Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey's Circus- Bellobration Review

Overall 2.33 of 5 view all 6 reviews

Jolie
Chicago, IL

Ringling's 'Bellobration' made my daughters day!

theater goer, interested in cultural experiences, mom of 2, parent of toddlers

Pros

Tigers, Animal tricks, Human tricks

Cons

sell so much crap, pretty long, Animal guilt

DEC

2007

My daughter recently turned 2. She loves live theater and animals so we decided to take the kids to the circus for her birthday. What a great idea! Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey's Circus- Bellobration was a hit with my kids! I give it 3.5 stars... better than average, but a little long and commercial for my taste.

What you can expect from Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey's Circus?
The circus really isnt how I remembered it as a kid. It is a lot less about the animals and more about the people tricks. The circus did have its usual staples like the trapeze, tigers in a cage (white tigers) as well as the elephants. They also had a human cannonball. (cool!) But, the show seemed to be more focused on the human tricks. There were tricks like hamster wheels, climbing super high poles, a mini-dog trick, tumbling, contortionists, etc. The full enchilada-- which is why you should plan to stay a couple of hours. (note: there is an intermission)

Are there downsides to the circus? A few.
The only major downsides was that it is pretty long (which is also a plus) and VERY loud. My son was a little freaked out (he is 3.5) by the darkness and loudness at the same time. He got over it pretty quickly.

Oh, and the food and crap they sell. There are soooo many noise makers and light up toys it is obnoxious. Each one sells for $20 and it is nearly impossible to NOT get one. Every kid is walking around with one! Also, at our venue (the United Center in Chicago), they did not serve normal drinks. You had the option of a snowcone in an elephant cup or another type of souvenir cup. It was messy and nearly impossible to eat with little ones.

Lastly, I should mention that the animal activist were outside passing out comic books about how the elephants were being mistreated. I get it. And, I definitely agree to some extent-- but I cant help but love the fact that my kids were marveled by the animals! It made my daughters day to see the elephants. I know it sounds terrible-- I need to read more about the alledged abuse. I am just not well versed!!!!!!!)

My Bottom Line
Overall, I have to say that Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey's Circus- Bellobration was a hit-- andhours of entertainment for my kids. My daughter suckered us into buying her a large white tiger stuffed animal (it was her bday, right?) and she has slept with it every night since. It is her "kitty". The circus really made her day. For that, it gets 3.5 stars!

P.S. on Pricing
The tickets seem cheap when ordering (especially if you have a coupon), but for a family of 4 plan to spend around $100 for "average" tickets even with the coupon. With taxes and Ticketmaster fees, it adds up. Oh, and bank on another $100 or so once you are there for both parking, drinks and all the clutter you get stuck buying!

P.P.S. Another huge plusis that you can now go 1 hour before the show to meet the circus people and see the animals. We didnt go since my daughter was sick that day, but I hear it is great.

Last edited on Dec 06, 2007

Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey's Circus- Bellobration is recommended by Jolie

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Comments about Jolie’s Review

I agree with you on two points:
-It actually *does* sound kind of terrible that you know, but refuse to stop supporting it,
-and you really *do* need to 'read more about it.'

I also believe that you'd find your child just as enthralled by the human performers/performances at Cirque de Soliel (and the several other human circuses), and they CHOOSE to be there. :(

wow, i love the ringling bros, that is expensive isnt. but was it at least worth it for your kids.

In response to Reviewer's comment from Dec 6, 2007 at 6:21PM:

If people knew the truth about these awful, terrible places -- they would never even think about going to a circus! People need to be informed about these terrible people and their practices.

This brought back memories! I still have the expensive clown cups that my three kids absolutely insisted we must have. I think it's time to toss them out!

In response to Reviewer's comment from Dec 6, 2007 at 6:21PM:

You raise a very valid point. The zoo is our absolute favorite place! We do a lot to support our local zoo... but I have to admit, I have a little guilt there too!!!!!!!

Circuses, and Ringling Brothers in particular abuse the animals. Please do not take children to such an event and have your hard earned money go into the pockets of people who would mistreat animals so badly.
If you want your daughter to see animals, please go to a zoo. At least there they try to give the captive animals a good life and do not force them to "perform" like circus animals.

In response to BayouBengal's comment from Dec 6, 2007 at 3:39PM:

Gee thanks. The irresistable crinkled nose! :)

Your daughter is beautiful, Jolie! Glad you all had a good time at the circus!

We took the kids often. Once they were picked to ride a train (or something) around the circus! Jo

In response to lbeckley's comment from Dec 5, 2007 at 6:21AM:

Chinese circus. Sounds cool!

In response to CrystaBush's comment from Dec 4, 2007 at 7:20PM:

Gee thanks. She looks like a little rabbit!

I use to love going to the circus. I agree that it is too commercialized, just like everything else we love and do. The last great one I saw was in Russia. I was not commercialized and the performances were top of the line. The talent was extraordinary. That was ten years ago. In 2006 we went to TN and saw a Chinese circus. It was pretty good.
Nice review. Beautiful daughter.

I just noticed your daughters picture in the review!

How cute is she??

I remember loving the circus when I was little...now, I'm one of those "anti-circus" people. :) With that being said, I would love for the circus to be all about the human tricks, etc....I would definitely go then and my kids woudn't feel circus "deprived"! lol

In response to sabrina's comment from Dec 4, 2007 at 4:50PM:

AHhhhh... good tip on buying the products outside of the theater. It was pouring rain the day we went so I was not really looking outside for anything. Good to know for next time!

I took my 22 month old niece to the circus and we both enjoyed the circus. My job sponsored so we went for free, and before the circus we were in a private suite that served us food and drinks for free. We had front row seats it was a blast. I have to agree about how expensive the toys were, but fyi---they sell the same toys on the next corner from the United Center at half price.