Complete Guide to Disney’s Riviera Resort (w/review)

Disney’s Riviera Resort is one of the newest resorts on Walt Disney World property. Not only does it offer gorgeous views of the Disney Skyliner, but it’s also located close to another beautiful hotel, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.

Here’s what you need to know about the Riviera Resort.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Disney’s newest resort, dedicated Skyliner gondola station, fun character meal at Topolino’s Terrace, walking distance to Caribbean Beach Resort

Cons: Expensive, small rooms especially for the price, feels less like a Disney resort than others in the same price category

Overview

This Deluxe Villa Resort is located in the Epcot Resort Area. It’s yet another Disney Vacation Club resort that has all kinds of offerings, beautiful rooms, unique dining, and access to two forms of complimentary WDW transportation.

There is a full range of accommodations available including Deluxe Studios, multiple bedroom villas, a grand villa, and tower studios. Some of the rooms even feature a washer, a dryer, a full kitchen, and more. 

Riviera also offers character dining for WDW guests to enjoy starring Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, and Donald. And don’t forget about the two stunning mosaics inspired by Peter Pan and Tangled that decorate the entrance to the Disney Skyliner.

The resort was inspired by the magic of Europe that captivated Walt Disney. Here’s everything you need to know about Riviera Resort.

Guest Rooms And Bathrooms

There are three types of room to book at the Riviera and they include Tower Studios, Studios, and one, two, and three bedroom villas. Depending on the room you book, you can even sleep up to 12 adults. 

Of course, the rooms feature the standard amenities, including a hairdryer, TV, free WiFi, a coffee maker, telephone, in-room safe, and an iron and ironing board.

There are even some great amenities like a toaster, a microwave, and a fully-equipped kitchen with either a full or mini-refrigerator. The Villas also feature a washer, dryer, dishwasher, and more.

If you’re wondering about outlets and USB ports, you can find both in all of the rooms, including by the beds and TV.

Regarding storage, there is both space underneath the beds for luggage or other items, in addition to drawers for belongings.

Plus, there’s closet, drawer, and shelf space. Some of the bathrooms have a smaller counter space, but there’s space underneath for personal items. 

Here’s an overview of the rooms that are available to book.

Tower Studios

• Tower Studio: Views of Landscaping or Parking Area; 1 Queen-Size Pull-Down Bed; Flexible living space and private balcony

Studios

• Deluxe Studio — Preferred View: Views of Courtyard, Lake, Landscaping, Pool, or Disney Skyliner; 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed and 1 Single Pull Down Bed; Kitchenette with small fridge and microwave, and porch or balcony

• Deluxe Studio — Standard View: Views of Parking Area; 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed and 1 Single Pull Down Bed; Kitchenette with small fridge and microwave, and porch or balcony

Villas

• 3 Bedroom Grand Villa: Views of Lake; 1 King Bed and 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa; Full kitchen with an island, formal dining area and 3 full bathrooms

• 2 Bedroom Villa — Preferred View: Views of Courtyard, Lake, Landscaping, Pool or Disney Skyliner; 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed and 1 Single Pull Down Bed; Full kitchen, 2 full bathrooms, washer, dryer
• 2 Bedroom Villa — Standard View: Views of Parking Area; 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed and 1 Single Pull Down Bed; Full kitchen, 2 full bathrooms, washer, dryer

• 1 Bedroom Villa — Preferred View: Views of Courtyard, Lake, Landscaping, Pool or Disney Skyliner; 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed and 1 Single Pull Down Bed; Full kitchen and a split bathroom that features 2 sink areas
• 1 Bedroom Villa — Standard View: Views of Parking Areas; 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed and 1 Single Pull Down Bed; Full kitchen and a split bathroom that features 2 sink areas

Note: There are also both wheelchair and hearing accessible rooms available that include accessible bathrooms and visual alarms. 

You can check out room layouts below.

Riviera Resort Room Options

Room type(s)	Bed size	Max people per room	Floor plan
Tower Studio Views of Landscaping or Parking Area	1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed	2
Deluxe Studio – Standard View Views of Parking Areas	1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed and 1 Single Pull Down Bed	5
Deluxe Studio – Preferred View Views of Courtyard, Lake, Landscaping, Pool or Disney Skyliner	1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed and 1 Single Pull Down Bed	5
1 Bedroom Villa – Standard View Views of Parking Areas	1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed and 1 Single Pull Down Bed	5
1 Bedroom Villa – Preferred View Views of Courtyard, Lake, Landscaping, Pool or Disney Skyliner	1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed and 1 Single Pull Down Bed	5
2 Bedroom Villa – Standard View Views of Parking Areas	1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed and 1 Single Pull Down Bed	9
2 Bedroom Villa – Preferred View Views of Courtyard, Lake, Landscaping, Pool or Disney Skyliner	1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed and 1 Single Pull Down Bed	9
3 Bedroom Grand Villa Views of Lake	1 King Bed and 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa	12

PET-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS

You must board any pet traveling with you before you arrive, but service animals defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act are welcome.

For non-service animals, WDW offers kennel services at Best Friends Pet Care for day and overnight boarding to both day guests and resort guests on a space-available basis.

Reservations are suggested; call the location directly at (877) 493-9738 to book a spot.

