Welcome to the world of Disney magic! Disney’s Riviera Resort is the newest addition to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and it’s the perfect place to create unforgettable memories with your family and friends. This enchanting resort is inspired by the luxurious and sun-soaked Mediterranean coastlines, offering a unique blend of European elegance and Disney whimsy. With stunning architecture, charming amenities, and exceptional service, Disney’s Riviera Resort is a dream come true for guests of all ages. So, come along and discover the magic of Disney’s Riviera Resort!
What is Disney’s Riviera Resort?
Disney’s Riviera Resort is a vacation destination located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The resort is inspired by the Mediterranean region and features stunning architecture and artwork that capture the essence of the European Riviera. The resort offers a range of accommodation options, including deluxe studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, and three-bedroom grand villas. Each room is designed with modern amenities and Disney touches, creating a unique and memorable experience for guests. In addition to its accommodations, Disney’s Riviera Resort also offers exceptional dining options, a fitness center, a swimming pool with a water slide, and access to Disney transportation to explore the theme parks and attractions of the Walt Disney World Resort.
What is the Style of Disney’s Riviera Resort?
Disney’s Riviera Resort draws its inspiration from the Mediterranean coast, specifically the region between Italy and France. The resort’s architectural style is a blend of traditional and modern designs, featuring stucco walls, elegant archways, and vibrant colors reminiscent of the European Riviera. The resort’s interiors are adorned with original artwork and decorative features that capture the essence of the region’s art and culture, with nods to famous artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.
The backstory of Disney’s Riviera Resort centers around a group of artists who were inspired by the beauty and romance of the Mediterranean coast. According to Disney, these artists traveled the region in the 1930s, sketching and painting the landscapes, architecture, and people they encountered. They eventually settled in a charming villa on the coast, where they continued to create and inspire each other for years to come. Today, that villa has been transformed into Disney’s Riviera Resort, a place where guests can experience the art, culture, and magic of the Mediterranean for themselves.
Where is Disney’s Riviera Resort?
Disney’s Riviera Resort is located in the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, specifically in the Epcot Resort Area. The resort is situated near the intersection of Buena Vista Drive and Epcot Center Drive, and it’s adjacent to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.
The location of Disney’s Riviera Resort provides convenient access to the theme parks and attractions of the Walt Disney World Resort. For example, the resort is only a few minutes away from Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios by bus, car, or Disney’s complimentary transportation system. Additionally, the resort provides easy access to other popular destinations such as Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. Overall, the resort’s central location makes it a great choice for guests who want to explore all that the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer.
What Transportation Does Disney’s Riviera Resort Offer?
Disney’s Riviera Resort offers a variety of complimentary transportation options for guests to explore the Walt Disney World Resort:
- Bus Transportation: The resort offers a fleet of air-conditioned buses that transport guests to and from the theme parks, water parks, and other destinations within the resort.
- Disney Skyliner: The Disney Skyliner is a gondola system that connects Disney’s Riviera Resort to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the resort as they glide above the treetops.
- Minnie Van Service: This service is a fun and convenient way to travel around the Walt Disney World Resort. Guests can use the Lyft app to request a Minnie Van, which is a whimsical polka-dotted vehicle that accommodates up to six guests and comes equipped with two car seats.
- Water Transportation: Guests can take water taxis and ferries to travel between select Disney resorts and theme parks, including Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs.
Types of Rooms in Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Riviera Resort offers several types of accommodations that can cater to different guest needs and preferences. Here’s a rundown of the different room options available:
- Deluxe Studios: These are spacious rooms that can accommodate up to 5 guests. They feature one queen-size bed, a double-size pull-down bed, and a single pull-down bed. Each studio also has a kitchenette, a private balcony, and a bathroom with a shower/tub combination.
- One-Bedroom Villas: These villas can accommodate up to 5 guests and feature a separate bedroom with a king-size bed, a queen-size pullout sofa in the living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private balcony. The villa also has a bathroom with a shower/tub combination and a washer and dryer.
- Two-Bedroom Villas: These spacious villas can accommodate up to 9 guests and feature two separate bedrooms, one with a king-size bed and the other with two queen-size beds, a queen-size pullout sofa in the living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private balcony. The villa also has two bathrooms, one with a shower/tub combination and the other with a walk-in shower, and a washer and dryer.
