Disney's Riviera Resort Review | The DVC Show | 02/03/20 

Thank you for spending some time talking about the art. It was a delight. The mosaics are really awe-inspiring as they soar up and over your heads. We purchased the framed Ratatouille print and had it shipped home. It now hangs in our dining room and it makes us so happy. We stayed in a 1 b/r preferred view room and it was spectacular. Gorgeous. We love the Riviera and can't wait to return.

Wow, ok. So as a mom with 4 kids who has purchased extra points at Riviera and stayed there with my family in December, I will say we LOVE the new resort AS A FAMILY. The kids loved the pools (both pools.) And while the Skyliner would pause occasionally, we found it WAY less frustrating than waiting for a bus. I'd rather be siting a few extra minutes on the Skyliner than standing there watching the times constantly change, wondering where in the world the bus has gone to get us to a certain park. I will say for Tapolino's the food was excellent but we will NEVER go back again as a family. (Kids can't sit through a 4 hour meal.) Also, I know EVERYTIME you all mention the Riviera you say you'll never buy there because of the restrictions, but we are very happy we can book 11 months with our direct points. I also wonder how many of you will change your tune once the new tower opens in Disneyland? Finally, I agree the lobby was disappointing, but doesn't it seam like the grounds outside are suppose to be an extension of the lobby?

In my opinion CBR is the greatest benefactor of the Riviera construction I know opinions are mixed on the Skyliner (I love it) but you now have deluxe accommodations at a moderate resort, with DVC owners subsidizing the costs. You can access the deluxe dining at Riviera in a 5-10 walk from CBR. I get that most of the times people don't pay rack rates, and that DVC owners will be staying at Riviera with points. All that aside, the price point for what Riviera offers is obscene. I think it's hard/impossible to justify the cost for what you are getting.

I was told the skyliner doesn’t run 24/7. Starts operating in the A.M. just 15 minutes before rope drop at Hollywood Studios AND it’s the PREFERRED mode of transportation and buses are very limited (unless the skyliner is down) so I was told by DVC there is ZERO chance of snagging a spot in the virtual queue for Rise of the Resistance using skyliner or bus from the Riviera. The recommendation - I was told by DVC... wait for it... HIRE A MINNIE-VAN to take us to Hollywood studios. Really?! At a deluxe property there is no Disney transportation that will get me to Hollywood Studios in time for the virtual queue? That’s the entire reason I booked RR and a big reason it’s being marketed as deluxe. I will not be purchasing a RR add on for this reason. It irks me to no end that DVC dues at RR support the skyliner station on property but it won’t get you to the park in time to ride Disney’s signature new ride.

Call me crazy, but when they first announced a “Riviera” resort that would essentially share Caribbean Beach’s grounds, For a long time I thought they were referring to the “Mexican Riviera” since is also part of the Caribbean 🤷🏻‍♀️ That would’ve been a lot more cohesive in my opinion

Your Skyliner comments are overstated..I was there for 5 days mid January...never saw skyliner down. Used multiple times daily so convenient. Think you had some poor luck

I just listening to you, love this channel and so love your voice! Lol

I agree on the lobby, very underwhelming. I was expecting something exceeding or at least coming close to Grand Floridian's

I’m not sure why there’s so much confusion of Italian vs French. Riviera literally means Coast in Italian. The two most famous in the world are the Italian and French Rivieras. Disney combined them to compliment their movies. I think it’s a brilliant idea.

For non DVC people this is probably the most horribly overpriced room on property. You could get better rates at the Four Seasons or Waldorf Astoria.

Pros- Skyliner, brand new everything, roof top dining and views, amenities. Cons- Isolation from other deluxe hotels with dining options, walking around and taking in the overall immersive experience (Boardwalk, yacht/beach or monorail loop hotels). Homegenized theming, price.

Riviera and Caribbean Beach are so close together that we visited CB to ride the skyliner, and just by wandering around ended up at the Riviera skyliner station, not even realizing that we were at a different resort at first. My initial thought was how convenient it was to stay at this section of rooms at CB, you’re right next to the station!

My theory is that they added the Italian theme element to make it more welcoming /less intimidating for Americans, also to add Italian restaurants, because Americans think French is fancy food reserved for special occasions, and finally, as a fall back excuse for the minimal theme

The overview video at the beginning was gorgeously shot! Still not sure if I'm sold on Riviera but the video makes me want to stroll the grounds.

