Disney’s Riviera Resort had its grand opening in mid-December 2019 and quickly soared to the top of our favorite resort list – right up there with the Grand Floridian. After our first stay in July 2020, we’ve been so enchanted by the atmosphere, amenities, and style that we’ve chosen to return nine more times (and counting!).
From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed home by a stately, palm tree-lined boulevard and the striking façade of this elegant, tower-style resort. Riviera blends the charm of Europe and the Mediterranean with the storytelling and whimsy Disney is known for. Throughout the property, you’ll find countless nods to Disney, all tastefully woven into the resort’s refined design. We were thrilled to spot the very first one in the porte cochère as soon as we pulled up!
Lobby & Lawn Areas
Elegance awaits you inside. The main lobby is appointed with a mix of modern and classic 20th-Century furnishings. You never know who might be hanging around for a warm welcome!
The resort is thoughtfully designed to capture the romance and magic of Europe – the very places Walt Disney himself fell in love with during his travels. One of our favorite parts of staying at Riviera is exploring the resort’s unique art collection. Throughout the halls and common areas, you’ll find beautiful, custom pieces that celebrate beloved Disney characters and icons, all reimagined with a European flair. It feels like a curated gallery meets a luxury vacation full of quiet nods to Disney magic around every corner.
Just off the main lobby, the library is a charming and intimate space filled with curated memorabilia and cozy details. We often saw small, quiet gatherings here… guests enjoying coffee and a pastry in the morning, or unwinding with a glass of wine in the evening. It’s the kind of thoughtful, tucked-away spot that makes Riviera feel both luxurious and welcoming. A true little gem within the resort!
The ambiance extends seamlessly outdoors, where beautifully manicured gardens, bubbling fountains, and lush landscaping create a peaceful escape along the serene waterfront. Riviera invites you to slow down and savor the moment, whether you’re taking a scenic stroll with loved ones or simply soaking in the surroundings. We were especially charmed by the abundance of cozy seating areas tucked into nearly every corner of the property – perfect for morning coffee, quiet conversation, or just enjoying the view. It’s these thoughtful details that make the Riviera feel like a true European retreat, right in the heart of Walt Disney World.
Like in the library, you would find people dining, relaxing, napping and catching up with friends and family at all times of the day and night.
We loved the fire pit located right on the water and felt a world away!
By night, the resort sparkles with soft lighting and beautifully illuminated landscaping, giving it an almost storybook charm. We spent our evenings swimming under the stars, sipping cocktails, and sometimes just relaxing on a swing while people-watching and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. It’s such a lovely way to end a Disney day, and the Riviera truly shines after dark.
Accommodations
Riviera Resort offers a wide variety of accommodations to suit every type of traveler, from solo guests to large families. You’ll find everything from Tower Studios (perfect for two) to Deluxe Studios, 1- and 2-Bedroom Villas, and the absolutely stunning 3-Bedroom Grand Villa ideal for larger groups or multi-generational stays. I’ve now had the chance to stay in each of the room types, and can confidently say there’s something special about every one. Whether you’re looking for efficiency and elegance or extra space to spread out and entertain, Riviera has you covered in true Disney style.
Tower Studio
The Tower Studio is a unique accommodation type introduced exclusively at Disney’s Riviera Resort and it’s perfect for a party of two! Designed with efficiency and elegance in mind, this cozy retreat features a queen-sized Murphy bed that folds down from the wall at night and transforms into a comfortable sofa by day. You’ll also enjoy a private balcony with seating for two, perfect for morning coffee or evening unwinding, and a spacious, well-appointed bathroom. It’s a charming and stylish option for a romantic Disney escape or a solo adventure with a touch of luxury.
Deluxe Studio
The Deluxe Studio is most comparable to a traditional hotel room, but with the extra space and thoughtful amenities that make all the difference. In fact, our family often prefers this style over a standard room thanks to its smart layout and added functionality. Bedding includes a raised queen bed, a queen-sized pull-down bed that tucks seamlessly into the wall by day, and a twin-sized pull-down bed, comfortably sleeping up to five guests. It’s the ideal setup for families who appreciate a little breathing room and flexibility during their stay.
The living space includes a table and two chairs and a kitchenette, as well as a private balcony with seating for two.
We love the split style bath, with one side having a sink and tub/shower and the other side having a toilet and shower. It makes living here with a family so much easier and more comfortable!
1 Bedroom Villa
The 1-Bedroom Villa at Disney’s Riviera Resort offers the perfect blend of comfort, function, and luxury. The spacious layout includes a living room with both a queen-sized pull-down bed and a twin-sized pull-down bed, a full kitchen, and a dedicated dining area – ideal for relaxing after a day in the parks or enjoying breakfast before you head out. I absolutely love the elegant yet inviting décor in these villas. Every space feels thoughtfully designed, with subtle Disney touches woven throughout that make it feel both magical and refined.
