WHERE AND WHEN DO WE MEET THE BIG TOP TOUR COACH?
Please come directly to the parking lot in front of the John and Mable Ringling Museums at 5401 Bayshore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243. Across from the Sarasota/Bradenton Airport, the Ringling Museum parking lot is also adjacent to the Asolo Theater, near the intersection of North Tamiami Trail and University Blvd. Look for our Big Top Tour Coach which will be in the parking lot: you can't miss it! Parking is free. Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to departure time.

WHEN ARE TOURS OFFERED?
For our 2012 winter season, tours are offered Monday through Friday mornings at 10AM, between January 4th and April 27th… as long as advance reservations have been made. Tours will be offered at other times to accommodate the requests of groups.

WHY IS IT REQUIRED THAT WE MAKE ADVANCE RESERVATIONS?
There are 12 seats and one wheelchair location aboard the Coach; by reserving and paying in advance, you are assured of a seat. If no advance reservations have been made 24-hours prior to a tour, then we will not operate the tour on that day.

HOW DO WE MAKE RESERVATIONS?
You can reserve your seats on-line 24-hours-a-day, using the link, below; or call 1-800-895-0071 to make phone reservations between 12 Noon and 6PM Eastern Time. Charge the cost of the tour to your Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover card. If you come to the bus without a reservation, we will gladly welcome you aboard if seats are available. (Aboard the bus we will accept cash or checks, but not credit or debit cards.) There is a $3.00 handling charge per order for on-line and phone reservations. (Note: That is $3.00 per order and not per person.) To make reservations, or for questions and more information, please call 1-800-895-0071. All guests, regardless of age, must have a paid reservation.

IS THERE A DEADLINE FOR MAKING RESERVATIONS?
Reservations for our daily tour must be made no later than 24 hours prior to your tour. Reservations for Monday tours should be made by 6PM on the preceding Friday.

WHY ARE MY PHONE RESERVATIONS TAKEN BY SOMEONE IN GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN?
Quite simply: customer service. Ticket Star is a professional box office company that offers personal, courteous customer service on the phone, Monday through Friday (12 noon-6PM Eastern Time) and 24-hour internet access, 7-days-a –week for those who prefer making reservations on-line. Whether by phone or on-line, your reservations will be relayed to Sarasota Big Top Tours each day, and you’ll be greeted by the name of your party when you board the bus.

HOW LONG IS THE TOUR? ARE THERE ANY STOPS?
Our tours are approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Each tour will include at least one stop where restrooms are located. All tours will return to the origination site in front of the John and Mable Ringling Museums.

WHAT ABOUT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY?
We have a wheelchair lift and space for one wheelchair on the bus. Please let us know in advance if you require wheelchair accommodation.

IS THE TOUR FOR CIRCUS FANS ONLY?
Not at all… While circus fans will enjoy the tour, you don't have to be a circus fan. You don’t even need a sense of humor to enjoy a Big Top Tour, although it helps! Because the history of Sarasota is so closely entwined with the circus, our tour will let you see how this unique and colorful industry has contributed to the fabric of Sarasota which has been "home" to the circus "family" for over 8 decades. We will conduct each tour in a uniquely entertaining style, designed for "children of all ages": local residents and visitors, alike.

IS THE TOUR DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN?
The tour is based on the historic and cultural impact of the circus in Sarasota. Although the tour is entertaining, and the host is a professional circus performer… a clown… we tend to host many more adults than children.

CAN WE HAVE A PRIVATE TOUR FOR OUR GROUP?
Absolutely! We enjoy offering group excursions! Please see the section in our website entitled “Groups” or call 941-706-6965.