Checking In And Out

When it comes to checking in and out, you have a few options: at the front desk, online through the official Walt Disney World website, or via the My Disney Experience app.

The front desk is located in the main lobby. Even though the front desk is there to assist guests, especially with checking in and checking out, all Disney World Resort guests are encouraged to check-in online or by using MDE.

• Checking-In: After you check-in online or using the app, you’ll receive a room-ready notification via next. You can then use your MagicBand or MDE’s digital key feature to unlock your room door.
• Checking-Out: Currently, guests will automatically be checked out of their rooms. But, if you have unresolved charges to your hotel folio, you’ll need to visit the front desk.

Note: Guests also have the option of to chat virtually with resort Cast Members via MDE for any assistance. 

The lobby has plenty of seating and access to dining, shopping, and more.

As for the pickup and dropoff location for Mears Connect (which is the replacement for Magical Express), you can find it near the main lobby, along with luggage storage for those who have checked out or are waiting to check in.

Note: Resort Airline Check-In and Magical Express are no longer available.

Package & Delivery Pick Up

You can have packages and groceries delivered to your Disney Resort hotel, along with shipping select items home.

Disney used to have a service where you were able to purchase items in the parks and then have them delivered to your resort’s gift shop. However, that service has been unavailable for several years now.

Parking

Although parking at Disney World resort hotels used to cost a nightly fee for resort guests, Disney has changed their policy so that parking is now free for all on-site resort guests. This change was implemented on January 10, 2023.

Valet parking is also available for $33 per night.

Complimentary standard self-parking is available for non-resort guests exploring dining, shopping, entertainment, and other experiences during the day.

We also have a complete Walt Disney World parking guide you can browse.

Important: Valet parking might not always be available.

Amenities And Shops

From gift shops, to on-site laundry services, there are several amenities offered to guests at Riviera Resort.

Important note: Some of the following amenities might not be available at all times.

• La Boutique: Find gifts themed after the resort, along with groceries, snacks, sundries, and other souvenirs. 
• Grocery Orders: Disney Vacation Club Members can submit an order form to have groceries they purchase delivered to their room.
• Laundry Services: There are Laundry rooms at the resort, plus some of the rooms also villas with one or more bedrooms feature an in-unit washer and dryer.
• Dry Cleaning Services: Dry cleaning and valet laundry services are also an option.
• Childcare Services: In-room babysitting for children 6 months to 12 years old.
• Athlétique Fitness Center: A full-service gym facility.

Pools And Recreation

The Riviera has one feature pool and one leisure pool. If you need a non-park day, we recommended spending the day at your hotel and enjoying a Disney Resort pool.

Important note: Some of the pools and recreation options might not be available at all times.

Feature Pool

• Riviera Pool: A family-friendly pool with a waterslide and an interactive water play area for kids, Si’il Vous Play, inspired by European public fountains and featuring a ballet of Fantasia characters.

Leisure Pool

• Beau Soleil Pool: A leisure pool for all ages that perfect for relaxing.

Some other recreational options include:

• Walking/Jogging path
• European-inspired games (an activity lawn)
• Chess lawn
• Bocce ball court
• Fire pit

How to get from Riviera Resort to anywhere at Disney World

There are two forms of transportation available: buses and the Disney Skyliner. You can access theme parks and Disney Springs via the bus. The Skyliner will transport guests to Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Caribbean Beach, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. All of the different ways to get from Riviera to anywhere in Disney World is detailed below.

Dining options at Riviera Resort

You can find a few different dining options at Riviera. Take note that Primo Piatto offers Mobile Order and Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera has Mobile Dine Check-In, meaning you’ll check-in using the My Disney Experience app rather than going to the host stand. When your table is ready, you’ll be notified to proceed to a specific location. You can read more about the dining options below.

Quick Service

Primo Piatto

Primo Piatto is a quick service location serving sandwiches, salads, beer, wine, and more. Mobile ordering is available here.

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: American
Meals served: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, & late night dining

• On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Quick Service credit(s)
• Pros: Delicious food, healthy options, mobile ordering in My Disney Experience available
• Cons: Limited seating

Table Service

Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera

Topolino’s Terrace features a character dining for breakfast only and a signature dining experience for dinner.

Location type: Fine/Signature Dining
Type of food: French, Italian
Meals served: Breakfast and dinner

• On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 2 Table Service credit(s)
• Pros: Fantastic view, food is unique and delicious, characters are in fun outfits for breakfast
• Cons: Pricey, food may not appeal to all palates

Everything Else

Bar Riva

Open-air pool bar serving frozen cocktails, spritzers, rose, and other refreshments along with a selection of sandwiches and salads

Location type: Pool bar
Type of food: American
Meals served: Drinks and bar snacks

• On the Disney Dining Plan? No
• Pros: Tasty sandwiches and salads available, wide variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic specialty beverages, covered seating with TVs
• Cons: Dining plans are not accepted, limited food options

Le Petit Café

Location type: Lounge and Cafe
Type of food: American
Meals served: Snacks, coffee, cocktails

• On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Quick Service credit(s)
• Pros: Coffee and pastries available, wine bar with interesting cocktails and cozy atmosphere
• Cons: Limited options, only a couple of lounge food options

Riviera Resort Trip Reports