me just thought it was awesome. Really cool to relive it, great video

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you so much!

[@bw81]

Thank you so much for doing an amazing video on this!!!! I remember going to Vegas as a kid in the mid 90’s and thinking the Pirate show was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. Then I remember going to Vegas again as an adult in the mid 2000’s and thinking “I can’t wait to see the Pirate Show agai…. What the F is going on?!”

[@emacias1473]

Omg me and my husband found it hilarious when you played the clip of those horrible dancers they legit remind me a high school talent show when a few girls from the dance company team decide to do a choreographed dance who in their right mind approved this show over the pirates 🤣

[@MasterM0K]

Well, it was choreographed by a Kenny Ortega, who then afterward produced High School Musical lol

[@christophernagy1711]

Bravo on another great video. I was familiar with the show but never knew the story of the show. Regarding that promotional movie, I thought I could recall the voice of one of those pirates and, after some research, sure enough it was J.G. Hertzler. He played the Klingon General Martok in Star Trek: DS9. He's one of the masters behind a voice of characters that can be imposing as well as charming at the same time.

[@Precariousplatypus23]

I loved this show as a kid. I was obsessed with pirates and adored the show. I remember when they changed it and my mom panicked and had to tear us away realizing the show was no longer kid friendly haha. Thank you for the video. Brought back many wonderful memories.

[@StingrayX]

We always went to Treasure Island when we stayed there as kids. The pirate show was awesome and they had a sick arcade.

[@annalisahartmann5661]

I remember in the mid-90s a friend of mine went to Vegas with her parents (being pulled in by the whole "family friendly Vegas" thing) and couldn't stop telling me how cool the pirate show was. Unfortunately I didn't get to Vegas until a few years ago, so I missed out on the show. Definitely was disappointing to just see the ships just sitting out.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Ahh that is a shame!

[@theblackqueen525]

Was so psyched to see that you covered this. As a child I loved that movie and as a Vegas loving adult I can't wait to see what you cover next!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you so much!!!

[@theefabulousfaith]

We used to go see that show at least once a year because every time friends and family would come into town. It was on there number one thing to do. I remember that the first time watching it when it changed and I had to pick my grandma’s jaw up off the floor, not gonna lie even for me as a child who had seen it a bunch of times I was so disappointed. Family fun entertainment is so underrated.

[@cancel.lgbtq.6892]

I've been in Vegas since 1993. My parents took me to see the pirates show on opening night and it was so freaking awesome as a kid. I miss the old Vegas when casinos actually have some kind of theme to them and not just some rectangle buildings like what we have today.

[@jackfan1274]

This was my favorite thing in the world. Everytime we would go to Vegas, every night we were out, I had to watch this show. Sometimes multiple times a night. Makes sense it had kids in mind

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

It really was so good

[@ClefCrescendo]

I used to work in the Bellagio. I’ve been down to the basement levels. There was no Pirate treasure. Very sad.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

What a shame!

[@flyingcat812]

There was pirate treasure, but Danny Ocean and his crew stole it

[@Been.Here.Since.2007]

@@flyingcat812 🤣👍

[@erikastokely5214]

I worked at Mirage when they closed the Sirens of TI and I remember the cast members going on their yearly Christmas break and being told halfway through their break the show wasn’t coming back. It was devastating to a lot of them, like…merry Christmas, you’re fired. But all of TI went through a shake up when Phil Ruffin bought it

[@eddienhp]

I love that extinct Pirate Show! It was such a great experience using your imagination to find the treasure! I also love how they made a TV Movie about the Buccaneer Bay! That was my favorite!

[@princesskristan]

I think it's so interesting how Vegas tries/tried to be "family friendly" never stayed at Treasure Island but this looked cool. Also YAY LANCE IS BACK

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Always!

[@JustinCoasters]

@@ExpeditionThemePark But he snuck in before you could say anything about it.

[@03stmlax]

"kids, we're going to Vegas this year for our family vacation! Yeah, we're staying at Treasure Island! So every night you kiddos can stay busy watching swashbuckling pirate shows, while your lovely mother and I gamble away your college funds and f*ck--i mean swashbuckle each other's privates--i mean pirates back in our hotel room! This will be such good fun!"

[@princesskristan]

@@03stmlax lmaoo

[@loserface516]

I wish I would have appreciated this show more when I saw it as a kid, but I am glad I got to see the original version a couple times! Also, I had no idea about the “lore” set up with the movie, so that’s amazing.

[@Altoclefkitty]

As a Vegas transplant, these videos are super educational. And thank you for including the Lance Burton clip.....Every. Time.

[@modelworksajt1301]

I worked on the model for Treasure Island for Joel Bergman. It was such an amazing time back then!

[@michaeltaylor1603]

My question was (IS) Why did you not charge people to see this? It was truly a technical marvel to pull off along with stunts persons & pyro. Was surely not done on the "cheap" Great video of something I never got to experience.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you!

[@AshleyDCHS2011]

How do you really charge people to watch something that is right outside the front of the casino, right off the street?

[@michaeltaylor1603]

@@AshleyDCHS2011 Same way the rest of Vegas gets it out of the gamblers...turn em' upside down & shake it out of them. LOL! No, seriously I think I saw the newer show from the street during my 2009 visit.

[@14funnybunny1]

They should have put the bay in the back of the hotel then charge people off the street and hotel add on.

[@ddd228]

@@14funnybunny1 Correct. Steve regretted the placement. The Mirage was similar.

[@FoxInferno13]

It's funny, I've never been to Vegas. It wasn't something my parents were into (and even if they were we couldn't afford it full stop 🤣🤣🤣) but these episodes are always my favorite.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

That means a lot! I try and make them Interesting to people who have not been also

[@rx7dude2006]

I miss that show so much!It was so fun and never got old.

[@Been.Here.Since.2007]

The Grateful Dead shows at Sam Boyd were amazing times, and the strip in the early 90's was incredible!