Reasons why you should stay at Disney's Riviera Resort

By Jenna Caron

Bonjour! Ciao! Welcome to Disney's Riviera Resort, inspired by the elegant, early 20th century hotels situated along Europe’s Mediterranean coast. The Riviera is a Disney Vacation Club resort - but don't worry, you can still book your magical vacation here (and you'd be staying in one of the DVC villas)!

The Riviera Resort is centrally located on Walt Disney World property. This provides easy access to all of the theme parks and Disney Springs. Staying at a Walt Disney World deluxe resort offers you the highest and best amenities on property. There's so much to love about the Riviera Resort, so let's get into it!

One of the biggest perks to staying at the Riviera Resort is its compact size. The Riviera Resort has 3o0 guest rooms. For comparison, Caribbean Beach Resort, which is right next to the Riviera has 1536 guest rooms. Take the Skyliner to Pop Century where there are 2880 guest rooms! Some resorts are much more spread out, and standard rooms may be far from amenities. All of the guest rooms at the Riviera have interior hallways, which is helpful when the Florida rain hits. There are also covered walkways to the bus stop and the Skyliner so that you can stay dry!

There are a wide variety of luxurious villas to choose from at the Riviera Resort. The smallest room is the Tower Studio which accommodates 2 adults. Then there is a deluxe studio which sleeps up to 5 adults, a 1 bedroom villa which also sleeps up to 5 adults, a 2 bedroom villa which sleeps up to 9 adults, and a 3 bedroom grand villa that sleeps up to 12 adults! All of the villas at the Riviera Resort have a private balcony to enjoy. What's nice about the DVC villa accommodations is that you will have access to a few other amenities in your room such as a microwave, toaster, and larger mini-fridge in the tower and deluxe studios. In the 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villas you will have a FULL kitchen, as well as in suite laundry!

Dining at the Riviera Resort is highly sought after. Topolino's Terrace - Flavors of the Riviera offers table service dining. While enjoying breakfast and the bird’s-eye views of the Walt Disney World Resort, meet some of your favorite Disney friends for a perfect photo and autograph opportunity! You may find yourself mingling with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck—stylishly dressed from head to toe in outfits unique to Topolino’s Terrace! For dinner, get ready to indulge in fresh, delicious seafood and meat dishes, handmade pasta and decadent desserts infused with French and Italian flavors at this signature rooftop dining experience straight from the Riviera.

Primo Piatto is the quick service dining option at the Riviera. This location is known for having elevated options when compared to other quick service dining locations. Mobile order is available here which is convenient when you want something on the go. Gather your family and friends for a quick snack or casual meal of sandwiches, salads, beer, wine and more!

Le Petit Cafe has the best coffee on Disney property. Go ahead, tell me I'm wrong! Most Disney folk will agree with this one. Slip away to this stylish patisserie for a favorite morning beverage or a relaxing cocktail at the end of the day. Exquisite, oven-fresh treats are the perfect accompaniments to the satisfying specialty coffee drinks. In the afternoon or evening, stop in for cocktails, beer or wine paired with a selection of savory bites. Featuring artistic decor and irresistible culinary creations, a visit to Le Petit Café is très chic and très yummy!

Pools and recreation at the Riviera Resort are abundant! Enjoy fun for the whole family at the Riviera Pool and S'il Vous Play, where you can find waterslides and a splash play area for the kiddos. For a quieter afternoon, Beau Soleil Pool beckons you to unwind alongside shimmering waters in a soothing setting. Gather ‘round as the sun goes down for old-fashioned family fun as you roast marshmallows by a crackling fire (nightly), or get nostalgic with Disney movies under the stars (nightly). Athlétique Fitness Center is open daily for folks looking to get their sweat on.

Bus transportation and Skyliner transportation to the theme parks is complimentary. Whether you're going to be rope dropping the theme parks or sleeping in and stacking lightning lanes for later, there will be a form of transport to take you to the theme parks or Disney Springs at any time of the day. Disney transport starts 1 hour prior to early theme park entry.

Being on the Disney Skyliner route is a huge perk of staying at the Riviera Resort. It takes you directly to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. It's a great alternative to the buses, since you usually get a Skyliner cab to yourself (unless it's a busy time) as opposed to a bus filled with other resort guests. It's also one of the quicker methods of transportation.

When staying on Disney property, you get to take advantage of several perks:

• Early theme park entry - you will get to enter the theme parks 30 minutes prior to guests staying off site!
• Complimentary transportationt to the theme parks.
• Ability to book your first individual lightning lane at 7am.
• Staying in the Disney "bubble".

Perks of staying at a Walt Disney World Deluxe hotel:

• Extended evening hours at certain parks on certain evenings
• This is 2 extra hours of park time currently at Epcot and Magic Kingdom
• The best dining options on Disney property
• The most luxurious Disney accomodations

Is the Riviera Resort right for you? Disney’s Riviera Resort is designed to capture the magic of Europe that Walt Disney fell in love with once upon a time. Disney’s Riviera Resort is a modern masterpiece of imagination, with each detail drawing upon the influences of Europe and the Mediterranean. You’ll also discover a unique art collection celebrating beloved Disney Characters and icons, influenced by master artists who found inspiration along the European Riviera. The ambiance extends outdoors—where beautiful gardens, bubbling fountains, lush landscaping and a serene waterfront beckon you to enjoy scenic strolls with your loved ones.

If you're looking for proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, some of the best dining on property, and a relaxing, laid back Disney vibe - I highly suggest the Riviera Resort!

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