The Official Riviera Owners & Info Thread

[kboo]

Just be aware that even rideshare vehicles have been turned away from the BLT/CR parking lot if the passengers didn't have an ADR for the CR. Sometimes the guard will let them in with a mobile order, sometimes not. They've reportedly been pretty strict lately.

Husband tried to do this in December (get dropped off at BLT) and was turned back to TTC.

 

[Sydnerella]

Husband tried to do this in December (get dropped off at BLT) and was turned back to TTC.

We had a Mobile orders at Contemp Cafe and Boardwalk Bakery Thanksgiving week and our Uber drivers warned us that we might get turned away depending on who was at the gate. Both times it was someone they had a good relationship with so we were let through. This got us lined up early enough to be entering the parks when they actually opened - they were doing 45 minute early openings at both parks.

We would never have been able to enter that early using transportation from the RIV.

It is aggravating to me that Riviera skyliner service does not start early enough for guests to be lined up for these park openings and frustrating that buses are not consistent or reliable. Paying deluxe prices and not being within walking distance to any park should ideally give me one better transportation. But I should know better - this is Disney.

 

[velbels]

Member services can help you set up your welcome home trip and may be able to get you into a room that may be fully booked for the dates you want to travel. So do take advantage of that! They often can pull from cash rooms to make that happen and give you some pixie dust to make your welcome home stay happen the way you want it!

You said you had been to WDW a few times already, where had you stayed previously? What made you decide to sign up for DVC? Just curious, I love reading's people's Disney stories!

We have been to WDW 2016, 2018 and 2019. We have stayed at CBR twice, Riverside and a few nights add on stay at all stars. We loved the idea of the deluxes but could never justify the cost. When we could see that we would continue to return we looked in to DVC but the Uk travel agent offers at the time made it more expensive per trip to do DVC and the upfront cost were prohibitive. We nearly bought in 2019 but couldn't quite stretch. We can see the price increases and always knew DVC would be cheaper in the long run but with no uk travel offers currently it tipped the balance.

 

[hippiechicken]

Does anyone know if staying at Riviera can get you any preferential treatment for Topolino’s breakfast?...

I've had luck joining the Walk Up list on the app, usually being called within 15-20 mins. Once it was about 5 min, and I wasn't even ready yet!

 

[jennypenny]

My son has a virtual school thing from 11am - 1pm on our checkout day in April. I was able to change the flight to later in the day so he can zoom in, but I couldn't extend our room another day so we'd have it available for him.

I'm trying to think of someplace at Riviera where he could zoom into the meeting. The library comes to mind but it might be busy during check in/out. There are those two small balconies off the main lobby but they aren't quiet and the low table might be awkward. Is there someplace else I'm not thinking of? I don't want to plan on doing it at an outside table in case of bad weather, even though those tables near the lake might work assuming the internet connection is solid that far from the main building.

 

[DenLo]

We will be staying at the Riviera in March. Are gas grills available for members/guests to use? I cannot find any information on the DVC website nor does it show up in the maps provided by DVC or at the resort.

 

[hippiechicken]

... I don't want to plan on doing it at an outside table in case of bad weather, even though those tables near the lake might work assuming the internet connection is solid that far from the main building.

I video messaged with my students from the tables by the lake. It was about to storm, so it was very cloudy and windy, but the connection still worked fine.
There are also places to sit in the lobby. You could try the event room which may be quieter. I used the library several times without issue finding a spot.

 

[JavaDuck]

My son has a virtual school thing from 11am - 1pm on our checkout day in April. I was able to change the flight to later in the day so he can zoom in, but I couldn't extend our room another day so we'd have it available for him.

I'm trying to think of someplace at Riviera where he could zoom into the meeting. The library comes to mind but it might be busy during check in/out. There are those two small balconies off the main lobby but they aren't quiet and the low table might be awkward. Is there someplace else I'm not thinking of? I don't want to plan on doing it at an outside table in case of bad weather, even though those tables near the lake might work assuming the internet connection is solid that far from the main building.

The community center on the lower level could work. I don't know what time it opens, but when we were there in February it was empty most of the time except for the cast member. Kudos to your son for preparing to do the virtual thing while on vacation. I'm a teacher and appreciate when my students have gone the extra step to still do their virtual learning.

