Disney’s Riviera Resort: Preferred One Bedroom Villa Review

Disney’s Riviera Resort is the newest and perhaps, greatest hotel at Walt Disney World.   While small compared to other Disney Vacation Club Resorts, it does not lack grandeur and luxury. Inspired by the French Riviera, this newest Disney resort hotel offers all the magic that you’re looking for to have a charming and unforgettable vacation.

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This newest Disney Vacation Club Resort (DVC) is located in the Epcot area making it convenient to get to Epcot. With it’s own skyliner station, you can get to Epcot fast, as well as Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This makes this European Riviera like resort extremely desirable. More on transportation later. 

The main lobby is small but is very inviting with muted golds and blues and comfortable chairs and couches. This adds to the elegance and sophistication of the overall look of the lobby. Here you will find the front desk, concierge, and La Boutique where you can purchase souvenirs and other essential items.  Being one of Disney’s newest resorts, the resort’s design is absolutely impeccable. That is clearly displayed in the beautiful rooms and architecture.

Fun fact about Disney’s newest resort:  Did you know it was originally going to be a new tower for Disney’s Caribbean Resort? It was going to be the 8th building on the Caribbean Beach property, but instead, decide to build a brand new luxurious DVC resort to reflect the French Riviera in the Epcot resort area. As an ode to scraping the building for Caribbean Beach, they decided to have every room number begin with the number 8.  Cool right? Alright, let’s get on with Disney’s Riviera Resort review!

Quick History of Disney’s Riviera Resort

This beautiful resort came to be from Walt Disney’s travels to Italy, France, Germany, and England in 1935. How his two-month adventure came about in the form of a mental breakdown.  I’m sure we can all relate to Walt on this level. The stressors of work and life became a lot. His brother, Roy Disney, suggested a European Adventure.  Along with Lillian Disney, Walt’s wife, Walt Disney’s love of the European culture and art became a major influence for Disney’s Riviera Resort.  Due to this inspiring experience for him, it helped shape not only iconic Disney concepts (hello, Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle!) but it inspired the overall feel and look of this phenomenal resort.

Our One-Bedroom Villa at Disney’s Riviera Resort

I had originally booked a preferred view deluxe studio for our vacation, so when we opened the door, I was completely shocked to see that we had been majorly pixie-dusted and was given a one-bedroom preferred view villa instead!  Not sure why or how we got upgraded, but we did not complain one bit!

The cast member that brought our luggage said that this is probably the best room since it was the closest you could get to the skyliner station!

Kitchen at Disney’s Riviera Resort

When you first open the door to your villa, you’re greeted with a lovely, open kitchen.  I love that it’s completely open and that you’re able to easily get from this area to the living space.  Unlike the Villas at Animal Kingdom Lodge where there’s a big counter that you run into, this felt totally spacious!

By the way, to see the full room tour, check out my YouTube channel!

The kitchen was fully equipped with a full refrigerator/freezer combo, oven, stove, microwave, and a 12 cup coffee maker.  If you plan on doing a grocery run or utilizing a grocery delivery service, you’ll need cone coffee filters.

The dining area is opposite the sink and dishwasher area, and is tucked out of the way. This helps open up this large area even more.  A wooden table to compliment the Mediterranean inspired decor inside the villa, is surrounded by cushioned bench seating. At the head of the table, a lovely cushioned arm chair.  

This cozy, corner nook is perfect for enjoying a breakfast, a quick snack, or your morning coffee. But fair warning.  You’re going to want to take your coffee outside.  You’ll see why in a second.

If you want to see all of the kitchen amenities, check out my video tour on my YouTube channel!

Living Space

From the dining area, is a beautifully appointed living area with beautiful french inspired plush couches and gorgeous light fixtures.  This area provides such a welcoming environment of coziness after a long day at the parks!  

Behind the lovely, “Beauty and the Beast” artwork on the wall above the couch, hides a cleverly hidden pull-down queen-size bed that sleeps 2.  It comes down easily and goes right back into place just as easily.  This provides an additional sleeping option without taking up valuable floor space for larger families. 