The sofa hides a queen sized pull down bed, chargers and storage and easily sleeps two. Under the TV is the additional twin sized pull down. You can sleep three in the living space alone.
The full kitchen is so nice to have, if for the extra snack and breakfast space alone.
A small entry way has a table, hanging space, mirror, laundry and housekeeping closet. It also connects to the bathroom that is shared by both the living space and bedroom.
The bedroom has a king sized bed and a split bath with a soaking tub, toilet, two sink areas and a shower.
The section of the bathroom accessible from the hallway has a shower, vanity and toilet. A sliding door opens to an additional area with a soaking tub and second vanity. This is SO nice for a family!
I absolutely love the preferred views at this resort!
2 Bedroom Villa
We spent a week in the 2-Bedroom Villa at Disney’s Riviera Resort and truly didn’t want to leave. These spacious accommodations combine a 1-Bedroom Villa with an adjoining second bedroom featuring two queen beds and an en suite bathroom. Altogether, the villa comfortably sleeps up to nine guests, making it a fantastic option for larger families or multigenerational travel. With ample room to spread out, a full kitchen and dining area, and elegant, thoughtfully designed spaces, it felt like a true home away from home.
You can see that the living room is identical to the one bedroom both in layout and decor.
The kitchen area is so nice and the banquette provides extra space to spread out.
I adore the Disney artwork in these rooms. They have seamlessly mixed so many different movies and characters. I wish they would make home decor and clothing in this Riviera Resort toile found on the banquette!
Here you can see the queen murphy bed. Even with it open there is still plenty of space to move around. We loved the attention to detail with the hidden shelving, plugs and charging outlets.
There are two balconies off of this room and we couldn’t get over this incredible view. (booking category is “preferred”)
The primary bedroom has a king bed, desk, sitting area, spacious closet, flat screen TV and tons of storage. A sliding door opens to a balcony.
The bathroom attached to the master is split style. One area has a vanity and soaking area while a completely separate door leads to the shower, toilet and second vanity.
The second bedroom is spacious, with two queen beds, a large dresser, flat screen tv, chair and balcony.
The en suite bathroom is split style, with a sink and shower/tub combo on one and toilet and shower on the other.
Finally, the entry hall houses an extra closet, laundry machines and is a great place for dropping shoes and bags!
3 Bedroom Grand Villa
The 3-Bedroom Grand Villa at Disney’s Riviera Resort is absolutely stunning – it occupies the entire end of the building and comfortably sleeps up to 12 adults. One of our most memorable Disney trips was spent in a grand villa with our extended family of 10, and I can’t recommend this accommodation style enough for larger groups. It’s a fantastic alternative to booking multiple rooms, allowing everyone to stay together without sacrificing space or privacy. Plus, it’s truly grand in every sense! A fun detail is that when you ring the doorbell, it plays “Be Our Guest”!
Inside, the villa boasts a gorgeous, spacious living room with a wall of windows that frame breathtaking views of the water. There’s also a formal dining room, a full kitchen equipped for any meal, and a convenient laundry area – everything you need for an extended, comfortable stay with family or friends.
The master bedroom is beautifully appointed with a king bed, soaking tub and gorgeous amenities.
There are two additional bedrooms, each with two queen beds and their own bathrooms.
3 Bedroom Grand Villa Video Tour
Dining
The resort itself is absolutely stunning, and the food and dining options are just as impressive. We loved everything we ate during our stay and ended up spending more time enjoying the resort’s culinary offerings than we ever intended. It was simply too good to rush away from!
Le Petit Cafe
Disney fans may remember that Le Petit Café was also the name of the charming venue featured in the 1970 classic The Aristocats. This stylish patisserie is the spot for a favorite morning beverage or a relaxing cocktail at the end of the day.
Exquisite, oven-fresh treats are the perfect accompaniments to our satisfying specialty coffee drinks, and caught our eye more than once. The lemon cheesecake and chocolate profiterole were absolutely divine! And we all LOVE the banana bread.
My morning routine was to pick up a honey almond iced latte and enjoy it right here on this lovely second floor balcony. It is a pleasurable way to start a Disney day!
By night, the cafe serves wine and cocktails as well. Both, are wonderful enjoyed on the patio!
Primo Piatto
Primo Piatto serves as the resort’s quick-service dining option, and currently, everything is available via mobile order – a system we absolutely loved. During our stay, we enjoyed breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Primo Piatto by ordering from our room and then picking up our meals when ready. With so many beautiful seating areas scattered throughout the resort, and of course by the pool, it was easy to find the perfect spot to relax and savor each meal.
