Wilderness lodge or Riviera for solo split stay?

[KirstenDCP]

I’m booking a solo trip for May of 2026 and plan to stay at Pop for 3 nights and then switching to another resort for the next 3 nights. Originally I was planning on Wilderness lodge, but found good pricing on a tower studio at the Riviera. Any thoughts? Where would you stay if you were doing 3 nights prior at Pop? Thank you!

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

I’m booking a solo trip for May of 2026 and plan to stay at Pop for 3 nights and then switching to another resort for the next 3 nights. Originally I was planning on Wilderness lodge, but found good pricing on a tower studio at the Riviera. Any thoughts? Where would you stay if you were doing 3 nights prior at Pop? Thank you!

I adore both resorts so I’d probably base it on which parks you frequent the most. If it’s all parks then I’d say WL just to change it up. But if you’re the type who finds yourself in EPCOT (or HS) most evenings, then stick with Riviera.

 

[Skippyboo]

Wilderness would be a different vibe with boat access to MK. You could get to the stuff at Riviera by using the Skyliner from Pop.

 

[DeeBee3]

Love both - depends on parks

 

[Dave006]

Where would you stay if you were doing 3 nights prior at Pop?

It all comes down to where you are going to be spending your park time. That's how we decide where to stay.

Dave

 

[msmayor]

I've stayed at both...and I'd pick Riviera hands-down, regardless of park time. The vibe at Riviera for a solo stay would be awesome, and the smaller size wonderful. Love the coffee spot there in the lobby, Bar Riva a great spot for a bite to eat late afternoon.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Since POP is on the Skyliner I would choose WL

 

[Marthasor]

I would do WL. That lobby is just absolutely stunning and I always feel absolutely transported when I stay there. It's Disney storytelling and immersion at its best. I could just stay at that resort and not go to the parks and be incredibly happy. RIV is lovely and the rooms are very nice (I really enjoyed our view of EP and Spaceship Earth when we stayed there!), but the resort feels very sterile to me. Since you will already be on the Skyliner when you stay at Pop, I would switch it up entirely and stay at WL.

 

[2vets]

I always think of it in terms of - where do I want my pain in the butt travel? It depends where you like to end your days or start your days. Choose from there!

 

[Best Aunt]

Before booking a Tower studio, make sure you know what the room will be like. It will be smaller than a room at Pop. It has a murphy bed (comes down from the wall), not a regular bed.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Before booking a Tower studio, make sure you know what the room will be like. It will be smaller than a room at Pop. It has a murphy bed (comes down from the wall), not a regular bed.

I agree! As a solo, I toured the tower studio once and was less than blown away. However, I once did a split stay between All Star Music and then Animal Kingdom Lodge, Savannah View. Then, I was blown away. I can still remember walking into the lobby at (what's called now) Jambo House. Wow! I predict you'd get that feeling walking into WL.

I would do WL. That lobby is just absolutely stunning and I always feel absolutely transported when I stay there. It's Disney storytelling and immersion at its best. I could just stay at that resort and not go to the parks and be incredibly happy. RIV is lovely and the rooms are very nice (I really enjoyed our view of EP and Spaceship Earth when we stayed there!), but the resort feels very sterile to me. Since you will already be on the Skyliner when you stay at Pop, I would switch it up entirely and stay at WL.

Excellent choice!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Anyone saying RIV needs to be following that up with their own experience in a tower studio. It is an entirely different stay vs all the other room types.

I say WL. I love RIV and even did a tower studio on a solo trip once for a few days. Never again. Seriously tiny. Didn’t think it would bother me at all, I can do interior cruise cabins without batting an eye, but I was wrong. Frankly, I would have been happier in a value room- any value.

 

[4dents]

After 3 days at Pop, any of the Deluxe resorts would be a welcome change ... but I'd opt for WL given its close proximity to MK (easy boat ride to have monorail or bus access for easy park or resort travel. I love Riviera, too, but as several posters have said, those Tower Duos are VERY small. Good food options at both resorts and have never had a disappointing stay at either ... so, like others have said, it might solely depend on which parks you plan on frequenting.

 

[RuntheMouse]

Anyone saying RIV needs to be following that up with their own experience in a tower studio. It is an entirely different stay vs all the other room types.

DH and I have stayed in the tower studios and think they’re perfect for a quick stay. I think as a solo it’d be perfect. That being said, I’d pick WL for the split stay just to have a change of scenery and be close to MK. I’d even consider AKL for the location change.