European Style awaits at the Disney Riviera Resort
Quite different from the design of the other Disney Vacation Club Resorts, the Disney Riviera Resort has a style all its own and captures the essence of the French Riviera. Walt Disney loved going to Europe for the culture, art, and people and now Disney World is offering a piece of Europe to its guests. While there are enough nods to Mickey and Disney themes throughout the Riviera Resort, it definitely has gone for the more adult feel. No flashy Disney characters, no vibrant colors that you will find in many of the other Disney World Resorts either. The Disney Riviera Resort is a great addition for families and has a wonderful adult feel that you will not get at any of the other resorts.
Room and Villas
The Rooms at the Disney Riviera Resort are sleek, stylish, and are much more adult than most of the Disney Resorts. All of the rooms and Villas are Disney Vacation Club properties so the DVC members will have the first choice but anyone is able to book at the Riviera Resort but make sure that you book many months in advance. A unique addition to the Disney Riviera Resort is the Tower Studio that sleeps up to two (2) guests and is the least expensive option when staying. Like other Disney Vacation Club rooms, the Deluxe studio has space for five (5) and you have the option of sleeping up to twelve (12) in the three (3) Bedroom Grand Villa. The One, Two and Three Bedroom Villas have a full kitchen and laundry making them feel a little more like home than the smaller options.
More Details
Disney Riviera Resort Reviews
Pros:
Staying at the Disney Riviera Resort is a different experience from the other Disney Resorts, even the DVC Resorts. The Riviera is very stylish and you can certainly feel the European highlights throughout. Very clean lines make the rooms comfortable and sleek. Our kids loved the pool area with a huge twisting water slide and our toddler enjoyed splashing around and waiting for the Elephant to tip the large water bucket. You must eat at Topolino's Restaurant on the roof of the Disney Riviera Resort. The food is great but the views are really amazing. Have direct access to the Disney Skyliner was a lot of fun. The Skyliner connects you to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Cons:
Some of the guests did not like the style of the Riviera Resort compared to others because it did not feel quiet as "Disney" as the others. The lobby is small but this is due to the Disney Riviera Resort is a Disney Vacation Club Resort not designed for the general public. Restaurants are very limited with only a couple of options. It would be nice if there were additional places to eat. If you want to be away from everything, the Disney Riviera Resort might be your perfect resort. Some guests missed being in the middle of the excitement that you feel at many of the other Disney World Deluxe Resorts.
* Estimate of Rating Levels
Take some time and look at the Disney Riviera Resort TripAdvisor Reviews to see all of the latest and up to date reviews.
* Rating Levels were created from TripAdvisor information at the time of adding this property. Please check the Disney Riviera Resort TripAdvisor Reviews to see if any changes to the ratings have changed before booking.
Fun Things to Do at the Disney Riviera Resort
While the pools are great fun, there are also a few other outdoor activities to enjoy at the Riviera Resort. A full-size Bocce Ball court is located in the main courtyard beside the quiet pool and is always looking for someone to play. A fire pit is located behind the main family pool and overlooks the water. Come join in for marshmallows and smores. A huge activity lawn is filled with fun and games and is the perfect place for the kids to run out some of that extra energy before bedtime.
Are Pets Allowed?
As much as you might be tempted to bring your small dog along with you, if you are staying at the Riviera, Pets are not allowed. If this is a deal-breaker, consider looking at the Pet Friendly Hotels in Disney World. Service animals are welcome at the Disney Saratoga Springs Resort.
Resort Fees
There are not any additional Resort Fees when staying at the Disney Riviera Resort.
Parking
Self-Parking is included, as always for Disney Vacation Club Members, however, if you are renting points or have booked a room through a 3rd party, you will have a nightly fee for parking.
Transportation at the Disney Riviera Resort
Transportation is more fun when you stay at the Riviera. One of the Disney Skyliner hubs are located at the Riviera Resort and will connect you directly to Epcot and Disney Caribbean Beach Resort. What a fun way to travel as you whisk away through the sky over Disney World. The Disney Bus system can also get you to all of the other Disney World Theme Parks, Water Parks and also to Disney Springs.
Fitness Center
The Riviera offers guests full access to the Athlétique Fitness Center where you will find all of the fitness equipment and free weights necessary to get in a good workout before the day starts.
Spa Treatments
Unfortunately, you will not find a Spa at the Disney Riviera Resort.
Dining
Even if you are not staying at the Disney Riviera Resort, it is worth booking at Topolino’s Terrace for the beautiful rooftop views you will experience. Flavors of the Riviera are waiting for Breakfast and Dinner. A more casual setting is found at the Primo Piatto with grab and go options.
