Riviera Resort: Disney's Mediterranean Retreat
Disney's Riviera Resort opened in December 2019 as the newest addition to the Disney Vacation Club family, bringing European elegance and modern luxury to the Walt Disney World Resort. Inspired by Walt Disney's own travels along the Mediterranean coastline, this stunning property offers state-of-the-art accommodations combined with world-class amenities that set a new standard for DVC resorts.
Accommodations and Room Types
The Riviera features beautifully appointed villas ranging from deluxe studios to spacious three-bedroom Grand Villas. Studios sleep up to 5 guests with a queen bed, double-size sleeper sofa, and a pull-down bed - a configuration unique among DVC resorts. Tower studios offer a more compact, affordable option perfect for couples.
One and two-bedroom villas provide full kitchens, washer/dryers, and generous living spaces with modern European-inspired design elements. The crown jewel is the three-bedroom Grand Villa, which sleeps up to 12 guests across 2,300 square feet of luxurious living space, featuring a master suite with spa-style bathroom, gourmet kitchen, and panoramic views.
World-Class Dining Experiences
Topolino's Terrace - Flavors of the Riviera sits atop the resort, offering upscale dining for breakfast and dinner with spectacular views of the resort and surrounding parks. The breakfast character dining experience features Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in artist-inspired outfits, while dinner showcases French and Italian cuisine.
Le Petit Café provides Parisian-style quick service with fresh pastries, sandwiches, and coffee, while Primo Piatto offers poolside pizza and Italian favorites. Bar Riva serves craft cocktails and light bites in an elegant outdoor setting overlooking the feature pool.
Transportation and Location Advantages
One of Riviera's most significant advantages is its connection to the Disney Skyliner gondola system, providing aerial transportation to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, and Pop Century. This convenient transportation option offers a magical way to reach two theme parks without dealing with buses.
The resort also offers traditional bus service to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. The combination of Skyliner and bus service provides flexibility and convenience that many DVC members highly value when choosing accommodations.
Amenities and Recreation
The S'il Vous Plait pool area features a zero-entry beach, waterslide, and interactive splash pad perfect for families. A separate quiet pool offers a more relaxed atmosphere for adults. The resort includes a full-service spa, fitness center, and multiple recreation activities including lawn games and movie nights.
The signature Le Petit Café serves as a gathering space throughout the day, while the resort's elegant lobby with its soaring ceilings and art deco styling creates an impressive first impression for guests arriving at this Mediterranean-inspired retreat.
Points and Buying Considerations
As one of the newest DVC resorts, Riviera contracts command premium prices in the resale market, typically ranging from $140-165 per point. The contracts extend to 2070, offering 45+ years of use for buyers purchasing in 2025. The resort requires higher point allocations than older properties, particularly during peak seasons and for larger villa types.
Despite the higher cost per point and point requirements, many buyers find Riviera worth the investment for its modern amenities, Skyliner access, and 50-year contract length. The resort appeals particularly to buyers who value contemporary design, upscale dining, and convenient theme park transportation.