Skip to Content

All About Drawn to Life in Disney Springs

All About Drawn to Life in Disney Springs

What happens when Disney and Cirque du Soleil combine? Drawn to Life, a creative and heartfelt live show you can only see in Disney Springs.

Here’s what it’s like…

The Basics

This show was a collaboration over several years between Disney Animation and Cirque du Soleil, the popular Canadian-based contemporary circus group.

It was originally set to open in March 2020, but eventually opened in November 2021.

What is Drawn to Life about?

The previous Cirque du Soleil show (La Nouba) was beautiful, but the story was abstract.

That is not the case with Drawn to Life, which has a much easier to follow narrative attached to it.

And, because it is Disney, you can bet that what unfolds on the stage will tug at your heartstrings.

The story is about a little girl named Julie who discovers an unexpected gift left by her recently deceased Disney animator father: an unfinished animation. As she dives into the inner world of animation guided by a surprising pencil, Julie embarks on a quest filled with her childhood Disney memories.

The performers are unique to the show and not based on Disney characters. But, since the entire show is built around Disney memories and Disney animation, both classic and new Disney characters (including a brief appearance of Mirabel from Encanto) are being drawn and animated all around you as you watch the performances on the stage.

And, as the cherry on top to this beautiful show, the soundtrack is a woven collection of Disney favorites.

Drawn to Life Disney Springs Walt Disney World
Photo: Disney

If you haven’t ever seen Cirque du Soleil perform, it is important to note that like most of their other shows, there isn’t any dialogue. Instead, the entire story is told through a series of artistic and acrobatic feats that are incredible to watch.

Where is the show located?

Drawn to Life is shown in the Cirque du Soleil theater on the west side of Disney Springs at Walt Disney World.

Drawn to Life Disney Springs Walt Disney World Cirque theater

Guests can get there using Disney transportation, by driving, or by using a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber.

Disney buses will take you to the middle of Disney Springs, and then you can walk to the theater on the West Side.

Disney springs transportation map rideshare bus parking lots

Rideshare and driving will allow you to pull up in the parking lot right next to the theater. There is also Valet Parking available for $20 located directly next to the theater.

Drawn to Life Disney Springs Walt Disney World Lyft parking Cirque

When do shows take place?

Shows take place 5 days per week with no shows on Mondays or Tuesdays.

Times are at 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Since performances are in the evening, that means taking one evening away from everything else going on at Walt Disney World, but might be a good fit for a non-park day.

How long is the show?

Drawn to Life itself is about an hour and 15 minutes, but the pre-show is well worth it so plan for 90 minutes.

Are there any discounts?

Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members can sometimes get discounts on Cirque tickets.

Outside of that, members of Club Cirque are sometimes given offers. Join Club Cirque for free on the Cirque site.

Which tickets should you get?

There are 4 different tiers of tickets, but the good news is that we definitely don’t think you need the pricier tickets.

The theater is relatively small, many of the acts take places higher in the space, and center back is pretty ideal….and one of the least expensive ticket types.

Drawn to Life Disney Springs Walt Disney World seating chart best tickets

On the seating chart, the colors of the dots represent different pricing tiers:

  • Orange – least expensive
  • Blue – second to least expensive (we recommend this tier of ticket)
  • Pink – second most expensive
  • Yellow – most expensive

Ticket prices usually range from $85-185 and can be purchased on the Cirque site at https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/drawn-to-life.

Is there a dress code?

There isn’t officially a dress code for attending, though most guests do tend to dress up a little more than what you’d see in the theme parks.

Drawn to Life Disney Springs Walt Disney World

Who should see it?

Drawn to Life is a family-friendly show (not surprising since it’s at…Walt Disney World) that we loved and think anybody who is a fan of live theater or performances would enjoy.

Combining it with a nice dinner in Disney Springs would make for a great non-park evening during your trip.

What is the Drawn to Life Dining Package?

Note: The dining package is not always available. Check link below for availability.

Called “Animated Evening – Drawn to Life Prix Fixe Dining Offer,” Drawn to Life ticket holders can enjoy a special dinner before or after the Cirque du Soleil show.

You can chose from among 13 participating locations, which all offer a prix fixe menu created specifically for this dining offer. The price differs depending on the location.

The following cost $45 per person (tax and gratuity not included):

  • City Works Eatery & Pour House
  • Enzo’s Hideaway
  • House of Blues Restaurant & Bar
  • Jaleo by José Andrés
  • Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante
  • Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas
  • Planet Hollywood
  • Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
  • Splitsville Luxury Lanes
  • Terralina Crafted Italian

The following cost $65 per person (tax and gratuity not included):

  • The Edison
  • Paddlefish
  • Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill

You can browse all of the prix fixe menus online (scroll down).

When it comes to booking, you must first purchase tickets from Cirque du Soleil or call (877) 924-7783. You can then book dining reservations for Animated Evening by calling (407) 587-5981 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. EST daily.

All dining reservations must be scheduled 2.5 hours before or 2 hours after your ticketed showtime.

To receive the special prix fixe pricing, you must order from the “Animated Evening”menu. Those who have booked the prix fixe dining offer must request the “Animated Evening” menu upon check-in.

What happened to La Nouba?

La Nouba was the previous Cirque show that was shown in this same theater. Its last performance was on December 31, 2017.

The following products and services give us a commission on sales.

Get our free Quick Start Guide

Have our guide delivered right to your inbox with our 6-step Disney World planning process to make it less overwhelming. Snag our free guide ➡️

Take our course

Check out our course that will help you learn all about Walt Disney World planning with dozens of videos and downloadables for each step along the way. Get access now ➡️

Our recommend travel agency

We partner with Small World Vacations, Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacations Planners in business since 1996. Get a quote now ➡️

Want to stay deluxe on a moderate budget?

It’s 1 of our top fave ways to save! By renting DVC points, you can stay in deluxe accommodations for a fraction of the price. Check availability ➡️

Private car service

Quicksilver Tours will transport you in style. They assist with luggage at the airport, provide car seats, and include a free grocery stop. Book your car ➡️

Need a stroller, wheelchair, or scooter?

Buena Vista Scooters is a company with a great reputation who offers in-person resort drop off and pick up of strollers, scooters, and wheelchairs. Book your rental ➡️

Amazon recommendations

Check out our Amazon shop with trip essentials we love. Start shopping ➡️

WDW Prep merch

Get WDW Prep merch to show off your Disney knowledge (especially fun for spotting others during your trip!). Check out the WDW Prep merch shop ➡️

Shannon Albert