Recommended Ages: EVERYBODY Event Date: July 16 - 27, Times Vary Location: Reliant Park Cost: $8 Parking $16-$145 Enterance
2008 COMMENTARY: This years theme is BELLOBRATION. Bello is the main clown character and is in several of the acts. Mostly, Bello is all about having fun and being silly. Although most of the acts are pretty predictable, for younger kids who have never been to the circus, they will be entertained by the dancing animals and stunts performed.
The animals appear to be in great care, contrary to Internet reports that depict abuse. The dog show was adorable and the act where the clown and his love interest climb tall, swaying polls was very exciting. The atmosphere was very clean from the gates and into the seating area. No longer the under-the-tent experience of the old time carnival circus, Barnum & Bailey utilized Reliant Stadium to its fullest. You could not turn the corner without having the opportunity to buy a souvenir or something to eat. Hopefully your children know they can’t have everything as the prices were outrageously high. A program book, snow cone, and cotton candy cost $34.00. (Snow cone in a souvenir cup and cotton candy with a souvenir clown hat) Tickets were reasonably priced, however, plan on spending at least another $30 - 50 per person for the full experience.
Tips for a better experience:
As advertised, 90 minutes before the show, attendees can go behind the curtain to see the animals. Make sure you get there early enough since they close this down thirty minutes before the show starts.
Get to your seats a little early so you don’t miss the beginning. Staff did not seem to be too picky about sitting in the right seat, so feel free to move around once the show starts if your kids can not see around the people infront of them.
There is an intermission, but don’t go far as the second half is the best part of the show. I suggest staying in your seats since there will be plenty of people coming to you with refreshments and souvenirs and you won’t miss a thing.
