Reviews of Riviera Resort (Deluxe, DVC)
Reviewed by FleurDeLys Review Date: 12/14/2021
Rating: (9) Recommended
This resort is tastefully decorated, well appointed, and has lovely details all around. The mosaics are gorgeous. We had a 1BR preferred view for two of us in October 2021. The room was large compared to other DVC villas. We used the Skyliner twice, and it was OK. We used the bus once, and it was better than average. Although we liked it a lot, I don't think it was worth the premium points cost compared to other DVC resorts.
Pros:
Large villas, private patios, tasteful decor.Cons:
the resort is huge. it is confusing to navigate.Reviewed by cathdittr Review Date: 12/27/2021
Rating: (9) Recommended
Riveria is a lovely resort. I love the elegance of the lobby, as well as the Quick Service (which is great by the way, one of our favorite resort QS) The hints of Walt add to the European feel, making it a simplistic and relaxing resort to stay in. The only downside is if you purchase DVC points at Riveria, they can't be used elsewhere. Riveria would not be my first choice of contract but may be in the future.
Pros:
Great European Feel, Clean and Comfortable, Relaxing, Home Away from Home. Skyliner AccessCons:
DVC ContractReviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 02/19/2022
Rating: (4) Not Recommended
This place seems like a weird miss for a deluxe resort. It doesn’t have anything to do with the French and Italian Riviera, it’s just fancy. The IP seems unaligned with the theming. For example, why not feature French and Italian Disney characters, rather than Peter Pan? Or focus more on the location than the “artistic styles” which doesn’t really read. It’s probably the least kid-friendly resort I’ve seen. I have no idea why they thought a character meal would be a good fit here. Oh yeah, my kids are super impressed by the GYM that’s the first part of the resort that greets you as you approach from the skyliner. It’s just stuffy and out of place. A shame because being close to Epcot, it could have been cool to feel like you were staying in Europe.
Pros:
Fancy Big gym PrettyCons:
Doesn’t seem European Not kid-friendly Confusing entrance from Skyliner Way overpricedReviewed by Hodsonfamilyof5 Review Date: 03/17/2022
Rating: (6) Not Recommended
While the resort is beautiful, it's more "upscale hotel" than Disney resort. The lobby just doesn't have that wow factor. I felt the walls were thin and I could hear every toilet around my room flush. However, the staff were extremely nice. The 1-bedroom villas also only have one toilet, do not try to pass saying it has two bathrooms simply because the tub is separated. There are better DVC accommodations on property.
Pros:
The staff were nice. The pool was relaxing. When it was working and there wasn't a long line, the Skyliner was convenient.Cons:
The bus system to parks was absolutely horrible. Really over priced resort. Pretty, but pretty boring lobby. 1-villa only has 1 toilet.Reviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 04/15/2022
Rating: (10) Recommended
Riviera is amazing!!! We stayed for the first time in Dec 2021. The deluxe studio room was perfect for our family of 4. We love the decor and every food option was delicious. It is relaxed luxury!
Pros:
Small so it is easy to navigate, it is luxury without being too formal, it has the skyliner and a single bus stopCons:
NoneReviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 04/26/2022
Rating: (6) Not Recommended
It is beautiful and fun to visit, but I really don't think it is worth the price. We had a lovely time, and will definitely visit the restaurants again tho. Its upscale and lovely just didn't feel like how I want my Disney vacation to feel. However, if more upscale things are what you want then please give it ago! I just like a little more homeiness in my Disney vacation.
Pros:
the food! And the art, and the skyliners!Cons:
Pricey, kind of smaller rooms and very upscale (Not for everyone and that is okay!)Reviewed by MrsLightyear Review Date: 05/11/2022
Rating: (10) Recommended
This resort is beautiful. The dining options are the best at any Disney resort on every level, quick service, coffee, and table service dining. We loved being able to take the skyliner to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. The courtyard with games is great for families and the artwork throughout makes you feel like you really are in the French riviera.
Pros:
Dining!!! Very nice villas for larger groups Skyliner BeautifulCons:
Very expensive May not be worth the cost for smaller partiesReviewed by winags Review Date: 06/12/2022
Rating: (10) Recommended
This resort exceeded my expectations. We stayed in a beautiful standard view 2BR villa. It was large, spacious, plenty of storage and absolutely sparkling clean. I cannot rave about this enough, and I am very picky.
We could see both Epcot and Magic Kingdom fireworks from both balconies even though we were on the 4th floor overlooking the hotel entrance.
The hotel was very quiet and clean. The eating options were fantastic. I thought the breakfast in Primo Piatto was every bit as delicious as Topolino's. We also thought the dinner was good at Primo Piatto and Bar Riva.
The convenience of the skyliner is a total gamechanger. We loved using it. We also loved the convenience of the kitchen and washer/dryer in the room.
My son ended up sleeping on the murphy bed in the living area and I layed on it and thought it was very comfortable. I may have preferred it to the queen bed mattresses because the murphy bed was very firm.
Pros:
skyliner access great food choices on property clean and spacious beautifulCons:
priceReviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 08/20/2022
Rating: (9) Recommended
Stayed in a 1-bed 8/8-14, 2022. It's a wonderful place to stay. We asked for a room near the elevator and we ended up on the sixth floor near elevator only steps from the lobby and the pool.
The transportation at Riviera was the best I have ever experienced at Disney. The skyliner is a game changer. I watched videos that told about long lines in the morning but we found no lines at all at 7:30 a.m we were inside DHS before 8:00. Park was supposed to open at 8:30 but at 8:00 we were in line for slinky dog dash. By 8:30 we had done both SDD and TSM.
The days we used the bus we also found that they were not at all crowded.
The murphy bed was also terrific, much better than a pull-out sofa.
Pros:
Transportation (A+), Location, Beautiful rooms, very newCons:
Quick-service restaurant is good, not great. The main pool is good, but a little below average for a DVC resort, not crowded though, that's a plus.Reviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 09/30/2022
Rating: (2) Not Recommended
Our family stayed at the Riviera during the week Hurricane lan. We stayed on the top floor facing the parking lot. Rain from the storm penetrated inside of both our bedrooms from the balconies. We had maintenance and housekeeping visit our suite on multiple occasions. Eventually we had to change rooms because half of our bedroom carpet was soaked from the rain. When we walked on the carpet bubbled around our feet. This was very disappointing since the hotel is only two years old. We were the moved to another suite down the hall. But this suite did not have the same features as our first. The master bathroom had one vanity; not two. The master shower was half the size of the first and did not include a place for shaving or place for shampoo, conditioner, washcloth, or a razor. It was a very uncomfortable shower to use. It did have a large room of wasted space for a toilet. What a disappointment!
