Disney’s Riviera Resort – one of the more controversial Disney resorts.
From a lack of clear theming (I mean, this resort looks almost nothing like the real French and Italian Riviera) to ridiculously high Disney’s Riviera Resort prices, there’s plenty that people don’t like about this resort.
Although there are some clear positives of this resort (such as Riviera being a Disney Skyliner hotel), there is no shortage of Disney’s Riviera Resort reviews with at least somewhat negative opinions.
So, before I stayed at Disney’s Riviera Resort for the first time in December 2024, I was prepared to feel relatively unimpressed.
Despite seeing countless Disney’s Riviera Resort photos, dining at Topolino’s twice (the Table Service Disney Riviera Resort restaurant) and resort hopping to Riviera a few times, I really didn’t get a proper feel for this resort until I actually stayed.
Here are some surprising things I found out whilst staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort, that will help you decide if you should stay there (or even if you want to choose Riviera as your DVC Home Resort).
This post is all about the top 6 most surprising things about Disney’s Riviera Resort after staying there, so you can decide if you should book a stay there!
Disney’s Riviera Resort
1) Room Experience at Disney’s Riviera Resort
If you’ve ever seen photos of the Disney’s Riviera Resort rooms, you’ll know that they look great.
I stayed in a Deluxe Studio – Standard View, and I have to say that it’s one of the nicest Deluxe Studios I’ve stayed in.
This is hardly surprising, as it’s well designed. The Disney Riviera Resort aesthetic is modern, but the rooms still appear to be on the more luxurious side.
What did surprise me, however, was how spacious the Deluxe Studio felt. I was aware that Riviera had the third biggest studios on Disney World property at 423 square ft. (I’m just talking about the Deluxe Studios; not the Tower Studios at Riviera), it felt more spacious than expected – especially for a newer building.
Riviera only opened in December 2019, and we’ve seen an unfortunate trend of DVC studios typically getting smaller in newer properties. (For example, the studios and villas are pretty huge at Disney’s Old Key West Resort – the first DVC resort. However, many new DVC resorts have opened since 1991 with rooms that are drastically smaller).
That being said, Disney’s Riviera Resort is the third most expensive DVC Resort at Disney World. So it makes perfect sense that Riviera is home to the third biggest studios on property.
The Disney Riviera Resort bathroom in the Deluxe Studio felt especially spread out – with a separate bath and shower (I mean, if that doesn’t scream Deluxe, what does?! 😂).
In the Deluxe Studio, there is one queen bed, one Murphy queen bed and 1 single pull down bed, accommodating up to 5 guests.
The Disney’s Riviera Resort 1 Bedroom Villa is the third biggest One Bedroom Villa at Disney World, at 813 square ft.
Additionally, Disney’s Riviera Resort 2 Bedroom Villa is the second largest Two Bedroom Villa at Disney World, at an impressive 1,246 square ft.
Additionally, we got (pretty good) Epcot firework views from our balcony (and we hadn’t even splurged on a Preferred View).
Standard View rooms have a view of the parking lot – but you may also be able to see Epcot fireworks!
Preferred View rooms have a view of the lake (and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort).
2) Disney’s Riviera Resort Dining Options
The Disney Riviera Resort food is so good!
When it comes to food, Riviera is best known for Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera (a Fine/Signature Dining location).
They serve a very popular character breakfast in the mornings and a regular signature dining experience for dinner.
However, what doesn’t get spoken about enough is the quick service dining options at Disney’s Riviera Resort!
There are 3 casual dining locations at Riviera:
- Bar Riva (at the Riviera pool)
- Primo Piatto (the main quick service location)
- Le Petit Café (the Parisian-inspired café, found at the lobby at Disney’s Riviera Resort).
From unique healthier dining options at Primo Piatto to THE BEST cakes/pastries/sweet treats at Le Petit Café, there is so much food to try and enioy here!
Also, don’t miss the Vivoli il Gelato ice cream cart by the Riviera Pool for THE BEST ice cream ever. (It’s also very expensive. : $7.50 for just one scoop, or $9.25 for two and an extra $1.50 if you want it in a waffle cone!).
3) How Beautiful the View Is from the Pools at Disney’s Riviera Resort
At first glance, the pools at Riviera don’t look like anything special.
However, if you get a sunbed or seat overlooking the Skyliner, you get the most stunning view:
Watching the gondolas pass by is surprisingly relaxing.
The Beau Soleil Pool (the leisure pool) was also extremely quiet (but that’s probably because my stay was in December!).
4) How Luxurious Riviera Feels (Despite Not Being 5-Star Like Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa)
Riviera has always had the controversial reputation of being “the Grand Floridian of Epcot”.