I think the Cinque Terra is considered the Italian Riviera although it is on the Ligurian sea which leads to the Mediterranean. It is so charming. I look forward to staying at Riviera Resort in 2021. We love France and Italy so I am anxious to stay here, especially given the fact we cannot go to Europe for the time being 😢

It's based on the Italian Riviera AND the French Riviera, so I'm not sure what is the unknown here? It's a beautiful resort. But you have made some valid points (e.g. resale, etc).

Just got back from 1 week stay in a one bedroom preferred view..... We had a lengthy conversation with management over this..... Preferred view over look the pools, landscaped areas and Caribbean Beach resort..... Standard view overlook parking lot..... However, some preferred views may have a partial fireworks view and most standard view will catch a view of some fireworks.

Yes home away from home with respect to the room. AKL is a deluxe resort.....and the rooms are in jambo....so? Deluxe or not.

I'm not sure if I'll ever see this resort in person. I like hearing all about it though and seeing pictures. Thank you!

From a castmember perspective and knowing some who work there ....nobody wants to work there they are having issues keeping people. We stopped there in January to see a CM there and he said they’re having inner struggles so I’m glad u don’t see it as a guest. When u have a smaller staff it can be more difficult. I was so unimpressed by that lobby. It’s teenie tiny and just not pretty. Maybe u like the rooms and that’s why u love the resort. Get ready to see more iPad checking at all the resorts. At riverside they’re being told to get out from behind the desk and use the iPads. Unfortunately there r things the CM can’t do yet on the iPads so that’s annoying for the CM to have to go back to the desk mid checkin. The library study with walts personal items I loved that room. That was my fav part and the murals you walk thru to get to the gondolas.

I personally just do not get the theming. Im london based and grew up in the french riviera.. nothing resembles this resort. No European hotels/resort (or at least the nice ones at the same price point that disney is charging) really go that high up or that wide. It is so misplaced and I dont at all get any Disney vibe. I also think it is so overpriced for what it is!! Maybe thats just me.

It is my great hope that this resort will free up availability at Poly.

My freind just stayed at Caribbean beach and ate at Riviera because it was closer for them then the main building of Caribbean beach.

How has crowd management been on the Skyliner to EPCOT in the Morning and later after park close with the addition of Riviera guests since it's a pass through station with guests already aboard from Caribbean Beach and the other resorts?

This DVC doesn't photograph well 3000 a night for what exactly 7 days 21,000. That's more than a rip off

Great video, as always! Can you guys list all the resorts you reviewed/rated so far so we can see the scores to compare the different places? I watched your 7 in 7, but I forgot the overall scores of those. Keep up the great work, its always fun to watch! :)

The outside looks similar to a prison.🙂

We were checked in at the wilderness Lodge last November away from the front desk utilizing an iPad

Grand Destino is so much grander and more refined compared to Riviera in my opinion; you can't help but comparing them. Just the lobby and lobby bar starts is a step up. Topolino is not even close to the options at Grand Destino

For new DVC members...newer resort memberships are way overpriced! More valve in older resorts on the resale market! My opinion!

I stayed 5 nights at the Portofino Bay Resort last year. Such a beautiful hotel! Stayed 10 nights at GF after that and went to dinner at Cont, Poly, BW, AKL. All beautiful, but would still prefer Portofino Bay.

we took the skyliner to the quick service spot for dinner from Hollywood Studios - totally worth it - much better food

Love the montage.

I agree with topolino they told me bonjour and I though it was an Italian restaurant, then I replied in French since I am fluent and they didn't understand anything. It was fine I was joking but then it took 55 minutes to receive our pasta dish and once we were served the meal was completely flavorless,,and very expensive for pasta.. I guess they really need to work on this one IMO.

I work valet at a casino in CT... Our "4 diamond" hotels all have valet ports in front of them.

I love the comparison of the Riviera and Portofino Bay resort. I feel it is spot on that the Riviera is missing the immersive experience that Portofino has. Riviera is far too expensive to have such little thought given on the guest immersion. The amenities and service are of what a deluxe should be but most whom travel to Disney or any theme park for that matter are expecting an immersive experience. That is the reason I would even consider staying on Disney property besides for the amenity of being on property. Disney of all companies Should always be raising the bar for guest immersion. This is a reflection of the direction that the company is going, which is turn and burn business and less soul involved.

