With the majority of the Walt Disney World Resort still closed due to COVID-19, I have been spending a lot of time thinking about what it is that I’d most like to do once I feel comfortable returning and more importantly, where I’d like to stay.
Last week, it was announced that Disney Vacation Club Members could begin to make Resort reservations even though non-DVC Resorts cannot be booked just yet. Tempting as it is, I have not taken the plunge to book a weekend getaway, but I am finding myself reminiscing about the time my husband and I spent at Disney’s Riviera Resort during their opening week in December of 2019 and I want to go back – really bad.
It feels like it’s been an eternity since the time I spent there and I thought that today, I’d share the top 3 reasons I can’t wait to “live” there again for a couple of nights.
If you haven’t had the chance to “fly” on the Disney Skyliner, you really should give it a try once that mode of transportation is running again. First of all, I’m am not too keen on being up high whether it’s on a plane or simply driving over a high bridge; I just don’t like it at all. I was scared the first time I boarded a gondola but I made it through and was even bold enough to do it again during my stay at Riviera.
If you enjoy dining at any of the restaurants in EPCOT’s World Showcase, you won’t believe how fast you can get there by using the Disney Skyliner transportation from Riviera. We had Advance Dining Reservations one night at Chefs de France and we were standing outside of the restaurant within 30-minutes from the time we left our room. I continue to be amazed whenever I recall how great that was and with the Skyliner station being located at the International Gateway entrance of EPCOT, it was a very short walk to the France pavilion. There are so many restaurants in EPCOT that I haven’t had the pleasure of dining at and I’m itching to try a few more.
Another aspect I love about the location of Disney’s Riviera Resort is the fact that it’s only about a 10-15 minute walk over to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Sebastian’s Bistro is the newer Table Service restaurant at that Resort hotel and it’s a hidden gem for sure. Also, I love a nice walk by the water in the late evenings at Disney. It’s so hot during the daytime hours and a few hours after the sun goes down, it’s really a pleasure, especially if there happens to be a little breeze.
The last reason (for today), is Topolino’s Terrace located right there on the Resort’s top floor. I am in love with this restaurant. In fact, I’m completely smitten if I’m being honest. The character breakfast that’s offered in the mornings is so much fun, but more so, the food is out of this world. You can read my full review of the breakfast service at Topolino’s Terrace as not all members of the team thought everything was as great as I did – shocker, I know, but the quiche I had was fantastic.
Dinner was unbelievable as well and it felt like a completely different atmosphere altogether. First, there were no Disney characters present, so it was more of a fine dining experience. Head HERE to read Deni’s review of our opening night dinner the night we were there for all the glorious details.
Have you had the chance to enjoy a stay at Disney’s Riviera Resort yet? I’d love to hear what your favorite things were about it as well as if you plan on staying there again. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!