“O” by Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas: How to Save and What You Need to Know Before Visiting

Every trip to Las Vegas demands one “must-do” experience. For some, it’s the high-stakes tables; for others, it’s the neon glow of the Strip. But for theater lovers and thrill-seekers, the undisputed king of Vegas entertainment is “O” by Cirque du Soleil.

After running for over 25 years, “O” remains the crown jewel of Cirque’s residency shows. Why? Because there is simply nothing else like it on Earth. The show takes place on a stage that transforms into a 1.5-million-gallon pool in seconds, blending aerial acrobatics with aquatic artistry. It’s surreal, beautiful, and technically mind-boggling.

Cirque du Soleil’s “O” is held at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The shows are performed in a purpose-built theater.

Basic Information:

• Address: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
• Location: The “O” Theater inside the Bellagio Hotel & Casino
• Website: bellagio.mgmresorts.com
• Phone: +1 888-488-7111

The theater is open to the public daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (box office or information center hours), and the shows themselves are usually held in the evening.

If you’re planning a trip to the Bellagio to see this masterpiece, you likely have questions. Where are the best seats? How do you avoid paying full price? Is the “Splash Zone” actually wet?

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In this guide, we’ll dive deep (pun intended) into everything you need to know about visiting “O,” from securing discount tickets to navigating the Bellagio like a pro.

How to Buy Tickets and Save Money

Tickets for “O” are admittedly an investment. As one of the most popular shows on the Strip, it rarely plays to an empty house, so it’s worth booking your tickets in advance. However, there are smart ways to secure seats without breaking the bank.

Where to Buy: Official vs. Aggregators

Your first stop should be the official MGM Resorts website or the Cirque du Soleil site. On these resources, ticket prices start at $125 + tax. This ensures you’re seeing the “true” face value without hidden third-party markups.

However, if you are looking for deals, ticket aggregators can be a goldmine. Sites like Vegas.com often bundle tickets with other attractions. For day-of discounts, the Tix4Tonight booths scattered along the Strip offer unsold inventory at reduced rates, though you run the risk of the show being sold out.

Valid Discount Codes and Coupons

If you prefer booking in advance to guarantee your spot, universal ticket marketplaces often have active coupon codes.

• TicketNetwork: Look for code BONUS to potentially save up to 20% on live event tickets.
• Ticket Liquidator: The code saveonshows is often valid for a 15% discount.

Note: Promo codes are subject to change, so always double-check them at checkout.

Insider Hacks for Discounts

• MGM Rewards (formerly M life): If you sign up for the MGM Rewards loyalty program (it’s free!), you can often access exclusive ticket prices, especially if you reach the Pearl tier or higher.
• Military and Locals: Active duty military and Nevada residents with valid IDs can access significant discounts. These usually need to be purchased or picked up in person at the box office to verify eligibility.
• Hotel Guest Discounts: If you are staying at the Bellagio or another MGM property, check with the concierge. They sometimes have access to reserved inventory or guest-exclusive pricing.

Understanding the Seating Chart

Not all seats are created equal. The “O” theater is massive, designed to mimic a European opera house.

• Golden Circle: These are the premium seats (Section 103, usually Rows D-L). They offer the perfect dead-center view, allowing you to see the aerialists high above and the divers deep below without turning your head.
• The Splash Zone: Rows A-C in the lower orchestra sections are designated as “Wet Seats.” While you won’t get soaked like you’re on a log flume ride, you might catch a light mist. These seats are often cheaper than the Golden Circle but offer an incredibly immersive perspective—you can see the water dripping off the performers’ costumes.

If you want to transform your evening into a world-class luxury event, the La Grande VIP Experience is the way to go. It’s not just about the show; it’s about being treated like a true Las Vegas high roller from the moment you arrive.

What’s Included in the VIP Package:

• Premium Suite Seating: Forget standard rows. You’ll watch the performance from a private or semi-private luxury suite, offering the most spectacular vantage point of the 1.5-million-gallon pool.
• Pre-Show Reception: Before the curtain rises, you are treated to a private lounge experience with gourmet hors d’oeuvres.
• Guided Video Tour: A fascinating look behind the scenes, explaining the incredible technology and engineering required to run a world-class aquatic production.
• Champagne & Treats: Your suite comes with chilled champagne (or non-alcoholic beverages) and specialized treats to enjoy during the performance.
• Dedicated Service: A private host will ensure your night goes perfectly, from greeting you at the theater entrance to assisting with any requests.

Is it worth the premium? While prices for the VIP Experience are significantly higher than standard tickets (often starting around $400–$500 per person), it is the perfect choice for a special anniversary, a milestone birthday, or if you simply want to experience the absolute best that Bellagio has to offer.

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Preparation for Your Visit to the “O” Show

A smooth evening at the Bellagio requires a little bit of planning. Here is how to handle the logistics so you can focus on the magic.

What to Wear

The Bellagio is one of the most elegant resorts in Vegas, but the dress code for “O” is surprisingly relaxed. You will see everything from sequins and three-piece suits to jeans and polo shirts. A smart-casual look is the sweet spot—comfortable enough for a 90-minute show, but sharp enough for a nice dinner afterward. Avoid swimwear or tank tops.

