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10 Things To Know About Walt Disney World’s Riviera Resort

Rooftop dining, sky-high transportation, luxurious studios and villas, and a magical setting inspired by Walt Disney’s travels – what’s not to love about Disney’s Riviera Resort?  Disney’s newest resort offering has something for everyone, from couples to large families with young children.  Are you considering Disney’s Riviera Resort for your next Walt Disney World vacation?  Here are 10 things you should know!

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1. Theming

As you might have guessed from its name, Disney’s Riviera Resort is themed on the beautiful landscape of the European Rivieras, from France to Italy.  Walt Disney travelled to this area of the world and was entranced, and the resort shows us exactly why.  You won’t find many Disney cartoon characters here, as the theming is subtle and designed to serve as a respite from a chaotic day in the parks.  What you will find are relaxing colors, intricate tile mosaics, high-end finishes, and gorgeous landscaping, including a boulevard lined with palm trees. 

2. Long-Awaited Resort

Disney’s much anticipated Riviera Resort has created a lot buzz, and for good reason.  While there have been exciting new additions to existing Walt Disney World hotels recently, this is the first brand new WDW hotel to be built in 7 years, since Disney’s Art of Animation opened in 2012.  The hype was reflected in the Disney’s Riviera Resort’s opening night, which sold out! 

3. Ideal Location

If you’re staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort, you’ll be staying in the Epcot resort area, which means you’re not only quite close to Disney’s Epcot, but also to Hollywood Studios (perfect for the Star Wars fan in your party to get to and from Galaxy’s Edge!).  The resort’s location is also perfect for exploring Disney’s Boardwalk for yummy meals, shopping and nightlife.

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4. Activities for the Whole Family

At Disney’s Riviera Resort, the fun continues outside, where activities for all ages, abilities and interests await!  Walking and jogging paths wind through the resort’s gorgeous grounds, and you can wander around the flowering gardens and fountains to your heart’s content.  The lush grounds include a fire pit, bocce ball court, chess lawn, and activity lawn, full of European-inspired games.  If you prefer your recreation indoors, you can check out the resort’s state of the art gym. 

5. Disney Skyliner

Looking for a new way to travel to the parks from your resort?  Stay at Disney’s Riviera Resort, and you’ll have the Disney Skyliner at your doorstep!  You can hop aboard a comfy gondola decorated with your favorite Disney characters, and soar above the treetops to your destination, enjoying magnificent views along the way.  Disney’s Skyliner connects Disney’s Epcot and Hollywood Studios parks not only with Disney’s Riviera Resort, but also with Disney’s Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs and Art of Animation Resorts, which are now easier than ever to explore.

6. Rooftop Dining

For even more panoramic views, dine at the rooftop restaurant Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, which continues the resort’s theme by offering both Italian and French dishes.  Meet Mickey and Friends over breakfast, or come for dinner and you may even glimpse the nighttime spectaculars at nearby Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  No matter when you dine here, you’ll love the European décor, inspired by ancient cliff-side villages along the Riviera.  And the spectacular views will have you coming back for seconds!

7. Your Choice of Accommodations

There are plenty of accommodations to choose from at Disney’s Riviera Resort, at various price points.  For the first time, there are rooms designed for only 2 guests, called the Tower Studios.  They’re cosy, and feature a murphy bed, but they’re also the least expensive rooms in the resort.  Bigger families or those who are sensitive about cramped quarters can choose a Deluxe Studio that sleeps up to 5, or one of the 1, 2 or 3-Bedroom Villas.  These villas include completely decked out kitchens, as well as a washer and dryer, a jetted tub, and a walk-in shower.  Now that’s a home away from home!

8. Magnificent Mosaic Murals

The murals in the walkway to the Skyliner are beautiful, and worth a visit even if you’re not staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort.  There are two mosaics, one showing Neverland, and the other depicting the famous Tangled lantern scene, and both are mesmerizing.  We’re told more than a million hand-cut tiles were used to bring the scenes to life.

9. Pools for All Ages and Moods

The main pool complex at Disney’s Riviera Resort is the perfect spot to while away a relaxing afternoon in sunny Orlando.  The large pool is surrounded by exquisitely manicured greenery, and includes a waterslide that wraps around a fairy tale tower.  Little ones will be thrilled to splash around the interactive fountain play area featuring characters from Disney’s Fantasia.  And when you need a break from the action, you can retreat to rejuvenating Beau Soleil Pool for some quiet time.

10. Disney Vacation Club Resort

Disney’s Riviera Resort is the 15th Disney Vacation Club resort on property, which you’ll no doubt already know if you are a DVC member.  But fear not!  If you’re not a DVC member, and don’t wish to become one, then you can still experience Walt Disney World’s newest resort.  That being said, there’s an excellent chance that once you experience the luxury of staying in a DVC resort studio or villa, you won’t want to go back to staying in a traditional non-DVC resort room!

About Stacy Milford

Stacy has lived in 4 countries on 3 continents, and travels whenever humanly possible. Passionate about music theatre, dessert, and adventure in the great wide somewhere, she visits Walt Disney World every year, usually during Halloween! Stacy currently divides her time between writing and teaching English as a second language to children in China, and is pretty sure growing up is over-rated.