You’re at the Riviera What Should You Do

After more than two years, we’ve finally reached the end of the You’re at… series. We’ve only got one Disney Vacation Club resort left to discuss. So, let’s say you’re at Disney’s Riviera Resort. What should you do?

Admire the Art

I’ll level with you that when the Riviera opened in 2019, I wasn’t particularly interested in it. I found the theme lovely, as it pays tribute to Walt and Lillian Disney’s family vacations. Still, I struggled to envision how the Italian (and French) Riviera would create an ideal backdrop for Disney fans. As we’ll discuss in the next section, I was way wrong.

Before we get to that, I want to focus on the Disneys and how the Riviera pays tribute to them. Roy and Walt Disney founded their namesake company in 1923 and ultimately grew wildly successful. Once that happened, they took glamorous vacations together, many of them on the Riviera. 

Much of the hotel’s artwork pays tribute to those family vacations. As you wander the various floors, you’ll find pictures of various members of the Disney clan. Some of them even feature Mickey Mouse stuffed animals that they brought with them on trips. 

You should always take time to admire the art at the Riviera. It’s like you’re paying tribute to Walt, Lillian, and Roy. Also, you can buy some of the art pieces at La Boutique, the hotel’s terrific store. Disney will even ship the paintings to your home. 

Enjoy the Lobby

Here’s why I’ve realized I was wrong. Somehow, the Riviera feels like one of the warmest, most convivial places to visit at Walt Disney World. I know this because the hotel lobby has become one of our favorite spots.

What we often do is take a break from Disney’s Hollywood Studios to eat lunch at the Riviera. In our estimation, the cuisine at Hollywood Studios isn’t as good as that at other Disney theme parks. Conversely, the food at this resort rivals many options at EPCOT’s World Showcase.

Disney designed this place as a mirror of drinking and dining on the Italian Riviera. All the tropes are available here, starting with exquisite morning coffee at La Petit Café. You can order a cappuccino and pastry here to start your day the right way. When you return in the evening, you’ll discover drinks and quick bites. 

Disney really has thought of everything, with Primo Piatto serving exquisite lunch and dinner options on the lobby’s first floor. But you don’t even need to drink or dine to relish a visit.

The comfy couches will provide you with a welcome respite in between hectic park visits. Plus, Donald Duck has a tendency to roam through the lobby, playing with the guests. He’s also a sore loser, so you shouldn’t show him the giant chessboard just past the lobby entrance. 

Explore the Pool Grounds 

Speaking of which, when you exit the lobby on the bottom floor, you can easily head to the pool. The chessboard I mentioned earlier is near this area. Disney built a little family play spot here, complete with a swing. You can relax and unwind here, just soaking up the resort’s ambiance.

You’ll find benches and chairs here, as well as bocce ball. How European! Disney has leaned into the family-friendly entertainment, which extends to the pool area, too. Here, you’ll find S’il Vous Play, my favorite spot at the park.

Disney describes this activity as “an interactive water play area for kids that’s inspired by the grand public fountains of Europe.” Importantly, S’il Vous Play hosts water cannons. Find them, control them, and dominate the space. Make your loved ones regret that they ever followed you here. That’s what I do.

Seriously, though, what you’ll really love is the pool itself. Just go here and swim or sunbathe to your heart’s content. The pool bar will keep you well-stocked with pizza and cocktails. It’s a wonderful place to soak up the sun during a Disney vacation. 

Ride the Skyliner 

I didn’t actually stay at the Riviera during my most recent Disney World visit, yet I wound up at the hotel anyway. When the Disney Skyliner debuted in 2019, the Riviera became one of the two main hotels for the gondola system. The Skyliner connects four Disney resorts in total to two theme parks, Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. 

Since the Riviera hosts a Skyliner station right by the main one at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, you’re getting all the benefits of these gondolas. You can hop on the Skyliner and be at one of the parks in 15 minutes or less. Similarly, you can dine, shop, and hang out at any of the other hotels. They’re easily accessible via the Skyliner. 

So, the one thing I can say with confidence about your DVC resort stay is that you WILL ride the Skyliner at some point. You’ll learn to love it, and may even start ranking the gondolas. Each one features a unique paint job starring some of your Disney favorites. In my house, we’re always rooting for Haunted Mansion characters or Lilo & Stitch. How about you?

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