Suggestions for casual visit to Riviera

[Boardwalk III]

Staying at the Boardwalk in November, and may try to get a reservation at Toppolino’s - but if we don’t I’m kind of interested in checking out the resort for fun. Is it possible to take the Skyliner over and see various areas, inside & out (I don’t need to see guest rooms!) I know the outdoor terrace/bar at Toppolinos is reserved for those who have dinner reservations, but is there another bar and/or casual eatery (inside or out) where we could grab a drink or a snack if we took the time to go over there. Appreciate any suggestions.

 

[YourEveryDayAdam]

Officially, no. You're not allowed to visit the resorts unless you are staying there or have a dining reservation

Realistically, yes! No one really checks unless you're trying to park there, and even then the guards at the huts tend to be very spotty in the enforcement. If you're coming in by skyliner you won't have a problem.

You can eat at Primo Piatto which is Riviera's quick-service. They have some good and unique stuff there. Croque Monsieur, Tuna Niçoise Salad, Grilled Vegetable Skewer, and Greek Salad are all slightly specialized to Primo Piatto. The Chicken Sandwich also has a Riviera twist on it. Breakfast has some good stuff too: Croque Madame, Blueberry-Lemon Pancakes, and Cinnamon Crumble 'French Toast' Bread Pudding.

They have the common stuff too: Burgers, flat breads, mickey waffles, etc.

Overall, it's very good. There are some REALLY nice outdoor seating as well. Tables, padded chairs, umbrellas, and views of the skyliner and lake.

 

[Boardwalk III]

Officially, no. You're not allowed to visit the resorts unless you are staying there or have a dining reservation

Realistically, yes! No one really checks unless you're trying to park there, and even then the guards at the huts tend to be very spotty in the enforcement. If you're coming in by skyliner you won't have a problem.

You can eat at Primo Piatto which is Riviera's quick-service. They have some good and unique stuff there. Croque Monsieur, Tuna Niçoise Salad, Grilled Vegetable Skewer, and Greek Salad are all slightly specialized to Primo Piatto. The Chicken Sandwich also has a Riviera twist on it. Breakfast has some good stuff too: Croque Madame, Blueberry-Lemon Pancakes, and Cinnamon Crumble 'French Toast' Bread Pudding.

They have the common stuff too: Burgers, flat breads, mickey waffles, etc.

Overall, it's very good. There are some REALLY nice outdoor seating as well. Tables, padded chairs, umbrellas, and views of the skyliner and lake.

Terrific, all good info. Thanks so much!

 

[CarolynFH]

Terrific, all good info. Thanks so much!

Actually, the policy is that you're allowed to visit any resort as long as you arrive via Disney transportation. You just can't arrive by private car and park there unless you have an ADR or are staying there. We've been in and out of Riviera multiple times via Skyliner.

 

[Sandisw]

Officially, no. You're not allowed to visit the resorts unless you are staying there or have a dining reservation

Realistically, yes! No one really checks unless you're trying to park there, and even then the guards at the huts tend to be very spotty in the enforcement. If you're coming in by skyliner you won't have a problem.

You can eat at Primo Piatto which is Riviera's quick-service. They have some good and unique stuff there. Croque Monsieur, Tuna Niçoise Salad, Grilled Vegetable Skewer, and Greek Salad are all slightly specialized to Primo Piatto. The Chicken Sandwich also has a Riviera twist on it. Breakfast has some good stuff too: Croque Madame, Blueberry-Lemon Pancakes, and Cinnamon Crumble 'French Toast' Bread Pudding.

They have the common stuff too: Burgers, flat breads, mickey waffles, etc.

Overall, it's very good. There are some REALLY nice outdoor seating as well. Tables, padded chairs, umbrellas, and views of the skyliner and lake.

There is no policy that prevents people from visiting a resort. You need a dining reservation only if you want to drive there and park.

They also were asking you to make a reservation to tour the rooms at RIV. Other than that, everyone is welcome at all the resorts when using Disney transportation.

 

[Boardwalk III]

There is no policy that prevents people from visiting a resort. You need a dining reservation only if you want to drive there and park.

They also were asking you to make a reservation to tour the rooms at RIV. Other than that, everyone is welcome at all the resorts when using Disney transportation.

How would one go about touring the rooms just for kicks?

 

[wnielsen1]

How would one go about touring the rooms just for kicks?

Can be done in advance by calling or if staying at a DVC resort you can make a reservation by discussing with the CM at the DVC desk/kiosk. We did this a couple of weeks ago staying at Kidani. We were able to drive and park at Riviera, tour the rooms and use the Skyliner.