What really stood out was the quality of the food, which rivaled many table-service restaurants. Every dish we tried was fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared, proving that quick service doesn’t mean compromising on taste or experience.
The blueberry lemon pancakes are a MUST! I still think about these at home. And do not skip the Riviera Cookie!
Our favorite lunch and dinner items were the hearth baked pizza, salad and Croque Monsieur. However, the number one vote goes to the veggie kebobs! Do not miss the Riviera Cookie or banana bread either. Honestly, everything we’ve eaten here is delicious.
We also made somewhat of a habit of ordering gelato to enjoy pool side. :-) Cherry Vanilla Swirl ended up being the fam fave!
Bar Riva
Bar Riva is perfectly situated just off the pool and right next to the beach, making it a fantastic spot to unwind. Both the food and cocktail menus are excellent – fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully crafted. During our stay, we visited once for drinks and returned another afternoon for lunch, and every bite and sip was absolutely delectable. It’s the perfect casual yet sophisticated spot to relax and enjoy those beautiful Riviera views.
Topolino’s Terrace
Inspired by the cliffside restaurants of France and Italy, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera takes its name from the Italian name for Mickey Mouse. This restaurant serves a character breakfast in the morning (more soon!). At dinner, you will enjoy fresh, delicious seafood and meat dishes, handmade pasta and decadent desserts infused with French and Italian flavors.
Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends
While enjoying breakfast and the bird’s eye views, Mickey and his friends parade through the restaurant in their stylish outfits unique to Topolino’s Terrace! Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck walk through individually, and also periodically do a mini-parade through the dining room. Breakfast is a price fixe meal with a shared pastry basket for the table and your choice of individual entrees. This is a delicious meal and my favorite character dining experience of all time. Read a full review:
Topolino’s Terrace Dinner
The signature, rooftop restaurant is a true experience, prepared at the exclusive expo kitchen or wood-burning grill. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from the impressive collection sourced from the Mediterranean coast. Feast your eyes on the stunning visual aesthetic, a modern interpretation of the textures, colors, carved details and stonework found in ancient villages along the Riviera. Not only is dinner delicious, but just look how beautifully they prepared every single dish. Read a full review:
Topolino’s Terrace Lounge & Rooftop
The lounge and rooftop are accessible only with a reservation. We finished our drinks here while soaking in the incredible views. From this vantage point you can see from Animal Kingdom to Hollywood Studios. Read a full review:
Sunsets are stunning. This is the way to do Disney, friends. :-)
Amenities
Disney’s Riviera Resort offers a range of deluxe amenities designed to keep guests entertained and relaxed throughout their stay. From pools and bocce ball courts to a charming beach area, a well-equipped fitness center, movie nights, and a welcoming community hall, there’s truly something for everyone.
Pool
The Riviera Pool is a standout highlight. Dotted with colorful sun umbrellas, the pool area glows warmly against the resort’s elegant stucco façades, inviting guests to unwind in pure vacation bliss. This family-friendly pool features a playful waterslide that winds around a stately column tower, adding an extra touch of fun for kids and adults alike. Every afternoon, the resort activity team hosts a full schedule of pool games and events, making it easy to find fun and connection no matter your age.
S’il Vous Play
Little mademoiselles and messieurs are sure to make a splash at S’il Vous Play, an interactive water play area for kids that’s inspired by the grand public fountains of Europe—featuring a ballet of friendly Fantasia characters.
Beau Soleil Quiet Pool
Beau Soleil Pool beckons you to unwind alongside shimmering waters in a soothing setting. This quiet pool has much longer hours and was our choice for a morning swim and breakfast, as well as an evening swim after the parks closed.
Movies Under the Stars
The resort hosted a Movie Under the Stars every other night during our stay, right here on this beautiful lawn.
Bocce Court
The bocce court was lively in the afternoons and evenings. Balls are checked out from Community Hall.
Beach
The beach area is tucked away on the East side of the resort and we never saw a soul here. It was a lovely spot to bring our dinner and watch the sun set.
Gym
They gym is light, bright and spacious.
Transportation
Guests of the Riviera Resort use the Skyliner to get to Hollywood Studios and Epcot, and motorcoach for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. We absolutely loved the Skyliner!
Family Photos
Last but not least, we think this resort is so gorgeous and welcoming that we chose it for our 2020 family photos! See the session here:
I hope you enjoyed this virtual tour of the stunning Riviera Resort. We loved our stay here so, so much and cannot wait to be back!
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