Day: January 19, 2015

David Caran joins us to share his experience at Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Present Circus Xtreme at the Amway Center.

Once again it was time for the Greatest Show on Earth to come back to the Amway Center.  I remember see Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus when I was a kid, and I always love reconnecting with that part of my childhood.  Although many elements remind me of the circuses I used to go to, this is was not the same. 

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey definitely brought it to a new level with their Circus Xtreme.  With updated technology and special effects they have taken many classic circus acts and reinvented them for the next generations.

It was hard to narrow down my favorite part, but it has to be the high flying acts.  The skill and precision needed to perform on a high wire or trapeze amazes me today every bit as much as they did when I was eight. 

It’s hard not to get excited going to the circus with the exotic animals, the crazy clowns, the amazing acrobats, and who doesn’t love someone getting shot out of a cannon.

The Circus Xtreme show runs about 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission, and the flow of the show is very good.  They do a great job of adding spectacle, great production value, and fun in-between acts which helps hold the interest of the younger viewers. 

And if all that fails, you can always get a snow cone or a variety of souvenirs that are sold outside.  I know that always takes care of my little one.

One piece of advice that I can give to parents is that there are often protestors outside the circus who are very vocal about their feeling of the circus.  They are generally peaceful, but carry signs depicting the abuse of animals and are very vocal about their protest of the circus.  It is something that you should be aware of in case you need to explain things to your children as you make your way to the venue.

Overall there is not a much more perfect family experience than going to the circus.  It’s exciting, it’s fun, and it’s always full of surprises.  Definitely check out the new Circus Xtreme from Ringling Brothers the next time the come through your town.  It will definitely be a great experience for young and old alike.