Disney’s Riviera Resort is one of my home resorts, and honestly, it’s my absolute favorite. I even make a point to visit it every trip, whether I’m staying there or not. I love everything about it—the incredible food, the beautiful artwork, and yes, even the lobby smells. I love it so much that I wrote a complete review of Disney’s Riviera Resort for you! That said, the price is no joke. Since it’s both a DVC property (part of Disney’s timeshare program) and a Deluxe resort, it definitely sits on the high end of the budget. If you’re not someone who plans to spend time enjoying the resort itself, it’s a real conversation whether it’s worth the cost. But for me? It’s absolutely worth saving up for. There’s something so special about Disney’s Riviera Resort, and I’m completely obsessed with it. If this quick take hasn’t convinced you, make sure to keep scrolling for the complete review of Disney’s Riviera Resort for 2025.
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Walt Disney World’s Riviera Resort
Basic Information on Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Riviera Resort is the newest Deluxe and Disney Vacation Club (DVC) property, and it brings a lot to the table. Since it’s a DVC resort, rooms come with either a kitchenette or full kitchen, which is a huge plus for longer stays. As a Deluxe resort, it’s also one of the most expensive options on property, with nightly rates often over $500. But with that price tag comes perks—pool slides, early theme park entry, and early access to book Individual Lightning Lanes before non-resort guests.
Themed around Walt Disney’s love for the Mediterranean, the resort features lush gardens, fountains, and beautiful art throughout. It’s truly a gorgeous property. You’ll also find multiple dining options, from strong coffee in the morning to a fantastic dinner at night. Transportation is easy with access to both buses and the Disney Skyliner, which connects you to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Room types range from Tower Studios to 2-Bedroom Villas, making it a great option whether you’re solo, a couple, or traveling with a group. For more details and availability, check out the DVC website’s complete info on Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Getting to Disney’s Riviera Resort
It is very easy to get to Disney’s Riviera Resort. I have taken two different ways which you can found below.
- Mears Buses: Long gone are the days of Disney’s free Magical Express—now it’s all about Mears Connect. On our most recent trip, we decided to give Mears Buses a try. We didn’t book in advance, but since it was cheaper than an Uber, we figured we’d take the chance.We had no issue getting on a bus, though it was very late at night, which likely helped. The downside? It took us over an hour to get to our resort because of multiple stops. We were exhausted, so that part was a bit frustrating—but honestly, not a huge deal in the grand scheme of things. It was easy, affordable, and got us where we needed to go. We paid $30 total for one way for two people.
- Here is the Mears website for pricing details.
- Uber: Uber is a great option for easy and direct access to your resort. It sometimes takes less then 30 minutes. I have found that arriving in the middle of the day means Uber is much more affordable then the buses. This is my preferred method of getting to any Disney resort. It is just a bit more relaxing.
Check in
Check in was a breeze. Incredibly quick with someone coming up to you with a tablet, sitting you down on a comfy chair and getting you all squared away. With the My Disney Experience App, you don’t really need to check in as your phone will unlock the door. I didn’t mind checking in, as I got to smell that beautiful lobby smell.
Lobby
The lobby at Disney’s Riviera Resort isn’t a grand, jaw-dropping space like the one at Animal Kingdom Lodge—but it has its own charm. It’s small and intimate, with a coffee shop, gift shop, and beautiful views of the lake and property. And yes, it smells amazing (seriously, one of my favorite scents on property).
While it’s definitely more understated, I personally really like it. It feels calm, cozy, and welcoming. That said, I can see how some guests might be a little underwhelmed, especially considering the price point of this Deluxe resort. Just something to keep in mind if big, dramatic lobbies are your thing.
Rooms
There are a variety of room types at Disney’s Riviera Resort, ranging from Tower Studios with a Murphy bed to spacious two-bedroom villas. We stayed in a Deluxe Studio with a Preferred View, and overall, I really loved it. The room was stunning and surprisingly spacious, with beautiful Mediterranean-inspired artwork and a kitchenette that was perfect for prepping easy breakfasts—lox and bagels before the parks became our go-to.
