Disney's Riviera Resort is one of Walt Disney World's beautiful deluxe resorts, inspired by the European Riviera. With elegant grounds, spacious accommodations, delicious dining options, and direct access to the Disney Skyliner, it's easy to see why so many families love staying here.
But is Disney's Riviera Resort actually worth it when you're traveling with little kids?
We recently stayed at Disney's Riviera Resort with our two children, ages 3 and 4, and while there were definitely things we loved, there were also a few things that left us a little underwhelmed.
We've stayed at several Disney deluxe resorts over the years, and Riviera had been one we were excited to experience. Between the beautiful pool area, convenient Skyliner transportation, and spacious room, there was a lot to look forward to.
After our stay, though, I can honestly say that while Riviera is a very nice resort, it isn't one of our favorites.
Here's our honest review of Disney's Riviera Resort with toddlers and young kids, including the rooms, dining, pools, transportation, activities, and whether we'd stay here again.
Why Families Might Love Disney's Riviera Resort
There are definitely some great things about staying at Riviera, especially when you're visiting Disney World with younger children.
Direct Disney Skyliner access: A huge convenience when traveling with strollers and visiting EPCOT or Hollywood Studios.
Wonderful pool and splash pad: One of our favorite parts of the entire resort.
Spacious accommodations: Our room had plenty of space for our family, including multiple sleeping areas and a balcony.
Convenient dining: Several restaurants and quick-service options are located right at the resort.
Beautiful grounds: The European-inspired landscaping and architecture make the entire property feel upscale and relaxing.
Fun activities for kids: From pool time to arts and crafts, there are ways to enjoy the resort outside the theme parks.
Even though Riviera wasn't our favorite Disney deluxe resort, we still enjoyed our stay and made some wonderful memories with our kids.
Our Room at Disney's Riviera Resort
One of the things we really enjoyed about Riviera was our room.
Traveling with a 3- and 4-year-old means we appreciate having extra space, especially when everyone needs a little downtime after a long day in the parks.
Our room had a queen bed, a single pull-down bed, and a couch that converted into a queen Murphy bed. This setup gave us plenty of sleeping space without making the room feel cramped.
The bathroom layout was another feature we really appreciated. There was a separate shower on one side of the sink area and a shower-and-bathtub combination on the other. Having a bathtub is always a nice bonus when traveling with younger kids, and the separate shower made getting everyone ready a little easier.
The room also included:
A large closet with plenty of space to store luggage
A small dining area
A sink, coffee maker, and dishwasher
A sitting area
A private balcony
Multiple sleeping options
I especially appreciated the large closet because it gave us somewhere to tuck away all our luggage rather than having suitcases scattered throughout the room.
The small dining area and kitchenette were convenient for snacks, drinks, and quick breakfasts before heading to the parks.
And of course, having a balcony is always a plus! It's nice to have somewhere to sit and relax after the kids are settled for the evening.
Our thoughts: We really enjoyed our room. It was comfortable, spacious, and had a practical layout for a family traveling with small children.
The Pools and Splash Pad: Our Favorite Part of Riviera
If there's one area where Disney's Riviera Resort really shines, it's the pool!
The Riviera Pool is beautiful, and the entire pool area has such a relaxing atmosphere. This was easily one of our favorite parts of staying here.
What really stood out to us, though, was the children's splash pad.
S'il Vous Play Splash Area
The children's splash area, called S'il Vous Play, is absolutely adorable and so much fun for younger kids.
It's inspired by Disney's Fantasia and features interactive water elements that make it the perfect place for little ones to play and cool off.
Our 3- and 4-year-old had such a great time here!
The splash pad is a huge selling point for families with toddlers and preschoolers, especially if you're planning to spend time at your resort instead of being in the parks all day.
The Riviera Pool
The main pool was another highlight of our stay.
We spent a lot of time swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the atmosphere. It really is a wonderful pool area, and we had so much fun here as a family.
There's even a gelato cart near the pool, which felt perfectly on theme with the resort's European Riviera inspiration.
Of course, getting gelato while spending the afternoon by the pool was a fun little treat!
Our thoughts: If pools and splash pads are a big priority for your family, Riviera is a fantastic option. This is absolutely one of the resort's strongest features.
Dining at Disney's Riviera Resort
Riviera has several dining options, ranging from casual poolside meals to upscale rooftop dining.
We tried a few different options during our stay, and while there were some we really enjoyed, others didn't quite live up to our expectations.
Bar Riva: Our Favorite Dining Spot
Bar Riva was easily one of our favorite places to eat at the resort!
Located right beside the pool, Bar Riva has a wonderful open-air atmosphere that feels relaxed and upscale at the same time.
The food and drinks were excellent, and we really enjoyed spending time here.
One of the things I loved most was how flexible the seating options were. You could sit directly at the bar, grab a table nearby, or take your food back to your pool chair.
When you're traveling with small children, this kind of convenience is wonderful.
