Cirque du Soleil is a world-renowned proprietor of fantastical circus acts and they host a large-scale show at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs. “Drawn to Life” is a 90 minute spectacle by Disney and Cirque du Soleil, drawing from both of their strengths to create a show of death defying stunts and emotional story. And now you can see that show for 20% off while enjoying an evening of Christmas activities.
I was first able to witness “Drawn to Life” during its debut in 2021. I said then, and I still believe now, that “Drawn to Life” is a perfect matchmaking between Cirque du Soleil’s wild storytelling and stunts and Disney’s technological know-how and emotional character. It is a simply wonderful show with true heart and a strong hitting finale. While the show has received some story and act modifications over the past few years it has not lost its heart and passion.
Disney Springs, Orlando’s top shopping, dining and entertainment district
And now you too can witness “Drawn to Life” at Disney Springs and even at a discount. This is part of the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll, a free activity around Disney Springs. Disney Springs is a free to visit, free to park at, shopping, dining and entertainment district. When it comes to Orlando, this destination has some of the best restaurants, the most free entertainment, seasonal decorations, complimentary lifestyle classes and so much more.
As part of the Christmas Tree Stroll, Cirque du Soleil’s “Drawn to Life” has decided to add some Christmas gift savings to the offerings. You can utilize the Christmas Tree Stroll booklets (a free walk around activity at Disney Springs) or head to the limited-time Cirque du Soleil discount website and receive 20% off of select showtimes. This isn’t just for Christmas, this also works through March.
What seats are best for Cirque du Soleil “Drawn to Life”
You may be surprised to hear this, but I don’t suggest sitting as close as possible to the stage. In fact, sitting farther away from the stage gives some advantages. Not only are these seats more affordable, but they help sell the optical illusions, they give you a better overview of the stage and you make sure all of the action isn’t missed.
I have been able to witness “Drawn to Life” on three occasions now, each from a different viewpoint. While I don’t want to discourage anyone from sitting up close, I can say that I really enjoyed the top-down style view from higher up seats. The front rows give you a bit more of the raw action. You can really see the strength and coordination needed for these performers to hit their marks.
But, from the higher-up, stadium style seats you can watch certain effects play out a bit better. Take for example the Aerial Pencil act, which combines feats of strength and uses some technological magic. While anyone in the theater can witness the act, some of the projection effects could be missed by those sitting front-and-center. And visual effects such as these help teach the animation techniques that the story is built on.
Again, I want to emphasize that I don’t think that this show has bad seats. But as a person fascinated by all aspects of the production, I loved being able to have that birds-eye view on what it took to build the show.
Discounted ‘Drawn to Life’ tickets and ways to maximize your night at Disney Springs
Guests visiting Cirque du Soleil “Drawn to Life” can expect the show to last 90 minutes. But when you combine arriving, pre-show time, getting snacks and the performance, the actual event takes closer to two or two-and-a-half hours. For those that want a pre-show event, or those that want an after performance offering, there are plenty of options in the nearby area.
As previously mentioned, you can get discount “Drawn to Life” tickets in person or on the Cirque du Soleil website. But the Christmas Tree Stroll is not a one-and-done stop. The point of the stroll is to stroll. From snack stops to shopping, full meals or a spot to grab a cocktail, you can continue the holiday festivities until your feet hurt (and if they do, Disney Springs also has spots for footwear).
I recommend a pre-show experience, allowing “Drawn to Life” to be your finale, especially if you pick the later showtimes. You can start with dining at award winning locations like Wine Bar George, Morimoto’s, The Boathouse, The Edison or Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’. You can continue with shopping, either for something Disney related at the world’s largest Disney Store or maybe for something niche, like 3D paper card creations at Lovepop. And then, just roam. Between the districts, there is a lot to discover and for the Christmas season it is extra magical.