The bathroom was clean, roomy, and genuinely beautiful, and the Murphy beds (one over the couch and one under the TV) made it easy to fit a family of five or four adults comfortably. One of my favorite touches? When you pull the beds down, you’ll find charming themed artwork hidden behind them—it’s a lovely detail that ties everything together.
That said, I’m not totally sold on the Preferred View upgrade. We had a view of the lake, technically—but it was really just a sliver. For the price difference, I probably would have been just as happy (if not happier) with a standard view of the parking lot and a lower rate.
Also, while I haven’t stayed in a Tower Studio, I’m on the fence about them. The idea of paying that much for a room with only a Murphy bed isn’t super appealing to me, but it might work for solo travelers or couples who don’t mind a smaller space. Just something to think about before you book.
Food and Drinks
Two words: Topolino’s Terrace. Sitting at the very top of Disney’s Riviera Resort, this is hands down my pick for the best restaurant in all of Disney World. The menu leans into French and Italian cuisine and offers both character breakfast and signature dinner. While I haven’t tried the breakfast yet, I’ve had dinner here multiple times—and let me tell you, it’s stupid good. My sister said it best: “I didn’t know Disney made food like this.” And she’s right. It’s that good. If you go, order the chicken rigatoni. Just do it. I feel very strongly about this.
The food is incredible, the cocktails are fantastic, and the space itself is beautiful. There’s even an outdoor terrace lounge with amazing views of the lake, the resort, and Caribbean Beach. It’s the kind of place that makes a Disney trip feel extra special. Highly recommend Topolino’s Terrace for dinner—it’s a must.
- Disney Pro Tip: Book your reservations as early as possible. This place books out early. If you can’t find a reservation, use Mouse Dining where it will send you alerts when a reservation becomes available.
- Disney Pro Tip…Again: Grab a cocktail and sit out in the outdoor lounge during the Epcot fireworks. It has a wonderful view and you get to have an amazing cocktail.
- Disney Pro Tip…One More Time: If you have a smaller party and get a reservation for dinner, try the lounge. It is often very quiet and easy to grab a seat.
Le Petit Cafe: Incredible coffee spot. I love the Almond Cold Brew. I go out of my way to get that coffee.
Vivoli il Gelato Cart: You might recognize the name from the amazing gelato spot in Disney Springs. This is the same gelato only in a cart by the main pool area. Delicious little treat.
Bar Riva: Okay, so I’ll be honest—I usually skip the pool bars at Disney resorts. They’re often just fine and nothing to write home about. But Bar Riva at Disney’s Riviera Resort is a total exception. It’s set a bit away from the pool, so it’s quieter and more relaxing than your typical poolside spot. The food is genuinely good (highly recommend the Spicy Italian Sandwich) and the cocktails are fantastic—I’m looking at you, La Petite Fleur. Even if you’re not staying at the resort, I definitely recommend carving out a little time to stop here. It’s a great spot for a break from the parks, and honestly, one of the best pool bars on property.
Primo Piatto: Primo Piatto is the main quick service option at Disney’s Riviera Resort. It is surprising how delicious the food is. I thoroughly enjoyed my pizza and salad. I still got drinks from Bar Riva (because they were that good) to enjoy with my lunch.
Disney’s Riviera Resort: The Property
Riviera Resort: Inside
The interior of Disney’s Riviera Resort is classically beautiful—clean, elegant, and full of Mediterranean charm. It strikes the perfect balance of being both adult-friendly and family-friendly, with muted tones that offer a peaceful break from the often overstimulating energy of the parks.
