The Official Riviera Owners & Info Thread

[Leahc117]

What’s the elevator situation at Riviera? I remember how long the wait was while visiting at the contemporary for the elevators!! Is it preferable to request a room away from Topolino’s? I prefer stair access but imagine higher rooms have better views at Riviera! Any suggestions here? We have a standard view studio.

 

[UrsulaWantsYourSoul]

thank you, very helpful. Looks like I want 8811! (Which floors are DVC?)

11 is actually a Preferred room (that side). There's a little green line under the Standard rooms on the map.
So Standard are Odd rooms 25-71. All floors are DVC.

 

[havoc315]

11 is actually a Preferred room (that side). There's a little green line under the Standard rooms on the map.
So Standard are Odd rooms 25-71. All floors are DVC.

yup... I understood. I meant 11 appears to be the best preferred room... to potentially see fireworks at DHS and Epcot.
Or is there a better view than 11?

 

[sethschroeder]

yup... I understood. I meant 11 appears to be the best preferred room... to potentially see fireworks at DHS and Epcot.
Or is there a better view than 11?

Depends on what you consider better? Yes there might be a fireworks view but that is only 30 mins of a 24 hour day if you are even in the room.

Personally I like the views of the courtyard that might only see the HS fireworks. I think Epcot fireworks views would be a good standard view. I do think the rooms toward the lake overlooking the skyliner station could also be good views.

Hard to say until I stay in the rooms. I know my request will always be "near skyliner" likely.

 

[jennypenny]

Lower numbered rooms like #11 might have a better view, but you're on the opposite side of the hotel from Primo Piatto if that matters to you.

It was always easier IMO to walk down the stairs and across the courtyard than working my way through the building. I only took the elevator up and only when it was more than a couple of floors. We waited a few times, but I think mostly because we didn't want to share an elevator with anyone. It was easy to catch one on the first floor coming from the skyliner or Primo Piatto. It's a little trickier from the lobby.

I like how they attempted to balance out demand by placing the food and feature pool on one side and skyliner access on the other.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

This walk looks lovely! Now I want to go for an evening stroll around the lake. I will plan for it during our early Dec trip if we go!

Take a quick "walk" along the lake walk in front of Riviera

Anyone know another name for it? The path along the lake in front of Riviera that is?

Roughly 20 mins of the stream that ResortTV1 did the other night.

Edit: maybe we can call the path the riviera since that word just means coastline

 

[Wedgeout]

With those pictures, they might change it from Standard to Park View.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

I have but can't post the link here. Its weird Disney doesn't post it online though maybe to pull people in to that resort.

Does the site you're talking about sell the prints one can order at the WDW art kiosks? I would love to order a print of the Ratatouille art for my kitchen. The one with Remy and the apples. But I can't find a site that sells this! I guess I just have to wait until our next trip

 

[kboo]

So my DH and I are hung up on where to buy, either Riviera direct or resell from BCV or BWV. He wants walking distance to parks, I don't care and am fine taking the skyliner. My question is: is it hard to get to HS for opening to get a BG using the skyliner? Is the walk to the CBR station really long (and is walking there a better option than going to the RIV station?)? Is driving better? I really love RIV, but I'm having a hard time selling this to DH.

When we stayed back in December, it was an easy decision because the Skyliner didn't open until well after rope drop. Getting a BG is so different from regular "rope drop," though, that unless there's a LOT of room for error/Skyliner slowdowns, I'd just take a car/uber to HS on the days where it really matters to you to get a BG.

We rebooked for April 2021 after our cancelled May holiday and have hit our 7 month window. We bought into Riviera with the view we’d try other resorts. We sat down to work out where else to stay as a split stay as we were thinking of adding on resale, but after going back and forth landed on that we just didn’t want to stay anywhere else.

I just booked a trip at the 7mo window and got some AKV value nights in a 1br. The remainder of the trip was in a RIV studio. DH decided to keep the end of the trip in a RIV studio rather than get the additional nights in an AKV 1br value. It'll be our first time going from a 1br to a studio in the same trip.

