If you click on the links in this post, we may earn money from the companies mentioned in this post, at no extra cost to you. You can read the full disclaimer here.
10 Unique Features of Disney’s Riviera Resort
I love Disney World hotels. So I’m so glad Disney recently opened their new Riviera Resort! So of course I had to plan a trip to Disney World to go to the Riviera Resort, right?
Well, I absolutely loved it! It’s got a lot of the great features you expect at an onsite Disney hotel: extra magic hours, free transportation to the airport, busses to the parks all day long, etc. But it has even more features – some I was not even expected.
So today I wanted to go over 10 special features of Disney’s Riviera Resort.
1. European Theming
Disney hotels have a lot of great theming. And there are some wonderful destinations represented in Disney theming: the Polynesian Islands, Africa, Caribbean Islands, Mexico, etc.
But Disney has never had a hotel themed to Europe before. And since there are so many attractions and movies set in or inspired by Europe. So it seems fitting Disney finally has a Disney hotel themed to Europe! Because Disney’s Riviera Resort is themed to the European Riviera. And you can see it in the architecture, hotel design and beautiful gardens.
2. Disney Murals
One of my favorite things about this hotel is the beautiful murals at the front of the hotel. You really have to check these out if you stay here. There are two gorgeous murals and have wonderful attention to detail. One is themed to Peter Pan and one is themed to Tangled. Since these are Disney moves set in Europe, it’s so perfect. And I love these movies so it’s great to see them represented.
3. It’s a DVC Resort with Skyliner Access
If you haven’t been to Disney World in the last few months, then you may not know about their newest transportation system. The Disney Skyliner system debuted last October. We were there for it and you can see it in this video:
It’s a quick and easy way to get to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios (home of the new Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge!). You could already get Skyliner access from the Caribbean Beach Resort, Pop Century Resort, and Art of Animation Resort. But now you can get it from the Riviera Resort! And that is special because it is a DVC Resort.
Now, you may be wondering, what is a DVC Resort? It is a Disney hotel that has DVC, or Disney Vacation Club, rooms. But here’s the thing. You don’t have to be a DVC member to enjoy these rooms! My family stays at these rooms all the time and we are not DVC members. We like to use David’s Vacation Rentals to do it. You can stay at these resorts sometimes for prices cheaper than what you might pay at the Caribbean, Pop Century or Art of Animation!
We go over how to stay at a DVC Resort through David’s here:
And the neat thing about the Riviera Resort for the Skyliner Transportation, too, is that it is the closest hotel to Epcot. It is a really quick trip to the back of the World Showcase. This is great if you have a dining reservation at one of the amazing World Showcase restaurants. Or you love their festivals. Or you really want to get started drinking around the world!
4. Disney Movie Posters in Other Languages
One of my favorite decorations throughout the resort is the Disney movie posters. I love seeing Disney posters. But it’s even more special at Disney’s Riviera Resort. Why? Because the posters are in different languages! Like this Incredibles 2 poster in Italian or this Snow White poster in French. It is perfect because it might be what you would see if you were traveling in the French Riviera or Italian Riviera!
5. Disney Music in Other Languages
In addition to Disney movie posters in other languages, you can hear classic Disney songs in other languages throughout the resort, too. This was a really neat Disney twist. It helps make you feel like you are really in Europe. And it is interesting to hear them sung in a different way!
6. Unique Walt Disney Pictures
There are also great pictures up throughout the resort of Walt Disney in Europe that I really like. This also makes this hotel stand out from other Disney hotels that don’t have this.
7. Views of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a beautiful hotel. And you can get wonderful views of this resort from across the water when you stay at Disney’s Riviera Resort! It’s almost like getting two Disney resorts for the price of one!
8. European Cuisine
There are a lot of delicious European dishes. So I love the European cuisine offered at Disney’s Riviera Resort!
The premier dining experience is Flavors of the Riviera, which is inspired by the clifftop restaurants of the Riviera.
But there are special touches even in the quick service (i.e. more affordable) dining options at the restaurant. And you can do this while enjoying Disney’s Refillable Mugs!
Even the pool bar (or Bar Riva) serves European and Mediterranean cuisine!
9. Stylized Artwork of Disney Princesses
There is a lot of great artwork around Disney’s Riviera Resort. But some of my favorite pieces of art were the stylized Disney Princess pictures. We loved these unique pieces of artwork because, well, for starters, they are beautiful.
But what’s also neat is that it was a really nice blend of Disney magic and sophisticated art. Including the Disney princesses is great for the young (at heart or in years!) who love the Disney princesses. But the style of the artwork kept the overall adult vibes that you feel at this resort. Which is great for any adult who perhaps wants a tad more sophisticated Walt Disney World vacation.
10. Pictures of the Riviera
And finally, we loved the pictures of the Riviera up at the hotel. I really love that part of the world so it was nice to see it depicted over the hotel. And that is something you’re not going to find at the other Disney hotels!
