Experience the Sights, Sounds and Flavors of Europe a Luxury Disney Setting

Inspired by Europe and Imagined by Disney, Disney’s Riviera Resort is now open and ready to immerse guests in the grandeur and enchantment of the European Riviera. This brand new deluxe resort is also the first fully dedicated Disney Vacation Club resort at Walt Disney World since the opening of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort in 2004.

15th Disney Vacation Club Resort Offers Deluxe, Unique Accommodations Inspired by Europe, Imagined by Disney

“Blending the flavors and flair of the Italian and French Rivieras with the creativity and imagination that only Disney can deliver, this new resort pays tribute to Walt and Lillian Disney’s amazing European travels while connecting Disney artistry and storytelling to this region’s renowned art heritage and inspiration,” said Terri Schultz, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club. “Not only will Disney’s Riviera Resort delight families with its gorgeous architectural details and wide range of accommodations, but members and guests will simply fall in love with the sights, sounds and flavors of Europe around every corner. Our team is excited to welcome families to this relaxing destination inspired by the world-famous sun-drenched Mediterranean Coastline.”

Mickey, Minnie and More of Disney’s Favorite Friends are Enjoying the Riviera as Well

Special guests Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck joined the celebration onstage at the grand opening ceremony in their brand-new outfits from Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera, the resort’s stunning rooftop restaurant. Mickey the painter, Minnie the poet, Donald the sculptor and Daisy the dancer shared their enthusiasm for the study of the European Riviera’s different art forms. In addition, Minnie wrote and treated event guests with a special poem in honor of the resort’s dedication.

Watch a Video of the Grand Opening at Disney’s Riviera Resort

“Disney’s Riviera Resort adds a beautiful and inspiring addition to Walt Disney World,” said Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president of resorts, premium services, Disney Springs and sports at Walt Disney World. “We are always trying to evolve the guest and Cast Member experience at our parks and resorts. Riviera Resort does that by placing guests in the middle of the magic during their entire stay, inspiring them with old-world glamour and delighting them with timeless Disney charm.”

Guests at the resort have a new way to travel to two theme parks – Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios – via Disney Skyliner. The Skyliner promises to provide guests of the resort with an alternate mode of transportation beyond Disney buses or taking an Uber or Lyft. The Skyliner station is accessed by passing through a tunnel archway with featuring water features. Guests of Disney’s Riviera Resort can board a Disney Skyliner gondola at a dedicated station to take what Disney calls a “European-inspired ride” through the sky to Epcot International Gateway or Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The new Deluxe Resort offers approximately 300 family-friendly vacation homes with accommodation options to fit an assortment of travel party needs. Disney’s Riviera Resort includes deluxe studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, grand villas, that sleep up to 12 guests each, and a new, unique accommodation, Tower Studios.

The Tower Studios at Disney’s Riviera Resort are a First for Disney Vacation Club

A chic space for two, located in its own tower of the resort, Tower Studios provide an intimate studio experience that maximizes efficiency, inclusive of a queen-sized bed housed in a built-in wall unit that is pulled down for sleeping and tucked away to reveal a comfortable lounge-worthy space. This elegant area includes a sofa, quaint writing nook, a beverage center and microwave, plentiful storage and a bright and modern bathroom.

The feature pool, known as Riviera Pool, offers lounge chairs and colorful sun umbrellas, with a winding stone turret slide, giving the feel of swimming and playing along the Mediterranean coast. For those traveling with young guests, an interactive water play area, S’il Vous Play (a nice play on the French phrase), is the perfect place to splash and have fun in a whimsical fountain featuring several beloved characters from Disney’s Fantasia, drawing inspiration from the grand public fountains seen throughout Europe with a patina and limestone-inspired design. For guests looking for a more leisurely poolside experience, the Beau Soleil leisure pool features a natural, lush-green wall surrounding the tranquil area, creating a semi-private pool experience, perfect for enjoying the sun or resting beneath the shaded seating area in a grove of tropical palm trees.

Disney’s Riviera Resort also features many ways for guests to enjoy dining, from signature dining experiences to quick service options within the resort and poolside. Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera, perched on the rooftop, features authentic dishes infused with French and Italian flavors, with an onstage kitchen featuring a wood burning grill showcasing finely prepared meats and seafood. The culinary team handcrafts artisanal pastas tossed with fresh pressed olive oil. A gourmet selection of cheeses from France and Italy are also featured. This restaurant also has an impressive collection of wines sourced throughout the South of France and Coastal Italy.

Stepping into Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera, guests are surrounded by stunning visual aesthetics of modern interpretations of Italian and French textures, colors and carvings mingled with stonework that harkens to what can be found in ancient European villages along the coastline. And while dining, guests may step out onto the terrace for a grand view of the resort’s stunning vistas where they might catch glimpses of the nighttime spectaculars from nearby Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Plus, families looking to start their morning off with a fun breakfast experience can visit Topolino’s Terrace for Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends – a prix-fixe Disney character dining experience that celebrates the creativity in all of us.

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Mike Belobradic, The Finer Side of Travel
A Luxury Disney Travel Blog
#LuxuryDisney

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