Experience Disney's Riviera Resort, the latest addition to Disney World

While some Walt Disney World resorts are adorned from floor to ceiling with cartoon characters and others boast safari animals in sight, or even feature campfire singalongs and cabins in the woods, most are clearly designed with families and children in mind.

Then there’s Disney's Riviera Resort.

Opened in late 2019, Disney World's newest standalone resort offers a prime location (ideal for visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot) while providing an unexpected escape from typical Disney resort vibes.

At Disney's Riviera Resort, you can choose from spacious, family-friendly suites or cozy, adult-oriented rooms for two. The resort features a European and Mediterranean design, focusing less on traditional cartoon motifs and more on stunning tile mosaics depicting beloved scenes, luxurious bathrooms, and soothing color palettes—perfect for unwinding after a vibrant day at the theme park.

Having experienced the opening night in 2019 and a family reunion stay in summer 2023 across various accommodations from a cozy Tower Studio for two to a spacious two-bedroom villa, here’s what staying at Disney's Riviera Resort is like.

Pricing for Disney's Riviera Resort

As a Deluxe Disney resort and the newest addition to the property, it's no surprise that Disney's Riviera Resort ranks among the more expensive accommodations at Walt Disney World. However, there are ways to lower the costs.

Rates for standard stays at Disney's Riviera Resort typically begin at over $500 per night and can increase based on the date and room selection. The Tower Studio is generally the most affordable option, accommodating just two guests with a Murphy bed that folds down from the wall. In contrast, the Deluxe Studio is the entry-level choice for families, sleeping up to five.

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Regardless of which room you choose at Riviera, it’s wise to think about booking with rented Disney Vacation Club points or your own points if you're a DVC member. Rates at Disney's Riviera start at 10 DVC points per night for a Tower Studio and 14 points per night for a Deluxe Studio that accommodates up to five.

If you're renting your Disney Vacation Club points through a reputable service like David's Vacation Club Rentals, the current rates are $21 per point for stays within seven months and $23 per point for bookings made seven months or more in advance. You can use these points to reserve anything from a cozy two-person Tower Studio to a spacious three-bedroom Grand Villa, similar to our experience at Bay Lake Tower with rented DVC points.

Booking a Tower Studio at 10 points per night would set you back $210 to $230 at David's current rates. Deluxe Studios typically start around $300 per night when using rented points. Availability can be limited, so planning several months in advance is recommended for the best options.

Recently, we had family staying in both a 2 Bedroom Villa and a Deluxe Studio at Disney's Riviera Resort, both booked using rented DVC points. We sourced our points from a friend at a slightly lower cost than larger rental companies, but the savings still ranged from 30% to 50% compared to cash rates.

Disney's Riviera Resort location

One of the many fantastic features of Disney's Riviera Resort is its location along the Disney Skyliner route. This system links Riviera Resort with Art of Animation Resort, Pop Century Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, Epcot, and Disney's Hollywood Studios through a series of gondola lifts.

Riviera Resort boasts its own Skyliner station, allowing you to board the gondolas and travel directly to Epcot or transfer at Caribbean Beach Resort. From Caribbean Beach, you can enjoy the dining options or transfer to Hollywood Studios or another Disney resort on the Skyliner route.

To reach the Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom from Riviera, you can take advantage of the complimentary Disney bus service that stops right in front of the hotel, or opt for a Minnie Van using the Lyft app.

A Minnie Van ride from the resort to the Magic Kingdom starts at approximately $40, so it's best saved for when you truly need it. This option takes you directly to the front of the park, bypassing the Ticketing and Transportation Center used by standard ride-hailing services.

You could also take the Skyliner from Riviera to Epcot and then switch to the monorail heading to the Magic Kingdom. However, this requires making your way from the World Showcase back entrance of Epcot to the main entrance to access the monorail, which is quite a trek unless you plan to spend some time at Epcot as well.

Rooms at Disney's Riviera Resort

Disney's Riviera Resort features more than 300 hotel rooms and suites distributed across several wings, so the direction you take from the lobby is important to avoid unnecessary detours.

