The Official Riviera Owners & Info Thread
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bigAWL
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From the Disney website, it looks like 7am-9pm. My understanding is that they switch at some point from "morning coffee and pastry to late-night drinks and small plates." But there's no indication as to how or when that happens.
PixiePlns
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PixiePlns
Planning the magic
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Hi there! I misunderstood this thread at first and just tried to edit it above.. Whoops!
My dates are June 19 - 26 - staying in a 1 bedroom standard view for our Welcome Home visit (that was postponed for a year). Celebrating my son's 16th birthday!
One common criticism of The Riviera is that it "lacks theming" --
I think there is some truth to the criticism, but I also think there is (to some degree) a failure to appreciate the theming that is there:
As I was researching, I came across this article. Not recent, but some interesting perspective on the design and inspiration behind the Riviera:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/csylt/...ng-european-style-in-orlando/?sh=7092b95a6a78
I think there is some truth to the criticism, but I also think there is (to some degree) a failure to appreciate the theming that is there:
As I was researching, I came across this article. Not recent, but some interesting perspective on the design and inspiration behind the Riviera:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/csylt/...ng-european-style-in-orlando/?sh=7092b95a6a78
CarolynFH
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Thank you so much for this article! Sometimes I wonder what people mean by “theming” - Mickeys around every corner? The Riviera definitely reminds me of many hotels I’ve seen in France. And I love the artworks that are of Disney subjects (e.g. Aristocats) done in the styles of various French artists - just the right amount of Disney for me!
The people who point to "rich theming" are often referring to Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge and Polynesian. In the sense that they "transport you" someplace else, trying to faithfully re-create the look and feel of a different place (and sometimes different era, like The Boardwalk).
Some aspects of the Riviera are "generic," You don't have the same degree of sculpted architecture flourishes you will sometimes see in Europe. You have views of Caribbean Beach Resort and the Skyliner which aren't very "Riviera."
But parts of the Riviera story are also just lost sometimes -- For example, I saw Tom Bricker (disneytouristblog) criticize the Riviera for lack of theming and for having inconsistent shutters and awnings. Further, he criticized how some parts of the hotel appear "aged" while others appear "new." This was all actually intentional -- and it is core to the theming -- An old hotel with more recent additions, as you may commonly find along the Riviera.
But in that sense, maybe the theming is toooo authentic. Because honestly, if you need to explain the theming, then it is a fail to some degree.
So personally, I'm not about to give Riviera an A+ for theming. I see it as one of the weaker aspects of the resort. But anyone who claims that "it's just a Marriott" or that the imagineers didn't even try to theme it, they are wrong. There was a very clear attempt to incorporate a "Riviera story."
I don’t think the Riviera makes me feel like the wilderness lodge makes me feel (I haven’t been to all the DVC resorts but I think that’s my happy place). But I do think the riviera is gorgeous, and comfortable, and a place I could easily spend multiple vacations at and not tire of. I think my only disappointments (please comment on these if you agree/disagree) is the size of the gift shop (I was dying to buy a ceramic RIV coffee mug and shop around) and the lobby. I found the lobby comfortable and it forced us out in the courtyard which I prefer anyway- just not sure the idea behind the lobby vs the copper creek/AKL/VGC splendor that we’ve seen before. I can’t get behind people who say RIV lacks in theming - we did the scavenger hunt and even the few details in that were (IMO) awesome. The art is beautiful, the French movie posters, coffee shop, cocktails, etc. I thought that looking over the water at the skyliner and CBR was incredible. Appropriate theming or not - come on that’s not an eyesore!!! We also enjoyed walking to the island playground at CBR. I’m new to DVC (RIV) so maybe my bar isn’t set as high. The RIV decor really works for me also....
bigAWL
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I would have loved a grander lobby area, and really think they should have given it a two-story ceiling to open it up. But I also think it's hard to compare a standalone DVC lobby to those that were attached to existing hotel resorts. Copper Creek, AKL, VGC, VGF, all have amazing lobbies because they are hotels. Boulder Ridge, BLT, and other attached DVC buildings have lobbies that also pale by comparison. Now the Kidani Village lobby, although not on the same level as the hotels, does have a pretty great lobby, but that seems to be the exception.
UrsulaWantsYourSoul
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^^^^
EXACTLY this! Those DVCs don’t have grand lobbies on their own - just a benefit of being attached to a hotel. Definitely some perks to being part of a larger entity like that, more restaurants and amenities... but also pretty nice to be THE thing not the side thing at DVC only properties. The small footprint of Riviera wouldn’t happen otherwise. I like the mix of sizes and kinds of properties but tire of the small lobby argument.
