Texas Renaissance Festival — Attraction in Todd Mission

Just not for me apparently. Cost our family of 5 over $200 just to get in the door over the weekend (with 2 kids free on Sunday). Getting in on Saturday was an over 2 hour wait in traffic. Parked far (did not pay for valet or preferred parking). The whole festival was incredibly crowded both Saturday and Sunday. Some lines for food/drink were a little long, but not terrible. Going inside shops was overwhelming though due to crowds. Unsurprisingly, food/drinks were astronomically priced. A large frozen drink (nonalcoholic) was $20 and then they want a tip on top. Everything is a money grab. Shows want tips, people in photo op costumes lure kids in for a photo and expect the parents to cough up a tip. The whole faire is mostly vendors. So much stuff for sale. Some things are cool, but everything is just SOOOO expensive. Fairy wings: $350, cape:$400, silver necklace: $850. Who buys this stuff?! The smaller cheaper items are not handmade and I even saw the corset I bought off Temu for $12 for sale for $85 there. Elephant rides $20 a person. I have 3 kids so that was a no. All the rides cost $5-$10 a person. Shows were just mildly entertaining. The place is huge with constant walking just because there are sooo many vendors, but much of the items are similar/the same. I’m an introvert and I just found the whole experience draining, overpriced, and just not fun. Dressing up was fun and so was some of the people watching, but not worth the $400+ we “frugally” spent for...

Large place with many shows, places to eat, shops to tour, rides for children, and other activities. Be prepared to do a lot of walking and being in large crowds, and bring shoes you don't mind getting some mud-and-dirt on. Even on a dry day, there will be muddy patches in the paths. Why I give this place only three stars is my disappointment in the experience of the performances and the atmosphere. Based on what I saw, I cannot consider this place a child or family-friendly place to visit any longer as, similar to being in the city today, there were many people that attended the festival dressed in scandalizing attire not appropriate for children to be seeing. Some of the performers' behavior on-stage in front of families were quite sexual and borderline inappropriate. I shouldn't have had to be covering my eyes or looking another direction from indecently-dressed people walking around the festival area or performing on-stage. I also did not find it right for there to be a clothing-optional show in a carnival area where there are many children around. I visited this place hoping to find a more classical setting, Renaissance-style, geared towards the theme in a more decent, modest manner as the Renaissance would've been and what would be found similar to the storybooks and movies from my childhood. I did not find this there. If decency is brought back to this place, then maybe I would consider going back with a group of friends/colleagues as I...

The experience was pleasant for the first time attending. The food was good but of course overpriced because they can. I was charged for an item I didn’t purchase. The total came to $38 and all prices already included tax. I ordered a large strawberry lemonade for $8, a Monty wrap $14, chili cheese fries $6 and a regular lemonade $6. That does not equal $38. Everyone on the grounds including the public and staff was friendly and upbeat. The activities were all extra so you will need cash on hand. The food vendors allow card or tap but the activities are cash only. They do have ATMs located everywhere but be prepared to pay a bank fee if you use it. I did bring some cash but not enough so I had to use the ATM which charged me a $5.95 fee. The performances were good. It is a large area to cover so arrive and take your time and expect to stay a minimum of 2 hours. We stayed for 5 hours. It was fun to see everyone in their attire. There are plenty of vendors to purchase all kinds of items from mid-evil clothing, furs, crystals, sword, knives, jewelry and a ton of handmade items that were very interesting. Be prepared to get your feet dirty. It’s very dusty with gravel, small rocks and dirt. You will do a lot of walking. Not sure why they are still giving out 49th anniversary cups when purchasing a strawberry lemonade when it was the 50th anniversary. Kids get in free on Sundays so no ticket is required . Overall it was a good experience for...