Across from the living area is where you’ll find the tv and a hidden Murphy bed.  Please excuse the luggage propped up against the Murphy bed, our luggage had just arrived, which by the way, bell services was extremely fast at delivering our luggage that had been transferred from our stay at Disney’s Copper Creek Resort.  

The Murphy beds are designed to be stylish and comfortable as well as providing additional sleeping area for one.  The picture of a black and white Mickey Mouse and Pluto lounging on chairs in the French Riviera is darling!  I’m actually sad it’s hidden away in the Murphy bed, it needs a permanent place on display. You can see this on my video tour of our room!

The Bedroom at Disney’s Riviera Resort

Moving from the living area of our one-bedroom villa at Disney’s Riviera Resort, you’ll head into the immaculately designed bedroom.  It is insanely gorgeous and bright, with lovely teals, golds, and creams.  I couldn’t wait to lay my head on that King size bed at the end of the night, and let me tell you, that bed was perfection.  Totally comfortable and not worn in at all, thanks to it being one of the newer Disney resorts.  

There is ample storage in the bedside tables and the dresser opposite the bed to store clothing and personal items.  The bedroom is also equipped with a large flat-screen TV, allowing guests to enjoy their favorite shows and movies from the comfort of their bed! When I’m on a Disney vacation, I love to watch all the Disney channels they have available and check out their resort guide on the TV. 

There is a sliding glass door that leads out to the patio from the bedroom.  So if you’re not wanting to disturb your family that is sleeping in the living room, you can use your personal door to get that fresh Disney air into your lungs first thing in the morning. 

There is also a small closet and full-length mirror next to the closet that you can see on my video tour of our one-bedroom villa. 

The Bathroom at Disney’s Riviera Resort

Are you ready to see one of the most gorgeous bathrooms in all of the Walt Disney World resorts?  I mean, in my opinion of course haha!

This part of the restroom has your sink area along with a beautiful, deep soaking tub.  White and black marble line the floors and walls, with gold and brass accessories bringing the most beautiful contrast to the bathroom.  It looks and feels so luxurious and very spa-like, to make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

There are two doors that you need to close if you’re wanting privacy, which is great. This allows someone to use the walk-in shower or toilet, while the other person is taking a bath. This restroom layout makes it incredibly efficient for everyone to get ready to make rope drop at Magic Kingdom or any of the other theme parks!

Moving into the toilet and shower area, there is a small vanity area with additional counter space, a mirror, and shelving to keep your hygiene products.

The walk-in shower provides a fold-out seat for those that need assistance, a rain shower head, and a hand-held shower attachment, giving you multiple options to wash yourself off after a hot and humid day in the Florida sun. 

Washer and Dryer in a One-Bedroom Villa at Disney’s Riviera Resort

Walking out from the toilet area is a closet that holds a washer and dryer.  And these are not stacked washer and dryers, like you would find at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House one-bedroom villa.  Yay for us shorter people haha! The washer and dryer are much newer than others that you can find on Walt Disney World property.

One thing to note to those that are either staying at Disney’s Riviera on borrowed points, or are brand new to Disney Vacation Club resorts, is that you do not get towel service the way you would if you stayed at a regular hotel, with fresh towels daily. The resort gives you an ample amount of towels, hand towels, and washcloths so that you can get by, or so you can do some in-room laundry.

Want to see what else I pack with me? Check out my 10 Amazon Travel Must-Haves!

 If you stay in a Tower Studio or Deluxe Studio, you can take your towels down to the laundry facilities and wash your towels and clothes there.  Towel and Trash service is every 4th day of your stay where you receive a fresh set of towels, which is great for longer stays.  Disney does provide a complimentary bottle of washing detergent that washes two loads. However, I suggest throwing in a few detergent pods into your luggage before you leave for your Disney vacation.

Across from the laundry closet is another linen closet that holds a vacuum, extra hangers, an ironing board with iron, extra pillows and blankets, and a laundry basket.  The closet is also large enough to hold multiple suitcases or to stow away a stroller when not in use. 