 

[Girlworthfightingfor]

I am staying at in a standard 2 bedroom this August. When I go to put my room requests in for online check in, the options are near lobby, near transportation, and near elevator. Nothing about a high floor or low floor. Anyone ever seen that happen? I'm wondering if it's just temporary and floor preference will show up later. I really would like a high floor for the chance to have a view of Epcot.
TIA!

 

[CarolynFH]

I am staying at in a standard 2 bedroom this August. When I go to put my room requests in for online check in, the options are near lobby, near transportation, and near elevator. Nothing about a high floor or low floor. Anyone ever seen that happen? I'm wondering if it's just temporary and floor preference will show up later. I really would like a high floor for the chance to have a view of Epcot.
TIA!

If you’re booked for cash through Disney, you can call the reservation line to add your request to your reservation. If you’re booked via DVC, you (or the owner of the points) can chat, email or call MS to submit your request. If you do either, don’t put anything on online checkin because it will negate your request.

 

[polynor]

When we went to BLT last year, we were able to use a luggage rack ourselves to bring up our stuff. Will Riv let you do that too?

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

When we went to BLT last year, we were able to use a luggage rack ourselves to bring up our stuff. Will Riv let you do that too?

I have seen luggage racks there, but we didn't use them. I would assume they would let you use them, why not?

 

[Girlworthfightingfor]

Perfect. Thanks, I will chat with Member Services.

 

[CP3uhoh]

We are going next week and want to swing by, we are owners but staying at Saratoga for this short stop over on the way to visit family. Will they let us park and check out the resort without an ADR. We were planning on eating at Primo but is a mobile order necessary. Have never seen in person. Thoughts?

 

[pixieprincess925]

Welcome Home, fellow Riviera owners! Find reviews, info and other fans here!

Note: Times and offerings have not been updated post-Covid. The restaurants, pool and Skyliner are all opening with modified experiences and times.

I am an owner of a 100-point contract with reservations to stay May 2020. In the meantime, I'll be gathering all the info I and all the other helpful people who visit this thread can find.

(disneytouristblog.com)​

(thepointsguy.com)​

(thepointsguy.com)​

MORE PICS
Front of Resort
Porte Cochére
Hallway 1
Hallway 2
Lobby
Front Fountain
Kid Section of the Lobby

GENERAL INFO
Map

View attachment 460688

(Orlandothemeparknews.com)​

DISboards Info Page
Floor Plans, Points Charts, Video Room Tours etc.

DISboards Aerial Photo Thread
Last Aerial Photos Before Opening

Mosaics on Path to Skyliner

(thepointsguy.com)​

Pic of Peter Pan Mosaic
Mosaic Vlog


ROOMS
The Riviera has a total of 341 villas. All except the Grand Villas and Tower Studios offer Standard or Preferred Views.


VIEWS
A helpful Dis'er created a view map from reports of views. You can find more info here.

View attachment 525652


• 12 Grand Villas (3-bedroom)
DIS Video Tour
360° Video Tour

• 148 2-Bedroom Lock Offs
(1 Bedroom + Studio with connecting door)
360° Video Tour

• 90 Dedicated 2-Bedrooms

• 29 Dedicated 1-Bedrooms
DIS Video Tour
360º Video Tour
Photo Tour

• 38 Dedicated Deluxe Studios
360º Video Tour

• 24 Tower Studios
(2-person, lower-point-cost studios with only a pull-down bed )
DIS Video Tour
360° Video Tour


DINING
Topolino’s Terrace

Breakfast: 7:30 am - 11:00 am
Breakfast a la Art with Mickey & Friends
Painter Mickey Mouse, Writer Minnie Mouse, Sculptor Donald Duck, Ballerina Daisy Duck and sometimes Goofy on the patio, in their artist outfits.
1 Table Service Credit / Pre-Fixed Menu $41 Adults & $24 Children
Menu

(mousesteps.com)​

REVIEWS & MORE PICS
DIS Opening Day Breakfast Review with Vlog
disneyfoodblog.com Review & Food Pics
allears.net Vlog (including Breakfast)

Dinner: 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm
2 Table Service credits
See the reviews to hear about the cheese cart and the fresh napkin experience.
Menu

(wdwinfo.com)​

REVIEWS & MORE PICS
DIS Opening Night Dinner Vlog
DIS Opening Night Dinner Review & Food Pics
disneyfoodblog.com Review & Food Pics
allears.net Vlog (including Dinner)

Lounge
No reservations required for the lounge. Full menu available.

