The best-kept entertainment secret at Disney Springs is a spellbinding Cirque du Soleil show, and kids get in free this summer.
Now through Labor Day, families can score a free child’s ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket for Thursday performances to Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney. The circus arts show combines daring acrobatics, high-energy choreography, live musical performances and Disney animation to tell a touching story about a father and daughter.
Our family of five took advantage of the summer deal and loved every minute. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Disney Springs. Here’s everything families should know before they go.
A Little Disney Magic You’ll Only Find at Disney Springs
Since its debut in November 2021, Drawn to Life has reimagined Cirque du Soleil’s long-running presence at Disney Springs, taking over from the beloved La Nouba, which ran for 19 years. Housed inside a custom-built theater on the West Side of Disney Springs, Drawn to Life is the first-ever collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering.
The venue itself is impressive; designed to resemble an enormous circus tent, the permanent theater features more than 1,600 plush stadium-style seats arranged in a semicircle around the stage, ensuring excellent sightlines from every seat in the house.
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What to Expect at Cirque du Soleil Disney Springs
Inspired by Disney’s rich history of animated films and the art of hand-drawn animation, Drawn to Life blends awe-inspiring circus arts with heartfelt storytelling.
The show’s storyline follows a young girl named Julie, who embarks on a creative journey after finding an incomplete drawing by her late father, a Disney animator. Along the way, she encounters a host of whimsical characters, including the cheerful Mr. Pencil, the gentle Mainamie (a comforting white glove), the mischievous Miss Hésitation and the Doubtovskis (who represent doubt and discarded ideas) and The Animators, inspired by Disney legends like artist Mary Blair.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before showtime to catch the pre-show, which features an interactive art activity onstage that children can participate in.
Why ‘Drawn to Life’ Is a Treat for the Whole Family
A perfect blend of Disney charm and Cirque du Soleil spectacle, Drawn to Life combines the intricate artistry and heart that both companies are known for.
In one section of the performance, we watched in wonder as two pairs of acrobats dressed as forest animals “juggled” their partners using only their feet, while in another, aerial hoop artists soared through the air as fairies in glittering gowns glided across the stage beneath them.
My kids (ages 8, 5 and 5) loved the show. Our whole family particularly enjoyed a gravity-defying aerial pas de deux between Julie’s parents, complete with large-scale projections of dance scenes from iconic Disney films.
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When to Go, Where to Sit and How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Performances of Drawn to Life take place Wednesday through Saturday at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.
On Thursdays through Labor Day, families can receive a free child’s ticket with each qualifying adult ticket. Tickets are available online or at the Disney Springs box office (mention the “kids free” promotion).
There isn’t a bad seat in the house; since the theater’s semicircle design creates an intimate space, any seat is a good one. Center orchestra seats provide a clear view of performers’ expressions, while upper-level seats provide a wonderful vantage point for aerial acts. We chose middle-section seats for the perfect balance.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The show is 90 minutes with no intermission; be sure to take any restroom or concession breaks before the performance.
The Best Places to Grab a Bite Before or After the Show
One of the perks of catching a show at Disney Springs is the abundance of walkable dining options. Directly across from the venue, House of Blues Orlando serves up Southern-inspired classics in a lively setting, while City Works Eatery and Pour House offers pub fare and an impressive beer list.
On our visit, we walked 10 minutes to our favorite waterfront seafood spot in Disney Springs: Paddlefish, located on a reimagined steamboat. The kids dined on shrimp linguine while I savored a flavorful salmon Caesar salad, and we all shared a decadent hot fudge brownie sundae for dessert.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Orlando’s summer skies are notoriously unpredictable. Pack an umbrella or lightweight poncho in case of a sudden downpour (we learned this the hard way after getting caught in a storm post-show).
Why This Just Might Be Disney Springs’ Best-Kept Secret
Since Cirque du Soleil’s debut in Montreal in the 1980s, the company has redefined live performance with a distinctive fusion of acrobatics, theater and live music.
At Disney Springs, Cirque du Soleil has been a popular presence since 1998, but Drawn to Life elevates the experience with its family-centered storytelling and unmistakable Disney magic. It’s a wonderful way to spend a non-park day, and a rare opportunity for Disney fans to see a Cirque du Soleil show created just for them. Don’t be surprised if Drawn to Life becomes a new family tradition on future trips to
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