Resort Review: Disney’s Riviera
If you've been looking at Disney's Riviera Resort, you've probably wondered whether it's really worth the deluxe price tag. After staying there with my own family, I can honestly say it's one of my favorite Disney resorts. That doesn't mean it's the right fit for every family or vacation. Here's what I loved, what I'd keep in mind before booking, and who I think will get the most value from staying here.
Theming & Atmosphere
One of the first things you'll notice about Disney's Riviera Resort is how different it feels from many other Disney resorts. The Riviera is inspired by the French and Italian Riviera, the resort has an elegant, and relaxing atmosphere. While the theming is more subtle than some other Disney resorts, there are still plenty of Disney touches woven all around the resort. You'll find stunning murals featuring characters from Tangled and Peter Pan, as well as artwork that reimagines classic Disney stories in the style of European artists. The result is a resort that feels sophisticated while still capturing the magic Disney is known for, making it a great choice for families who want a peaceful place to unwind after a busy day in the parks.
Room Types
Disney’s Riviera is different from other resorts because it is made up completely of studios and villas as the room types. The different room types available are:
Tower Studio
Deluxe Studio
1 Bedroom Villa
2 Bedroom Villa
3 Bedroom Villa
The Tower Studio room type is exclusive to Disney’s Riviera Resort and offers a small room with a queen size murphy bed. This allows you to have living space during the day and pull the bed down when you are ready for bed, but this room type would be best for a solo traveler or a couple.
Our family stayed in a 1 bedroom villa and it was amazing to have the extra space for our family of 5. Along with having extra space we had, the room had a full kitchen stocked with all of the cooking materials you would need, a split bathroom, and a washer and a dryer. In the living area there was a queen size Murphy bed, as well as a single bed you could pull down. The extra space allowed everyone to have their own space and even allowed us to have a dark spot to put the crib for the baby without having to give up the bathroom.
Transportation and Location:
The Riviera has a very convenient location at Walt Disney World. The Riviera is located right between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and has its own Skyliner station that gives you easy access to both of these two parks. There is bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and Disney’s Water Parks. Even though you do have to take buses to these parks you do not have to share a bus with another resort, and there is just one bus stop at the resort. It was such a relief to know that once we were ready to leave the park and head back to the resort we would not have to spend extra time going to another resort or multiple bus stops within our resort. The Riviera is also a relatively small resort which was nice to know that we did not have to do a ton of extra walking at the end of a long day.
Restaurants & Dining
One thing that really stood out to me during our stay at The Riviera was how amazing the food options were. A lot of people know and rave about Topolino’s Terrace, which is a table service restaurant at the Riviera, but what you might not know is how amazing the quick service options are as well.
The dining options include:
Topolino’s Terrace: A signature rooftop restaurant that offers a character meal for breakfast and offers a signature dining experience for dinner.
Primo Piatto: A quick service restaurant that offers more than just the typical options you will find around Disney World. This was a great option for our family because it allowed my picky eater to get her typical chicken tenders and french fries, while others in our family were able to get pasta and a panini.
Bar Riva: This is an amazing pool bar that offers a full bar and multiple frozen drink options (my personal favorite). They also have a greek salad that is a nice break from the fried and greasy food you might want a break from and my husband claims was one of his favorite things he ate on our entire trip.
Le Petit Cafe: This is a cafe in the lobby that offers multiple delicious pastries and desserts, along with coffees and other drinks.
Amenities
While Disney's Riviera Resort may not have as many amenities as some of the larger Disney resorts, it offers everything you need for a relaxing resort day. Families can enjoy the Riviera Pool, complete with a waterslide that wraps around a tower, while younger children will love S'il Vous Play, an interactive splash area inspired by the fountains of Europe and featuring characters from Fantasia. If you're looking for a quieter atmosphere, the Beau Soleil Pool provides a more peaceful place to unwind. Throughout your stay, you'll also find complimentary activities like Movies Under the Stars, evening campfires with marshmallow roasting, and a rotating schedule of family-friendly recreation. There is also a beach area along the lake, an area with lawn games, and multiple areas with rocking chairs and loungers around the resort. For guests who like to stay active, the Athlétique Fitness Center is well-equipped with cardio machines and strength-training equipment. Together, these amenities make Riviera a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy time outside of the parks.
My Final Opinion:
Overall, Disney's Riviera Resort has earned a spot as one of my favorite Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World. Between the convenient Skyliner access, incredible dining, beautiful accommodations, and relaxing atmosphere, it's a resort that makes family vacations feel a little easier. While the higher price point means it won't be the right fit for every budget, I truly believe it's worth considering if convenience, comfort, and quality are priorities for your trip. As with any Disney resort, the "best" choice depends on your family's travel style, budget, and vacation goals. If you're trying to decide whether Riviera is the right fit for your family, I'd love to help you compare your options and find the resort that will make your Disney vacation as magical (and as stress-free) as possible. For me, this will be one that I am looking to go back to multiple times for future stays!
About the Author
This article was written by Hyatt Williams, travel agent with Triple the Magic Travel Co. From theme parks and cruises to all-inclusive resorts and family vacations, she is passionate about helping clients create unforgettable travel experiences without the stress of planning it all themselves.
Ready to start planning your next adventure? Contact Hyatt today for personalized vacation planning services at no additional cost to you.
Email: hyattwilliamstravel@gmail.com
Instagram: @hyattkwilliams
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