(wdwinfo.com)​

REVIEWS & MORE PICS
disneyfoodblog.com Review & Drink Pics
allears.net Vlog (including the lounge area)



Primo Piatto
7:00 am - Midnight
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner / Indoor & Outdoor Seating
Mobile Ordering
Menu
There are also many chairs and tables along the lawn and water to enjoy meals. The food is served from an open kitchen on real plates and there are Freestyle Coke machines and a pre-packaged gelato case. Primo Piatto has multiple entrances, accessible from both outside on the main lawn and from inside after taking the stairs from the lobby.

(disneytouristblog.com)​

REVIEWS & MORE PICS
Outdoor Seating
Cashier
DIS Opening Day Lunch Vlog
disneyfoodblog.com Review & Food Pics
allears.net Vlog (includes Primo Piatto)



Bar Riva
11 am - 9 pm
Open air, poolside bar with sandwiches, salads, burgers and drinks
Disney Dining Plan not accepted.
Menu

REVIEWS & MORE PICS
DIS Vlog (including wings & drinks)
disneyfoodblog.com Review & Food Pics
allears.net Vlog (including cocktails, monte cristo, etc)



Le Petit Cafe
6 am - 10 pm
This nod to the cafe in Aristocats offers coffees and pastries in the morning, desserts after noon and cocktails, wine, beer, charcuterie & desserts after 4 pm.
Disney Dining Plan Snack Credits for some coffees & pastries
Menu

(Disney)​

REVIEWS & MORE PICS
disneyfoodblog.com Review & Food/Drink Pics
all ears.net Vlog (including Almond Cold Brew with house-made honey almond cream)


AMENITIES & RECREATION
Voyageurs’ Lounge
Located next to Le Petit Café, this lounge resembles a library and features books and memorabilia related to Walt's European travels.

(wdwinfo.com)​

MORE PICS
Seating
Display Cases

La Boutique
La Boutique offers the usual sundries plus Riviera-specific merchandise and a print on demand kiosk that will allow you to order the art commissioned for Riviera and on display around the resort.

MORE PICS
Riviera-Branded Suitcase
Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy Plushes
Morgan & Pete Shop Riviera Merchandise Vlog


Riviera Pool & S'il Vous Play
7 am - 8 pm
The Riviera Pool features zero entry, a hot tub, towel service, a tower slide, a gelato cart, a giant Connect 4, cornhole, and the S'il Vous Play splash area. S'il Vous Play is for children under 48 inches.

(mouseplanet.com)​

(thepointsguy.com)​

MORE PICS & VIDEO
Resort Review Vlog with Slide POV at 10:20
The Gelato Cart
The Gelato Cart Menu
Zero Entry Area
Towel Service
Seating Area
Connect 4 and Cornhole
More S'il Vous Play

Beau Soleil Pool
7 am - 11 pm
The smaller pool features a hot tub (same as at the Riviera Pool), 2-person covered lounges and other types of seating.

(thepointsguy.com)​

MORE BEAU SOLEIL PICS
Hot Tub
Entry Gate
Lounge Area
Jumbo Covered Lounger

Athlétique Fitness Center
Open 24 Hours
PHOTOS
thepointsguy.com 1
thepointsguy.com 2
allears.net


Eventi Room & Other Activities
The Eventi Room will offer painting and other types of paid classes as well as activities such as the Skyliner Scavanger Hunt (see the Recreation Guide).

(worldofwalt.com)​

The Art Collection Search is available from the DVC desk in the lobby. The art itself is available for print on demand from a kiosk inside La Boutique.

Activity / Movie Lawn
During the day giant inflatable games such as foot snooker will be available and will switch over to movies in the evening.
Movie Screen on Lawn
Foot Snooker

Main Lawn
Bocce Ball Court
Giant Chess & Chair Swing

Fire Pit
Located near the lake walking path, it offers marshmallow roasting.