You guys lost me on this one. You’re personal dislike of the resale restrictions and overall desire to push resale (largely because of the sponsor) has clouded your judgement. You stated the rooms, topolino, cast and art/decor were beyond incredible, yet you somehow seem to think it’s the worst dvc resort on property. So what is it? Location and skyliner? There have been many positive reviews about skyliner and I honestly think it’s better than the monorail. As for location, being next to a moderate resort doesn’t impact my view of Riviera. I’d rather access to Epcot and Hollywood studios than simply having monorail access to MK (Epcot access is terrible) No resort nails everything perfectly and of course preference plays a large role in whether you like something, but don’t let Disney’s financial decisions impact your impression of the actual resort.

Why does Pete keep disregarding the Italian influences in this resort. It is obvious that this resort combines influences from both the French and Italian Rivieras. I mean the restaurant is called Toppolinos! 🤦🏼‍♀️

The amount of hyperbole about the Skyliner "breakdowns" on every one of these DIS Unplugged vids is mind numbing. We stayed at CBR for a week over Xmas and never once, rain or shine, did we experience a delay on our way to and from the parks. If you've got issues with heights, fine, don't ride it, but to mention that every time you looked out your window that the Skyliner was broken down is disingenuous at best. Generally love all the content on DIS Unplugged, but let's be real here please and not let our preconceived fears get in the way of honest review.

Its a great place to visit and have a meal for us right now. But when and if the Skyliner is consistently running it would be a win for us if they also connected it to Disney Springs. We love the Boardwalk for the freedom of walking around and into Epcot for a little while if we want and we really like Disney Springs. I also think if you went to a hotel on the french riviera it would be a bit muddled too since it is situated where you would find a little of this and that ala carte feel in terms of the travelers, the art and the food.

Went there just after opened. The big misstep is that there is almost zero “Disney” theming at the hotel. I’d rather stay at the Four Seasons than pay Disney prices for this hotel since there is no Disney. This resort does not appear kid friendly at all.

The one thing that Riviera kind of put me off was the price. If the price point was a little lower, I'd be yeah, sure. Maybe I'll have to look again, but the one time I looked the pricing was similar to the Grand Floridian? I was like it's great, but Grand Floridian price? Also, if it would have had a lazy river (even if a small one), that would be like OOoohh,, AAaaaahh. For me, it's a place you might have a meal, but to actually stay there, No. Good to know about the skyliner being broken down.

Nice shirt Sean! Go birds!!!

I have to say, was there on Dec 20th to look at the decor for the holidays and impressed. Disappointed about the lobby, but plenty of different places to eat and drink. I will say this, looked at the pricing, HELL NO!!! I won’t pay that when I can go down to the Waldorf Astoria and stay for less!!! Knowing the restrictions that they placed on DVC members that bought here, NOPE!!! I agree with you....sad that Imagineers threw out the distance sight lines that Disney was known for....I was at Caribbean Beach the same day....just couldn’t understand why they would build a resort so close!!! I mean I’ve stayed at GF and Wilderness Lodge but the others aren’t close and they are aesthetically pleasing (some blend into the surroundings). Just don’t understand what is going on at WDW!

I visited on my trip last month and was on the skyliner, so I decided to check the RR out. Was not impressed at all. I could not believe the lobby was that small.

I hate that grey color too. 😂

Looks like an air bnb. Not a wdw hotel. Nice but the theme is so generic. Could be anywhere. Like a model home in a development. Just with Disney art. I'll stick with AK, WL

I did a room tour in March 2019 the rooms are beautiful but it just seemed like it was missing that Disney touch

Sadly we stayed there for a week. This is probably my least favorite resort we have stayed on property. The price point is way to high and very generic in general.

Gran Destino or Riviera Resort?

I don’t think Pete has heard of the Italian riviera. It is a thing. Riviera does not mean France.