Ground Floor Patio at Disney’s Riviera Resort

This patio is so incredible, I could sit out here all day, read a book and drink some coffee or wine.  The lake that surrounds Disney’s Riviera Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, is Barefoot Bay, a 45-acre lake that’s surrounded by lush tropical plants, and sandy beaches, that creates a relaxing atmosphere.  There is a large walking path not too far from your patio that can take you to Disney’s Skyliner Station or if you want to resort hop, you can take that path to check out Caribbean Beach.  

While that is a public path for guests to take to and from Disney’s Riviera Resort, it was never crowded with people, in fact we only saw a handful of people earlier in the evening, and then one runner at about 5am the next morning.  So your patio should be very quiet and tranquil.

Our Overall Thoughts on our One-Bedroom Villa at Disney’s Riviera Resort

Booking Disney’s Riviera Resort was actually an afterthought when making plans for our trip.  When looking at the DVC calendar, I had seen a one-night opening and thought, what the heck, let’s try it out and see what we think.  I was actually originally booked for 2 nights at Disney’s Cooper Creek Resort which we loved!  

But once we stepped into our gorgeous room, I knew right then and there that we made the right choice.  From the phenomenal room to the amazing cast members that truly made us feel like royalty, I don’t know how we’ll be able to stay anywhere else next time haha!  

If you get the opportunity to stay at the Riviera Resort using DVC points, or you want to splurge and pay cash, I would not hesitate!  

Want to see what else Disney’s Riviera Resort has to offer?  Then keep on reading!

Dining Options at Disney’s Riviera Resort

The resort offers several dining options for guests to enjoy from quick service to table service. Here are the dining options available at the Riviera Resort:

Quick Service

• Le Petit Café – Your go-to place for specialty coffees and pastries.  This is located inside the lobby area and is open daily from 7am to 11pm.  
• Primo Piatto – This is where you can find quick service breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves everything from a breakfast Croque Madames, Blueberry Lemon Pancakes, Fritattas, pizzas, hot and cold sandwiches, fresh salads, and their famous, Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread.
• Bar Riva – This is the pool bar where you can find a variety of not only delicious food like a Grilled Chicken Sandwich on Toasted Foccacia, Mushroom Arancini, and Baked Brie, but you can find delicious specialty cocktails like the Provence Frosé that has frozen Rosé and Ciroc Vodka or refreshing Red or White Italian Sangria.  This is a spot not be overlooked! You can enjoy their drinks and food at the bar or take them to-go to enjoy by the pool or back in your room. Bar Riva is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm.

Table Service

• Topolino’s Terrace – Disney’s Riviera Resorts only (and very popular!) Table Service resort that hosts a character breakfast and serves up yummy quiches, sour cream waffles, and French toast brulee.  Because this is a character meal, the price is slightly higher.  $45 for adults and $29 for kids 9 and under.  Breakfast is served from 7:30am – 12:15pm and you need to make reservations to be able to dine here. At night, Topolino’s Terrace has the best view of the “Epcot Forever” firework show.  We’ve had dinner here twice now and have loved literally, everything we’ve ordered from the escargot to the ricotta, the duck confit, and the rigatoni.  Everything is so fresh and delicious, you’re going to love it! so if you’d like to read my review of Topolino’s Terrace Dinner, check out this post next! Dinner is served nightly from 5 pm to 9:30 pm.

Transportation at Disney’s Riviera Resort

Skyliner at Walt Disney World

The Rivera resort is now rivaling some of the other top-tier resorts as far as transportation goes.  If you stay in the Magic Kingdom area, you have access to Disney’s Monorail System which is a convenient way to travel in the sky.  But as of 2019, the Disney Skyliner Gondola System came into play, making this another commodious option for guests wanting to travel to theme parks or visit other Disney resorts. 

The Skyliner is a gondola transportation system that connects several resorts and parks within the Walt Disney World Resort.  On the skyliner line, the parks you can get to is Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. The skyliner also makes stops at multiple Disney resorts including Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and Disney’s Pop Century Resort. 