These are the main reasons why this direct comparison between the Grand Floridian and Epcot feels incorrect:
- Riviera is a 4-star resort (like every other Deluxe Resort) except the Grand Floridian (which, as I mentioned in the subtitle above, is a 5-star resort).
- The Grand Floridian has a spa, whereas the Riviera does not.
- The Grand Floridian is on the Monorail, along with just two other Deluxe Resorts. Whilst Riviera is on the Skyliner, this transportation option is available to guests staying at select Value and Moderate Resorts (therefore, you don’t have to pay Riviera prices for this benefit).
- The Grand Floridian has a massive lobby that feels luxurious, whereas Riviera has a small and modest lobby, that doesn’t scream “DELUXE RESORT” as much.
Whilst this is true, it doesn’t mean that Riviera isn’t luxurious in its own way.
From detailed food that you wouldn’t necessarily expect from a 4-star resort to the insane beauty of the hallways to the rooms (that feel more “upscale” than most DVC resort offerings), Riviera does feel pretty luxurious.
If we turn a blind eye to the thin, cheap feeling carpet on the stairs from the lobby to the hallway that takes you to the pools – and the uninspired movie posters on the wall disguised as art, Riviera does have luxurious elements that are hard to ignore.
5) How Stunning Disney Riviera Resort art is
I know, I just criticised the movie posters framed on the wall (that are supposedly special JUST because they’ve been printed in another language; not because they’re also interesting to look at).
But, when you wander around the resort, especially down the hallways to your room, there is artwork that is quite stunning.
Even better, Riviera has an art-on-demand service. If you go to the gift shop, you can find a kiosk where you can actually purchase prints and canvases of the art you see around the resort.
6) Despite the Lack of “Over-the-Top” Theming, Riviera is Still a Lovely Resort
As I mentioned earlier in this post, Riviera is supposedly be inspired by the French and Italian Riviera. However, based on photos of the “real Riviera”, it looks nothing like the somewhat standard tower that is Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Don’t get me wrong, Disney’s Riviera Resort is a pretty tower, but it hardly screams about it’s French and Italian influences.
That being said, the amenities of this resort (namely: the pools, dining and Skyliner) make Riviera a great Disney resort.
Frequently Asked Questions about Disney’s Riviera Resort
Is the Riviera at Disney a deluxe resort?
If you’re wondering “what category is Disney Riviera Resort?”, it is a Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Resort.
Can you stay at Riviera without DVC?
Yes. Although Disney’s Riviera Resort is a Disney Vacation Club Resort (which means many guests at this resort are DVC members), you can stay here by:
- Renting DVC points (this is usually the cheapest way to book this resort, if you are not a member. I am a DVC member but rented points to stay here, as my resale DVC points are restricted and cannot be used at Riviera. I rented points from David’s Vacation Club Rentals and DVC-Rental for my stay, and had a positive experience with both companies).
- Booking directly through Disney (this is often be a lot more expensive than renting points, but can be more straightforward. If you can find a good discount on Disney’s site, it may be worth considering).
Which park is Disney’s Riviera Resort closest to?
“Where is Disney Riviera Resort located?”
Riviera is in the Epcot Resort area. You can also take the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios (though you need to change at Caribbean Beach).
What did Disney Riviera Resort replace?
Disney’s Riviera Resort replaced some of the buildings at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.
What is the cheapest Disney Deluxe resort?
On the DVC side, the cheapest Disney Deluxe Resorts are usually:
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
RELATED POST: The Ultimate DVC Face-Off: Disney’s Old Key West VS Saratoga Springs – Which Resort Wins?
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
On the hotel side, the cheapest Disney Deluxe Resorts tend to be:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
RELATED POST: 9 Easy Ways to Secure the Best Animal Kingdom Lodge Prices for Your Disney World Trip
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
(This is subject to change, and discounts and promotions may affect this).
How much does each point cost for Disney’s Riviera Resort?
Want to make Riviera your DVC Home Resort?
Riviera is still a resort being “actively sold” by Disney directly. It will cost $235 per point in 2025 (without incentives).
You can usually save money (a considerable amount) by buying a resale Riviera contract. However, a resale contract at Riviera is restricted, and you would only be able to use your points at Riviera, and none of the other DVC properties.
RELATED POST: Every Crucial Thing You Should Know Before Purchasing a Disney Vacation Club Resale Contract
Ta Ta For Now
In summary, if you prefer a small, quiet resort, away from the hustle and bustle of the Disney Parks, Riviera is an excellent choice.
If you want to stay at a larger resort, Riviera is probably not the best Disney resort for you.
Have you ever stayed at or visited Disney’s Riviera Resort? What did you think? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
This post was all about the top 6 most surprising things about Disney’s Riviera Resort after staying there, so you can decide if you should book a stay there!
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