You don't always want to get everyone dressed and head to a restaurant for lunch. Sometimes it's so much easier to order something delicious while everyone is enjoying a pool day.
Our thoughts: Bar Riva was a highlight of our stay. Great food, delicious drinks, and a beautiful atmosphere. I would absolutely eat here again!
Topolino's Terrace: Breakfast vs. Dinner
Topolino's Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera is located on the top floor of the resort and offers both character breakfast and signature dining for dinner.
We've experienced both, and I definitely have a preference!
Character Breakfast at Topolino's Terrace
We didn't eat breakfast at Topolino's during this particular stay, but we have been before, and it's such a fun experience.
The characters wear the cutest outfits inspired by their artistic interests, and the entire experience feels special.
The food is also delicious!
If you're traveling with young kids who love character dining, I think Topolino's breakfast is a wonderful option.
It's especially convenient if you're staying at Riviera because you don't have to travel anywhere for a character meal.
Dinner at Topolino's Terrace
We did have dinner at Topolino's during this stay, and unfortunately, I wasn't as impressed.
The food wasn't bad, but it wasn't anything I would rush back for, either.
It was a nice dining experience, but compared with other restaurants we've enjoyed at Disney World, it just didn't stand out to me.
One thing I did appreciate was the convenience.
It was raining the evening of our reservation, so being able to head straight up to the top floor of our resort for dinner was wonderful.
No transportation, no walking through the rain, and no having to take the kids somewhere else.
Sometimes those little conveniences make a big difference!
Our thoughts: I would happily return for the character breakfast, but dinner isn't something I'd go out of my way to book again.
Le Petit Café
Le Petit Café is Riviera's little coffee shop, where you can grab specialty coffee and other treats.
I love having a coffee shop available at a Disney resort, especially for mornings before heading to the parks.
That being said, Le Petit Café wasn't my favorite.
Personally, I would much rather have Joffrey's or Starbucks.
The coffee just wasn't my preference, but I do appreciate having the option to grab a specialty drink right at the resort.
Our thoughts: Convenient to have, but not somewhere I was particularly excited to visit each morning.
Primo Piatto: A Great Quick-Service Option
Primo Piatto is Riviera's main quick-service restaurant, and the food here was really good!
We enjoyed having this option for casual meals without needing a dining reservation.
My only complaint was the size of the restaurant.
The seating area felt pretty small, especially during busy meal times.
We also noticed quite a few people walking over from Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort to eat here, which made it feel even more crowded.
When you're traveling with little kids, trying to find somewhere to sit with food, drinks, and everything else can be a little frustrating.
The food itself was great, though!
Our thoughts: Very good quick-service food, but the dining area could definitely be larger.
The Grounds and Overall Atmosphere
There's no denying that Disney's Riviera Resort is beautiful.
The grounds are well maintained, the landscaping is lovely, and the European-inspired architecture gives the entire property a very upscale feel.
There are also lawn games available, which are a nice little activity for families when you're spending time around the resort.
But here's where Riviera fell a little short for me.
It didn't necessarily feel like Disney World.
Instead, it felt more like a really nice, upscale hotel that could have been located somewhere outside Disney property.
And while I completely understand that some people love that about Riviera, it's just not what I personally look for in a Disney resort.
When we visit Disney World, I want to feel like we're at Disney World, even when we're back at our hotel.
I love the theming, the little Disney touches, and that magical atmosphere that makes staying on property feel so special.
Riviera is elegant, beautiful, and relaxing, but it doesn't have quite the same Disney feeling that we've experienced at some of the other resorts.
Our thoughts: Beautiful grounds and a lovely atmosphere, but if you're looking for strong Disney theming, Riviera may leave you wanting a little more.
The Lobby: Beautiful but Surprisingly Small
One thing that surprised me about Riviera was how small the lobby felt.
For a deluxe Disney resort, I was expecting something a little more impressive.
When I think about the lobbies at resorts like Disney's Grand Floridian or Animal Kingdom Lodge, they're such a huge part of the overall experience.
Riviera's lobby is much more understated.
It isn't necessarily bad, but there isn't anything particularly extravagant about it.
We also noticed that it could get very crowded in the afternoons, especially when guests were waiting for their rooms to become available.
The combination of the smaller space and crowds made it feel a little less relaxing than I would expect from a deluxe resort.
Our thoughts: Nice and modern, but small and not especially memorable compared with other Disney deluxe resort lobbies.
Kid-Friendly Activities at Disney's Riviera Resort
One thing I always appreciate about staying at a Disney resort is having activities available when we aren't spending the day in the parks.
Riviera has several options for families, and we really enjoyed one activity in particular!
Arts and Crafts at the Eventi Room
During our stay, we visited the Eventi Room for an arts-and-crafts activity.
We decided to paint pottery, and it ended up being such a fun experience with our kids!
After we finished painting, the pottery was sealed overnight for us.
