We Go Behind the Curtain with Cirque du Soleil's new VIP 'Drawn to Life' Experience

May 08, 2024 in "Cirque du Soleil"

'Page to Stage Signature Experience' backstage tour at Drawn to Life by Cirque du Soleil
Posted: Wednesday May 8, 2024 2:41pn ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Prepare to be whisked away on a fascinating journey behind the scenes of Disney and Cirque du Soleil's breathtaking show, "Drawn to Life," at Disney Springs.

Launching on May 24, the "Page to Stage Signature Experience" is an exclusive VIP tour that offers guests a rare glimpse into the artistic and technical wizardry behind Disney and Cirque du Soleil's one-of-a-kind collaboration at Walt Disney World. With tickets priced at $285 for adults and $225 for children, this immersive experience combines premium seating, artist meet-and-greets, and a guided backstage tour, making it a must-do for any fan of theater, Cirque du Soleil, and Disney storytelling. We had an early glimpse of the experience, and here's a preview of what's in store.

Upon arrival, guests of this VIP experience are welcomed with a personalized greeting and checked in by the dedicated "Page to Stage" host. The evening starts with a selection of concessions, including a souvenir popcorn bucket, and proceeds with guests taking their seats in a specially reserved optimal viewing section (104 H 1-9). From here, they witness the awe-inspiring blend of acrobatics, choreography, and live music that makes "Drawn to Life" a standout production.

Following the performance, guests on the tour have the opportunity to interact with the show's artists, pose for photographs, and engage in Q&A sessions, adding a personal touch that goes beyond the stage.

Kevin Hargrove, Company Manager of Drawn to Life, shares the intent behind this offering: "We're thrilled to invite guests backstage for an exclusive look at the intricate workings of Cirque du Soleil's captivating production. By showcasing the work of our talented artists and skilled technical team, attendees gain special insight into the magic that brings this collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and Disney Animation to life."

Limited to small groups of nine guests, the tour provides a deep dive into the underpinnings of the show. Guests are treated to an in-depth look at the complex costume designs and one-of-a-kind props that fill the stage each night. "This show is chock-full of details that are meticulously crafted by both Cirque and Disney's dedicated animators and designers," mentioned a representative during the tour. Viewing these elements up close underscores the immense creativity and effort invested into every performance. If you've seen the show and noticed the paint jars on the animator's desk, they came from the Disney Animation archives to ensure true authenticity.

Watch the video below for some highlights from the "Page to Stage Signature Experience" tour. (4K YouTube)

What sets the "Page to Stage Signature Experience" apart is the access it grants and the perspective it offers on theatrical production. During the guided tour, visitors explore areas usually hidden from public view—where artists rehearse, where costumes are maintained, and even where props are stored, both under and behind the stage. These are aspects of the show that a regular audience member would never see, offering a rare glimpse into the day-to-day operations of a major Cirque du Soleil show.



Artistic Director Justin Solomon, during the media preview, emphasized the exhaustive collaboration and coordination required to stage "Drawn to Life" ten times a week. "There's so much collaboration and coordination on a show of this size to make it happen 460 times a year at the highest level possible," he explained. The tour guides are available throughout the experience to answer any questions, providing an invaluable resource for guests curious about the inner workings of this massive production. Note that due to the timing of the media preview, we were able to watch part of the Drawn to Life training and rehearsals. This will not take place during the regular Page to Stage Signature Experience.


The "Page to Stage Signature Experience" at Cirque du Soleil's "Drawn to Life" is ideally suited for those who love the theater, appreciate the technology behind the scenes, enjoy Cirque du Soleil's breathtaking performances, or are simply fans of Disney's storytelling. With extensive access, insightful encounters, and a host of personalized touches, this experience is well worth the additional investment over a standard ticket. If you have seen the show before, the new VIP tour gives you a great reason to return and will provide you with a new appreciation for everything that goes into making "Drawn to Life" a reality.

More photos from "Page to Stage Signature Experience" at Cirque du Soleil.

This VIP experience is currently available following the second performance on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. For anyone eager to peek behind the curtain of this unique collaboration between Disney and Cirque du Soleil, tickets are available now, promising an unforgettable exploration of creativity and performance art.


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WondersOfLife25 days ago

They had two of them in the finale... But I also wonder if they were both the same position or not... I actually don't think the show needed the two acts to be honest. It was the best version of the show I had seen. There was not... But the pre-show lasted a bit longer and there was a LOT more interaction throughout the middle of the audience instead of just around the stage this time. Maybe that helped take up promised time.

TrainsOfDisney26 days ago

When I saw the Teeterboard act a couple weeks ago it was really rough…. One of the guys was very solid and did a triple to a mat - but lots of the act was really rocky. also - only one set of foot juggling, so i Guess both are out now. I definitely felt like the show as a whole is in pretty good shape now - much better then when I first saw it. Are there not any alternates for foot juggling and Teeterboard?

HauntedMansionFLA26 days ago

Most likely injury. The teeter board act isn’t the same since Jerome’s contract ended.

