by Allergy Mom Diva
As a new Walt Disney World Annual Passholder, I hope to eventually stay at each of the Walt Disney World (WDW) resorts. Compared to the number of resorts at Disneyland (3!), this is quite the task…which I’m willing to take on for all of you!
Our first hotel stay was at Disney’s Riviera Resort, which is Walt Disney World’s newest hotel. With its Mediterranean influences, unique Disney art, and relaxing waterfront, the Riviera is a beautiful hotel with a great location for accessing the parks. Since Walt Disney World closed early while we were there, we enjoyed walking around the grounds in the evenings.
The Riviera is also connected to the Disney Skyliner, which takes guests to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. I loved skipping the busses, and it felt like we were on our first ride before we even left our resort!
Safety Measures
I was impressed with the safety measures that were put in place at the Riveria. We checked in ahead of time on the My Disney Experience app, but when we pulled up, a cast member was standing outside with an iPad to also check-in guests. Masks were required throughout the resort (except at the pool), and hand sanitizer dispensers were located in strategic places, such as in front of the elevators.
Enhanced cleaning measures could be seen throughout the resort and in our room. We all know that hotel TV remotes can be pretty nasty devices! I was glad to see that the remotes had been cleaned and placed in plastic bags, and the bathroom toiletries also had “clean” stickers on them.
Rooms
We stayed in the Deluxe Studio, which sleeps up to five guests, with a queen-size bed, a pull-down queen-size bed, and a single pull-down bunk-size bed. I loved the bathroom layout, with a bathtub on one side and a large, upscale shower on the other side.
We had a parking lot view, which was the only negative aspect of the room. Since we didn’t spend a lot of time in the room, it didn’t bother us too much. However, for longer trips, I suggest spending a little extra money to get a better view.
Pools
Guests can choose between two different pools, as well as a water play area. Families can play in the Riviera Pool, which has its own pool slide that winds around a column tower. Next to it is the S’il Vous Play, an interactive water area with large fountains for kids to splash to their hearts content (and give their parents a break!). Guests looking for some quiet time can hang out at the Beau Soleil Pool.
Pool chairs were spaced out to allow for social distancing. Guests could remove their masks if sitting down or playing in the pool, but if they wanted to walk around, they were required to wear a mask. While we were there, the pools were fairly empty. With the parks closing early, the pools did fill up more in the evenings, but they still weren’t that busy.
Amenities
Some amenities were limited because of the pandemic, and we purposely kept to ourselves at the resort. However, Disney movies were played every evening on the activity lawn.
There is also the Voyageurs’ Lounge, which is such a cool space to read a book or enjoy an espresso. One side of the Lounge even showcased a collection of book titles that Walt Disney gathered during his travels to Europe!
A fitness center, sandy beach, and jogging path are other options at the Riviera.
Food
Every morning, we ordered food from their quick-service restaurant, Primo Piatto. Since some of the parks opened fairly late, there was plenty of time to eat breakfast at our resort. I had wanted to try the Riviera’s table service restaurant, Topolino’s Terrace, but with tired kids in the evenings, it didn’t work out this time. A review of Primo Piatto is coming soon!
Have you stayed at Disney’s Riviera Resort yet? If you need help planning your next Disney trip, make sure to contact Patricia from All for Dreams travel!