Gondola Stations at Walt Disney World

To ride Disney’s Skyliner is complimentary to all guests and to ride, you must board at one of the five gondola stations on Walt Disney World property located at:

1. International Gateway at Epcot – When riding the skyliner, you will either get dropped off or will board the skyliner near the back of the park, not the front.  This is ideal for those wanting to rope drop, “Frozen Ever After” or “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure”.
2. Disney’s Riviera Resort – If traveling from Epcot, this stop is the first and will drop you off right near the side entrance to the resort. You also have quick access easily from the lobby.
3. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort –  This is where main hub of the Skyliner is located, and where transfers to Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and other Resorts take place.  Signage will help guide you to the correct line to take. 
4. Disney’s Pop Century Resort/Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – This station services both of these resorts and you can find it at the, “Generation Gap Bridge”.
5. Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Located near the main entrance of the park, next to the bus area.

Utilizing the Skyliner service is a great way to see Disney World from up high and it’s actually a very relaxing ride.  It only takes about 8 minutes to get from the International Gateway at Epcot to Disney’s Riviera Resort.  While there is no AC in the gondola’s themselves, there are vents to help cool down the gondola, making it a really enjoyable and comfortable ride. Each gondola can hold up to 10 people comfortably.  However, if you bring a stroller or a wheelchair/ECV, that capacity will be lower.  

Walt Disney World Bus Transportation

Disney’s Riviera Resort offers complimentary bus transportation to all four theme parks as well as to Disney Springs.  To find the bus station, head out of the doors of the main lobby and there will be a walkway that will take you to the area where you will find all of the buses.  In the bus station area, there will be displays showing the estimated arrival time for all the buses.  Generally, the buses run right on time, with a very occasional hiccup now and then.  

Bus service begins 45 minutes prior to theme park opening and ends one hour after theme park closing. For Disney Springs, Bus service to Disney Springs runs one after hour Disney Springs closes.  Check the website for hours during your stay.  Travel times may vary from theme park to theme park but this is generally how long it takes to get to each theme park from Disney’s Riviera Resort:

• From the Riviera to Magic Kingdom – 15 minutes.
• From the Riviera to Epcot – 5 to 8 minutes.
• From the Riviera to Disney’s Hollywood Studios – 8 to 10 minutes.
• From the Riviera to Disney’s Animal Kingdom – 10 to 12 minutes.
• From the Riviera to Disney Springs – 10 minutes.

Minnie Van Service

Disney’s Minnie Van Service is a paid transportation service offered through Lyft (but run by Disney cast members) that give a much more ‘Disney-like” ride.  I’ve used this service twice, and while a little more on the pricier side, the experience of it was quite nice.  Disney music piped in through the audio system, a super helpful cast member giving park and resort tips and information.  It was very lovely and convenient to use!  To book a Minnie Van, you must have the Lyft App downloaded to your phone and is subject to availability.  Check out my Lyft referral link to get $5 off your first ride!

Ride Share Transportation within Walt Disney World

One of the fastest ways to get around Disney property is by taking a Ride Share like Uber or Lyft.  Rides generally cost anywhere from $7-$20 depending on the day and if price surging is happening. I talk more about this service in my Ultimate Guide to Visiting Disney World Solo.

Activities at Disney’s Riviera Resort

Pool Time

There are two pools at Disney’s Riviera Resort, the Riviera Pool, which is the main pool, and the Beau Soleil Pool, which is the quiet pool.  Near the Beau Soleil Pool is the S’il Vous Play water area for kids that is inspired by the grand public fountains of Europe.  Pools are open to guests staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort and are open 8 am – 11 pm daily, but may close due to weather and/or other circumstances.  

There are two hot tubs located at Disney’s Riviera Resort.  You can find one hot tub near the Riviera Pool and the other near the Beau Soleil Pool. Hours are from 8 am – 11 pm daily but hours of operation may change due to season and weather. 

Sports & Fitness Center

Located in between the main pool and the quiet pool, is a large lawn area where kids (and adults!) can run around and play bocce ball or chess lawn.  There’s also a large fire pit where you can roast s’mores in the evening.  You can purchase a s’mores kit at Le Petit Cafe for around $10 that includes graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars to make 4 s’mores.  Prices and availability are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check with the resort before telling the kids and making plans lol.

The Athlétique Fitness Center is open 24 hours a day and is located near the resort’s main pool area.  You will need your Magic Band, the Disney App, or Key Card to gain access to the fitness center. Here you will find treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, free weights, and weight machines, which are included with your stay. 