It makes apples to apples comparisons difficult.
Take BLT for example -- It has NO dining. But it gets "credit" for The Contemporary dining --across the walkway. With The Contemporary dining, it has far more options than the RIviera. (A full time character buffet, a regular TS, a signature, and quick service).
Grand Floridian has tons of dining options, but that's to service over 1,000 regular hotel and DVC rooms.
Most DVC resorts get "credit" for the amenities/dining at their shared deluxe resort. Riviera doesn't have an official shared resort. And unofficially, it shares with a mod resort, not a deluxe resort.
I do love the smaller size of the Riviera. And especially during Covid, you see the benefits at the pool: While other resorts are having wait lists to use the pool, you can almost always get into the Riviera pool, because it's a good sized pool area exclusive to only 300 guests rooms.
But all that said, I do feel Riviera is "short" 1 casual table service restaurant. Even if you could get easily reservations, you're not going to eat at Toppolino's more than 1-2 times during a stay. I feel like Riviera could use its own "Wave of American Flavors" or "Grand Floridian Cafe" or "Kona Cafe" or "Beaches and Cream" or "Ale and Compass."
Sebastian's at CBR could fill those role somewhat, but I believe it's still closed, and even when it's open, it's dinner only.
In fact, there is no TS at Riviera that serves lunch at all.
Turn the Page
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Ooh, I like how you said you feel comfortable at RIV. Comfortable is not a word I would have thought to use to describe how I felt walking around the grounds but it describes it perfectly. We did NOT feel comfortable at GF when we walked around there. We felt out of place. I have no idea why we felt out of place at GF BUT comfortable and at home at RIV. Guess it's a good thing we bought at RIV rather than GFV.
We added on here to take advantage of the 2-person rooms specific to the resort. We plan on using the gondolas for the food & wine festival. Our original is SSR specifically for the Treehouses. Just like there, in order to get one of the specialty rooms, you really need to put the 11 month window to good use!
Disney0010
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Without going back to read all posts, we made the move from the Contemporary to the Riv due to construction. We arrive Sunday for five nights. Is there a place where the start and stop times of the Skyliner operates? Also, we’re setting up to have Instacart deliver from Publix Sunday evening. Any comments or advice to look out for? Thanks. 
Fangorn
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Without going back to read all posts, we made the move from the Contemporary to the Riv due to construction. We arrive Sunday for five nights. Is there a place where the start and stop times of the Skyliner operates? Also, we’re setting up to have Instacart deliver from Publix Sunday evening. Any comments or advice to look out for? Thanks.
I'm at RIV now. There is a sign board out by the path to the Skyliner with the start and end times. However, you're pretty much already committed to getting in line before you ever see it.
We also had an Instacart delivery from Publix. No problems at all.
Steve
Disney0010
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Thanks
Disney0010
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Hopefully a few final questions. I’m trying to put together a delivery order from Publix. We have watched a good number of videos of the one BR villa. Some show and mention Joffrey‘s coffee and sweeteners on the counter. Some do not. Need to know if I need to order coffee, filters and sweeteners. I have half and half on the list. Also, how is the provided laundry detergent? Thanks!
sethschroeder
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Agree way more on this video and they went to say its one of the better QS at the resorts (its my #1 and #2 being Cpt. Cooks at POLY).
https://dvcfan.com/2021/05/05/grabbing-lunch-at-primo-piatto-disneys-riviera-resort/
https://dvcfan.com/2021/05/05/grabbing-lunch-at-primo-piatto-disneys-riviera-resort/
I think part of the reason for the divide in the reviews is because Primo Piatto is almost like 2 different eateries combined by design:
Riviera is the only DVC or deluxe resort that doesn't have a casual table service restaurant. (Unless I'm missing something, they all have a Ale and Compass, The Wave, Kona Cafe, etc). So Disney put some "table service quality" items on the Primo Piatto menu. (some of the excellent dinner items were removed during Covid, hopefully they come back).
So these particular menu items are better than your average quick service.
At the same time, Primo Piatto serves as the run-of-the-mill Contempo Cafe / Beach club Marketplace quick service with plenty of uninspiring choices.
So while one person may love their blueberry lemon pancakes in the morning, the cold Italian sandwich may feel like cruddy pre-packaged fare.
Personally, I am really excited about the overall dining at Riviera but I wish they did have at least a small true casual table service: Something like Beaches and Cream would be perfect -- maybe foccacia style pizzas and gelato would fit perfectly as a casual Riviera sit down restaurant.
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