Timing is Everything

Don’t sprint to your seat at the last second. Aim to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before showtime. The security lines to enter the theater can get long, especially on weekends.

Arriving early also gives you time to grab a drink at the concession stand (yes, you can bring it to your seat) and admire the stunning architecture of the theater lobby.

Parking Tips

Parking on the Strip can be a headache, but the Bellagio makes it relatively straightforward.

• Self-Parking: The garage is accessible from Frank Sinatra Drive or Las Vegas Blvd. Parking fees apply (usually around $18-$23 for 4-24 hours).
• Free Parking: If you are an MGM Rewards member at the Pearl, Gold, Platinum, or NOIR level, self-parking is complimentary.
• Valet: Available at the main entrance and the north entrance, though it comes with a higher daily fee.

Atmosphere: What Awaits You Inside

From the moment you approach the theater, the experience begins. The entrance is a destination in itself.

The Art of Richard MacDonald

Before you even scan your ticket, take a moment to explore the lobby. It doubles as a gallery for artist Richard MacDonald. His bronze sculptures of dancers and acrobats capture the raw power and grace of the human body.

Standing right at the entrance, these sculptures are incredibly photogenic. The way MacDonald captures movement in static metal is the perfect appetizer for the fluid motion you’re about to see on stage. Be sure to snap a photo here—the lighting is dramatic and perfect for Instagram.

Photography Rules

Once inside the theater, put your phone away. “O” has a strict no-photo/no-video policy during the performance. This is for the safety of the artists—a sudden flash could blind a diver in mid-air or distract a swimmer holding their breath underwater.

If you want to create content, stick to the lobby sculptures or the pre-show curtain.

The Experience

The emotions hit you the moment the curtain rises. The scale of the pool is hard to comprehend until you see a ship float onto the stage, only for the water to vanish seconds later, replaced by solid ground. The transition is seamless and silent. It feels less like a magic trick and more like a dream.

Yet, amidst this grand spectacle, it’s the clowns who provide the show’s beating heart. Far from traditional circus tropes, these characters bring a poetic, almost cinematic charm to the stage. Whether they are navigating a floating house during a storm or simply interacting with the front rows, their performance is a masterclass in mime and physical comedy.

As you can see in my photos, their ridiculous costumes and expressive storytelling offer a beautiful contrast to the high-stakes acrobatics. They bridge the gap between the monumental scale of the production and the audience, reminding us that even in this surreal water world, there is room for a quiet, heartfelt laugh.

The Perfect Evening: Pairing the Show

Since “O” is only 90 minutes long, you have plenty of time to build a full evening around it.

Dinner with a View

Stay inside the Bellagio for dinner to minimize travel time.

• Spago: Wolfgang Puck’s legendary restaurant offers patio seating that overlooks the fountains. Book well in advance.
• Picasso: For a splurge, dine surrounded by actual Pablo Picasso paintings.
• Yellowtail: If you’re craving sushi, this spot offers excellent Japanese cuisine with views of the Strip.

The Bellagio Fountains

After the show, walk out to the “Lake Bellagio” sidewalk. Watching the famous fountains dance to music is the perfect, free nightcap. Since “O” is water-themed, ending your night with the fountains feels like a thematic continuation of the show.

Where to Stay: Luxury for Less

Staying at the Bellagio is convenient, but it comes with a premium price tag. If you want to save your budget for show tickets and dining, you don’t have to stay at the resort itself.

Typically, a room at the Bellagio can range from $300 to over $600 per night, depending on the season and whether there’s a major convention in town. By choosing a mid-range hotel nearby—like The Linq, Flamingo, or Horseshoe—you can often find rates between $80 and $150 per night.

This simple switch can save you $200–$400 daily, which easily covers the cost of “O” tickets for two people, a nice dinner, and maybe even some shopping at the Forum Shops. You’ll still be just a 10-15 minute walk or a quick Uber ride away from the magic of the aquatic theater.

Using Expedia, you can find highly-rated hotels near the Bellagio from as low as $96/night. Places like The Cosmopolitan, Vdara, or Planet Hollywood are just a short walk away.

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Expedia also offers bundle packages that can unlock serious savings, including:

• 1 Night Free: Look for “stay longer and save” deals.
• 100% Off Flights: Occasionally, bundling your hotel and flight can effectively zero out the airfare cost.
• Package Discounts: Even basic bundles often knock at least $50 off the total trip cost compared to booking separately.

Summary and Verdict

“O” is a spectacle that justifies the hype. It is sophisticated, artistic, and technically flawless.

• Who should go: Couples, art lovers, theater fans, and anyone who wants to see the absolute peak of Vegas production value.
• Who might skip it: Families with very young children (under 5s are not permitted, and the surreal imagery might be confusing or scary for young kids).

The Verdict:

• Spectacle: 10/10 – Unmatched stage engineering.
• Price: 6/10 – Expensive, but you see where the money goes.
• Convenience: 9/10 – Located center-Strip with great parking and dining options.

If you only see one show in Las Vegas, make it “O”. It’s a liquid masterpiece that you’ll remember long after the desert heat fades.