For those who have seen the show recently in Orlando, would it be appropriate for a reasonably well-behaved 4-year old? I'm considering the 6PM show, as this seems the more logical choice for kids. I've checked some online forums, but can't really find an answer. I don't believe in taking kids to events they can't understand or enjoy (or be scared by), especially if they are likely to be disruptive and bother others.

BTW, I wouldn't ordinarily consider this, but the tickets are complimentary with a conference I'm attending. It's a great opportunity, but only if it's appropriate. I've never seen one of these myself, so I'm not sure what it will be like (very quiet, loud, in-between?).

Thanks to anyone who can share their experiences.

it's too much for a 4 year old, no matter how well behaved.

can you hire a babysitter?

I don't want to leave her with a sitter, as this will be her first big trip away from home, and her first plane ride too. If the show is too intense, we'll just pass on it this time and do some other things. We're staying at the Grand Floridian, so keeping busy shouldn't be a problem. Maybe we'll do the character dinner instead and get to bed early so we can hit Magic Kingdom first thing in the AM. Thanks!

I have a 6 year old nephew who didn't like the Cirque. In fact, his crying kept my brother away from his seat for 30 minutes! It can be loud and has some special effects.

I'd wait, even though you as adults would LOVE it.

Here's another option: Why not go and see what happens? I've seen 3 of the Cirque's productions and honestly can't imagine whether my very young grandchildren would enjoy them. But in my opinion, they're so fabulous (as Dan says) it'd be worth a try. Hey, the tickets are free! Go, see what happens, and be prepared to leave if your child is unhappy.

My library has videotapes of some of Cirque's performances. Check to see if yours does; you'll get an idea of what to expect. As a parent, I do think it is too much for a fopur year old, but I'm sure that varies from child to child.

My wife was ill, so I took my 2 year old, and we had ringside seats. She enjoyed it a lot. Take him.

I took my nephew when he was about your child's age and he loved it - in fact wants to go again. I say go for it.

I took my kids to a Cirque de Soleil performance here in San Francisco when the youngest was 5 and they really liked it. I think the video preview and going with the idea of bailing if necessary are good ones.

Agree with those that say go and see what happens. It is very hard to know how your child will react. There is nothing "off color"--it is just so artistic.

I think it definitely depends on the child. I've been to 1 show and there were kids there who did just fine, but the majority of the audience were adults or older kids. The seats were very close together and once you are in, you are in - very difficult to get back out if the kid throws a fit or gets upset. Basically everyone in the row had to stand up for anyone to get by.

I'm . . . well, a tad bit older than 4, and I was bored. But that's me. Plus, it gave me a headache.

Generally not appropriate, but may work for you. If you have doubts, there's so much for children in MCO, why not go somewhere the child will enjoy for sure?

JennyV, if the tickets are complimentary you can just leave at the intermission if the show is too long for a 4-year-old. At this age she is able to tell if she wants to stay for more or want to go elsewhere.

Thanks everyone for the tips and advice. I've talked to a few more people today, and several have indicated that in Orlando lots more younger children tend to be at these shows than in other parts of the country (surprise!). I think I'm going to go for it and see what happens, and "escape" at the first sign of trouble. Wish me luck!

Jenny

Hope you get to enjoy the whole show! Try for an aisle seat so you can leave quietly and quickly if the show is too much for your child.