Keep in mind that when you receive your room assignment, the first digit will be an eight—this does not indicate the floor, as all room numbers begin with eight. It's simpler to disregard that first number, treating Room 8340 as Room 340 on the third floor instead.

Disney's Riviera Tower Studios

I had experienced many rooms with bunk beds, but I had never stayed in one without a dedicated bed. I was uncertain if this would be a positive or negative experience, but as I prepared for my first visit to Riviera a few years ago, I knew that the Tower Studios are the smallest accommodations at Disney World, starting at around 220 square feet.

Disney's Riviera Tower Studios feature cozy couches for two, televisions, small desks, and chairs.

That’s all there is to it. Each studio has a Murphy bed tucked away in the wall, which, when lowered, reveals charming "Peter Pan"-themed artwork.

The bed easily lowers from the wall with a firm pull. You don’t need superhuman strength, but if you have mobility challenges, it’s best to request help from housekeeping.

When pulled down, the bed takes up nearly the entire room. If you plan to relax in the room for long periods, consider stowing the bed back in the wall... or opting for a larger accommodation.

You'll find numerous electrical outlets, including two conveniently located near the bed. The lighting is user-friendly, abundant, and adjustable. Additionally, there’s a small fridge, a microwave, and a Keurig coffee maker. A cozy two-chair balcony offers views of the resort, the Skyliner, and the evening fireworks from nearby Epcot.

A few years back, I encountered a pillow shortage during my stay in this room type. On that occasion, I discovered two pillows in the closet, but having only two pillows for two guests was far from adequate. If the situation hasn’t changed, don’t hesitate to contact housekeeping, especially if you enjoy creating pillow forts like I do.

The bathroom for this room type is nearly as spacious as the room itself. With a full shower and a generous vanity, it ranks among the most beautiful bathrooms at Disney. Despite its compact size, the room is aesthetically pleasing. I would happily return here for a trip without the entire family if the cash rate is reasonable or if I can use a small number of rented DVC points.

Disney's Riviera Deluxe Studios

This is a more classic accommodation option at Riviera Resort, accommodating up to five guests with a main bed, a pull-down sofa, and an additional pullout single bed located beneath the TV.

The setup is completely functional, featuring multiple sleeping areas along with a compact studio kitchen equipped with a microwave, sink, and mini-fridge.

However, to be completely candid, I find it to have one of the more simplistic designs among all the room types at Riviera Resort. It could definitely benefit from a richer palette of colors and textures, rather than the stark white-on-white aesthetic.

Nevertheless, the room excels in practicality, with elevated beds that allow for luggage storage underneath, pullout drawers integrated into the bed, and various "hidden" sleeping spaces that can be swiftly arranged.

The concealed sleeping areas feature playful designs that are revealed when lowered, but the motifs on the single and double beds don't really connect. While they are charming, they fail to create a cohesive theme for the room.

I don't mean to be overly critical, as the room was quite satisfactory, but I was surprised that the bathroom in this Deluxe Studio seemed less impressive than what I'd experienced in the Tower Studio, featuring a smaller shower and vanity.

Disney's Riviera 2 Bedroom Villas

Although I was somewhat disappointed with the Riviera Resort Deluxe Studio after my impressive experience with the Tower Studio, I was truly impressed by the 2 Bedroom Villa.

The suite features a fully equipped kitchen, complete with an oven, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and all the necessary cookware, dishes, and utensils you might need during your stay. We arranged for drinks, snacks, and an easy breakfast through Vacation Grocery Delivery (operated by former and current Disney cast members), and it was ready for us upon arrival, saving us significantly compared to Disney's pricing for snacks and beverages.

In the living area, you'll find a full-size Murphy bed that folds down from the sofa, along with a single bed tucked beneath the TV. Both beds are easy to set up, and the kids have always found them quite comfortable.

The two traditional bedrooms in this suite are positioned down the hall from each other, providing everyone with a comfortable amount of personal space.