Movie Under the Stars at Disney’s Riviera Resort

Did you know that each resort on Disney property hosts their own, “Movie Under the Stars” screenings?  This outdoor movie experience allows guests to enjoy classic Disney movies under the stars while surrounded by the resort’s beautiful scenery. It is included in your stay and happens in the evening hours at 8:30 pm with Disney movies rotating nightly. Family fun for everyone!

Shopping at Disney’s Riviera Resort

Need to get some last-minute souvenirs or some small grocery items and sundries?  Head to La Boutique, located in the lobby area of Disney’s Riviera Resort.  They have everything you’ll need from apparel, jewelry, and toys along with grocery items like bagels, chips, frozen foods, candy, milk, juice, and alcohol.

Need medication or left the sunscreen at home? La Boutique has you covered with a well-stocked range of different first aid supplies, sunscreens, and hygiene products.  Of course, you could always use a grocery delivery service if you’re looking to make meals in your room, which might be more cost-efficient.   La Boutique is open daily from 8 am – 10 pm. 

Various Accommodations at Disney’s Riviera Resort

There are many room options and room types to fit your family’s needs.  Here is a quick breakdown of guest rooms that you can find at the Riviera Resort:

• Tower Studios – Smaller, more affordable guest rooms that are approximately 255 square feet and accommodate up to 2 guests.  The Tower Studios do not have a dedicated bed, rather features a pull-down Murphy bed that is queen-sized.  This room is perfect for the solo traveler or couples. 
• Deluxe Studios – This guest room type is more spacious than Tower Studios at 356 square feet and accommodates up to 5 guests. This villa features 2 queen-sized beds (one of them is a pull-down bed) along with a twin-sized Murphy bed. 
• 1-Bedroom Villas – Offers a full kitchen and washer and dryer and fits up to 5 guests in this 813-square-foot villa.  There is a dedicated bedroom with a king-sized bed, along with a pull-down queen-sized Murphy bed in the living space and a twin-sized Murphy bed under the TV area. 
• 2-Bedroom Villas – This villa accommodates up to 9 guests and features two separate bedrooms, a living room with a pull-out sofa, a fully equipped kitchen, and a dining area and is approximately 1,080 square feet. 
• 3-Bedroom Grand Villa – These grand villas are the grandest of them all!  Accommodating up to 12 guests, with three separate bedrooms and three full bathrooms, this luxurious villa comes in at 1,575 square feet, making this villa as big as a house!  

View Types at Disney’s Riviera Resort

Within each category of room type at Disney’s Riviera Resort, there are also different views depending on what you would like for your stay.  Note that the availability of view types may vary depending on the time of booking.

1. Tower Studio View: Offers views of the resort’s rooftop and surrounding areas.
2. Standard View: Offers views of the resort’s gardens, parking area, or rooftops.
3. Pool View: Offers views of the resort’s main pool area.
4. Preferred View: Offers views of the resort’s gardens, pool, or courtyard.
5. Lake View: Offers views of the nearby lake or waterways.
6. Theme Park View: Offers views of Epcot and/or Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Room Requests at Walt Disney World

You can always put in a request 30 days before your trip during online check-in for specific room requests.  Disney really tries to accommodate those requests, but understand, those requests may not happen. During online check-in, you’re given three different requests:  Near the Lobby, Near the Skyliner, and Near the Elevator.

Additionally, you can also request something else, like a higher floor or ground level, just leave the options blank on online check-in and submit requests directly. If booked via Disney on cash, call the reservations line and have your requests added to your reservation. If booked with DVC points, you can notify member services via the online chat or by calling. 

Pin It For Later!

I really hope my tour of Disney’s Riviera Resort at Walt Disney World was helpful to you. If you have any other question, please feel free to leave a comment down below so we chat!

Have you ever stayed at Disney’s Riviera Resort?  What was your experience like?  Leave me a comment down below, I’d love to chat with you!

Looking for Other Walt Disney World Resort Room Tours? Check These Room Tours Next!

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Studio Room Tour
• Disney’s Bay Lake Tower Studio Room Tour
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort Room Tour
• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort Room Tour

FAQ about Disney’s Riviera Resort