 

[Stargazer65]

Actually, the policy is that you're allowed to visit any resort as long as you arrive via Disney transportation. You just can't arrive by private car and park there unless you have an ADR or are staying there. We've been in and out of Riviera multiple times via Skyliner.

I was gonna say! If there was such a rule, I was totally unaware that I was breaking it all this time.
At least now I know the Disney SWAT team isn't going to take me down next time I'm getting a treat at the Poly while I'm staying at BLT:
"DROP THE DOLE WHIP AND GET DOWN ON THE GROUND DIRTBAG!!!"

 

[shoegal9]

You can visit any resort you want- as reported above- so long as you aren't driving and parking there. However, people have been reporting that they are unable to order Primo Piatto without being a Riviera guest. Seems to be more of an issue in the morning hours for breakfast- but not sure.

I would recommend going to Bar Riva. You don't have to mobile order or have an ADR.

 

[Kingdome8]

We stayed at Carribean beach in June. Went over to check out the riviera. Went to gift shop and quick service. Kids even watched an outside movie. It was great already booked there for June 2022. Can’t wait.

 

[princessfionasmom]

I was just at WDW 8 days ago with a friend and we visited RR. We were not staying there and did not have any reservations there at all. We ubered over from BLT - no problem being dropped off but have heard of the parking not being allowed. We got dessert at the cafe, merch at the store and a quick snack at Primo Piatto which was mobile ordered, actually I think you have to mobile order there or its highly encouraged. We walked around and asked at the DVC kiosk to tour the rooms, had to wait about 5 mins for a guide then did the tour. That grand villa is OMG amazing. My family stayed there right before the shut down in a 1 bed and fell in love with the place. We got a couple of cute prints for doing the tour. I absolutely love RR and will be adding on there soon. No one asked us at any point if we were staying there, everyone we encountered was welcoming and very friendly.

 

[Boardwalk III]

So many fun responses, thanks everyone. My sister and I are traveling with her daughter and her 3 friends. I see this as a perfect outing for the 2 of us for when we’re “parked out“ and need a break and the 20-somethings are still going strong!

 

[zemmer]

We’re staying at Pop soon and have thought about exploring Riviera too. I just went to look at the menu for Primo Piatto, and this popped up.

 

[Boardwalk III]

We’re staying at Pop soon and have thought about exploring Riviera too. I just went to look at the menu for Primo Piatto, and this popped up. View attachment 596813

Good to know. We’ll probably go over and get a drink and a snack at the bar and explore a bit.

 

[Akck]

Others have said that once you’re on property, you can place a mobile order. If not, there is always Bar Riva, right next door. Drinks and some food items. There is also Le Petit Cafe by the lobby.

If you decide you want to check out the rooms, just stop by the DVC Kiosk. You can take a short tour of the rooms and not get the whole sales presentation.

 

[Boardwalk III]

I just heard there’s some complication with scooters on the Skyliner going to Riviera. I’m the OP here and my sister will likely be using a scooter. Is it terribly difficult to get off at Riveria with a Scooter?

 

[YourEveryDayAdam]

I just heard there’s some complication with scooters on the Skyliner going to Riviera. I’m the OP here and my sister will likely be using a scooter. Is it terribly difficult to get off at Riveria with a Scooter?

It's not complicated. There is a separate section of each station that every 10th (or 20th?) gondola filter off the normally always-moving line to a completely stationary location to allow for scooters to get on and off from a gondola that's not moving with plenty of time.

Maybe complicated in the sense that it's always a certain number of gondola's between each disability access gondola? You can definitely only fit 1 or 2 scooters/wheel chairs in each gondola...so if your group has a small fleet of them, you'll have to take separate gondolas and be separated by quite good number of gondolas.

 

[Sandisw]

I just heard there’s some complication with scooters on the Skyliner going to Riviera. I’m the OP here and my sister will likely be using a scooter. Is it terribly difficult to get off at Riveria with a Scooter?

No. They stop it and allow you to back out. We stayed in June with my cousin and it’s as easy as pie.

 

[Sandisw]

It's not complicated. There is a separate section of each station that every 10th (or 20th?) gondola filter off the normally always-moving line to a completely stationary location to allow for scooters to get on and off from a gondola that's not moving with plenty of time.

Maybe complicated in the sense that it's always a certain number of gondola's between each disability access gondola? You can definitely only fit 1 or 2 scooters/wheel chairs in each gondola...so if your group has a small fleet of them, you'll have to take separate gondolas and be separated by quite good number of gondolas.

RIv station does not have the pull off. They stop the line for getting scooters on and off, but it is a quick process.

 

[Boardwalk III]

RIv station does not have the pull off. They stop the line for getting scooters on and off, but it is a quick process.

OK got it, She had been reading something online about that fact and was concerned. Glad to know it’s doable!