It was such a sweet activity, and our kids really enjoyed getting to create something of their own.
I love little experiences like this because they give us something fun to do together without having to leave the resort.
Plus, it's nice to have a keepsake from our trip!
If you're traveling with younger children, I definitely recommend checking out the resort's activity schedule to see what's available during your stay.
Our thoughts: We loved this experience! It's a great way to spend a little downtime at the resort with kids.
Disney Skyliner Transportation: A Huge Plus with Strollers
One of Riviera's biggest advantages is its direct access to the Disney Skyliner.
When you're traveling to Disney World with a stroller, convenient transportation can make such a difference.
The Skyliner provides access to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios, making it a great transportation option for families visiting those parks.
We really appreciated being able to walk directly from the resort to the Skyliner station.
It's so much easier than dealing with buses, especially when you're carrying bags, snacks, and everything else that comes along with traveling with little kids.
And depending on your stroller's size and configuration, you may be able to roll it directly onto the Skyliner without folding it.
One thing to remember is that the Skyliner doesn't service every Disney park, so you'll still need other transportation for places like Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.
Would I Choose Riviera for Skyliner Access?
While the Skyliner was definitely a huge plus, I still think I would rather stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort.
Beach Club is within walking distance of EPCOT and also gives you access to the Skyliner system through the EPCOT International Gateway area.
For our family, I prefer the overall atmosphere and location of Beach Club.
So while Riviera's direct Skyliner access is wonderful, it isn't necessarily enough to make me choose Riviera over some of the other deluxe resorts.
Is Disney's Riviera Resort Good for Toddlers and Preschoolers?
After staying here with our 3- and 4-year-old, I think Riviera has several features that make it a great resort for families with younger kids.
The splash pad is fantastic, the pool is beautiful, the rooms can be very spacious, and the Skyliner is incredibly convenient.
Having so many dining options on property is another bonus, especially when you're trying to work around naps, bedtime, or unpredictable Florida weather.
And we really enjoyed being able to do activities like pottery painting without leaving the resort.
However, there are a few things I would consider before booking.
The lobby is small and can feel crowded, the quick-service restaurant can get busy, and the overall atmosphere is much more upscale hotel than classic Disney magic.
None of these things ruined our stay, but they are worth knowing before choosing Riviera for a family vacation.
Pros and Cons of Staying at Disney's Riviera Resort with Kids
What We Loved
Beautiful pool and splash pad for younger children
Direct Disney Skyliner access
Spacious, comfortable room
Excellent food and drinks at Bar Riva
Convenient on-site dining options
Fun arts-and-crafts activities for kids
Beautiful grounds and landscaping
Balcony and extra room amenities
What We Didn't Love
Didn't feel as Disney-themed as other deluxe resorts
Smaller, less impressive lobby
Crowded lobby during busy afternoon hours
Limited seating at Primo Piatto during busy times
Le Petit Café wasn't our favorite coffee option
Topolino's Terrace dinner was just okay for us
Would We Stay at Disney's Riviera Resort Again?
Overall, we had a nice stay at Disney's Riviera Resort.
The rooms were wonderful, the grounds were beautiful, and our kids absolutely loved the pool and splash pad.
We made some great memories here, and there are definitely reasons why I can see families loving this resort.
However, if I'm ranking the Disney deluxe resorts we've stayed at, Riviera would be toward the bottom of my list.
Not because it's a bad resort, but because it just didn't have that Disney feeling I personally love.
For me, staying at Disney World is about more than just having a beautiful hotel room.
I want to walk into the lobby, explore the grounds, and feel immersed in the magic of Disney.
And while Riviera is undoubtedly a lovely resort, it felt more like a beautiful upscale hotel than a Disney resort.
If I were choosing a deluxe resort with Skyliner access again, I would personally lean toward Beach Club instead.
But if you prefer a quieter, more sophisticated atmosphere, beautiful accommodations, and a fantastic pool area for your kids, Riviera could be a wonderful choice for your family.
Final Thoughts
Disney's Riviera Resort has so much to offer families visiting Walt Disney World, especially those traveling with toddlers and preschoolers.
Between the convenient Skyliner transportation, spacious accommodations, kid-friendly splash pad, and great poolside dining, there are plenty of reasons to consider staying here.
We truly enjoyed several parts of our stay, especially our room and afternoons spent by the pool.
But ultimately, Riviera just wasn't our favorite Disney deluxe resort.
And that's okay!
One of the things I love about Disney World is that every resort offers a different experience, and what works perfectly for one family may not be the best fit for another.
If you love elegant hotels, beautiful grounds, and a more relaxed atmosphere, Riviera may be exactly what you're looking for.
But if you're like me and want your Disney resort to feel just as magical as the parks, you may prefer somewhere else.
Either way, I hope our experience helps you decide whether Disney's Riviera Resort is the right fit for your next Disney World vacation with little ones!
Happy travels! 🤍
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