Big Apple vs Cole Bros. Circus?

We want to take our kids to the circus this Fall. Saw the ads for these two. Has anyone ever been to either? Which one is better?
Thanks!

 

We've only been to Big Apple and only the weekday morning (10:30 I think) performance. The girls loved it both of the last two years. Absolutely recommend it for preschoolers.

 

We took our boys (2nd graders at the time) last year as well and loved it. I grew up on the BIG circus (Ringling Bros) but Big Apple is my favorite now. The venue is great -- all the seats are close to the ring. Have never been to Cole Bros so cannot comment there.

 

Went to Cole Bros YEARS ago (Hint: They set up in the Wall Mart lot where Wegmann's is now). It was horrible! The critters were dirty & mangey, the actors looked like they hadn't slept in weeks and it was AMAZINGLY expensive.

 

It's been several years - maybe 15 - since I've been to either one, but I have been to both. Would go back to Big Apple again; would not go back to Cole Bros.

 

Considering how most of those venues treat their animals, you shouldnt give them your money, or support them in any way. The abuse and neglect that happens to those poor animals is horrible, and the exploitation is sickening.
If you want to see an amazing show, go see Cirque at Warner Theater. Animal free, and far more entertaining. Considering Ringling Bros is under investigation for animal abuse and neglect, I dont think it will take too long for others to fall under the same scrutiny, and its about damn time.

 

I'm not the activist type (Until you start messing with the Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts - then feel my wrath!) but I have to agree with you on this one. I've been to about four traditional circuses in my life and the only emotion I remember was a profound sadness. But, we digress!

I just wish Cirque was so expensive!!!!

 

We went to the Cole Bros. circus last year. We used coupons. I paid $12 and both my children (ages 3 & 6) got in free. They try to sell you alot of stuff. But if you can resist most of the come-ons, you'll spent less than $25.
Is it the greatest show on earth? No, but they have some fun acts (ie.. human cannonball, elephants, clowns) and it cost less than going to the movies.
We also went to the Big Apple Circus. We won free tickets, but they were priced at $40+ each. With a few treats, we would have spent well over $100. It was definitely nicer, cleaner and more upscale (things that parents care about). But my kids probably enjoyed both shows equally.

 

The Big Apple Circus acts are almost entirely human performers. We only saw two animal acts, one with dogs and one with horses. Though their website page with respect to animal care includes a picture of a camel (The National Zoo can't even keep a camel alive) http://theorganization.bigapplecircus.org/AnimalCare/.