One of the most magical touches? The way Disney characters are woven into the resort’s artwork. All around the property, you’ll find paintings featuring Disney characters styled after famous artists and works of art. For example, in the café, there’s an adorable painting of the Goose Sisters from The Aristocats done in the style of Van Gogh. It’s details like this that make the resort feel truly special—and honestly, it’s one of the big reasons I fell in love with Riviera.
Just next to the café is a quiet little library filled with photos and artifacts from Walt Disney’s travels through the Mediterranean. It’s nostalgic, charming, and for this old-school Disney heart—it’s everything.
Riviera Resort: Outside
Okay yes, the paintings inside Disney’s Riviera Resort totally won me over—but the outside of the resort completely wowed me. It’s absolutely gorgeous. The flower beds are perfectly manicured, with stunning blooms everywhere—especially the roses, which I still remember because they smelled so good. The fountains at the hotel entrance, surrounded by mosaic tile walkways, really set the scene and make the whole place feel elegant and special.
But the real showstopper? The towering mosaic murals by the Skyliner station. There are two massive arches, one showcasing scenes from Tangled and the other from Peter Pan. These murals stretch up and over the walkway and are jaw-droppingly beautiful. I could honestly sit there for hours just admiring the detail and color—it’s true Disney artistry at its finest.
Even if you’re not staying at Riviera, hop on the Skyliner, get off at the resort, and make time to see these mosaics in person. They’re worth the detour.
Pools and Outdoor Seating
The Riviera Resort has two pools and a splash area. All are beautiful and wonderfully fit into the overall theme of the hotel. Plus they are all incredibly close to Bar Riva and Primo Piatto.
- Beau Soleil: This is the quieter pool area. There are no slides or other features that entice children. This is definitely aimed at adults. I spent the majority of my pool time there and really loved it. There were plenty of lounge chairs. It was incredibly peaceful. (This does change when people bring their kids to this pool.)
- Riviera Pool: This is the main attraction. A beautiful, large pool with exciting water slide and plenty of loungers. Your kids (and your inner kid) will love it! The pool is large enough that people can spread out. There is a zero entry zone as well.
- S’il Vous Play: Truly adorable splash pad area for children under 48 inches. This Fantasia-themed area has plenty of interactive water features. There are also loungers so the grown-ups can rest.
- Sand and Loungers: Just to the left of the pool area is a sandy beach with loungers and Adirondacks overlooking the lake or Barefoot Bay. This area was always quiet but not enough shade for a midday layout.
- General outdoor seating: When it isn’t raining or sweltering hot, there are so many places to enjoy resting outside at the resort. Several tables/chairs overlook the lake. There are swings along the yard game area. Plenty of benches to relax in. Just a whole lot of options to enjoy!
Check out Resorts’ Gal and her post on the pools at the Riviera. She provides a great amount of pictures to help with your travel planning!
Getting to the Parks (Disney Transportation)
Getting to the parks from Disney’s Riviera Resort is super easy, especially if you’re using Disney’s free transportation options (which I prefer over paying for a Minnie Van or Uber). Here’s how to get around:
- For Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, head to the Disney buses just outside the main entrance. It’s straightforward and easy. I recommend going early in the day to avoid longer waits, especially during peak times.
- For EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, take the Skyliner (aka the gondolas)—you can’t miss them. It’s a quick and scenic ride. If you’re heading to Hollywood Studios, you’ll transfer at Caribbean Beach Resort, which is simple and only adds a few minutes. On a good day with no line, you’ll be at either park in about 15 minutes.
Just a heads-up: transportation lines get long after park close, and the Skyliner is no exception. So be prepared for a bit of a wait at the end of your day.
Disney Pro Tip: If you’re heading to Hollywood Studios and want to be one of the first guests into the park, here’s a solid tip: walk to the Skyliner station at Caribbean Beach Resort. It’s about a 25-minute walk from Disney’s Riviera Resort, but it gives you a major advantage. Why? Because if you start at Riviera, you’ll have to wait for the Skyliner to start running, ride it to Caribbean, get off, and then join the main line to Hollywood Studios—meaning you’ll already be behind everyone who started their day at Caribbean. By walking there early, you can line up before the Skyliner begins running and be on one of the first gondolas out, which can make a huge difference in wait times once you get to the park. If rope drop is your goal, this strategy can save you a ton of time.