The primary bedroom can be accessed from both the main entrance corridor and the living room, and it includes a king-size bed, a desk, a bedside table, and a chair.

This room also offers a lovely view of the spacious balcony, which was too warm to enjoy during our July visit but would be perfect in cooler months.

The primary bathroom is elegantly designed and serves as an en suite, making it easily accessible from the main bedroom. It features a spacious soaking tub, a large vanity, and a separate walk-in shower.

Down the hallway from the primary bedroom lies the secondary bedroom, which may be simpler in design but is highly practical. It includes two queen beds and a bathroom equipped with both a tub and a shower that can be used simultaneously, thanks to cleverly placed sliding doors. This suite accommodates up to nine guests with only two bathroom areas, showcasing impressive engineering that allows one bathroom to serve two users at once.

Our group of seven (three adults and four kids) enjoyed sharing the 2 Bedroom Villa, and it turned out to be a much more enjoyable experience than if everyone had their own hotel rooms. Disney's Riviera Resort also offers 3 Bedroom Grand Villas, but be prepared for a significant expense, likely between $2,000 to $3,000 or more per night if booked with cash, starting at 103 DVC points per night. In contrast, the 2 Bedroom Villas begin at just 38 points per night, making them a more budget-friendly choice if you don’t mind a bit of space around the resort.

Pools at Disney's Riviera Resort

Disney's Riviera Resort features two primary pool areas along with an impressive splash pad.

First, let’s explore the area designed for the youngest guests, S'il Vous Play. This splash pad draws inspiration from European public fountains, incorporating Disney's "Fantasia" characters into its water play experience. It’s located within the main pool area but secured behind its own gate.

The splash area includes two slides, one being a tunnel slide perfect for older little ones. Additionally, there are several interactive water features designed for younger kids—without the hassle of a giant bucket of water that dumps every minute, which can cause some tears, unlike at other Disney splash zones.

This splash area provides its own tables and umbrellas, handy for those days when your kids want to spend a lot of time here—finding shade around the main pool can be quite challenging.

At the main Riviera Pool, you’ll discover a twisting slide that spirals down from a 30-foot tower, alongside a zero-entry beach area. Like all Disney resorts, this main pool is monitored by lifeguards, and complimentary life jackets are available for guests.

This pool buzzes with excitement—cheers from kids (and adults) racing down the slide, energetic games led by cast members, and families making trips to the gelato cart while enjoying a swim. It's such a favorite that I suggest arriving early to secure a shaded area, as the resort tends to have fewer umbrellas, particularly for the size of the pool.

While the pool is heated as needed, there's also a hot tub available for nighttime use or during cooler months.

The main pool buzzes with activity from dawn until dusk, with many families enjoying meals by the water and catching evening movies while swimming. During our visit, the pool remained open until 10 p.m.

There's also a smaller pool called Beau Soleil, which offers a more serene experience without the slides, snacks, or lifeguards. It usually opens earlier than the main pool, at 7 a.m. compared to the 10 a.m. opening during our stay.

Activities and Amenities at Disney's Riviera

Fitness Center

If the 15,000 to 20,000 steps you’ll take each day at Disney World aren’t sufficient, Disney's Riviera features a gym located on the ground floor near the pools.

Insider tip: The gym offers complimentary cool towels, bottled water, and sometimes even small oranges to help keep you refreshed and motivated.

Outdoor games

Located behind the Riviera, there's a spacious area between the two pools where guests can enjoy a game of chess or bocce, lounge on a porch swing, or even practice cartwheels.

With the gentle melodies of Mediterranean-themed music playing and the inviting porch swings, this is a perfect spot to pause, unwind, and soak in the atmosphere, especially in the late summer afternoons as the sun sets behind the building.

Art, campfires, and films

If you choose to stay at Disney's Riviera Resort, make sure to spend some time simply enjoying the resort itself. During our recent visit, we dedicated a whole day just for relaxation—eating, swimming, and playing—which turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.