WondersOfLife26 days ago

No rubber band act or feet tumble act tonight. But part of their actors were there in the finale. Must be sick? Idk

WondersOfLifeAug 30, 2024

Possibly. But I certainly cant do that sh**. So its nice to watch people who can do that, do that. 👉

MisterPenguinAug 29, 2024

The original swings were a big miss for me. A swing -- powered by others pushing -- throws you into the air... you do a simple acrobatic flip/twist, and you land on super thick mats which the other ladies are holding up off the ground and let go when you land. And if they're going to land on the other swing, there's no timing. The other team holds the landing-swing up in place for you. I'm glad they're evolving the acts over time to make the weaker ones better.

WondersOfLifeAug 29, 2024

I swear to god i dont remember so many people being involved in the big swings act. Ive seen it done with 6 women. Then 9 women. All the men were new to me. Maybe it was a covid thing. I sweat the cast grew by double. But it was more exciting than i remember it being for sure.

TrainsOfDisneyAug 29, 2024

That was my favorite part - but I also love the Old Mill and was so happy they included a fairly obscure IP in that show. How is the finale act - the big swings? It was really lacking when I saw it.

WondersOfLifeAug 29, 2024

Just saw the show for an 8th time yesterday. I haven't seen it 8 times for myself. I have seen it 8 times to take people who haven't seen it. I think it's a great experience for people to have if they haven't seen it. After 8 viewings, my only complaint about the show are 2 things. 1). Some acts really overextend their interest. I thought the re-working of the lady being tossed in the air while integrating the cyclists and hoops and other things going on at the same time saved that scene... The rotating fan scene is the weakest scene in the show and a bit overdone in the 'cirque' industry. It would be fine if it wasn't so dang long. The show could use a half hour cut. But... For a first timer, it really is a fantastic show. After seeing the Vegas cirque shows, I definitely see where people are coming from on quality. But as someone who initially saw it with no previous Cirque du Soleil experience, I thought it was phenomenal. So that is what I assume most people going into this show will experience. And for that, it is worth it.

wdwmagicAug 29, 2024

Drawn to Life: Cirque du Soleil and Disney's 2025 Show Schedule Announced, Page to Stage Experience Expands to More Nights https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/cirque-du-soleil/news/29aug2024-drawn-to-life-cirque-du-soleil-and-disneys-2025-show-schedule-announced,-page-to-stage-experience-expands-to-more-nights.htm

DCBakerJul 01, 2024

There's a new offer out for Disney Visa cardholders: Take advantage of your perk early! Save up to 20% on tickets to upcoming performances of Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney at Disney Springs®. Tickets may be purchased at the Drawn to Life box office at Disney Springs® or online. Visit Cirk.me/WDWVisa and use your Disney Visa Card to purchase tickets today! More details via the Cirque link: Disney Visa Cardholder Offer is only valid for performances of Drawn to Life through 9/27/25 (subject to availability and blockout dates). Valid for seat categories Golden Circle, 1, 2 and 3. Limit eight (8) tickets per valid Disney Visa for the entire Offer period. Tickets must be purchased with a Disney Visa credit card and may be purchased online at cirk.me/WDWVisa or at the Drawn to Life Box Office at Disney Springs® area located at Walt Disney World® Resort. All tickets purchased online for the Disney Visa Offer must be picked up at will call at the Drawn to Life Box Office and the purchaser must show their valid Disney Visa to collect tickets. Tickets sold by Cirque du Soleil. Tickets are subject to taxes and fees. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. The Disney Visa Offer is subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offers. Blockout dates apply, including 11/27/24-12/1/24, 12/18/24 - 1/5/25, 2/19/25-2/23/25, 3/14/25-3/23/25, and 4/16/25 - 4/20/25

TrainsOfDisneyMay 18, 2024

That sums it up well - Drawn to Life is honestly the type of show that should be in the parks. It’s good - but La Nouba was 100% Cirque. I’m actually quite nostalgic for the Downtown Disney that used to be…. Disney Quest, La Nouba, Pleasure Island, nightly fireworks…. There was alot to offer that is drastically different now.

Miss RoriMay 09, 2024

I do get the sense that La Nouba was far more popular at its height than Drawn to Life is now. Cirque hadn't overextended itself when La Nouba was new (there were only a handful of tours and two other "resident" shows, both in Las Vegas, in 1998), so there was more novelty, and the two times I saw it (2005 and 2015) it had a good-sized audience. But also, I think one thing that drove La Nouba's success was that it had nothing to do with Disney while still being family friendly; it was high-quality but in a more adult way than other stuff at the resort. The Unofficial Guide's writers regarded it as THE best thing at Disney World and they never received negative mail from readers over it, even getting comments like "it was the best money we spent". But it's telling they haven't done a review of the new show as yet.

wdwmagicMay 08, 2024

We Go Behind the Curtain with Cirque du Soleil's new VIP 'Drawn to Life' Experience https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/cirque-du-soleil/news/08may2024-we-go-behind-the-curtain-with-cirque-du-soleils-new-vip-drawn-to-life-experience.htm and more photos at https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/cirque-du-soleil/gallery/01may2024-page-to-stage-signature-experience-backstage-tour-at-drawn-to-life-by-cirque-du-soleil.htm