 

[sethschroeder]

Does the site you're talking about sell the prints one can order at the WDW art kiosks? I would love to order a print of the Ratatouille art for my kitchen. The one with Remy and the apples. But I can't find a site that sells this! I guess I just have to wait until our next trip

Nah it's just a news site that's not allowed to be discussed here.

It's also just pictures taken with a phone nothing crazy.

Won't be to WDW til March otherwise I would stop in and post picture here.

 

[DanaLTK]

Thank you to everyone who contributes to this lovely forum. It's a wealth of information and inspiration! I'm curious about the Coke freestyle machine. Do they have the same selection all over the world? Like Ginger Ales and Dr. Pepper and root beer? The ones in my little corner of the world have SO many amazing choices in the diet category! I would never choose a resort because of the soda machine, but it is a nice perk.

 

[DanaLTK]

Another technical question, about the laundry room: I wash one load of laundry everyday on vacation before any one else is awake. How would you go about requesting a studio near the laundry room? It's not one of the choices (of course it isn't) in the online check in screen. TIA!

 

[jamesweikamp]

Thank you to everyone who contributes to this lovely forum. It's a wealth of information and inspiration! I'm curious about the Coke freestyle machine. Do they have the same selection all over the world? Like Ginger Ales and Dr. Pepper and root beer? The ones in my little corner of the world have SO many amazing choices in the diet category! I would never choose a resort because of the soda machine, but it is a nice perk.

The machine at Primo Piatto had a ton of choices. My son spent too many minutes customizing his pop (or soda to most of you). However, my understanding is that during COVID the choices are more limited and the CMs actually fill the drink for you.

 

[DanaLTK]

They have RIV scents at Magic Candle, but I got mine from Core Memory Candle Co. I got the candle and essential oils for my diffuser and love them both.

Thanks for this! I just started my Christmas list!

 

[DanaLTK]

The machine at Primo Piatto had a ton of choices. My son spent too many minutes customizing his pop (or soda to most of you). However, my understanding is that during COVID the choices are more limited and the CMs actually fill the drink for you.

That's funny about your son. I get it about too many choices, but I love them just the same. I will be the one holding up the line when I'm there. Maybe they need fastpass for this attraction. I can't help but notice you said 'pop' instead of 'soda': Are you from the midwest too?

 

[DanaLTK]

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!

I just finished reading ALL 40 pages! I'm in LOVE!

 

[jamesweikamp]

That's funny about your son. I get it about too many choices, but I love them just the same. I will be the one holding up the line when I'm there. Maybe they need fastpass for this attraction. I can't help but notice you said 'pop' instead of 'soda': Are you from the midwest too?

Yep. We live just outside Cleveland, OH.

 

[Castillo Mom]

Depends on how much you like parking lot. That said, depending on your room you might have a view of the fireworks that some Preferred view rooms don't have (if they have fireworks again by then). Here are a couple standard views from rooms on 6th floor or above:

8625:
View attachment 525811

8949:
View attachment 525813

8855:
View attachment 525814

8765:
View attachment 525812

But yeah I'd totally request a higher floor.

Worst case you'd get something like 8261 (2nd floor)... but could probably request your way to a higher floor)

8261
View attachment 525816

Here's the room chart so you can envision where those rooms are. First number is always 8, second number is the floor, last two are the room number:

View attachment 525815

Thanks for posting this! I usually don't care about view too much unless we're staying at AKV. I don't care for parking lot views from a low floor or ground level, but I'd be perfectly happy being on a higher floor. That settles it for me then, when I book at the 11-month mark in October, I'm going to reserve standard view and just request a higher floor. But hey, even if they put me at ground level, I'll just be so thrilled to be back "home", I don't think it'll matter.

 

[sethschroeder]

What about Riviera Promenade for the sidewalk along the lake?

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

What about Riviera Promenade for the sidewalk along the lake?

That's great, it makes a lot of sense since that's exactly what it is!

Boy could I use a walk on the Riviera Promenade after today!