In an effort to increase Disney Vacation Club inventory, back in 2017 Disney announced the new Disney Riviera Resort, which is being constructed next to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Because of its central location, guests staying at this resort will not only be able to enjoy unbelievable views of nighttime spectaculars at both Epcot and Hollywood Studios from this hotel’s rooftop restaurant, but will also be able to use the currently under-construction Disney Skyway transportation system, which is currently in testing and expected to open in just a few months.
Once open this December, Disney’s Riviera Resort will be the 15th Disney Vacation Club property, and will feature approximately 300 guest rooms, including deluxe studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, and grand villas that sleep up to 12 people each. And while this sounds pretty standard for a DVC hotel, a new room type will also be available at this property that’s unlike anything we’ve seen at Walt Disney World before…
Introducing the new, ultra compact, Tower Studios
Image: Disney
Disney’s Riviera Resort will feature a new ultra-compact room category for Disney World called “Tower Studios”. These rooms are designed for two people each and include a private balcony with seating for two and a mini kitchenette. However, perhaps the most striking feature of this room is that there is no full-size bed! Instead of having a traditional bed in the room, Disney is outfitting each Tower Studio with a queen size murphy bed that tucks away into the wall.
Guests who are interested in this compact room concept may wonder if its compact size and design might make it a good value for those wanting to stay near a gondola station, but unfortunately these rooms are going to still be quite expensive, with rack rates starting at $335 a night, plus tax.
Image: Disney
Of course, that is still relatively inexpensive when compared with other rooms at this resort, with Deluxe Studios starting at $503 a night, and one-bedroom villas starting at $743. Two-bedroom villas start at $1,136 a night, while the three-bedroom grand villas with one King bed and four Queen beds and 1 Queen-Size sleeper sofa start at $2,277. So what can guests who pay these hefty prices expect to experience at this resort?
A European- inspired experience
Image: Disney
As announced previously, Disney’s Riviera Resort is designed to capture the magic of Europe, with grand archways and porticos, towers and terraces, which all draw upon the influences of Europe and the Mediterranean.
In the lobby, guests will find a mix of modern and classic 20th-Century furnishings as well as a unique art collection celebrating beloved Disney Characters and icons, influenced by master artists who found inspiration along the European Riviera.
Here’s how the resort is described in a recent press release:
“Disney’s Riviera Resort is inspired by Walt and Lillian Disney’s travels throughout Europe and the Mediterranean coastline —from France to Italy,” said Terri Schultz, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club. “Walt fell in love with European art, architecture, food and stories, and his extended tours of the region continue to influence Disney storytelling and theming. We look forward to welcoming our members and guests later this year to this new resort inspired by Europe and imagined by Disney.”
Rooftop dining will be available at new signature restaurant
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Though Disney’s Riviera Resort will have several restaurants for guests to choose from, this resort’s signature restaurant will be Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, which is located on the top floor of this new hotel (and is named for the Italian moniker of Mickey Mouse!). The restaurant will feature authentic dishes infused with French and Italian flavors and will offer picturesque vistas of the nighttime spectaculars at nearby Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests who visit in the morning can also enjoy an exclusive character dining experience that is only possible at this special location.
A fun feature pool
Image: Disney
It wouldn’t be a Disney hotel without a fun feature pool, and Disney’s Riviera Resort continues this trend, with the Riviera Pool, which features a pool slide that winds around a stately column tower. A special water play area just for kids (cheekily named S’il Vous Play) is inspired by the grand public fountains of Europe and will feature a ballet of friendly Fantasia characters.
Though we still have 10 months before this new hotel open in December, Disney is actually taking reservations right now, so if you are visiting the resort this holiday season (or early next year), you can secure your room now at what’s sure to be a popular new hotel destination at Walt Disney World.
