We recently took a sneak peek at Walt Disney World’s newest Vacation Club hotel – the Riviera Resort! Taking inspiration from Walt & Lillian’s many trips along the Mediterranean coastline, the theme of Disney’s Riviera Resort will celebrate the luxury and grandeur found within the countries of France and Italy. But above all, this resort, set to open on December 16th, is absolutely ‘Disney’.
[This post was originally published on September 25th, and updated with new images and information on November 29th and December 8th]
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by a palm tree-lined boulevard and a striking facade. From the grand archways and porticos to the tower and terraces, the resort’s design will reflect an early 20th-century elegance found throughout Europe and the Mediterranean coastline.
As for Riviera’s ambient music, we’re told we’ll hear familiar Disney favorites with a European twist! The resort will also often host live musical performances as well.
My favorite part about Walt Disney World resort hotels (or any Disney Park for that matter) are the details. Based on what I’ve seen and heard so far, Disney’s Riviera Resort seems like a true passion-project from Walt Disney Imagineering. You’ll find a lot of intentional design details found throughout, and WDI made sure that storytelling reflects throughout each layer of the resort. From the architecture, custom artworks, fabrics, designs and different venues you’ll discover classic European elegance with that special Disney touch.
Accommodations at Disney’s Riviera Resort
After an exciting day at the parks, stylish and spacious accommodations at Riviera warmly welcome you back home; with a full range of options from Tower Studios to 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom and 3-Bedroom Villas.
The rooms at Riviera are spacious, ready for family fun or cozy couples. We were able to preview a Deluxe Studio and 1-Bedroom Villa. The Studio includes a kitchenette, a dining area, and washer & dryer. While the larger 1-Bedroom Villa includes a full kitchen, complete with a dishwasher and ample seating.
Both rooms include an amazing new style of pull-down Murphy bed in the living area, along with spacious bathrooms – all complete with the sort of details guests expect to find at Disney.
Based on guest feedback, Disney created an all-new Studio room type that looks to be perfect for couples! The Tower Studio comfortably fits 1-2 adults (and one infant, if needed). The Tower of the resort will house 24 of these new room types.
Amenities at the Riviera
The feature pool, will offer lounge chairs and colorful umbrellas, with a winding stone turret slide. The 30-foot-tall tower turret will house a nearly two-story-tall corkscrew slide!
For the kids – “S’il Vous Play” will be a whimsical water play area with a fountain featuring beloved characters from the Disney film “Fantasia.” Drawing inspiration from the grand public fountains seen throughout Europe, it will be the perfect place for little ones to splash and play.
Back to the adults – the “Beau Soleil” leisure pool will offer a more serene experience, featuring a lush-green wall surrounding the tranquil area. This pool will be just the right spot for enjoying the sun or resting beneath the shade in peace.
Riviera will be the first newly-constructed resort to be served by the Disney Skyliner transport network, and will have its own resort-exclusive station!
Dining at the Riviera
Disney’s Riviera Resort will feature many eateries, from signature dining experiences to quick service options within the resort and poolside.
Le Petit Café (named after the cafe found in The Aristocats) – An inviting lobby café offering freshly brewed coffees and lattes. As the sun sets, the café becomes a wine bar, serving a selection of vino and sparkling beverages. Patisseries will also be available throughout the day!
Bar Riva – A poolside bar serving European and Mediterranean-style fare, cocktails and refreshing drinks made to order. Expect to see a Disneyland favorite here… the Monte Cristo! Chefs noted this will be the same recipe from Disneyland’s Blue Bayou, the only difference being strawberry jam instead of raspberry!
Primo Piatto – A quick service trattoria serving tasty cuisine throughout the day and bites to grab and go.
Last, but certainly not least, the crown jewel of the resort: Topolino’s Terrace.
Since Topolino’s sits high atop the resort, it will offer fantastic rooftop views of Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. (Think California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort… hello, fireworks!)
Here, you can expect dishes infused with French and Italian flavors. Skilled Disney Chefs have crafted an incredible menu including artisanal pastas tossed with fresh-pressed olive oil, an impressive collection of wines and a gourmet selection of cheeses from France and Italy… sign. me. up.
Breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace will be a Storybook Dining experience – a prix-fixe Disney character dining experience, inspired by the Riviera. (At the Resort preview, we tried the Blueberry Pancakes with Lemon Creme… based on those pancakes alone, breakfast at Topolino’s is high on my must-do list!)
Cute detail: Topolino takes its name for the Italian word for “small mouse”… it’s what the Italians call Mickey Mouse!
For your own glimpse into the Riviera, you can also stop by the Disney Vacation Club Preview Center at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort!
Riviera is a Disney Vacation Club Resort – however, non-DVC members can also stay here. Disney’s Riviera Resort officially opens December 16th, and is now accepting reservations!
11/27/19 UPDATE:
An anonymous reader sent us some insider images of Disney’s Riviera Resort while still under construction – let’s take a peek!
Lobby & Le Petit Cafe
Heading up to the rooftop dining experience – Topolino’s Terrace…
It’s dark outside, but let’s see some of the exterior!
And back inside for some more details…
As much as I love the European elegance and Disney touches in the rooms, much has been said about how the resort is inspired by Walt, yet I didn’t see many actual Walt images. The new images we just received show that some additional Walt Disney details and photos have made their way to the hotel.
12/8/19 UPDATE:
We’ve received some more photos from an anonymous reader! This time, we take a look at some of the Riviera’s exclusive merchandise collection…
This design of Mickey & Minnie looks like Walt & Lillian – so sweet. The little Skyliner in the background is a cute detail, too!
Disney is revealing four new character costumes with Riviera’s opening – Mickey Mouse as a painter, Minnie Mouse as a writer, Donald Duck as a sculptor, and Daisy Duck as a ballerina. Plushes, keychains, pins and other products feature these new character designs.
Now, let’s take a look at the cocktail & dinner menus for Topolino’s Terrace!
Guidemap for the Riviera:
Looks like they’re just about ready to open!
Disney’s Riviera Resort is currently holding Cast Member previews, and will welcome guests on December 16th!
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Let’s Hear From You
What do you think of WDW’s newest resort so far? Would you like to stay here? I hope to bump into you at Topolino’s Terrace in just a few weeks when it officially opens!
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