Where are the pickup locations?

Pickup is at Rhythm City Casino and Resort in Davenport and Coralville Wal-Mart; check your confirmation for exact times and parking instructions.

How long is the show and is there an intermission?

Wicked runs about 2 hours and 45 minutes including a 15-minute intermission; lobby opens 60 minutes prior and seating begins 30 minutes prior to curtain.

Are children allowed?

Children under 8 are not permitted for this production; the performance contains fog/haze and smoke which can be an issue for young children.

What if the trip is canceled?

Trips require a 30-ticket minimum; if the trip doesn't go you will be notified at least one week prior and receive credit toward a future trip.

Can I bring food and drinks on the bus?

Yes — snacks and small coolers are welcome and must fit within your seating area; large coolers can be stored under the bus and accessed at stops.

Are there accessibility accommodations?

The trip involves walking and stairs at the venue; contact Midwest Bus Trips or Des Moines Performing Arts for specific accessibility needs before booking.

day-trip-to-wicked-in-des-moines-motorcoach-theater-shuttle-from-quad-cities | Theater | Attraction

Board a deluxe motor coach with Midwest Bus Trips and spend a day in downtown Des Moines to see Wicked, the Broadway phenomenon, at the Des Moines Performing Arts Center (221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA). This full-day outing pairs comfortable travel from the Quad Cities and Coralville with an evening of spectacle — the untold story of Oz’s witches — performed in a prominent Midwestern arts venue.

Your day begins at established pickup points: Rhythm City Casino and Resort in Davenport and Coralville Wal-Mart, with arrival at the Performing Arts Center around midday. The venue’s marquee and lobby set the stage for a pre-show dinner — restaurants line the block within a short walk. The production runs approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission; note this staging uses fog, haze, and smoke and requires guests be eight years or older.

On the road, the bus is designed for relaxed travel: high-back reclining seats, onboard restroom, flat-screen monitors, individual climate controls and reading lights, outlets at each seat, overhead storage and under-floor luggage/cooler space. The operator offers two package styles: a full package that includes show ticket and transportation, and a ride-only option for travelers who prefer to source their own seats. Digital or hard tickets are distributed per Midwest Bus Trips' ticketing procedures; transfers incur a $15 fee.

Practical details matter: arrive at least 15 minutes before departure for check-in; the bus will leave approximately 45 minutes after the show ends. Trips must meet a 30-ticket minimum to proceed; if canceled, purchasers receive credit; otherwise sales are final. Groups of four are often seated together, larger parties may be split based on availability.

Why this trip stands out: it removes the logistics friction of driving, parking and long-distance navigation so you can focus on the performance and the city. Des Moines’ central theater experience is compact — theater, dining and downtown amenities are steps apart — making this a tidy cultural day trip for families and theatergoers across eastern Iowa.

Bring snacks or a small cooler (fits under the bus or at your seat), a charged phone for digital tickets, and a layer for theater climate. Expect a mix of urban street scenes outside 221 Walnut St and the dramatic spectacle inside the performance hall. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Wicked or making a first trip to Des Moines, this motor coach outing makes the show accessible, social and simple.

Midwest Bus Trips' onboard staff manage boarding and ticket distribution, and local hosts can point you toward quick dinner options or a coffee before curtain. If you value hassle-free cultural travel and a compact downtown theater night, this organized shuttle to Wicked turns a long drive into a relaxed, memorable outing for everyone.