- Three-Bedroom Grand Villas: These luxurious villas can accommodate up to 12 guests and feature three separate bedrooms, one with a king-size bed, one with two queen-size beds, and one with a queen-size bed and a bunk bed, a queen-size pullout sofa in the living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private balcony. The villa also has three bathrooms, one with a shower/tub combination and the other two with walk-in showers, and a washer and dryer.
Staying in DVC Rooms Without Being a DVC Member
Renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points is a popular way to stay in the luxurious accommodations at Disney’s Riviera Resort. DVC is Disney’s timeshare program, and members can use their points to book stays at Disney’s vacation club resorts, including the Riviera Resort. However, non-members can also take advantage of DVC rooms by renting points from existing members. This can provide significant savings compared to booking directly with Disney, and allows guests to enjoy the spacious and well-appointed DVC rooms at the Riviera Resort. To rent DVC points, guests can use reputable third-party brokers who facilitate the transaction between the DVC member and the guest. Once the points are secured, the guest can use them to book their stay at the Riviera Resort through the official DVC website or by calling Member Services.
Dining at Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney has really stepped up the resort dining game with their newest resort. There is an assortment of restaurants to meet everyone’s needs, including a new character breakfast that has been called the best character dining experience in all of Walt Disney World!
Voyageur’s Lounge
Voyageur’s Lounge is a charming lounge located at Disney’s Riviera Resort, inspired by the travels of Europe’s Grandest Tourist: Walt Disney himself. This cozy lounge offers a relaxing atmosphere with comfortable seating and a beautiful view of the resort’s pool area. The lounge offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including signature cocktails, beer, wine, and champagne. The menu also includes a selection of light bites and snacks that can be enjoyed while sipping on a drink, such as charcuterie boards, artisanal cheeses, and house-made chips with onion dip. One of the signature dishes at Voyageur’s Lounge is the Croque Monsieur, a classic French ham and cheese sandwich with béchamel sauce, gruyere cheese, and Black Forest ham on sourdough bread. The lounge also offers a selection of salads and desserts, including a delectable macaron trio. Overall, Voyageur’s Lounge is a great spot to unwind after a long day exploring the Walt Disney World Resort, and the menu items offer a delicious taste of Europe.
Topolino’s Terrace
Topolino’s Terrace is a signature restaurant located on the rooftop of Disney’s Riviera Resort, inspired by the Riviera region of France and Italy. The name “Topolino” means “little mouse” in Italian and is the original name of Mickey Mouse in Italy, paying homage to the restaurant’s location at a Disney property. Topolino’s Terrace offers breathtaking views of the resort and serves a mix of French and Italian-inspired dishes.
One of the dining experiences offered at Topolino’s Terrace is the Character Breakfast, which features Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck in their stylish Riviera outfits. The breakfast menu includes pastries, artisanal charcuterie, and a choice of entrée, such as sour cream waffles or smoked salmon. Guests can also enjoy a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, including specialty coffees and smoothies. The character breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace offers a unique and fun dining experience for families and Disney fans of all ages.
The other dining experience offered at Topolino’s Terrace is the Signature Dinner, which features a prix-fixe menu with a choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert. The dinner menu includes dishes like the charred octopus with romesco, the rigatoni with a spicy tomato sauce, and the swordfish with roasted fennel. Topolino’s Terrace also has an extensive wine list featuring wines from France and Italy, as well as some local California wines. The restaurant’s décor is elegant and sophisticated, with a mix of modern and classic touches.
