Guide to Disney’s Riviera Resort | Dining, Amenities, & More

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The Riviera Resort in the Walt Disney World resort is in a perfect location to be right in the middle of the Disney “bubble” while also in its own little area to really enjoy a vacation. Here you are a quick Disney Skyliner ride to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, steps away from delicious dining options with everything from mediterranean-inspired cuisine to incredible pastries, and you have all the amenities actually to relax on your vacation. 

We recently stayed in a Tower Studio room in the Riviera, and reviews got it right- this is a tiny room. It sleeps two, is tucked into the resort tower, and has a Murphy bed as the only bed option. However, the bathroom was gorgeous, and I’m always a fan of balconies. There is a nice sized desk, full length mirror, coffee maker and a decent amount of storage for being such a small room. They were very thoughtful about using every inch. I didn’t think it was too bad, but I wouldn’t pay over $200 a night. 

The Location

Located within the Epcot Resort Area. The resort is very easy to get to when driving into Disney World. It’s a short bus ride to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom and it’s on the Skyliner. You can walk to Disney’s Caribbean Beach resort, or get to any area of the resort without feeling like you can get lost (some Disney resorts are HUGE in overall space).

The Rooms

Like I said, our room was tiny. However, a lot of suites are available throughout the resort, many options with balconies, so the rooms get a thumbs up from me. This is a Disney Vacation Club resort and a standard Disney resort, so you really get a mix of room sizes from the tower studios to three-bedroom villas. Most of the larger multi-bedroom villa include a full kitchen, dining area, sitting area and separate bedrooms. 

Cost

It’s pricey and honestly doesn’t need to be based on what you get here compared to other resorts. If I were to spend the regular room rate, I would much rather be within walking distance of Magic Kingdom or EPCOT. 

The Vibes

It doesn’t scream Disney, but there are subtle nods. It’s na elegant and classy property with a French-style setting. The buildings are beautiful, and the property transports you to a French bistro “but make it Disney” atmosphere. There is gorgeous artwork, especially the murals by the fountains. If you are a fan of a few of the beloved Disney Characters, Rapunzel, or Peter Pan fan, you have to check them out; it’s one of our favorite things to see on property!

If you want to read more about Walt Disney World resorts, check out these posts.

Amenities

With two pools, one splash pad, a water slide, and a few jacuzzis, you have the amenities for a nice vacation. The main Riviera pool is perfect for families, while the second option is more geared towards a serene, relaxing and great experience. You also get the typical Disney perks like poolside crafts and games (available at all Disney resorts), a really lovely gym (available only at moderate and deluxe Disney resorts), Disney transportation (all Disney resorts), and yard games (all Disney resorts). You’ll also find a few tucked-away spaces to relax- like the perfect lounge area! 

If you usually mix working with vacationing, the Voyageurs’ Lounge is the perfect place to grab a coffee and work for a while. It’s usually quieter, has a decent amount of seating and is near the lobby if any of your littles want to pop in for a visit. 

Food

The Riviera Resort is home to some of our favorite on-property, signature dining. Topolino’s Terrace for a character meal breakfast and flavors of the riviera, the poolside Bar Riva for snacks and drinks, and Primo Piatto the quick-service restaurant for quick bites or a delicious dinner. Get the Banana Bread from the le petit café in the lobby or Primo Piatto. It’s incredible! Topolino’s is highly ranked on our list of all Disney dining locations, the menu is incredible and as a rooftop restaurant, it has amazing views of the resort, surrounding parks and Disney theme parks. All of this to say, your taste buds will be happy at this resort! 

Transportation

Hop on the Disney skyliner for easy access to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios or take the buses to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs.  

This is a small resort with very subtle nods to Disney. One building means you can get wherever you’re going within the resort, and you don’t need to leave, which is a park compared to most other Disney resorts. Depending on your location within the resort, you will either be directly next to the Skyliner Station, or a maximum of a 5-minute

Overall, we really liked this resort and will absolutely stay here again! This is a small resort with very subtle nods to Disney. One building means you can get wherever you’re going within the resort, and you don’t need to leave, which is a park compared to most other Disney resorts. It’s a quick trip to visit Mickey Mouse, the perfect spot for a day by the pool and steps away from amazing food. 

 Have you stayed at the Riviera Resort in Walt Disney World?