With Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge expected to bring record visitors to Walt Disney World after it opens in the fall of 2019, Disney is racing to finish it’s next big resort – Riviera. Today we learned that reservations are now being accepted for nights starting in mid-December 2019.
The European-inspired design of the Disney Vacation Club resort takes its cue from Walt and Lillian Disney’s travels in Europe and will immerse guests in the grandeur and enchantment of the European Riviera.
“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.”
As you approach Disney’s Riviera Resort for the first time you will be greeted by a palm tree-lined boulevard and a striking facade that features grand archways, porticos, cascading water features, towers and terraces. The goal is to create an elegant early 20th century design for this modern European retreat with hints of old world glamour thrown in for good measure.
When you step into the grand oval lobby you will have a stunning view of the resort lawn and lakefront, and will encounter a mix of modern and classic furnishings. Throughout the resort and inside the accommodations, a unique art collection will celebrate beloved Disney characters and icons with one-of-a-kind pieces influenced by the works of master artists who also found inspiration along the European Riviera. This eclectic mix of art will blend Disney artistry and European storytelling with a nod to the Riviera region’s renowned art heritage.
Rooms:
The resort will have around 300 family-friendly rooms and suites. Including deluxe studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, and grand villas that sleep up to 12 guests each.
An all-new room category — tower studios — will sleep two guests each. Each charming, bright tower studio will include a private balcony with scenic views and seating for two, offering a more intimate setting. Concept art shows the room featuring a murphy bed.
The deluxe studios, which sleep five, will also feature kitchenettes. One-bedroom, two-bedroom and grand villas will feature large, fully equipped kitchens with dining space open to a living area. Villas will also feature an en-suite luxury bathroom, including a freestanding soaking tub and walk-in shower, as well as a private porch or balcony and a laundry area with a washer and dryer.
Dining:
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, you will be able to watch as your meal is prepared at the exclusive expo kitchen or wood burning grill. If you are looking to pair your meal with a glass of wine, you 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.
Other dining options at the resort include Le Petit Café, an inviting lobby locale with fresh-brewed coffee aromas by day and a bustling wine bar by night. The new quick-service location, Primo Piatto, reminiscent of chic dining venues found along Riviera promenades, will be conveniently located near the feature pool, and Bar Riva, an open-air pool bar with a seaside vibe featuring crisp white tiles and cool blue accents, will offer guests a place to relax as they enjoy a cold beverage and poolside views.
New Transportation:
Guests at Disney’s Riviera Resort will also have a new way to travel to Epcot or on to Disney’s Hollywood Studios via Disney Skyliner, a state-of-the-art gondola system that will begin operating this fall. In addition to a dedicated Disney Skyliner station at Disney’s Riviera Resort, the system will conveniently connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.
We love this newly released concept art for the Skyway station:
Nightly room rates look to be set at around $545 w/tax. So getting early or late access to Disney’s Hollywood Studios will come at a price, but this might be your best chance to sneak in ahead of the main crowds if you’re planning a trip to see Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
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I like the idea of a studio with a Murphy bed — it makes the room more functional. I’m sure we’ll be trying out a one-bedroom villa at some point there. The idea of being able to take the SkyLiner to the International Gateway is very cool, since we tend to go into Epcot pretty much every day when we stay at one of the Epcot-area resorts.
We’ll be curious to see how the SkyLiner works once it’s open; as long as there aren’t really long waits for an open gondola or frequent shutdowns due to weather, we’ll probably stay at the Riviera. Otherwise, we’ll just opt to walk into Epcot from the Boardwalk or the Beach Club, which are our favorite DVC resorts.
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