5 Things To Know If You’re Staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort With Kids
Amongst the hustle and bustle of the 2019 Holiday Season, Walt Disney World opened its newest resort, a Disney Vacation Club Villa Property called Disney’s Riviera Resort. This deluxe property features studios, as well as 1-2 bedroom villas right in the heart of the magic!
If you’re plotting out a Disney World getaway for 2020, you may be wondering if this property is right for you (or more importantly right for the kids.) That’s why we here at MickeyBlog thought we’d share 5 things to know if you’re traveling with kids and Rivera Resort is on your “shortlist.”
What’s Disney’s Riviera Resort Like and What Does It Have to Offer For Both Adults and Kids?
Disney’s Riviera Resort draws its inspiration from the Grand European vacations that Walt Disney took with his wife. You can expect turn-of-the-century French and Italian Theming with an upscale vibe. The theming is subtle and more mature than some of Disney’s other properties with Walt’s sojourns showcased in the artwork, decor and even family photos displayed about the property.
Parents Will Love: You can indulge in the laid back vibe of a trip to the French Riviera whether its sipping coffee at a French-inspired cafe or soaking up the sun at the stunning pool area.
Kids Will Love: The fun and fanciful rooftop restaurant Topolino’s Terrace offers character dining. There’s a zero-depth feature pool done in a fun Fantasia theme. There’s also a host of other fun activities grom bocce ball and chess to taking a plunge down the 30-foot water slide.
Quick Tip: Each of Disney’s Resorts offer Activity Calendars FREE to guests staying there. As for one at the check-in desk. It will outline all of the kid-friendly and family-friendly activities taking place during your visit. From pool parties to scavenger hunts, you’ll definitely want to spend some downtime at the resort checking them out!
Location, Location, Location!
Walt Disney World Resort is as big as the Island of Manhattan. This means for families on the go, location is everything. I mean who wants to spend the majority of your holiday traveling to and from the theme parks. That’s one of the things that makes Riviera Resort so special. It is the first Deluxe Property that is conveniently located on Disney’s Skyliner Route. This means that guests are just a quick gondola trip to both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. That means awesome new areas like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land are conveniently located. In our option, this puts the property on par with the prestigious monorail resorts.
Parents Will Love: A stay here means not trying to plot out the logistics of Disney’s resort bus system. A nice alternative is the Skyliner system which boasts short lines, easy access for strollers (which can be rolled right on to the gondola cars) and short travel times. This means no arguments first thing in the morning as you rush to make it to your character breakfast.
Kids Will Love: There is a huge amount of novelty when it comes to taking the Skyliner. Adorned with colorful characters on the cars and offering incredible aerial views of the theme parks, we’re confident that it will be your child’s new favorite attraction!
Quick Tip: Want unobstructed views as you soar above Disney? Opt for one of the cars without a character wrap. The sightlines will make for some pretty impressive Instagram photos!
What Are the Rooms Like?
Riviera Resort is one of Disney World’s Disney Vacation Club properties. This means that members of Disney’s timeshare program get first dibs on rooms. When unsold, they become available for non-DVC guests to book. Because all the rooms fall into the villa category you’ll find extra amenities like microwaves, toasters, wet bar and more. Rooms sleep anywhere from 2 adults to 12 guests in one of the 3-bedroom grand villas.
Parents Will Love: The one and two-bedroom villas also offer full kitchens, 2 restrooms, washer and dryer and more!
Kids Will Love: Unlike some of the older villa properties, uncomfortable sofa beds have now been replaced with queen-sized murphy beds. Once opened, they also reveal beautiful Disney-themed artwork on the headboard bringing new meaning to the phrase “sweet dreams!”
Quick Tip: Don’t be afraid to make room requests. Though Disney doesn’t guarantee your requests will be honored more often then not they’ll give you a room that ticks your boxes. Common requests are to be on a higher floor (for the view) or close to the Skyliner.
Let’s Eat!
Like any of Disney’s Deluxe Villa properties, guests can expect a wide range of delicious eateries. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll find at the Riviera Resort.
Topolino’s Terrace – Not only does this rooftop restaurant boast some pretty amazing views but it also offers our new favorite character dining experience! Breakfast a la Art with Mickey and Friends. One of our favorite things about this meal is that all the delicious eats and treats are served tableside meaning that you don’t have to queue up in one of those often-frantic buffet lines. The menu includes everything from fresh pastries to Steak! You’ll also be visited by painter Mickey, poet Minnie, sculptor Donald and dancer Daisy.
Oh but let’s not forget dinner! In the evening Topolino’s offers gorgeous views of Walt Disney World and for those dining later in the evening views of the fireworks displays at both Hollywood Studios and Epcot! The menu has some pretty swanky items like the Buratta con Panna with black winter truffle and Filet Mignon.
Bar Riva – This is Riviera’s pool bar but with a twist. Here you’ll find innovative cocktails, a satisfying kids menu and delicious eats crafted at the neighboring Primo Piatto.
Primo Paitto- This is the Riviera Resort’s Quick Service location. To call it a food court certainly wouldn’t do it justice. Some of our favorites include Blueberry-Lemon Pancakes with mascarpone and scrambled eggs over mascarpone polenta on a brioche roll. Here you’ll also find iconic Mickey waffles and Italian Classics for lunch and dinner including handmade pasta and freshly baked pizzas!
Le Petit Cafe – Feel like you’re enjoying a quiet morning at a Parisian cafe with this coffee shop inspired by The Aristocats. Here you’ll find a nice selection of coffees and pastries. At night it transforms into a wine bar.
Parents Will Love: Honestly you’ll feel like a kid again at Topolino’s character breakfast. Alternatively, consider booking a baby sitter through Kids Nite Out and keep the kids occupied while you enjoy a romantic meal at Topolino’s with fireworks views!
Kid’s Will Love – Poolside you’ll find Vivo Il Gelato where you can order up a delicious scoop of Italian ice cream!
Quick Tip: When making dinner reservations at Topolino’s, take a look at the park hours for Epcot and Hollywood Studios online. Fireworks usually coincide with park closing so plan your dinner accordingly if you want to enjoy fireworks views while you dine!
How Much Does a Stay at the Riviera Resort Cost?
All of the luxury mentioned above does come at a price! Rooms range from about $400 a night (for a small studio) to upwards of $4500 for grand villas! You definitely pay a price for the amenities and convenience. However, keep in mind that the full kitchens, laundry facilities and transportation links do offset costs slightly. Riviera Resort may also be included in discounts from time to time which means that you may be able to save on room rates or resort/ticket/dining packages depending on the time of year you visit!
Quick Tip: Consider enlisting the services of an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. One of the services they provide is discount monitoring. This means that they will scout for discounts and apply them to your package even after you’ve booked so that you’re always getting the best rates out there!
Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to assist you with everything from finding your perfect sailing and stateroom to helping you plan lots of special touches to make your visit truly magical. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook