4 Reasons to Stay at Disney's Riviera Resort - WDW Magazine

Curious about the newest Disney Deluxe Villa resort offering? Here are 4 reasons why you should stay at Disney's Riviera Resort. 

When I think of going away on vacation, I picture relaxation. Of course, sometimes a Disney vacation can be anything but, between hitting all of the theme parks and doing as much as I can while I am there. 

Lucky for me, Disney is one step ahead. They have created a new type of experience at Disney's Riviera Resort. 

Photo by Jenn Marrazzo

Disney's Riviera Resort is the newest Disney Vacation Club Resort that features luxurious and relaxing touches. From Le Petit Cafe, a quaint coffee shop in the lobby to Primo Piatto, the quick service location that feels anything but, the Riviera is a place to escape. Imagine a touch of the Mediterranean right in Central Florida. 

 Inspired by Walt & Lillian Disney's travels to the Mediterranean, the resort is filled with touches of Italian and French flair. The tranquil and almost home-like feeling continues throughout thanks to photos of Walt's travels that line the walls and movie posters in French and Italian.  

But, if all of this doesn't sound amazing enough, here are my 4 reasons to stay at Disney's Riviera Resort on your next trip to Walt Disney World. 

1. Location/Transportation

Photo by Jenn Marrazzo

Disney's Riviera Resort is considered an EPCOT Area Resort, which means you're in a pretty convenient location while staying here. Nestled next to Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, you can easily access both EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios. How you might wonder? Well, Disney's Riviera Resort has its very own stop on the Skyliner! At the Riviera, you can head straight to EPCOT without transferring.

If you're headed to Hollywood Studios, it's just a quick transfer at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort.

Photo by Jenn Marrazzo

In addition, you can easily access Disney bus transportation to get to the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon and Disney Springs. If you're totally opposed to a bus, you can always take the Skyliner to EPCOT and take the Monorail over to the Magic Kingdom. Your transportation options are endless at the Riviera. 

Another great part about being on the Skyliner route is that you can easily access other resorts and their restaurants. For example, want some breakfast at Trattoria al Forno at the Boardwalk? You can easily hop on the Skyliner to EPCOT and walk over to the Boardwalk. 

2. Food

Photo by Jenn Marrazzo

As someone who has family from Italy and is a New Yorker, food is extremely important to me. It's a big part of my culture. Lucky for me, the Riviera is home to some pretty amazing dining options. Whether you're looking to grab something quick or take your time, there are options for you. 

Primo Piatto, Italian for First Course, is a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Breakfast options include the Croque Madame, the famous Blueberry-Lemon Pancakes and the Primo Piatto Breakfast. All of the options are delicious and a step above what you expect from quick service. For lunch and dinner guests can enjoy different pizzas, sandwiches and salads. It's also easy to order thanks to the My Disney Experience App. 

Photo by Jenn Marrazzo

Another amazing option at the Riviera is Topolino's Terrace. Topolino's Terrace offers both breakfast and dinner in a beautiful setting. Breakfast is a unique character experience, where Painter Mickey, Poet Minnie, Sculptor Donald and Ballerina Daisy greet guests while they enjoy breakfast favorites. While dinner is not a character experience, it is definitely an experience that shouldn't be missed.

Plus, be sure to take in those beautiful views from their exclusive balcony which overlooks all of Walt Disney World and beyond. If Topolino's is somewhere you'd like to dine, make sure to make an ADR since it's a very popular location. 

Photo by Jenn Marrazzo

If you're looking for a quick drink or cup of coffee, there are options for you too! Bar Riva, located next to Primo Piatto, serves delicious drinks plus wings, salads and sandwiches. Pro Tip: You can even order favorites from Primo Piatto at Bar Riva! Le Petit Cafe, located in the lobby, is a popular spot to grab a Riviera Cold Brew or a delicious cappuccino and a yummy treat like Madeleines. 

3. Theming

Photo by Jenn Marrazzo

I would be remiss to talk about a Disney Resort without talking about resort theming. The Riviera is inspired by the Mediterranean, specifically France and Italy. Parts of the resort such as the pool areas and the lobby all have subtle touches of the Mediterranean. But, just because you are transferred to a Mediterranean retreat, that doesn't mean you won't see some Disney memorabilia or touches. As I mentioned earlier, on the lower level of the Resort, you can find Disney movie posters in French and Italian for movies like Frozen, Moana and Finding Dory. 

Photo by Jenn Marrazzo

One of my favorite aspects of the Riviera is the beautiful murals at the base of the Skyliner station. There are two mosaic murals that line the walkway. One is themed to Rapunzel and her floating lanterns while the other is themed to Peter Pan, Wendy and co, flying to Neverland. Besides being amazing works of art, they make great photo ops. 

Speaking of art, art plays a big role in the theming of the Riviera. From portraits of the princesses to other Disney Characters and locations, Disney is easily added into the look of the resort without being too obvious. Plus, in the gift shop, you can even order and take home your very own piece based on the artwork throughout the resort. 

4. Rooms

Photo by Jenn Marrazzo

The last reason that I think you should stay at the Riviera is the rooms. I've stayed at a lot of Disney rooms at different resorts, but the Riviera's rooms are quite special. They are modern with a Mediterranean flair and feature those special artwork accents. During my stay at the Riviera, I stayed in a 1-Bedroom Villa and boy, was I spoiled. 

Besides a typical king bed that most DVC rooms offer, this room features unique alternatives for your additional guests. You can pull down the murphy bed to reveal a regular bed. Gone are the days of a lumpy pull-out sofa. This bed was extremely comfortable. There's also another bed that's hidden under the TV that can be pulled down. 

Photo by Jenn Marrazzo

In terms of sizing compared to other Disney Vacation Club 1-Bedroom Villas, this one is extremely spacious. The kitchen and sitting area occupy their own space as does the living room, TV and pull out couch. Plus, the bedroom is large and spacious as is the bathroom. 

Photo by Jenn Marrazzo

Amenities also abound in this room. You have access to a full kitchen and seating area, washer/dryer and vacuum cleaner plus all the amenities you'd come to expect from Disney. Plus, when you enter your room, they put your name on the television! It's not just me that finds that cool right? 

1-Bedroom views can vary from standard to preferred, which is a view of the Skyliner. But, I prefer a standard view which could become a theme park view depending on where your room is located. During my stay at the Riviera, I was lucky enough to have an amazing view of Spaceship Earth as well as World Showcase and Test Track! 

Reasons to Stay at Disney's Riviera Resort

Photo by Jenn Marrazzo

Besides my experience in a 1-Bedroom, the Riviera is home to some very special, exclusive rooms, the Tower Studios. These rooms are small, feature only a Murphy bed and sleep only 2 guests.

Overall, I find the Riviera to be one of the most relaxing and gorgeous resorts on Disney Property. It has a great location, some delicious food, amazing theming and some pretty special rooms and views. 

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