Beyond the pools and play zones, the resort hosts outdoor movie nights at 8:30 p.m. and a nightly campfire session from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. where guests can roast s'mores. There are also painting sessions available, featuring both guided classes and the option to purchase supplies to create your own artwork on items like small canvases or coffee mugs.

The evening movie lineup includes favorites like "Toy Story," "Encanto," "An American Tail," and "Chicken Little," with a new film featured each night.

Though not a conventional amenity, one of the standout features of a stay at Riviera is undoubtedly the two stunning mosaic murals located in the tunnel leading to the Skyliner.

These murals beautifully celebrate the theme of flight, composed of over 1 million meticulously hand-cut tiles that form these magnificent pieces of art.

One of the murals depicts the lantern scene from "Tangled," while the other captures the essence of Neverland. They are definitely worth appreciating, even if you don’t ride the Skyliner.

Dining at Disney's Riviera Resort

Staying true to its adult-friendly atmosphere, Disney's Riviera Resort features several sophisticated dining choices.

Le Petit Cafe

Nestled in the main lobby, Le Petit Cafe serves as both a coffee shop during the day and a bar in the evening.

The morning offerings include a variety of coffees and pastries, like chocolate chip muffins and delightfully flaky croissants ($4.29). Don't miss the chocolate chunk banana bread ($3.99), adorned with the white chocolate Riviera emblem.

Inside the cafe, you'll find ample seating. If it gets busy, you can also explore a nearby sitting room or take advantage of space in the adjoining lobby.

As night falls, the atmosphere shifts to a more adult-friendly scene, offering snacks and beverages like the Golden Haze Margarita ($16.50) and an Aperol spritz ($15).

Enjoying your evening cocktail just a short stroll from the cafe to the somewhat secluded lounge is a treat. This spot tends to get busy in the late afternoons as guests await their room check-ins, but occasionally, you might find it all to yourself.

Primo Piatto

The main quick-service dining option at Riviera is located on the ground floor. You can either place a mobile order or order directly at the counter. In the latter case, staff will bring most of your food to the table, creating a full-service vibe despite being a quick-service restaurant.

The menu features pizza, salads, pasta, and a variety of Mediterranean specialties. I enjoyed the $12.99 grilled vegetable pita so much that it quickly became both my lunch and dinner. The spices on the roasted veggies paired with the refreshing cucumber yogurt dip were a delightful change from typical chicken fingers and fries.

That said, chicken fingers and fries ($8.49) were still available on the kids' menu — and my daughter made sure to indulge in them.

For those seeking something a bit heartier, lasagna is also on the menu. While it didn't look particularly tempting to me, my teenager thoroughly enjoyed it.

Topolino's Terrace

For a truly full-service dining experience at Riviera, make your way to the top of the resort to visit Topolino's (Italian for "baby mouse"). Perched on the highest floor, Topolino's offers views that perfectly complement its elevated location.

Be sure to secure your reservations through Disney's app at least 60 days in advance, though you might find last-minute cancellations if you're persistent. Topolino's features two dining experiences: an elegant dinner and a delightful character breakfast that’s a bit more casual, yet still enjoyable.

Especially in the evening, Topolino's serves as a delightful reminder that while this resort is family-friendly, it also offers a sophisticated atmosphere for adults.

I haven't had the chance to experience dinner at Topolino's beyond a brief glance, but I've heard it offers dishes like sea scallops ($52) and filet mignon ($56). However, I can attest to the character breakfast featuring Mickey, Minnie, and friends in their unique European-style attire, which I've enjoyed multiple times (adults $45, children $29).

I can confidently say the breakfast is absolutely fantastic. In fact, it ranks among the best at Disney World, particularly if you're looking for character interaction with your morning coffee.

During my last visit, I opted for the avocado toast topped with prosciutto and poached eggs, and it was superb. The accompanying pot of muffins and croissants is always a favorite, along with the kids' waffle dippers and fruit plates.

Take your time while dining here; it can take a while for all four characters to visit each table. It's best to plan this meal for a non-park day or at least when you’re not in a hurry during the morning hours.