Primo Piatto
Primo Piatto is a quick-service restaurant located at Disney’s Riviera Resort, offering a variety of delicious dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant is designed to resemble a bustling European market, with an open kitchen and bakery that adds to the lively atmosphere. The menu features a range of options, from classic American breakfast dishes like pancakes and eggs to Mediterranean-inspired items like shakshuka and breakfast sandwiches on focaccia bread. For lunch and dinner, guests can enjoy artisanal sandwiches, fresh salads, and pasta dishes like the rigatoni with sausage and tomato cream sauce. Primo Piatto also offers a selection of kid-friendly options, including mac and cheese and chicken tenders. Guests can order at the counter and enjoy their meal inside the restaurant or take it to-go to enjoy by the pool or in their room. With its tasty food and lively ambiance, Primo Piatto is a great dining option for families and anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal at Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Bar Riva
Bar Riva is a poolside bar located at Disney’s Riviera Resort, offering a relaxing atmosphere and a variety of drinks and snacks for guests to enjoy. The bar is designed to resemble a European boathouse, with nautical touches and beautiful views of the resort’s pool and waterfront. The menu features a range of tropical cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as a selection of light bites and snacks. Guests can enjoy tasty items like the crispy chicken wings, fish tacos, and the Bar Riva burger, all while taking in the sun and the beautiful surroundings. Bar Riva also offers a kids’ menu with options like grilled cheese and chicken tenders, making it a great spot for families. With its laid-back vibe and delicious menu, Bar Riva is a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the Florida sunshine at Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Pools in Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Riviera Resort boasts a stunning main pool area, called the Riviera Pool, which is inspired by the elegant public pools of the Riviera region in Europe. The pool features a unique shape with multiple levels and is surrounded by lush landscaping and palm trees. Guests can relax on the comfortable lounge chairs or rent a private cabana for added luxury and privacy. The Riviera Pool also includes a waterslide, perfect for kids and kids-at-heart, and a separate splash pad area for younger children to play.
For a more peaceful and serene pool experience, guests can head to the Beau Soleil leisure pool, located in a quieter area of the resort. This pool offers a tranquil atmosphere with comfortable loungers and shaded areas to relax in.
Both pools offer poolside dining options from Bar Riva, serving a range of refreshing beverages and light bites, perfect for a quick snack in between swims. The pools also feature hot tubs for ultimate relaxation and comfort.
Shopping at Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Riviera Resort offers several shopping options for guests to explore during their stay. The resort features two gift shops, La Boutique and Riviera Sundries, offering a wide variety of Disney merchandise, souvenirs, and vacation essentials. Guests can browse through a range of apparel, accessories, plush toys, and collectibles featuring their favorite Disney characters.
FUN FACT: You can actually purchase plush versions of the characters in Topolino’s Terrace wearing their little artsy costumes!
In addition to the gift shops, guests can also purchase replicas of the Disney-inspired artwork that adorns the walls of the resort. The art pieces are created by Disney artists and feature classic Disney characters in a European-inspired style. Guests can purchase these replicas at the Art of Disney store located in Disney Springs or online through the Shop Disney website.
For a unique shopping experience, guests can also visit Le Petit Cafe, a charming coffee shop located in the lobby of the resort. The shop offers a variety of French-inspired pastries, baked goods, and coffee drinks, as well as a small selection of souvenirs and gifts.
Extra Amenities at Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Riviera Resort offers a variety of extra amenities for guests to enjoy during their stay. One of the main features is the state-of-the-art fitness center, which offers a range of cardio and strength-training equipment. The gym is open 24 hours a day, so guests can work out whenever it’s convenient for them.
For those looking to unwind and relax in the evenings, the resort also offers a cozy fire pit area. This is the perfect spot to gather with friends and family, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather.
In addition to the fire pit area, the resort also has oversized lawn games available for guests to play, including chess, checkers, and Connect Four. These games are located on the resort’s beautiful grounds and provide a fun and entertaining way to spend time outdoors.
For fitness enthusiasts or those who enjoy jogging or walking, the resort offers a scenic running trail that winds through the property’s beautiful landscaping. The trail offers stunning views of the resort’s pools, gardens, and water features, making it a great way to explore the grounds while getting some exercise.
Is Disney’s Riviera Resort Worth It?
Like anything, this answer is different for everyone, but if you love all things Disney, including its history, you love having a splash of animated whimsy with your high class hotel, then Disney’s Riviera Resort is perfect for you. It is artfully decorated, loaded with classic and classy hidden Mickeys, amazing dining, and a perfect location to the parks.
Have you stayed at Disney’s Riviera Resort? Let us know in the comments what you thought!
I am a mother of three that has refused to grow up. Adulting is for the birds, so I go to Disney World every chance I get for that magical escape from reality. I believe that Haunted Mansion is the best ride in all of the Disney Parks, and I am fervently in team Happily Ever After for fireworks spectaculars, (sorry, not sorry, Enchanted). Finally, I hope I never grow tired of skipping down Main Street, USA, and my dream come true would be “friends with” the Fairy Godmother in my old age.