Laundry Room
All 1- and 2-bedroom and grand villas have their own washer and dryer, but there is a laundry room on the 4th floor of the East Wing.

TRANSPORTATION
Disney's Skyliner
Generally 8 am - 10 pm or 15 minutes before an early park opening to an hour after park closing, but hours will vary based on park openings and closings.
Riviera Skyliner Station
There is a covered walkway between the station and the resort on the side that exits coming from Epcot and going to Hollywood Studios. There is an uncovered portion (heading into the front of the station pictured below) on the side that exits from Hollywood Studios and going to Epcot. The Riviera Station does not have a separate line for accessible boarding, and the line will be slowed or stopped to accommodate guests who need it.

Epcot
9-10 Minutes
The uncovered part of the path to the front of the station leads to boarding for Epcot which is a direct trip (by way of the Boardwalk Turn Station) to Epcot International Gateway with no transfers required.

Hollywood Studios
The covered path on the back side of the station leads to boarding for the Caribbean Beach Station (2-3 minutes) where all passengers must exit the gondolas to transfer to the Hollywood Studios line (7-8 minutes).

MORE SKYLINER INFO
Detailed Pics of the Station
Pic of Pathway to Station from Above
Disney's Guests Riding Promo
DISboards Gondola Thread

Bus
Riviera has a covered walkway to a covered bus stop with dedicated bus service. Cast members told allears.net the only time Riviera Resort might share a bus would be a shared ride to the water parks and/or Disney Springs with guests of Caribbean Beach Resort.

PRE-OPENING / OPENING INFO
Marketing Video
The Art of Inspiration

Disney Parks Blog Stories
Cast Member Costumes Reveal
Meaning behind RR Monogram Sign
Creating the mural in Bar Riva
Opening Day Ceremony (Minnie Speaks!)

Thank you to the DIS, disneyfoodblog.com, mouseplanet.com, micechat.com, wdwmagic.com, disneytouristblog.com, disneygeek.com, thepointsguy.com, worldofwalt.com and allears.net for all the great images and info!

Please add on first post that there is no bus service to Epcot to/from Riviera. We got burned last month at park close when we exited the front, then CMs wouldn't let us go back through the park for the skyliner!

 

[Akck]

When we went to BLT last year, we were able to use a luggage rack ourselves to bring up our stuff. Will Riv let you do that too?

We checked our luggage with Bell Services when we arrived. We were able to get a luggage rack when we left to load up our rental. This was in December.

 

[kboo]

Please add on first post that there is no bus service to Epcot to/from Riviera. We got burned last month at park close when we exited the front, then CMs wouldn't let us go back through the park for the skyliner!

Yikes! So how did you get back? What a pain!

 

[summerw]

Please add on first post that there is no bus service to Epcot to/from Riviera. We got burned last month at park close when we exited the front, then CMs wouldn't let us go back through the park for the skyliner!

I will do. I’m planning to make some updates and add a Be Our Guest post. I’m fighting against work. Lol.
Thanks for letting me know, and that’s crazy they wouldn’t let you go through the park. Usually Disney is much better about not stranding people.

 

[Hubie]

Hi,

I have 225 DVC points and have been trying to make a reservation for 8 - 9 nights at a DVC Resort at WDW for this fall (November at Riviera preferred). I can't seem to get in anywhere for more than a couple of days. Is everybody planning to go to WDW this year?

 

[CarolynFH]

Hi,

I have 225 DVC points and have been trying to make a reservation for 8 - 9 nights at a DVC Resort at WDW for this fall (November at Riviera preferred). I can't seem to get in anywhere for more than a couple of days. Is everybody planning to go to WDW this year?

Because many DVC owners had to cancel and postpone trips due to COVID-19, there are many extra points in the system, not to mention a pent-up desire to travel. So, many owners are booking their home resorts ASAP, extending their trips, upgrading from one size villa to the next, etc. to use up their points. So some owners are getting blocked out from their home resorts during the 7-11 month window (we're currently around 8 months from November) because they didn't book soon enough. Book what you can at your home resort, waitlist what you can't book, and maybe when the 7-month window opens for November, you'll get lucky - but plan to be logged in at 8 AM the morning your 7 month window opens, because things will go quickly! Pixie dust for you!