It’s been almost two years since Disney announced that they would be adding a brand new Disney Vacation Club Resort. Unlike some other things that take a very long time to build, Disney’s Riviera Resort is almost done! In fact, the hotel is now accepting reservations for a December 2019 opening!
Let’s take a look at some details that we know about the resort!
Theme
As its name suggests, Disney’s Riviera Resort has a European Riviera theme inspired by Walt and Lillian’s many trips to and love of the area specifically around France and Italy. Walt specifically was influenced by the area, which can be seen in his animation, artwork, characters, and stories.
This Deluxe Resort Hotel will combine old world grandeur with a modern twist. Guests will approach through a palm-tree-lined boulevard and greeted with water fountains and a grand oval lobby. The hotel sits lakefront with the feature pool on the front lawn. Disney artists have created one-of-a-kind works for the new hotel featuring beloved Disney characters throughout the years.
Disney Vacation Club
Disney’s Riviera Resort is the first all-new, standalone DVC property since 2004, but DVC Members can’t book yet because of timeshare rules in Florida. But don’t worry! Disney has designated a block of rooms to be set aside for DVC members. Disney will announce a date when DVC members can book soon! Current DVC members will also have an exclusive window to purchase membership.
Because the new hotel hasn’t sold its full membership, Disney has decided to open the resort up to the public.
Accommodations
At this time, you don’t have to join the DVC to enjoy DVC-quality accommodations.
With 300 family-friendly vacation homes including deluxe studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, grand villas, and more, Disney’s Riviera Resort will have something for everyone.
Deluxe studios include kitchenettes and sleep up to five people. The villas, which sleep up to 12 guests, have fully equipped kitchens plus a dining and living space. Bedrooms feature en-suite luxury bathrooms with free standing soaking tubs and a walk-in shower. Guests will also enjoy a private porch or balcony and the in-room laundry.
This new hotel has even created a unique new room category; the Tower Studios will provide intimate accommodations for two guests with a private balcony offering scenic views of the resort.
Dining
Disney’s Riviera Resort will introduce new dining opportunities as well.
Topolino Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera is a new rooftop signature table-service restaurant serving up French and Italian flavors from an on-stage kitchen and a wood-burning grill. Sip on a glass of wine from the vast collection, all procured from the Mediterranean coast, and watch your meal being prepared right before your eyes. This restaurant complements the rest of the resort with modern takes on classic interior and exterior architecture. Topolino Terrace will serve lunch and dinner, but it also hosts a character breakfast. While few details are available about this as of yet, Topolino is the Italian name for Mickey Mouse, so you can be sure that the main Mouse will make an appearance! What’s more, since it since high above the resort, Topolino Terrace has amazing views of both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to rival that of Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s California Grill. If you can snag some later Advanced Dining Reservations, you’ll be able to see fireworks in both parks!
Le Petite Café serves coffee by day and wine by night in the Resorts Lobby, and Bar Riva is an open-air pool bar near the feature pool.
There’s also a new quick-service restaurant, Primo Platto, near the feature pool. The restaurant is reminiscent of venues along the European Riviera promenades.
Transportation
Disney’s Riviera Resort will be accessible by way of Disney’s Magical Express from Orlando International Airport and will provide bus service within the resort. Guests will also have access to the new Disney Skyliner gondola, which will likely open months before the resort. The Skyliner will connect Riviera Resort guests to other Disney resort hotels including Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, of which the Riviera’s property used to be a part, and two Disney Parks: Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Riviera Resort is now accepting reservations – will you stay there?