Should You Stay at Disney’s Riviera Resort?
Walt Disney World’s Riviera Resort opened in 2019 and ever since has been one of the most popular stays for guests. With its bright, European flair and elegance, if you want this Deluxe resort, you’ll have to get to booking early as rooms tend to sell out fast.
But what makes this resort so special, and is it worth the price tag?
The Rooms and Aesthetic
The Riviera Resort is a part of Disney Vacation Club (DVC), but you do not need to be a DVC member in order to book here.
Room options include Tower Studios, Deluxe Studios, and Villas ranging from one bedroom to three.
Tower Studios are the smallest of the rooms, fit for just two people. You only have a pull-down bed, but this is to maximize the space around you. When the bed is upright, you have a comfortable couch for some unwinding after the parks.
Deluxe Studios sleep up to five adults, with a queen bed, one queen-sized pull down, and a single pull down bed. By sacrificing the added space in rooms like a one-bedroom, you are able to fit the same amount of people into one singular space while saving a bit of money.
Like Deluxe Studios, a one bedroom villa will also sleep five guests, but you are a bit more spread out. Two bedroom villas on the other hand sleep up to 9 adults, while three bedroom villas can house 12 adults.
The rooms provide a modern luxury feel, utilizing marble and a white color scheme to accentuate the artwork both in your room and around the resort. These unique paintings of classic Disney characters are special to the resort, and can be purchased at the La Boutique gift store.
Where to Eat at the Riviera
Some of the best resort food on property is found at the Riviera, especially when looking at the coffee and pastry scene. Le Petit Cafe is popular online for good reason: their Almond Cold Brew, topped with a honey-almond whipped cream, is by far one of the best coffees at Disney World.
Le Petit Cafe is perfect for those rope drop mornings when you’re on the way to the bus or Skyliner and want a quick bite. Another highlight of their menu is also served at Primo Piatto, the quick service location: the banana bread loaf, filled with large chocolate chunks.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
As for Primo Piatto, you get an upscale menu of classic favorites at all mealtimes. Beloved favorites like Mickey waffles can be found alongside blueberry-lemon pancakes and a Croque Madame sandwich, while at dinner you can order some margherita pizza or a panini.
Bar Riva is a poolside bar, but serves much more than refreshing drinks. While taking in the sights of the resort, you can indulge in Arancini, a burger, and pasta just to name a few entrées.
Topolino’s Terrace
However, one of the most popular table-service restaurants lies on the tenth floor of the resort: Topolino’s Terrace. A character breakfast by day and a signature French and Italian dining experience by night, Topolino’s is a great option for those looking for sophisticated dining.
Breakfast à la Art at Topolino’s is a Prix Fixe character experience, coming in at $54 per adult. Menu highlights include the Quiche Gruyère and Sour Cream Waffle, and Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy come to your table in special outfits dedicated to their favorite artistic hobbies.
Photo: Disney
Dinner at Topolino’s calls for a formal night at the resort, enforcing a dress code and serving gourmet meals like Filet Mignon and Duck À L’Orange. And for dessert, some Tiramisu Crème Brûlée.
You don’t want to miss stepping out onto the balcony of Topolino’s either, as you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the resort, Skyliner, and both Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
With a wide selection of quality food to choose from, there’ll always be something new for you to try!
Transportation to the Parks
Many Disney World guests have a love-hate relationship with the Riviera transportation.
Buses will take you to Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, and Disney Springs, while the Skyliner is the only way to get to Epcot or Hollywood Studios.
If you or your family absolutely adore the Skyliner, this resort is perfect. However, if someone is afraid of heights or prefers the other methods of transportation, such as the monorail or boat, this could deter you from booking a stay here.
The Skyliner is efficient, and a great method of transportation, but for a lot of people, it’s not their first choice to take. If the Skyliner is ever down, buses will take you to Epcot or Hollywood Studios.
How Much is One Week?
Using a sample week’s stay during the holidays, from December 14-20, rates at the Riviera are as follows (pricing is for example only and is subject to change):
- Tower Studio with a Resort View: $808/night
- Deluxe Studio with a Resort View: $1,078/night
- One Bedroom Villa with a Preferred View: $1,710/night
Photo: Disney
The two bedroom and three bedroom villas are already unavailable for this week, showing that it’s important to book early if the Riviera is your dream stay.
Does the Riviera Make Your Bucket List?
The Riviera is a gorgeous resort, with amenities and food that make for an elevated, luxurious vacation. But with the high price per night, it’s important to consider all aspects of the resort to ensure the cost is worth it.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Even if you don’t stay at the Riviera, a trip from the parks to this resort makes for a wonderful break from the Florida heat. Grab a coffee and a patio seat and you’re in for a lovely afternoon!