The Disney Skyliner
I love staying at a resort with Skyliner access. Not only is it a fun and unique way to get to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, but it also makes resort hopping incredibly easy. With just a quick ride and a short walk from EPCOT, you can be at the Boardwalk area or dining at the Yacht or Beach Club in no time. You can easily pop over to Caribbean Beach or Pop Century too. The Skyliner really opens up your options—whether it’s for dining, exploring, or just enjoying a different resort vibe. It’s one of my favorite perks of staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Service
I mean it’s Disney. So the service at the hotel was excellent. Everyone was friendly and so helpful. I loved the baristas at the coffee shop.
Recreation
There are few fun activities that I enjoyed while at Disney’s Riviera Resort. You and your kids might love it as well!
- Movies on the lawn. Each week they show a Disney movie outdoors. This is free and a fun/relaxing way to end the day.
- Have some smores by the lake from 6:30-7:30 each night. (They do charge for their Smores so I usually order cheap gear from a local grocery store.)
- Go on an art scavenger hunt. At the store, ask for the scavenger hunt. They will give you stickers and when you find the designated art you put a sticker down on the page they gave you. Wonderful way to enjoy some AC and art with the whole family.
- Play some yard games like Connect 4, Chess, and Boccia!
- There is a gym. I saw it. It looks nice as I walked by it. haha. Not much help I know.
- Go for a jog or a walk along the designated 1.4 mile path. I am not exactly sure where it starts. I know there are signs showing you the way or a cast member will show you. I walked around the lake and Caribbean Beach Resort. It was lovely!
The Big Problem with Disney’s Riviera Resort
I know I have gushed over this property…alot but there is one large problem with it. And that is the price. It is an incredibly expensive place to stay. If you are someone who is at the parks from open to close this might not be the best option. It is a very big price tag for something you barely spend any time at. If you are planning on resort days then this would be a good fit and worthy of your money.
Best Things to do at Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Rest with a great book on one of the many lounge chairs and seating options.
- Enjoy some time at the pool soaking up the sun with sunscreen of course.
- Have a great (and I mean great) meal at one their restaurants.
- Then have a great drink with amazing views or by the pool.
- Watch the Epcot fireworks from Topolinos.
- Explore the property and admire the amazing artwork.
- Play a round of Boccia.
- Enjoy a relaxing ride on the Skyliner.
- Slooowwww down and enjoy the resort.
Pros and Cons of Disney’s Riviera Resort
Pros:
- Access to the Skyliner
- Amazing food and drinks
- Gorgeous property, pools and rooms
- Access to kitchenettes and kitchens
Cons:
- The price!!!!
- Price for the Tower Studio rooms that have a murphy bed.
- Expensive rooms for ok views.
Final Thoughts
This is the complete review of Disney’s Riviera Resort. Listen, I freakin’ love Disney’s Riviera Resort. I’m already homesick for it—it’s that good. Whether I’m staying there or just visiting, it’s one of my favorite places at Disney. That said, it’s pricey, so think carefully if it fits your trip. If you’re not spending much time at the resort, it might not be worth the splurge. But even if you don’t stay, make time to visit—you won’t regret it.
Some Disney Planning Tools
- Best rides at Magic Kingdom
- Best rides at Epcot
- Best rides at Hollywood Studios
- Best rides at Animal Kingdom
- 17 Best Bars and Lounges in Disney World
Your Thoughts
This is the complete review of Disney’s Riviera Resort. What is your home resort while in Disney World? Where do you love to stay? What is on your bucket list for resorts? I would love to hear your thoughts, questions and ideas! Leave a comment below.
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