Riviera Resort: Disney’s Most Luxurious Resort
For years Disney’s Grand Floridian has been Disney’s most luxurious resort but in my opinion Riviera Resort now takes the spot. Disney’s Grand Floridian is still beautiful and stunning but the rooms are Riviera Resort are sure to impress even the most discerning of taste.
Rooms
Disney’s Riviera Resort opened in December of 2019. The resort is a Disney Vacation club but any guest can stay at the resort. The resort is composed of Tower Studios, Deluxe Studios, 1 bedroom villas, 2 bedroom villas, and 3 bedroom grand villas.
The tower studio sleeps up 2 guests. Deluxe studios and 1 bedroom villas sleep up to 5. The two bedroom villas sleep up to 9. Lastly, the 3 bedroom grand villa can sleep up to 12 guests.
All villas 1 bedroom and larger are equipped with a full kitchen, living room, dining room, and laundry. All rooms also feature a balcony.
Several of the rooms have a view of Epcot including Spaceship Earth. We were able to watch Harmonious from our standard view room.
Preferred view rooms are also available that feature views of the pool, courtyard, or Caribbean Beach Resort.
All of the rooms include marble bathrooms, separate tub and showers, and Disney inspired art. The sofas feature the popular murphy bed design that are more comfortable and convenient than the pull out sofas in other resorts.
Transportation
Disney’s Riviera Resort has a Skyliner station. The Skyliner is a game changer in Disney resort transportation as it is quick and efficient. We never had to wait more than a few minutes to board the Skyliner.
The Skyliner provides transportation to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. The station at Riviera Resort takes you directly to Epcot and to the transfer station at Caribbean Beach Resort to reach Hollywood Studios.
Riviera Resort also provides bus transportation to Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the water parks. The buses at Riviera were quick and efficient.
The resort is very walkable and easy to navigate. Once we forgot something in the room while at the bus stop and it only took 6 minutes to get to our room and back to the bus station. A lot of the resorts at Disney are so large that a walk back to the room could easily take 15 minutes.
Dining
Disney’s Riviera Resort features one table service restaurant, Topolino’s Terrace. Topolino’s has a character breakfast featuring Minnie, Mickey, Daisy, and Donald. The characters are dressed in adorable European outfits that fit the resort.
Topolino’s is a signature meal for dinner featuring fireworks views from Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The outside terrace features a view of all four Disney parks.
Riviera also features a quick service restaurant, Primo Piatto. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The pool features an open-air pool bar, Bar Riva. Le Petit Cafe is located in the lobby serving coffee, sweets, drinks, and small plates.
Lobby
The lobby at Riviera Resort is understated compared to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. When comparing the two resorts, the lobby takes the prize at Disney’s Grand Floridian. Although the lobby at Riviera is small it is a bustling place with energetic cast members, a well appointed gift shop, and Le Petit Cafe.
Pool
Disney’s Riviera Resort features two pools. The main feature pool features a water slide and a kids splash area S’il Vous Play. Throughout the day, Disney’s recreation staff provide fun poolside activities for the children.
Riviera also features a quiet pool named Beau Soleil. Both pools feature comfortable loungers and umbrellas. Mobile ordering was available poolside for drinks and snacks.
Riviera also features a fitness center, Athletique, that is open daily.
Art
One of the aspects of Riviera Resort that sets is apart is the beautiful artwork. The resort and the rooms feature European inspired Disney paintings.
Each room category features different beautiful artwork. The artwork can even be purchased in the gift shop.
Disney’s Riviera Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian are both luxury properties at Walt Disney World. Riviera Resort’s beautifully appointed villas edge out the competition. The Villas at Grand Floridan are scheduled to receive a renovation in summer of 2022 so it may even out the competition to come.
Grand Floridian provides easy access to Magic Kingdom and Epcot via the monorail. If you enjoy both resorts, try a split stay between these two opulent resorts.
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