Inspired by Europe with the Magic of Disney, Disney’s Riviera Resort is the perfect hotel for families looking for amazing dining, stylish accommodations within minutes to the parks.
One of the hardest parts of planning your Walt Disney World vacation is where you are going to stay. Luckily Disney has an array of hotels onsite that will fit just about everyone’s budget. I’ve stayed in all of them from the Value to the Deluxe and they’re all just as magical as you’d image. But today I’m sharing everything you need to know about staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort – a Disney Vacation Club Resort that transports your to the European Riviera.
So let’s learn a little more about this magical resort in Walt Disney World a that brings the magic of Europe right to Orlando. And why it might just be the perfect choice for your next Disney vacation!
WHERE IS DISNEY’S RIVIERA RESORT LOCATED?
Disney Riviera Resort is located in the Epcot resort area and offers easy access to many of the parks. The DVC resort offers bus transportation, Minnie Vans and Skyliner transportation to the parks.
While I never thought I’d like the idea of a Skyliner (a local park had one in the 80s). I was less than impressed when news broke of the Skyliner coming to Disney but I was left pleasantly surprised by it’s addition.
In fact, II found it really easy to get to the theme parks, specifically Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot, from the Skyliner. Dare I say, I like it better than the Monorail?!
WHAT ARE THE ROOMS LIKE AT THE RIVIERA RESORT?
No matter your family size, Disney’s Riviera Resort has an array of room options for everyone. We’ve only stayed in the Deluxe Studios guest rooms and have found that is more than enough space for our family of 4 but can hold a family of 5.
But it’s nice to know if friends or extended family travel with us, the larger rooms at this resort can accommodate us all.
The Deluxe Studio has plenty of sleeping with two queen beds, a single queen bed, queen-size pull down bed, and a single pull-down bunk-size bed.
The large, full bathrooms are perfect for getting ready each morning and the kitchenette is a nice feature.
Plus there’s the private patio or balcony where you can unwind after a long day at the parks and maybe even catch a fireworks show. (Book a parking lot view not a preferred view for a better chance of seeing them from your balcony.
One thing is for sure, it’s definitely one of the prettiest Disney Resort hotels.
When you walk the halls, be sure to keep an eye out for the unique art collection around the resort.
RESTAURANTS AT DISNEY’S RIVIERA RESORT
There is no shortage of amazing food at the Riviera Resort. Whatever you’re craving, there’s a restaurant for that. Let’s explore the dining options available at this resort There’s even a character meal here.
Topolino’s Terrace
Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera is open for breakfast and dinner daily. While I haven’t eaten dinner there yet, we did enjoy the Breakfast a la Art with Mickey and Friends. Here you can dine with some beloved Disney characters and enjoy a delicious breakfast even the pickiest eaters will love.
This is a on of Walt Disney World’s storybook dining experiences and one of my favorite character dining locations.
Aside from the amazing food, the character interaction was one of my favorites. Mickey and friends parade through the restaurant while stopping for autographs and photos.
This is definitely a must do on all our trips in the future. We loved all the character interaction from Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Donald Duck and Daisy at this character breakfast.
BAR RIVA
Located out by the main pool, Bar Riva is the hotel pool bar and is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat and some drinks. We’ve tried just about everything on the menu and haven’t had a bad thing yet.
Our first trip, this location served Disney’s famous Monte Cristo Sandwich but sadly it seems it was pulled due to the cutbacks of recent years.
It was delicious and one of my favorite sandwiches. Definitely keep an eye on the menu in case they bring this classic back.
LE PETIT CAFE
Located right off the main lobby, at Le Petit Cafe you can grab everything from your morning coffee and pastry to late-night drinks and small plates.
PRIMO PIATTO
This is the resorts quick-service dining location. It offer’s grab & go options along with tasty meals. My favorite by far, and one of the only time’s I’ve craved a meal (aside from O’hana’s bacon before they changed it) is the Primo Piatto Platter.
While it may not look like much in the box, but the scrambled eggs served over mascarpone polenta and served with a sweet brioche roll, bacon and Italian sausage is absolutely delicious.
I ate this every. single. morning. It was that good. The Lemon Blueberry Pancakes are worth a try too! They’re just as tasty!
And if you ever get tired of the food here, you can walk right over to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, one of my favorite moderate resorts.
Be sure to stop by La Boutique, the hotel’s shopping destination for all your souvenirs and mementos to remember your trip.
IS THERE A POOL AT THE RESORT?
It wouldn’t be Disney without an epic pool! The main Riviera Pool is the perfect spot to splash around and catch some of that Florida sun. While we don’t spend a ton of time at the pools on our Disney vacations, this is one pool I definitely don’t might relaxing at.
Little ones will love S’il Vous Play, the interactive water play area perfect for the younger crowd to enjoy some water time!
CAN YOU SEE FIREWORKS FROM THE RIVIERA RESORT AT DISNEY?
YES, you actually can see fireworks from 3 different parks! When dining at Topolino’s Terrace, one of my favorite restaurants, you can see the fireworks from Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot!
During our stay back in 2019, we even saw them from the balcony of our room! It was a beautiful sight although we’re typically not in our room during the shows, were usually at the park. This night we happened to turn in early and were able to enjoy the show right from our room.
If you hope to get a room with a view of the fireworks, you want to book one facing the parking lot. You can see the difference in views from our last two stays below.
OTHER RESORT AMENITIES
- Work out at the resort’s fitness center
- enjoy a leisurely walk along one of the resorts walking/jogging paths
- try your hand at chess or bocce ball at the outdoor courts
- check out the nightly campfire held from 6:30-7:30 each night
- nightly Disney movies at 8:30 pm
WHAT I REALLY THOUGHT ABOUT OUR STAY AT THIS VACATION CLUB RESORT
Unlike most of our other stays at Disney’s Resort Hotels, I don’t have one bad thing to say about the resort. In fact, I loved our first stay so much that I booked it again last year. I loved that stay so much (even with all the protocols put in place – like the meals in to-go boxes), I loved it even more. I’m even booking our September trip here again.
MORE DISNEY TRIP PLANNING IDEAS:
- How to Enjoy a Rainy Day at Disney
- 8 Reasons You Should Have a Car at Disney
- Do’s and Don’ts on your Disney Alaska Cruise
- Unique Disney Autograph Book Ideas
- Everything You Need to Know about Disney’s Minnie Van Service
- Baby’s 1st Haircut at Disney’s Harmony Barber Shop
OTHER DISNEY HOTELS YOU MIGHT LIKE
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid Rooms
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Have any questions about Disney’s Riviera Resort, leave a comment or send me a message!
Dawn