Bar Riva

For a refreshing beer, cocktail, salad, or shareable snack in a breezy poolside bar, Bar Riva is the perfect destination. At certain times, this lively spot captures the essence of the Riviera, allowing you to savor the ambiance without resorting to chicken fingers on a soggy pool towel.

What we loved about Disney's Riviera Resort

• Disney's Riviera offers a vibrant vacation ambiance without being overly themed. It's an ideal retreat for families seeking proximity to the parks via the Skyliner, while also allowing for some peaceful, non-Disney moments during their stay.
• The Skyliner station right at the hotel provides a fun and unique way to travel to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
• Excellent dining options across a range of prices, including the top-rated character breakfast at Walt Disney World.
• Flexibility to book using Disney Vacation Club points, with reasonable rates for various room types.
• Exceptional and friendly cast members, from check-in to dining services and beyond.

Reasons it may not be for you

• If you're looking for a hotel that constantly immerses you in Disney magic with bright characters, this may not be the right choice, as it embraces a more understated theme.
• Although classified as a Deluxe resort, it's not within walking distance of any park. During thunderstorms when the Skyliner is down, you'll only have bus transportation as your included option.
• At times, it may feel like the resort lacks sufficient amenities for its number of rooms. The lobby is relatively compact and can become quite crowded during busy check-in and checkout times. Additionally, the pool has limited shaded areas, requiring guests to claim spots or wait for others to leave.
• The studio rooms may lack character. While the smaller and larger multi-bedroom villas boast a stylish design, the studio rooms can feel somewhat bland, which is disappointing since most guests will spend considerable time in these accommodations.

Accessibility Features

Every hotel at Disney World offers wheelchair-accessible and hearing-accessible rooms. You can easily reserve these room types by selecting the "Accessible Rooms" option when searching for accommodations on Disney's website. There are even wheelchair-accessible Tower Suites available for booking.

You can navigate the entire resort using elevators and walkways, making it convenient for guests with wheelchairs, scooters, or strollers. Both pools are equipped with lifts, ensuring enjoyment for all.

Alternative Lodging Options

For a premium studio that features enhanced design elements and charm, consider the Grand Floridian, which excels in style thanks to its renovated rooms. Plus, it’s conveniently located within walking distance or a monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom.

If you're looking for Skyliner access at a more budget-friendly rate than Disney's Riviera Resort, consider its nearby neighbor, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. In some of the Caribbean buildings, you'll find yourself just a short walk from the dining and amenities at Riviera. However, be aware that Caribbean Beach is quite expansive, which may leave you further from the main areas compared to the compact Riviera Resort.

Lastly, for those who appreciate the sleek, understated Disney aesthetic at a moderate price, the Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs Resort, which opened in 2019 alongside Disney's Riviera Resort, is a solid option. It’s a great way to save some money compared to Riviera while relying on Disney bus transport or your own vehicle for getting around.

Checking out

I absolutely adore Disney's Riviera Resort. Having enjoyed stays in both the Tower Studios and the 2 Bedroom Villa, I'm already plotting my return for a third visit. It's a quick Skyliner ride to two of the Walt Disney World theme parks, yet it feels delightfully removed from the hustle and bustle ... in a wonderful way.

The overall design of the resort is sophisticated and appealing to adults, while also incorporating thoughtful details that make children feel just as welcomed.

The stunning tile mosaics are definitely worth seeing, even if you don’t stay here, and the Skyliner station adds a touch of magic to getting around Disney. As for the food, it's far from your typical carnival fare. Dining at Riviera truly makes you look forward to mealtime at Disney.

If you can snag a good deal by renting Disney Vacation Club points or taking advantage of a sale, and you prefer a Disney resort with a more subtle theme, then definitely include Disney's Riviera Resort on your Disney World itinerary and don't hesitate to book it.

Check out these articles for additional tips to help you create your ideal Disney World getaway:

• Ultimate guide to visiting Disney World
• Top dining spots at Disney World
• Are Disney Visa credit cards worth it?
• Using points to book Disney World tickets