Review of Disney's Riviera Resort: A New Deluxe DVC Property

Riviera Resort: A New Deluxe DVC Property

• 🌟 Disney's Riviera Resort is introduced as the newest Deluxe Disney Vacation Club (DVC) property at Walt Disney World, opening on December 16th.
• 💡 The resort is designed with a sophisticated, adult feel, incorporating European influences and artwork, a departure from some other DVC properties.
• 🎨 The lobby features white marble, tiered waterfalls, and artwork in the style of Matisse with subtle Disney character silhouettes.

Resort Amenities and Features

• ☕ Le Petit Cafe offers coffees and pastries in the morning, transitioning to wines and pastries in the evening, with an attached reading room displaying Walt Disney memorabilia.
• 🛍️ A shopping boutique boasts the largest selection of resort-specific merchandise among DVC resorts, including plush bathrobes.
• 🎾 The grounds include a Bocce court and a European-style activity lawn, reflecting the resort's theme.
• 🏊‍♀️ Two pools are available: a quiet pool near the lobby and the larger Riviera pool with a zero-entry area and a detailed kids' splash zone.
• 🍹 Bar Riva is a covered outdoor bar with a European coastal theme, offering a shaded spot to watch the kids' play area.

Dining at Topolino's Terrace

• 🍽️ Topolino's Terrace, located on the 10th floor, offers a character breakfast with Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, and Donald dressed in European attire.
• 💰 The character breakfast is noted for its surprisingly inexpensive price ($41 for adults) and is considered one of the best on property.
• 🌃 The restaurant provides fantastic views of Epcot and Hollywood Studios, especially during fireworks shows, though reservations are required to access the outdoor patio.
• 🍷 Dinner at Topolino's Terrace is highly praised, with excellent service from former Victorian Alberts staff and a menu featuring Italian-inspired dishes like duck confit, burrata, and linguine scampi.

Room Accommodations and Value

• 🛏️ The resort offers newer DVC layouts, including spacious two-bedroom villas (1,246 sq ft) with three bathrooms, and a massive three-bedroom grand villa (over 2,500 sq ft).
• ⚠️ A notable issue during the opening was a trundle bed malfunction in a two-bedroom villa, leading to a resort-wide inspection of these beds.
• 📉 The Tower Studio rooms (220 sq ft) are heavily criticized for their small size, dark atmosphere, and poor value, described as the worst hotel rooms and worst value at Walt Disney World.
• 💰 DVC point costs for Riviera are noted as being considerably higher than at similar resorts like Animal Kingdom's Kidani Village.

History of Caribbean Beach Resort

• 🌴 Caribbean Beach Resort, opened in 1988, was Disney's first attempt at an affordable, themed moderate resort with over 2,100 rooms.
• 📉 The resort faced challenges, including closures and rebrandings, particularly after 9/11 and during renovations.
• 🚠 The addition of the Disney Skyliner has significantly improved connectivity and accessibility for Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, and Pop Century resorts, boosting traffic and positive guest experiences.
• ✨ The resort's landscaping, theming, and recent renovations, including the pool area and food court, maintain its appeal despite its age.