PHOTOS - New concept art details pools, restaurants and more at Disney Riviera Resort

Jan 22, 2019 in "Disney's Riviera Resort"

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New Disney Riviera Resort concept art

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Posted: Tuesday January 22, 2019 11:!@am Et by WDWMAGIC Staff

The new Disney Riviera Resort is projected to open in fall 2019, with stays expected to be available from December 16 2019.

Disney’s Riviera Resort is designed to capture the magic of Europe. From the grand archways and porticos to the tower and terraces, each detail will draw upon the influences of Europe and the Mediterranean.

“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.”

In the main lobby, you’ll find yourself in an elegant setting appointed with a mix of modern and classic 20th-Century furnishings. You’ll also discover a unique art collection celebrating beloved Disney Characters and icons, influenced by master artists who found inspiration along the European Riviera.

Disney Riviera Resort concept art

Rooms will be available from a starting price of $335, and available in the usual Disney vacation Club categories of 1-Bedroom Villas, 2-Bedroom Villas and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas.

Disney Riviera Resort concept art - Deluxe Studio

Deluxe Studios are priced from $503, 1 Bedroom Villas from $743, 2 Bedroom Villas from $1136, and 3 Bedroom Grand Villas from $2277 per night.

Disney Riviera Resort concept art - 2 Bedroom Villa

Unique to Disney Riviera Resort will be new, specially designed for 2 Guests, Tower Studios. Built into the wall, you’ll find a kitchenette, drawers and a hidden pull-down queen-size bed that tucks away to reveal a comfortable lounge-worthy space. Tower Studios are the lowest priced rooms, starting at $335.

Disney Riviera Resort concept art - Tower Studio

Dining at Disney Riviera Resort

Disney has also detailed dining options at the resort, which will include a character breakfast offering.

Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera

Topolino is the Italian name for Mickey Mouse, and the new, signature table-service restaurant perched on the rooftop of Disney’s Riviera Resort will be aptly called Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera. The restaurant, featuring authentic dishes infused with French and Italian flavors, is set to become one of the most stunning dining experiences at Walt Disney World, offering picturesque vistas of the nighttime spectaculars of nearby Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Inside, guests can watch as their meal is prepared just for them at the exclusive expo kitchen or wood burning grill. Guests looking to pair their meal with a glass of wine can choose from an impressive collection of wines sourced from the Mediterranean coast. Throughout the restaurant, a stunning visual aesthetic is created through modern interpretations of textures, colors, carved details, and stonework found in ancient villages along the Riviera. Plus, families looking to start their morning off with a breakfast experience can visit Topolino’s Terrace for exclusive Disney character dining inspired by the Riviera.

Disney Riviera Resort concept art - Topolino’s Terrace Restaurant

Le Petit Café

Look forward to freshly brewed coffee and sumptuous wines at this lobby locale. Le Petit Café will invite you to gather with lattes and loved ones while you relax between the day’s adventures—or grab a flute-full of something sparkling as the café transforms into a bustling wine bar. The menu will also feature scrumptious treats and sweets, which you could enjoy alfresco under the stars.

Disney Riviera Resort concept art - Le Petit Cafe

Bar Riva

Fanciful afternoons await at a poolside hotspot that will serve delectable bites and beverages. Bar Riva will offer scenic views where you can enjoy long, laughter-filled lunches featuring European- and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine—as well as cocktails and refreshing drinks made to order.

Primo Piatto

This quick-service trattoria will serve up tasty food throughout the day—as well as bites to grab and go.

Disney Skyliner Station at Disney Riviera Resort

Disney Riviera will be linked to the Disneys Skyliner gondola service, offering transport to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Disney Riviera Resort concept art - Disney Skyliner station

Pools at Disney Riviera Resort

A family-friendly pool area will invite you to swim, splash and play—while a more serene pool will offer relaxation.

Disney Riviera Resort concept art - Riviera Pool

At the Riviera Pool, sun umbrellas will dot the grounds as the inviting waters cast a warm, golden glow upon the surrounding stucco façades. This family-friendly pool, which will also feature a pool slide that winds around a stately column tower. And little mademoiselles and messieurs are sure to make a splash at S’il Vous Play, an interactive water play area for kids that’s inspired by the grand public fountains of Europe—featuring a ballet of friendly Fantasia characters.

Beau Soleil Pool is the resort's quiet pool.

Disney Riviera Resort concept art - Beau Soleil quiet pool

Discuss on the Forums

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pdude81Mar 29, 2021

You likely found the right spot. I actually appreciate not having a giant, open lobby with a huge and unnecessary service counter. This is more useful at a combination resort where half of the guests are cash only. Even then, more are using online check-in to skip the counter. The bigger and grander that space is, the more we have to pay for upkeep and cooling costs each year. Just my opinion

Nubs70Mar 29, 2021

Stopped by last week. Maybe I was in a secondary lobby but what I saw was a bit underwhelming.

