Disney Vacation Club Tips

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Our Disney Vacation Club Membership has been an investment in building family memories. As our family has grown through each age and stage, we have deeply appreciated the ability to choose new adventures from a diverse portfolio of Disney Vacation Club Resorts around the country. One of the biggest draws of our Disney Vacation Club experiences is exploring all the enchantment each unique Resort offers. We recently had the opportunity to experience Disney’s Riviera Resort, which quickly became my family’s “must-do” Disney Vacation Club Resort. Here are the top three reasons Disney’s Riviera Resort is our new number-one choice when visiting Walt Disney World Resort.

 

#1: Access to Transportation and the Theme Parks

 

Location is key in selecting our Disney Vacation Club Resort. When traveling with children, quick and easy access to as many of the parks as possible is a huge draw. Disney’s Riviera Resort goes beyond just offering convenient transportation by featuring access to the Disney Skyliner. Guests staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort can use the Disney Skyliner for transportation to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Suddenly, the trip to the theme parks becomes an attraction in itself! Our kids, and honestly the adults as well, get excited guessing which characters will be adorning our gondola. The views from above are breathtaking, and we enjoy seeing who can spot iconic landmarks first. The entire ride builds the anticipation of all the excitement that awaits us in the theme parks. Disney Bus Transportation is also available from Disney’s Riviera Resort for locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

 

#2: Distinguished Dining Options

 

Sampling new foods is always a favorite feature of our Disney Vacation Club trips. European-inspired cuisine is available for both quick and leisurely meals at multiple locations in Disney’s Riviera Resort. Our preferred quick breakfast stop before heading to the theme parks is Le Petit Café. I highly recommend trying one of the Cold Brew Coffee options with the Honey-almond Whipped Cream on top. A secret spot to enjoy breakfast is just behind La Petit Café. The Voyageur’s Lounge is a library-inspired space decorated with specially selected books and memorabilia from Walt Disney’s time abroad. Make sure to take time to peruse the collection.

 

Consider Primo Piatto or Bar Riva for other grab-and-go dining choices. Primo Piatto offers mobile ordering and a varied selection of hot and cold options for all three meals. Bar Riva is an inviting open-air space located adjacent to the pool and decorated with blue and white designs and gorgeous murals, invoking the feel of a beachside spot on the Riviera. The menu features an extensive collection of specialty cocktails and beverages. The food is fresh and delicious, with a distinctive Mediterranean flair. I suggest trying the Mushroom Arancini for sensational savory snack.

 

Finally, the crown jewel of Disney’s Riviera Resort is the exquisite table service restaurant Topolino’s Terrace- Flavors of the Riviera. Breakfast a la Art with Mickey & Friends has become one of the most popular character breakfasts at Walt Disney World Resort. Not only are Mickey and his pals decked out in their most artistic and chic apparel, but the breakfast selection is a veritable palette of flavors. The Sour Cream Waffles alone are worth planning for this breakfast. Finally, I have saved the most exquisite for last, dinner at Topolino’s Terrace. During our meal, we savored the rich Italian and French-inspired flavors and enjoyed the impeccable service. After dinner, don’t miss out on getting a photo on the rooftop patio with a stunning background vista. Pro tip: plan your photo around sunset for a particularly gorgeous backdrop.

 

#3: Amenities and Activities

 

Disney’s Riviera Resort is easily one of the most elegant and luxurious Disney Vacation Club Resorts available. We spent much of our stay just viewing the art and architecture. The archways, porticos, and terraces are all transportive to the grandeur of Europe that Walt Disney and his wife, Lillian, fell in love with during their travels. Our daughter’s favorite Disney Princess is Rapunzel, and we were delighted to discover artwork dedicated to the film Tangled throughout the Resort. I will never forget my daughter’s gasp of delight when we first viewed the spectacular Tangled mosaic archway.

 

Disney’s Riviera Resort also features a range of accommodations for parties of all sizes. One of the more unique options is the Tower Studio. This cozy room is ideal for an adults-only getaway for two and includes a private balcony. The larger Villas are perfect for families and offer additional bedding options, including pull-down beds. These beds are immensely comfortable and save significant space in the room. I found the most striking portion of our room was the bathroom. It was incredibly spacious, with marvelous marble and gorgeous fixtures throughout.

 

There is also no shortage of entertainment available for the entire family at Disney’s Riviera Resort. The Riviera Pool is a standout with a winding slide and the S’il Vous Play interactive water play area. Additionally, various scavenger hunts are available that encourage further exploration of the Resort, including a search for artwork and a particular chameleon named Pascal. Cast Members also host lawn games, campfires, and Movies Under the Stars. Be sure to also look for arts and crafts activities that may be hosted in the Eventi Room. Whether you want relaxation or recreation, Disney’s Riviera Resort is the perfect destination to make those magical memories.

 

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