skyliner-gondolas-disney-world-aerial-transportation-312.jpg

Over Thanksgiving, we enjoyed the comfy confines of Disney’s newest DVC accommodation, the Riviera Resort. Opened in December 2019, the 300-room Disney Vacation Club property sits between Epcot and Hollywood Studies and is the first newly constructed property to be served by the Disney Skyliner. The resort is themed after Walt’s experiences in Europe and serves as a reminder of his love of the French and Italian Riviera. In talking with multiple cast members, the property was the Disney Company’s first attempt to build a luxury hotel, moving beyond typical deluxe resorts found throughout the property.

Stunning and elegant, the Riviera features multiple room types, restaurants, pools, and a vibe that is decidedly unlike any Disney property we have stayed at previously.

The lobby is small, but comfy, featuring a boutique and a Parisian style coffee shop. The back of the lobby features stately windows, overlooking the pool, grounds, and the giving you a bird’s eye view of the Caribbean Beach Resort and the Skyliner.

Continuing to innovate and improve guest experiences, Disney no longer requires you to check in at the front desk. You are asked to check-in via the MDE application and Disney gives you updates via texts regarding the availability of your room. Once your room is assigned, you are again notified and you can use either your MagicBand or your phone to open your door.

Our one-bedroom villa was very similar to many of the other DVC properties, featuring a small kitchenette, laundry, a large bathroom and two separate rooms. Unlike most hotel rooms with a sleeper sofa, Disney innovation was present as the sleeper sofa actually pulled down from the wall. Evan also enjoyed his hideaway bed, that was found underneath the living room television. The master bedroom featured a king size bed, ample closet space, and a nice bathroom.

Within the resort, we had four options for dining: The aforementioned Parisian coffee shop (modeled after the Aristrocrats), Primo Piatto, Bar Riva, and the very elegant Topolino’s Terrace. Frequent readers of the Castaway Destinations blog and friends/family know that I enjoy food and I am happy to report each place was delicious. Perhaps I should write a review regarding my dining experiences?

As for the grounds, the resort features a Bocce court, two different pools (one quiet) and one for the kids), and various places to sit and enjoy the Riviera experience after long day in the park.

Finally, I would be remiss if I failed to mention the Disney Skyliner. Operating next to the Riviera Resort, the Skyliner provides transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. If planning to visit Epcot, you are able to board and ride without switching gondolas. The ride takes roughly six minutes from Riveria to the entrance near the World Showcase. Riding from Riviera to Hollywood Studios, you have to disembark at Caribbean Beach and re-board to make the trip to Hollywood. The ride takes about 15 minutes, but is a bit longer at this point due to Covid-19 precautions. We enjoyed using the Skyliner as a mode of transportation to both parks and it is highly recommended.

Overall, we really enjoyed our stay and would happily recommend it to any clients looking for an up-scale Disney experience!