Dramatic. Aquatic. Hypnotic. Welcome to O by Cirque du Soleil

Katherine: We’re going to O. Trust me, your soul needs this.

Kelsi: Pretty sure my soul needs carbs and a margarita, but okay.

Katherine: No, this is better. This is acrobatics, diving, and dramatic lighting. It’s like someone gave water a Broadway contract.

Kelsi: And a flair for drama, clearly.

So yes—on our latest trip to Vegas, we made a non-negotiable detour to Bellagio to see O by Cirque du Soleil.

And no exaggeration: it wrecked us in the most elegant, gravity-defying, synchronized way possible.

This isn’t just a show. It’s an out-of-body, underwater, wait-what-even-is-the-physics-here experience that somehow manages to feel both dreamlike and Olympic.

This Is Not a Drill: The Stage Is a Literal Pool

We’re talking a 1.5-million-gallon pool that doubles as a stage, set, and acrobatic playground. Performers leap from 60-foot platforms, vanish beneath the surface, and reappear like mythical creatures who got bored of the ocean and picked up theatre.

It’s water ballet meets high-flying circus meets the exact hallucination you’d have if you fell asleep watching The Shape of Water with a glass of Champagne.

And the set? Entire platforms submerge and re-emerge mid-scene like some kind of dramatic sea creature.
One second it’s a solid stage, the next it’s a full-on diving arena.

Somewhere towards the beginning, Kelsi whispered, “Wait, is the stage moving?” And yes, yes it was.

Everything’s moving. All the time. Including our emotions.

Plot? Vibes? Emotionally Fraught Mime in a Gondola?

The storyline centers on a young boy named Philemon who stumbles into a surreal dreamscape filled with hope, danger, courage, and various moist metaphors for life.

It’s abstract, yes. But the emotional beats hit hard, and the visuals are so rich you’ll stop trying to “get it” around the second time someone backflips from three stories up.

Just surrender to the magic. It’s theatre, it’s dance, it’s water—and it’s Cirque’s aquatic mic drop.
Family Friendly? Oh, Absolutely.

We saw everyone from wide-eyed toddlers to fully grown men doing the kind of slow, reverent head shake that says, “I was not ready.”

It’s that rare show that’s breathtaking at any age.

No inappropriate innuendo, no awkward plot turns—just stunning visuals, otherworldly stunts, and the type of whimsical storytelling that makes you feel like a kid again (but in a fancy, velvet-seat kind of way).

Bag Policy: Don’t Be That Tourist

Leave the tote bag full of snacks and shopping bags at home. Only small personal bags allowed (9″ x 5″ x 2″ max). Basically, if it can’t hold your lip gloss, ID, and a mini deodorant for post-show sweat panic—don’t bring it.

Parking: Bellagio Basics

Self-Parking: Available in the Bellagio garage. It’s well-marked and—bonus—right near the theatre. Rates vary by time, but it’s way less stressful than trying to valet in heels.

Pro Tip: Give yourself at least 30–45 minutes before curtain. The Bellagio is beautiful, but it’s also a labyrinth designed to distract you with fountains, slot machines, and bachelorette parties trying to locate Lindsey.

Where to Eat: Pre-Show Bites or Post-Show Cheers

Pre-Show Option: Lago by Julian Serrano

Italian with a view of the fountains and a menu that’s as theatrical as the show. We recommend getting a light meal—you’re about to watch athletes perform in water, and eating three courses before that feels…emotionally complicated.

Post-Show Pick: Lily Bar & Lounge

Glam cocktails, plush seating, and the perfect place to whisper, “Should we Google ‘how do underwater trapdoors work’ or just accept magic is real?”

Bonus: If you’re feeling celebratory, The Petrossian Bar has pre- and post-show caviar service. Yes, it’s extra. But so is O. Snag a reservation here.

Key Takeaways

Aquatic wizardry: The stage is a pool. Then it’s not. Then it is again. Your brain will short-circuit (in a good way).

Not your average circus: Think Olympic-level acrobatics meets interpretive dream logic. With fog. And synchronized drama.

Family-friendly magic: Zero awkward moments. 100% jaw drops. Your niece, grandma, and even your dentist will all love it.

Bag check reality check: If it’s bigger than a clutch, it’s not coming in. Leave your snack tote, souvenir haul, and backup shoes in the room.

Parking = doable: Self-park at Bellagio and give yourself time. You will get distracted. Possibly by a pastry.

Pre-show eats or post-show sips: Grab a bite at Lago beforehand, or decompress after at Lily Lounge while whispering things like “Was that real?”

Soundtrack to your emotions: The music alone may give you goosebumps—or convince you that your life needs a dramatic soundtrack starting immediately.

Final Thoughts: Can You Fall in Love With a Theatre Stage?

Katherine: This is the only Cirque show I’ve ever seen that made me want to go backstage and ask 45 questions.

Kelsi: Like how do they not drown? And is that pool heated? And do the costumes have built-in snorkels?

O is pure magic—equal parts stunning spectacle and meditative tribute to the weird, wild beauty of water.

We laughed. We cried. We got emotional about synchronized diving.

Would we go again? Already planning it.

Would we bring our moms, our nephews, and our skeptical friends? Without hesitation.

Would we recommend it for literally anyone visiting Vegas? Say less.