*This post has been sponsored by Cavalia. We received 2 Rendez-Vous VIP tickets complimentary in exchange for a review. As always, opinions are 100% our own and we only recommend things we love ourselves*
If you’re looking for an unforgettable family experience, and catching a show unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, a VIP experience at the Odysseo by Cavalia show is an absolute must!
Mesmerizing, breathtaking, enchanting – just a few ways to describe the state of being this phenomenal, immersive show takes you to.
Odysseo is a theatrical experience, an ode to horse and man, that marries the equestrian arts, awe-inspiring acrobatics and high-tech theatrical effects
As one of the largest touring show’s in the world, Odysseo is in such huge demand on it’s current stop in the GTA in Mississauga the production team has extended it’s schedule by another week until July 23rd. If you’re thinking of going, do not hesitate, and here’s why you should consider going VIP with your family:
1) The VIP Treatment
Our passes included the show’s Rendez-Vous VIP experience. As soon as we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by Odysseo staff, handed our VIP passes, and escorted to the Rendez-Vous VIP lounge and patio. Access to the lounge is granted 90 minutes before the show, during a 30-minute intermission as well as after the show. Other benefits include:
- Center-row seats
- A pre-show buffet meal
- Open bar of refreshments, including pop, juice, water & a selection of alcoholic beverages
- A dessert buffet, coffee & tea during intermission
- Exclusive backstage & stable visit post-show
- An Odysseo souvenir
The lounge is very family-friendly. It was a busy night, but we found there to be lots of seating options. Our son loved the “Kids Corner” buffet with mini burger, hot dog and pizza options. The adult buffet was lovely, and included many options such as kale salad, seafood, a lentil dish, and Israeli couscous. Right before show time, grab a bag of popcorn and a drink of choice, as you’re allowed food and beverages (in plastic only) in the theatre.
For those of you with a sweet tooth, the dessert buffet during Intermission doesn’t disappoint either! So many options, including a nice fruit variety for those counting calories 😊
We found all the staff in the lounge to be super attentive and friendly, and really made the experience even more special.
After the show, we had a tour backstage and got to stand on the hill rising three-stories tall the horses and performers rode up during the show. We learned some 10,000 tons of rock, earth and locally sourced sand are trucked in to create the performance space spanning 1,625 square meters. So incredible to see this behind the scenes set up and learn about the show’s construction. It apparently takes 14 days to set up the entire Odysseo village under five tents, including the White Big Top rising 38 meters high, and 4 days to tear down. It can take up to 120 vehicles to transport the entire production from each touring location!
The Rendez-Vous VIP package also includes photo opportunities with the artists, and we got to take selfies with one of the main horses and performers in the show’s warm up tent.
We then got up-close and personal with the other 4-legged stars of the show in the stables, which is also included in the Rendez-Vous VIP experience. Odysseo features 65 horses of 12 different breeds from Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, the US and Canada. We learned about how the horses are cared for while touring, while on location and after the shows. Every show is created around the horses’ personalities and adapted to what the capabilities of the animals are each night. The love and care shown to the horses is heart-warming. They are pampered every day with showers, grooming, massages to relieve tension and taken on outings outdoors to enjoy sunshine and be free. We got to see star Omario being treated to his post-show pampering of being brushed and his mane braided before he’s left to rest and recuperate overnight.
The VIP experience added a touch of magic to an already incredibly entertaining and unforgettable evening.
2) The Show
You’ve probably heard a ton of rave reviews about Odysseo like I have, and now I completely understand why they call it “the most extraordinary show in the world”. It truly is a one of a kind show and experience you must see to believe.
From the harmonious choreography between horse and man, to the heart-stopping stunts, to the artistic brilliance of each scene paired with unbelievable visual effects, the show captivates your attention from start to finish and is truly spectacular!
There are 50 artists from around the world in the show, including riders, acrobats, aerialists, dancers and musicians. Every detail of the show is well thought out and awe-inspiring, including the 350 costumes and 100 pairs of boots worn in the show. We learned some performers have up to 7 wardrobe changes, and may have no more than 30 seconds to do change between numbers!
Without spoiling the surprises of the show, the stage features a real carousel and a magically appearing 40,000-gallon lake in front of a stunning video backdrop the size of three of the largest cinema screens. At times you will feel like you’re in a dream.
Our son’s favourite scenes were the high-intensity ones like Fete du Village, Nomades, and La Grand Aventure. Mine were Les Fees, Carosello, Tempete and Les Anges. Just WOW! Many of the scenes involve interaction with the audience which we really enjoyed.
There were spectators of all ages at our show, and many parents of little ones commented how entranced their kids were during the entire performance. It is definitely a show the entire family will enjoy. Since we only had two passes, I had to flip a coin on which child could attend with me, but we’d definitely go back as an entire family now that I see how family-friendly the entire experience is (including lots of washrooms and a place to store your strollers within the theatre).
The only suggestions I’d have for a more inclusive family experience would be:
1) Affordability – the show is one of a kind, and the VIP experience is priced at premium. We know the cost may be way out of reach for many families. They do have a Family Package which will save you close to $50 as a family of 4, and have more affordable options in the green and blue seating sections. If your heart is set on VIP (rightfully so), they are offering our readers 15% off using code “SOCIAL” at cavalia.com/live.
2) Allergies – if you’re considering the Rendez-Vous VIP package which includes a buffet meal prior to the show, there are nut free & seafood free options, however we were informed by a booking supervisor that a 100% guarantee of it being cross-contamination safe cannot be provided.
There’s just over a few weeks to catch this show on in Mississauga, ON until July 23rd. Shows were just recently added due to high demand. Use code “SOCIAL” to get 15% off at cavalia.com/live. It is truly a one of a kind experience your whole family will enjoy and VIP is absolutely the way to go!
[…] VIP experience at Odysseo by Cavalia was another unforgettable time. I’ve been wanting to see this production for a few years now, […]