I wish there was a female voice in this review. There is one small comment from a female in this episode and it is very disappointing that there are all of these male perspectives and not a female voice. For the most part, I love all of the DIS Unplugged reviews but I really felt this one missed the mark and missed the female audience. In my opinion, from a female who has grown children and young grandchildren, and am done with raising kids; one of the reasons I fell in love with the Riviera is because to me, it is an elevated, beautiful escape from life while still on Disney property. As someone who travels from Michigan to Disney several times a year, I want to stay at an elegant, more deluxe, smaller style resort that has that Disney feel but not screaming Disney. I feel the architecture, style and artwork is exactly what I am looking for when traveling by myself or with my husband for a date weekend. With our grandkids, I would definitely choose Boardwalk or Beach Club or OKC or something more themed with more pools. But for me, this is exactly what I am looking for in a home away from home. Not everyone is into all the Disney theming and really just wants an elegant place to stay, on Disney property, with the security of knowing you are taken care of and welcomed home without all the Disney themed pizazz. Which is why I think what they did with the artwork is brilliant and the rest of the design is on point. While it may sound crazy that I want to get away and relax by going to Disney, that is exactly what I love about being able to fly down to Disney for a few days; several times a year. I'm not ever going to go to Pop Century or Art of Animation over this resort for the reasons I mentioned. Like I said, there are people like me, that want to be in a much more low key environment that makes me feel like I'm in a 'calgon bath taking me away moment'. I've been paying off property for that feeling and was so glad to see Disney offer this as part of their DVC collection. I think Sean really misses the mark on this, especially with female clients who want to get away from it all and feel transposed. This is why I bought into DVC direct this week at Riviera. While I'm happy and excited to take my grandkids and family on an annual vacation to OKC or Saratoga or someday to the grand villa here; I want my Disney dates, birthdays and girlfriend weekends at the Riviera and I want to make sure I get those bookings. I think what Disney did with this resort is brilliant for this reason. I don't like the restrictions either but I'm pretty much in love with everything else. In fact, I would never have even thought to buy property if it were not for Riviera. I visited it three times while staying at other properties this year before I finally took the plunge to purchase and am very happy I did. Prior to this episode I watched your other episodes before making my decision. Thank you for your reviews.

Nice shirt Sean!

Should be called the Continental, not Riviera. The color and materials do not reflect the Riviera. There’s even good classical French Caribbean architecture which would have made a thematically great neighbor to Caribbean Beach Resort. Public spaces are too tight and grounds and connections are lacking. It just feels a bit lost in its siting. Rooms look nice, though.

What’s a tango tower?

There are a lot of terrible takes in this review. The photos of the place don’t seem like much- but it’s stunning in person. I feel like the crew seriously missed some of the more elegant parts of this hotel. It’s not for everyone- thank god. ;)

I went to look around Riviera. The rooms are wonderful and I love the murals, but thoroughly disliked most of the resort. It’s on the worst part of ex Caribbean Beach land, adjacent to a road with minimal landscaping. Huge blank car park out front. Nope, not for me even without the resale restrictions. Huge grey box (we also said it looked like a prison!) when approaching on Skyliner- very ugly. Riviera hotels are white and beige- I’m from Europe. The lobby did capture a brand new hotel in London or Frankfurt though, there’s plenty of lobbies that look like that in 2000 built hotels in London! Love Skyliner but for a rope dropping family like mine it’s useless as it isn’t open early enough. I came out of the lobby, French music, European looking pools- and bleeding Caribbean Beach right outside! My wife and kids said nope- we don’t want to try that. I would disagree with any criticism of the rooms though, they with the artwork are wonderful. Pete these kitchens are galley kitchens- you keep calling the square ones at Boardwalk etc galley kitchens, these like at Riviera are the galley kitchens, not alley kitchens.

I might be mad, but I dislike resorts that tower over the public areas. Imagine I am at the pool and resort guests can sit on a balcony and watch me. I also dislike having to use an elevator to reach these public areas. I like to step outside my room and within a few steps you are at a resort's amenities.

Hi, Dis team! This is the third Dis unplugged video I have come across the last couple of weeks that has stopped mid way. I would really like to be able to watch the videos in full. (2018 Apple phone)

How about Buon Giorno? And towpolino towpolino towpolino towpolino towpolino towpolino towpolino towpolino Even Eddie Sullivan of all people got it right when he got just about everything else wrong. Pete and Fiasco you have no excuse. Hand back your Italian cards. Unless they are calling it top because it is at the top. Which is so cute. No wonder they greet you with Bonjour. They are seriously confused having no idea what the theme was supposed to be. So they made it an outrageously overpriced luxuriously appointed prison. Why didn't they use the plans for the Venetian or Asian? And now a Motel 6 where River Country used to be. The great resorts will no longer be built and Disney sprawl with no thought to where or how buildings are in relation to each other despite having plenty of room no longer matters to anyone in charge of these things. Iger is Walt Disney's worst nightmare come to life.

Sight lines went out the window when they decided it was ok to see Tower of Terror clear-as-day from Cars Land 🙁

No offense... but Riviera is absolutely the worst resort