In this episode, I am filling you in on my recent (and my first) stay at Disney’s Riviera Resort, the newest Disney Vacation Club resort at Walt Disney World. I also share my experiences at EPCOT, where I spent an evening enjoying the Taste of Food & Wine Festival; and at the Magic Kingdom, where I celebrated Walt Disney World’s 49th birthday on October 1st.
RIVIERA RESORT
I really enjoyed my stay at Disney’s Riviera Resort! I was fortunate to receive an upgrade from a standard view tower studio suite to a preferred view deluxe studio suite. The main difference, besides the view, is that the tower studio has only a Murphy bed, whereas the deluxe studio has a queen bed, a Murphy bed, and a twin pull-down bed.
My studio suite was in the Riviera’s West Wing and was very close to the Skyliner station. I was entering EPCOT’s International Gateway about 5 minutes after leaving my room, so convenient! Even though the East Wing is closer to the restaurants, bus stop, and pool, I preferred the west wing since it was closer to the Skyliner and also seemed quieter.
I recommend taking time to wander the different floors to explore. I found some of the same artwork on different floors and some unique pieces. On the 2nd floor of the East Wing, I found several classic Disney movie posters in French.
FOOD & DRINKS AT THE RIVIERA RESORT
Primo Piatto is the main quick-service restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All orders must be placed by mobile order currently (October 2020). The blueberry lemon pancakes and cafe latte were delicious breakfasts. For dinner one evening, I had a spicy cold Italian sandwich with rosemary and garlic fries. The sandwich was fine, but the fries were great.
Bar Riva offers lunch, dinner, and snacks, in addition to beverages. The bar is next to the main pool and has seating both inside and outside the bar. I enjoyed a plentiful Greek salad and great chicken wings for lunch.
La Petit Cafe resembles a Parisian cafe, with some items to grab and go, desserts and pastries, and cocktails. There is a library room next to the cafe where people can sit and enjoy their food, or plenty of seating outside.
Topolino’s Terrace, the only table service restaurant, is located on the East Wing’s 10th floor. The restaurant offers a character breakfast and a delicious dinner. I was very impressed by the service and the food and drinks. I recommend for dinner, making your reservation at a time you can enjoy the sunset view. As of October 2020, there were no fireworks at the parks; however, my server told me that the restaurant and outdoor patio are great places to view EPCOT fireworks when they come back.
RECREATION
There are two pools at the Riviera Resort. The Riviera Pool is the main pool with activities for kids and a fun slide. Next to the pool is a great splash & play area for kids, S’il Vous Play. I preferred the quieter Beau Soleil Pool, west of the Riviera Pool. It was much less crowded than the main pool. Both pools have sizeable hot tubs and beautiful views overlooking the lake, with the Skyliner off in the distance.
The Riviera has a very nice fitness center as well.
Around the Riviera grounds, there is a bocce ball court, a chess lawn, and a fire pit with Adirondack chairs.
