If you’ve ever wondered how the other half lives and what a luxurious day at Disney World might look like, you’re in for a real treat. Here’s our complete guide to Disney’s Riviera Resort.
The riviera resort is Disney World’s newest hotel and opened its doors in December of 2019. The name of the hotel makes you feel as if you’ve been whisked away to the French or Italian Rivieras in Europe. Walt and Lillian’s vacations in Europe were the inspiration for this hotel.
Right next to the voyageur’s lounge, you can see a collection of photographs from their adventures. It’s so cool to have Walt’s presence in a brand new resort. And it doesn’t feel forced but very personal.
Staying at the Riviera is perfect for anyone who loves Epcot because it is technically in the Epcot resort area and is also close to Hollywood Studios. The Riviera has its own Skyliner station, which takes you directly to the International Gateway entrance and the France Pavilion in World Showcase in just 10 minutes.
In terms of accommodations, this hotel is a Disney Vacation Club property and is at the top of the price scale right up there with the Grand Floridian. In addition, these are some of the largest rooms at Walt Disney World and feature anything from a deluxe studio that sleeps five to a three-bedroom grand villa that can accommodate up to twelve people.
Riviera is also known for its excellent cuisine, in addition to its spectacular rooms. Because the resort is relatively small, there aren’t many restaurants, but they’re of excellent quality. Primo Piatto is a quick-service restaurant and Toppolino’s terrace is a fantastic restaurant open for breakfast and dinner.
Toppolino’s Terrace has the most adorable character breakfast! Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy dressed in their artist best! Daisy dressed as a ballerina is my absolute favorite!!
La Petite Cafe is located in the lobby if you need a quick pastry or coffee in the morning. There is also a poolside bar, bar riva, that serves food from the nearby quick service. Furthermore, there are two pools at this resort, as well as a cute splash pad for toddlers. The Riviera Resort is simply beautiful. It has the elegance and grandeur of Grand Floridian, but with a more intimate atmosphere.
If you’re spending an indulgent weekend at Walt Disney World and perhaps attending an Epcot festival, this hotel will serve as the perfect backdrop for your family vacation.
Rooms
In addition to the first-ever Tower Studio rooms, this resort is home to Deluxe Studio rooms, one- and two-bedroom villas, as well as three-bedroom Grand Villas which can sleep up to 12 guests. Here is a full break down of what each type of room has to offer at Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Tower Studio
- Sleeps 2
- There is one queen-size murphy bed
- A kitchenette with a microwave,mini fridge, toaster, and wet bar
- Flat Screen TV
- Full bathroom with walk-in shower
- A private balcony or porch offering seating for two
Deluxe Studio
- Sleeps 5
- One queen-size bed, one queen-size murphy bed, and one single murphy bed
- Kitchenette with mini-fridge, coffee maker, microwave, toaster, and toaster
- Bathroom with shower/tub combo and walk-in shower
- Private porch or balcony
- Flat Screen TV
One Bed
- Sleeps 5
- with one king-size bed, one queen-size murphy bed, and one single murphy bed
- Fully-equipped kitchen with full-size appliances, coffee maker, and toaster
- Stacked washer and dryer
- Full bathroom with tub
- Flat-screen TV
- Private porch or balcony
Two Bedroom
- Sleeps 9
- There is one king-size bed, two queen-size beds, a queen-size murphy bed, and a single murphy bed in each room
- Full kitchen with appliances, coffee maker, and toaster.
- washer and dryer
- Two full bathrooms
- Flat-screen TV
- Private porch/balcony
Two-Bedroom (second version) Lock Off
- Sleeps 10
- You will find one king-size bed, one queen-size bed, two queen-size murphy bed, and two single murphy bed.
- Full kitchen with appliances, coffee maker, and toaster.
- washer and dryer
- Two full bathrooms
- Flat-screen TV
- Private porch/balcony
Three Bedroom
- Sleeps 12
- with one king-size bed, four queen-size beds, and a sleeper sofa for one queen-size bed.
- A full-size kitchen, including a toaster and coffee maker.
- washer and dryer
- Three bathrooms
- Flat-screen TV
- Private porch/balcony
Merchandise
There is a great selection of resort-specific merchandise in the Riviera’s lobby boutique. Few hotels have their own minnie ears. The Riviera themed merchandise is so cute, I really love the style of the drawings on all of it, cute and classy!
You may notice some stunning artwork throughout your stay, both in your room and in the hallways. In some pieces, famous Disney castles are seen through the eyes of famous European painters.
In the boutique you will see a small station where you can order these pieces and have them delivered to your home. In my experience, you can keep it simple by ordering a modest size print or go all the way with a framed canvas, so it’s a good option regardless of your budget. I wish more resorts would provide this unique shopping feature, it makes sense that they did it here at the Riviera.
This unique piece of Disney merchandise is worth the detour, even if you’re not staying here. Despite the fact that this hotel is at the top of the price scale just like the Grand Floridian, there are surprisingly few dining options here. Where Riviera lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality.
