"Beauty comes from the inside", just like the way Belle thinks
It’s hard to review one of the newest resorts at Walt Disney World. For one, this is an expensive hotel that might be a bit disappointing in terms of its appearance and location. On the other hand, it features stunning artwork in its halls, beautifully designed rooms, and an excellent restaurant in Topolino’s Terrace.
Riviera Resort is located right next to Caribbean Beach Resort, and you can walk between the two. It also has access to the Skyliner system, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a luxurious Disney World vacation while primarily focusing on Epcot and Hollywood Studios. It’s not a cheap hotel, with standard rooms starting at $700, but the new Tower Studios - designed for two guests - start at $510, making it an even better option for adults visiting Disney World.
What we like about Riviera Resort
Riviera Resort has access to the Skyliner system, which is located right next to the main towers. This means you can reach Hollywood Studios or Epcot in about 15 minutes, a huge perk for guests. There are also buses that take guests to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs, and they operate quite efficiently.
In fact, this is a major advantage that Riviera has over Caribbean Beach Resort. Caribbean Beach is divided into six different areas, meaning that buses stop at all of them before heading to their destinations. This isn’t the case with Riviera Resort, as its buses simply wait for Riviera guests to board before departing to their final destinations, saving you from excessive wait times. A bus from Riviera to Magic Kingdom usually takes 15–20 minutes, a stark contrast to the 50–60 minutes at Caribbean Beach.
Riviera Resort is also a great choice for adults. The theming outside might be a bit bland, but inside, it exudes a unique charm, featuring one-of-a-kind artworks created specifically for this resort. The rooms are excellent, on par with what the Grand Floridian offers. They’re spacious and luxurious, with a predominantly white color scheme that gives the feeling of being inside a palace or something. Bathrooms are big, with bathtubs and plenty of space as well, and they’re great for big families or friends that want to share expenses.
Topolino’s Terrace is also a great restaurant, located on the rooftop and offering awesome views of Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Breakfast at Topolino costs $52 for adults and $32 per child, and the food is pretty good. The characters, however, are the stars of the show. You have Minnie dressed as a poet, Donald as Michelange— a sculptor, Ballet Dancer Daisy, and Mickey as a classic artist that could have designed the Louvre.
What we don’t like about Riviera Resort
A lot of guests actually don’t enjoy how this resort looks from the outside. For a resort that’s supposed to exude old European charm, Riviera Resort does appear a bit bland and somewhat blends in with Caribbean Beach Resort in the distance. The good news is that inside, it looks much better: more luxurious, with stunning artwork and expansive rooms that are far ahead of its neighbor, Caribbean Beach Resort.
The new Tower Studios are also a bit disappointing. These rooms are the most affordable on the property, designed for two guests only, and start at $500. That’s about $100–150 cheaper per night compared to a traditional room that accommodates 5 guests. The Tower Studios are small, even smaller than a standard room at a Disney World Value Hotel, measuring just 220 square feet. The bathroom is spacious, which is nice, but the living area is tiny, and you have to pull out the bed from the wall. When you’re paying $500 a night, having a room like this can be a bit of a letdown.
There’s also not much at Riviera Resort to make it feel unique. It’s not within walking distance of any theme park, the grounds aren’t anything that will blow your mind, and the pool is actually rather bland. In fact, Caribbean Beach Resort has a better pool, and you can at least visit that one. I think that, for $600 a night, you should be getting a little more, and there are better options, like Animal Kingdom Lodge and Boardwalk Inn.
Riviera Resort FAQ
How much is a room at Riviera Resort?
Prices for rooms depend on several factors, but you can get a room for two guests starting at $500 per night, with a standard room starting at $615 per night.
Does Riviera Resort provide Skyliner access?
Yes! You can board the Skyliner right next to Riviera Resort to quickly reach Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Is Riviera Resort close to Magic Kingdom?
No, Riviera Resort isn’t close to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom. However, there are complimentary buses in front of the hotel that can take you to these theme parks.
What is a Tower Studio at Riviera Resort?
Tower Studios are small rooms, measuring 220 square feet, and are designed for two guests only. They are cheaper than standard rooms, with a starting price of $500 per night.