KkarMar 29, 2021

We had a similar experience: We had reservations at Topolino, but went early to look around and have a pre-dinner cocktail. We asked a Cast member in the lobby if there was a lounge, and they pointed us down the hall. There was a small lounge, but it only had coffee and quick-service items. So we made our way up to the top floor and found the bar on our own. The bartender was really good, but the entire space just felt like a large convention room with a bar stuck on one side of it. Very open, not intimate and just felt utilitarian in design. Food was decent, but as we prefer places with great food, service AND ambience, we won't go back.

techgeekJan 04, 2021

They don't. 'Flow' isn't a concern in todays WDW. The GF and Poly didn't used to feel close at all with a large amount of undeveloped shoreline in between them... again, recent land use choices changing originally intended design.

castlecake2.0Jan 04, 2021

I got lunch, toured the rooms, and walked the grounds today. I do like the resort. It’s definitely more adult oriented and has some DCL vibes that I like. Maybe this has been answered way back, but why was it put where it was? Is there a reason (other than cost) that it wasn’t built at the other end of CBR where the pirate rooms are? It could have been on its own lagoon, have the skyliner hub attached, and almost be it’s own little resort area instead of just being dumped in the middle of Caribbean. Could it have fit/worked there or was there just not enough space? also was there a reason not to make it a Caribbean themed tower? I like both resorts, they just don’t seem to flow together. But same could also be said of GF and Poly. thoughts?

Little Green MenDec 20, 2020

I enjoyed it. The pool could be better themed def but it was nice and quiet. I would stay again

Miss BellaDec 19, 2020

We stayed in a one bedroom in August. The rooms are gorgeous, It's an apartment not a hotel room. I wouldn't try to compare it to a tiny European room, Customer service was great. I loved the skyliner. The pool was blah, but were not big pool people. I would stay there again for the right price.

HeppenheimerDec 19, 2020

Everything I read about this resort reminds me of those Olive Garden commercials from about 20 years ago. Take a bland, textureless, mass-produced, fully homegenized and Americanized off-the-shelf product that maybe shares a hint of distant roots with its European inspiration. Then pretend you're giving the public a premium and faithful facsimile of that inspiration. But at lesst Olive Garden prices their cheap product accordingly. I daresay Disney's Riviera resort may even be more expensive than some of the actual classic French and Italian riviera hotels it claims (unconvincingly) to be based on.

FlynnwriterDec 19, 2020

Ironically, the lego model took longer to construct and had a larger budget than the original resort.

TrainsOfDisneyDec 19, 2020

I’m not sure if it’s currently opened but yes this is a lovely spot with a decent amount of charm. Lots of pieces from Walt’s travel on display. Certainly a better suggestion than the pool bar! Ha

Lil Copter CapDec 19, 2020

I’m saddened to hear of your experiences at the Riviera. I had a lovely time during my stay pre-COVID and resort hop frequently for the fresh food at Primo Piatto. It’s a stellar quick service restaurant for all meal times! The evening “bar” alternative here is at Voyageurs’ Lounge where Le Petit Café serves alcohol beverages and light snacks. You must try the Caffé Amaro if you’re an espresso fan—one of the best cocktails I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying on property! Riviera’s charm for me is all in the cozy and quaint environment. This, of course, is a problem with the amount of people flowing in and out of the resort at any one time. But overall it’s a resort that may not tick all (or none) of the boxes for some folks. And that’s okay too. I’m sorry you didn’t have the best time—I urge you to try again if the chance arises!

Chupaca BruhDec 19, 2020

I think because it is a DVC and not a “real” hotel. Disney has this “class system” fir the resorts and the try not to stray from the program.... even if it is detrimental to the bottom line.

castlecake2.0Dec 19, 2020

I feel like a lot of things could be solved if they had made the main floor all public area, expand the lobby, shops, add a lounge, more seating areas, etc. Everything just feels so crammed, I don’t get it.

BocabearDec 18, 2020

I think Forgettable is about the kindest thing you could say about the decor at Topolinos... They were handed a theme full of wonderous possibilities...The images the name conjures are astounding....and then they built that. I agree the fountains in the walkway are very beautiful but when one rather small detail is the only thing anyone remembers about a luxury resort, I would say they failed miserably... It's not horrible... It's nice... but at the rates of a DVC and premium resort designation at Walt Disney World, it should be more...a lot more. And when is TDO going to get it that there are adults that spend a lot of money visiting the resort and would like a nice lounge to sit back and chill...They built Top Of The World, but most of the other resorts have very lackluster lounges..