Transportation
The Riviera resort has its own skyliner station that will take you in just 10 minutes to Epcot’s back door. The ride is quick and easy, and there are no transfers involved. A world showcase day wouldn’t be complete without it. To get to Hollywood Studios, you can take the same gondola in the opposite direction, but you’ll need to transfer at the Caribbean Beach station before getting to the park. From the front of the hotel, you can catch a bus to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs. And of course you can transfer to the monorail from Epcot to get to Magic Kingdom.
Pools & Recreation
The Riviera hotel has two modest-sized pools, but it does have fewer rooms than resorts like the Grand Floridian, so it is still a nice size. There is a zero-entry pool as well as a slide in the main feature pool.
Right next to it is a cute little splash pad for toddlers themed to the 1940 film fantasia. The resort’s quiet pool is just a few steps away from the main pool. While they are similar in size, the fact that this one has a hot tub makes it more appealing to adults.
Rivera also has a gym and extra activities, such as viewing movies under the stars, like most deluxe resorts.
Dining
Near the main feature pool is Bar Riva, which is like a cross between an outdoor lounge and a pool bar. You can order your favorite drinks or sample some Mediterranean-style cocktails at this full-service bar. Bar Riva has its own food menu for light bites. You can find everything from crafted cocktails to sandwiches, salads and sticky wings.
Primo Piatto
Primo Piatto, the quick-service restaurant next door, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast has some tasty options like Blueberry Lemon Pancakes and the favorite Mickey Waffles along with breakfast platters and frittatas. Lunch and dinner looks like Pizzas, hot and cold sandwiches, salads and grab and go options like lasagne and meatballs. This location even offers some late night options that include salads, desserts and snacks like a charcuterie board, cheese plate and parfaits. It’s really a great option for whatever time of day you need to grab some food!
Topolino’s Terrace
When it’s time to dine at a table service restaurant, Topolino’s terrace at the top of the resort is a must-try. Breakfast and dinner are served at this signature restaurant. There is a character meal in the morning where you’ll meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy. These characters wear some adorable costumes that you won’t see anywhere else. They are dressed as different types of artists! Painter, sculptor, ballerina and poet, they are just so cute and unique!
This is not a buffet like other character meals. First, you enjoy some pastries with the rest of the table and then order your own entree. I feel a sense of sticker shock when character meals are not all-you-can-eat affairs. But honestly the price of $45 per person for the breakfast is not as bad as some others.
The meal you must try here is dinner. The menu is amazing! From Anitpasto to starters like slow roasted octopus and a lemon kale salad to start things out. Then you move into hand crafted pastas and entrees like the French veal chop, filet mignon and a plant based roasted eggplant. They have an awesome selection of enhancements or sides to chose from as well as some tasty desserts! Don’t worry, if you are bringing your kiddos they have a great kids menu with just a simple filet, grilled chicken or spaghetti.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed my overview of the new Riviera resort at Disney World. I know that other deluxe hotels have closer access to some parks, but there is no denying that this hotel is stunning. The gorgeous mosaic murals at this resort are reason enough to visit! They are Peter Pan and Rapunzel themed and just so beautiful. I have never experienced anything like this at any other Disney hotel, yet it’s still very approachable and very comfortable. It feels equally appropriate for a romantic weekend and for an indulgent Disney vacation for the whole family. The beautiful green spaces at this resort with yard games are amazing and you can’t beat the views!
This place isn’t cheap, but if you’ve been to Disney world before and want a more relaxed approach to the parks, this is a good option. During any of the festivals at Epcot, this resort will pair perfectly with a weekend at the park. You’re in for a real treat when you experience it during the festival of the arts. Have you stayed here? Let us know below and what your favorite thing at the resort was!
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Is Disney's Riviera Resort Worth It?
The room quality, Skyliner, and dining at Riviera Resort make it an excellent choice for Walt Disney World lodging. It would be my recommendation to visit Disney’s Riviera Resort before booking a stay here to see how it works for you.
Can You Walk From Riviera Resort To Epcot?
Unfortunately, no, there are no walking paths that will get you to Epcot. However, the fastest way to get there would be to take the Skyliner gondola system.
How Much Does It Cost To Stay At Disney Riviera Resort?
Rooms at the Riviera Resort cost between $400 and over $4500. Riviera Resort’s initial per-point cost was $188 for DVC members.
Can You See Fireworks From Riviera Resort?
A short distance from Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Riviera Resort is Disney’s most conveniently located resort. So, you’ll be able to view fireworks from both parks at night
Does Disney Riviera Resort Have A Hot Tub?
Located in the middle of the resort, the quiet Beau Soleil Pool is mainly designed for adults. A spa/hot tub is adjacent to this pool.
How Many Floors Does Disney's Riviera Resort Have?
Disney’s Riviera Resort has 10 floors including Topolino’s Terrace restaurant on the top!
Is Disney Riviera Resort Pet Friendly?
Unfortunately Disney’s Riviera does not accept pets of any kind at this time. You may instead want to try staying at another resort, such as Disney’s Art of Animation, Port Orleans Riverside, Yacht Club or the Cabins at Fort Wilderness.
