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

11 days ago 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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TrainsOfDisney1 day ago

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 Rori10 days ago

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.

wdwmagic11 days ago

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

wdwmagic12 days ago

Here is a video we shot from a preview showing some of what you will see on the tour.

DznyGrlSD23 days ago

The seats are 104 H 1-9 and are $285 each with fees. I'm taking mom for her birthday in September :)

DznyGrlSD23 days ago

TalkingHeadDec 21, 2023

Saw this over the weekend. Not as good as La Nouba but performers were entertaining and I felt like it was worth seeing at a discount. I think a more abstract storyline about the animation medium would’ve worked better for the Cirque style, but I guess that’s the deal when the show is a collaboration with Disney.

CompedDec 21, 2023

I'm always curious about the show before it that Disney created, some kind of strange original musical with a "mini-skirted Fairy Godmother". The Cirque show seemed to be an improvement somehow. Disney seemingly didn't mind keeping them around... We don't know how long the lease is for (if it's for the building or just rights to preform there), surely it had to have been extended over the years. Personally, what I've seen from various press bits hasn't wowed me - surely must be a reason why they seem to give away tickets in many British tour packages.

StitchonDec 21, 2023

Cirque du Soleil did go bankrupt during the pandemic. I don't know the specifics of their building (i'm assuming it's a ground lease situation) but Disney is known to have especially favorable lease agreements that more or less lock tenants into Disney's terms until their lease ends or Disney says otherwise. I know many Disney Springs leases also have kick-out clauses where if a tenant doesn't perform, they can be easily kicked out and replaced with someone else. I think if Disney wanted Cirque out or felt they could replace it with something better, they would have. I doubt much has changed (performance-wise) since La Nouba was in the building, since you'd think Drawn to Life would be a bigger draw by proxy of using the Disney IP.

HauntedMansionFLADec 21, 2023

Former Broadway show Blast. They used to perform at DCA 😉

CompedDec 21, 2023

I wonder what Disney would do with the space if Cirque gives up? Presumably they must have had a plan during the pandemic if Cirque had gone bankrupt... The level of sales they have, I'm fairly sure, isn't sustainable long term. Then again, I never heard people at the parks or Springs/Downtown Disney talking about seeing La Nouba either.

Cmdr_CrimsonDec 20, 2023

Maybe it's me but I felt that somewhere during a vacation to Florida that if you didn't at least hear this commercial while your out there it wasn't complete..Shame it doesn't play anymore tho..

AndyS2992Dec 20, 2023

The show sells so poorly they keep having to change it, which is good I suppose. It'll get there eventually.