A World-Class Cirque Spectacle, Right in Horizon West’s Backyard
Jaw-dropping Show at Disney Springs Combines Heart Humor and High-flying Feats in a Way only Cirque du Soleil and Disney Can!
When "Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney" premiered at Disney Springs in late 2021, it marked a milestone moment, one that had been years in the making. This was the first-ever theatrical collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering, and the result is a love letter to Disney animation told through the artistry of live acrobatics.
The show centers around Julie, a young girl who discovers an unfinished piece of animation left by her late father, a Disney animator. Guided by a magical pencil and the animators who spring to life around her, she embarks on a whimsical and emotional journey that blends childhood memories with creative wonder. It’s a beautiful story told with barely a word of dialogue, driven instead by powerful visuals, soaring music and ten stunning acrobatic acts.
Though rooted in Cirque’s signature style, "Drawn to Life" stands apart. Research for the production took creators from Cirque du Soleil deep into the history of Disney Animation, from the Walt Disney Archives to the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco. The influence is unmistakable, from references to Disney’s Nine Old Men and the 12 principles of animation, to tributes to icons like Mary Blair and the Women of Ink and Paint.
The result is a fully immersive experience that honors Disney’s artistic heritage while pushing the boundaries of live performance. Cirque’s 50th original production, "Drawn to Life" premiered as part of Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th anniversary celebration, with a cast of 62 artists from 15 countries around the globe.
The story unfolds in an intimate theater where there truly isn’t a bad seat. Performers make their way into the aisles at times, pulling the audience even deeper into the world on stage. The set is inspired by an animator’s sketchbook, and characters appear not as costumed mascots, but through vibrant animated projections that earned plenty of oohs and ahhs from young guests.
Disney fans will instantly recognize snippets of classic songs layered into the original score, and it’s not uncommon to see the audience tapping along. The live music—including violin, electric guitar and more—adds to the energy, especially during the standout “Ink and Paint” sequence that celebrates Disney’s early animation roots.
Spectacle is front and center, of course. From human paintbrushes swinging overhead to rubbery teeterboard artists inspired by the “squash and stretch” principle of animation, each act leaves you wondering how such feats are even humanly possible. A desk comes to life. Pages turn themselves. There’s even a heart-pounding villains segment featuring ominous music, massive spinning wheels and more than enough spooky flair to keep older kids on the edge of their seats.
Fortunately, whimsy returns quickly. Humor plays a key role in lightening the mood, even from the show’s villain, a crumpled ball of paper who intimidates with a wink.
What sets this show apart for local families is how thoroughly it captures both the legacy of Disney and the physical artistry of Cirque. It’s joyful, moving and at times breathtaking. And while the action is constant, the story’s heart remains clear: a celebration of imagination, family and the creative spark that lives in all of us.
Seasonal Offer: Kids Free on Thursdays This Summer
Now through Labor Day, kids can enjoy the magic of "Drawn to Life" for free on Thursdays with the purchase of a qualifying adult ticket. The offer is available online or at the Disney Springs box office—just mention the “Kids Free” promotion. Subject to availability and exclusions.
If you’ve missed the magic of La Nouba or are just looking for a night of beauty, strength and surprise right in your own backyard, this uniquely Disney version of Cirque is worth the trip. Whether you’re five or ninety-five, you’ll leave the theater wondering the same thing: how did they do that?
"Drawn to Life" performs Wednesdays through Saturdays at 5:30 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 and 4 p.m. at Disney Springs, with multiple showtimes available. For tickets and details, visit
Cirque du Soleil's website.
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