Disney's Riviera Resort Review
July 1, 2021
By Kelly Rodriguez
My first impression of Disney’s Riviera Resort happened when we arrived on Disney’s Magical Express – “wow, this is GORGEOUS!” The small details – like hidden Mickeys on the balconies – were impressive. The entire atmosphere at Disney's Riviera resort is SO well done.
The lobby was stunning. There is a sitting area overlooking the pool, where we sat and took in views of the pool, Skyliner, and water area. There is a café with baked goods and coffee, as well as gift shop with Disney merchandise, medicines, and pre-packaged foods. (This was one down side I didn’t like; the gift shop was tiny. I love to look at all of the Disney merch, especially specialty items for the holidays, and this store was just too small.)
Downstairs between the two pool areas was the quick service location, Primo Piatto. The food there was incredible! We ordered both breakfast and dinner from there and ate in our room. Using the new mobile order was easy and fast. We would order food from our room on the app, and then once we were down there click “I’m ready” so that cast members would start preparing our food. Everything came packaged with utensils, napkins, and condiments.
Pool areas were quiet, and had oversized cushioned chairs around them as well as on the beach area. The main pool is zero entry and has a nice waterslide for kids. Behind that was a kids play area. Even on a beautiful day this area was not crowded, and perfect for children younger than 5. Hot tubs are also in the pool area, but were small. With only two families, guests were shoulder to shoulder. The view from the pool is of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the Skyliner over the water, which was pretty. It’s just a short walk over to Caribbean Beach, so if there is food there you’d prefer, it was a less than 5 minutes walk by walking path to the left of the main pool. (Tips for larger families: Caribbean Beach has a large pizza, bread, and salad. We joked about ordering this but ran out of time, and we had pizza at Pizzerizzo in Hollywood Studios.)
Our accommodations were a 1-bedroom villa, overlooking the quiet pool and lake. We were on the third floor, and I think higher up the view is even more beautiful. I would definitely request a higher floor next time. The villa had a stackable washer and dryer. I am so weird and love doing laundry on vacation. There’s nothing better than coming home and unpacking and being able to put everything away vs. having to do laundry. The living area Murphy bed was much better than I expected, and the artistry on the back of the bed was my favorite. Each room has a different theme, and mine had Peter Pan. The pull-down daybed featured Pascal from “Tangled.”
The master bedroom and bathroom- JUST WOW! It was regal, beautiful, clean and crisp looking. After entering the master bedroom you walk into the bathroom which has 2 parts. The first area is the sink and bath tub, then there is another door you go through to where the toilet and stand up shower was. So if the kids were taking a bath you could still have privacy in the shower which I thought was genius, it allowed more people to be able to get ready at the same time.
The view from Disney's Topolino's is just BEAUTIFUL!!! If you are staying here and have a chance to eat breakfast or even dinner once the fireworks come back you will be able to see both Epcot and Hollywood studios show. The music is not piped in but still a beautiful view. You can even go out on the terrace afterwards for photos with the resort and Skyliner in the background.
The buses seemed to run very steadily, we never waited more than 20 minutes for a bus. All buses and Skyliner run 1 hour before parking opening. Take advantage of the first bus or Skyliner to make the most of your park day. 10/10 highly recommend doing that.
The Skyliner to Hollywood studios from Riviera did stop at Disney's Caribbean Beach where Art of Animation and Pop century both fed into as Caribbean is the main hub. Allow extra time for this since you have to depart the skyliner and get into a line with the other resorts to Hollywood Studios.
The Skyliner to Epcot was direct from Riviera, and we waited maybe 2 minutes to load. That takes you to the entrance over by the countries, not where the buses or monorail unload by Spaceship Earth. You will enter through France, so if your first ride on the list is Test Track or Soarin’, just keep in mind you will not be walking in by Epcot's main entrance.
I highly recommend you add this resort to your bucket list or next trip list. You will not be disappointed by the location, views, quality on your next vacation.
If you would like to discuss an upcoming Disney vacation I would be happy to chat with you please contact me at KellyR@wishesfamilytravel.com or 248-613-4317. My vacation planning services are complimentary.