During our recent visit to Walt Disney World, we had our first stay at Disney’s Riviera Resort for 4 nights. The Riviera Resort is close to our hearts because this is our home resort. We first walked through what the resort would look like in July 2019 during our honeymoon trip, purchased in October 2019, and the resort finally opened in December 2019!
Originally, pre-COVID, we were not going to be able to stay at Disney’s Riviera Resort. But with our trip dates being pushed back a little, and other guests cancelling, 4 days became available! Once we booked our home resort, we were pretty set on going. When we normally book a resort, we pick the cheapest one. We don’t really care what our view is. However, when booking this trip, the room that was available was the Deluxe Studio with the preferred view. Our room had the skyliner view, which was nice, but definitely not something we would spend extra points on. We were able to view Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and a little but of Animal Kingdom from our room, which was cool. The resort also has 1-Bedroom Villas, 2-Bedroom Villas, 3-Bedroom Grand Villas, and the new tower studios, that sleeps 2!
One thing that sets Disney’s Riviera Resort apart from the rest are the small details. The art throughout the resort is stunning, and you can actually purchase it! From the moment I learned this, I pictured one of our favorite paintings above our fireplace. I cannot wait for it to arrive!
Deluxe Studio
The rooms at Disney’s Riviera Resort are just very on brand, and totally my vibe. The Deluxe Studio sleeps up to 5 people. You can totally have 5 people in the room, but it would be a little cramped for 5 adults. It would be best for 2 adults and their kiddos. The room has one queen-size bed, one queen-size pull down bed and 1 single pull down bed. The single pull down bed is adorable!
With the studio, there is a microwave, coffee maker, and mini fridge. During our stay, we used the coffee maker and mini fridge. You are able to bring in outside food to the parks, therefore you definitely can bring your own food to cook and/or have them delivered to your room! Besides the kitchen, the bathroom is amazing. YOU GET TWO SHOWERS! Yes, two showers! One is with a bathtub and one is a walk-in. You get nothing but the best at Disney’s Riviera Resort! Personally, I love the Disney’ H20+ Beauty products and when visiting, this is the only thing I use. You can purchase the shampoo and conditioner for your home, which I really need to do! It is that good.
Resort Amenities
Normally when we visit Disney World, we don’t get to spend a ton of time at the resort, because well, we are always at the parks. However, since the crowd level was so low, we were able to experience the resort amenities more! Which will definitely be something we do more often now. For transportation, Disney’s Riviera Resort offers the bus service, the Skyliner, and Minnie vans. Currently (July 2020), the Minnie Vans are not running because of COVID.
During our stay at Disney’s Riviera Resort, Epcot and Hollywood Studios were not open yet, so the Skyliner was closed. It was running for tests, but closed. We did get on the Skyliner later in the week when it opened (once the parks did), but this is such a great option when staying at the resort!
Besides transportation, Disney’s Riviera Resort has a gym, Athlétique Fitness Center, and two pools, the Rivera Pool and Beau Soleil Pool. As for restaurants, the resort offers a quick service, Primo Piatto, a pool bar, Bar Riva, a signature dining restaurant, Topolino’s Terrace, and Le Petit Café, which switches menu items through out the day!
I will share all about Topolino’s Terrace later, but the quick service, pool bar, and cafe are amazing! Right now, they are wanting you to mobile order all quick service orders. in the resorts and the parks. Therefore, we ordered our lunch via mobile order for Primo Piatto! We normally don’t mobile order, but I don’t think we will ever not mobile order anymore. It is SO easy! You get to order straight from the My Disney Experience app, tell them you are ready for your order all from the comfort of your pool chair! Or even your room! The food was delicious and we will definitely eat here again.
The app does not allow you to mobile order for the pool bar, Bar Riva. But I would suggest to definitely order from the bar! I ordered the baked brie in a puff pastry with a fruit preserves… and y’all it was amazing. I have been dreaming about it since and going to try to recreate it at home!
Finally, the Le Petit Café is absolutely adorable. In the morning, they have the best breakfast pastries and coffee and at night, the besssst desserts! I can’t wait to go back!!
Now, on to the pools! Disney’s Riviera Resort offers you two pools, which at DVC resorts, is pretty common. The main pool is family focused. In the afternoon and evening, they have family games and they were honestly so fun. Next to the main pool is an adorable splash pad area for kiddos. During our stay, we stayed at the main pool until about mid-afternoon and then headed over the Beau Soliel Pool! This pool is much quieter and we wished we would of moved over earlier because of how peaceful it is.