Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be complicated — especially when you’re trying to choose between 25 resort hotels. If you’ve narrowed down your choices to these hotels, how do you make your final selection?

Choosing between Disney’s Riviera Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge isn’t an easy task. Well, let’s dive into the deets to see which one is right for you!

Whether room size, location, pools, and/or restaurants are most important to you, we share the information that you’ll need to make an informed decision. After all, we want you to stay at the hotel that is best for your family!

Let’s get started and look at all the details so that you can plan your Disney trip with confidence.

There’s no doubt that Disney vacations are expensive, and no one wants buyer’s remorse when it comes to what can usually be the most EXPENSIVE part of your Disney trip. We’re approaching this chaos-agent of a decision with as much logic as possible, so we’re breaking it down into five categories:

• Common Ground
• Theme/Rooms
• Pools
• Food
• Transportation

Let’s get started on your vacation research.

Common Ground

Before we mention their differences, let’s take a look at what Riviera and Wilderness Lodge have in common. First, both offer Deluxe Villa accommodations (Wilderness Lodge also offers Deluxe rooms) with a similar resort layout. The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Villas can be booked by Disney Vacation Club members or cash-paying guests. You’ll discover luxurious amenities and unique themeing at both hotels. Plus, both boast many of the same perks. Riviera and Wilderness Lodge offer buses and one other type of Walt Disney World transportation.

The most expensive rooms at both resorts are large villas. You’ll see that rates are very similar, however note that the least expensive rooms at Riviera are very small.

For the Riviera Resort, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $443 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $5,165 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates)

For the Wilderness Lodge, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $453 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $5,128 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates)

Let’s dig a little deeper to see what you can get for the money at these resorts!

Extra Theme Park Hours Benefits for Disney World Resort Hotel Guests

Theme/Rooms

These are not your standard hotels. At Disney’s Riviera Resort, you’ll discover an Italian and French Riviera theme, inspired by Walt Disney’s travels! While a stay at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge transports you to a Northwestern National Park Lodge.

But whether your stay takes you to the posh riviera or to the rustic wilderness, you’ll find that both of these options provide delightful Disney amenities.

Riviera Resort

Disney’s Riviera Resort, which opened in December 2019, is Walt Disney World’s newest Disney Vacation Club Resort! The European Riviera inspires the architectural design and decorative touches. The theme translates into a refined and elegant space that is simultaneously bright and airy. Of course, Riviera Resort is not without touches of Disney whimsy! The overall effect is stunning while also being relaxing and welcoming.

Riviera Resort offers1-, 2- and 3-Bedroom Villas as well as Tower and Deluxe Studios. The least expensive accommodations are Tower Studios (255 sq. ft), which only sleep 2. Deluxe Studios sleep five (423 sq. ft.), however the rates are about $200 more per night. 

Inspired by Europe — and, in fact, by Walt Disney and his wife Lillian’s own travels along the French Riviera — deluxe amenities, memorable Resort activities, a wide range of fantastic and flavorful dining (including Character Dining), lovely and relaxing pools, and much more are all part of the Riviera Resort experience.

The overall effect is stunning while also being relaxing and welcoming.

Wilderness Lodge

Welcome to the beauty and grandeur of the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Towering redwoods, pristine free-flowing creeks, artifacts, and monuments to American history and its inhabitants. The inspiration for this resort is pulled from various lodges and resorts of the national parks like Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park and Ahwahnee Hotel at Yosemite National Park. Guests feel the full majesty of nature once they enter the grand lobby, soaring ceilings, the massive 82-foot tall Grand Canyon-inspired fireplace, and 55-foot totem poles.

And the lobby delivers on that jaw-dropping “oh wow” moment (especially around the holidays).

The deluxe Wilderness Lodge standard rooms received a little facelift, like the Contemporary and Polynesian rooms have. So, when you stay here, you’ll get to experience a bit more streamlined and updated decor that is both modern and rustic.

Wilderness Lodge also has two different Disney Vacation Club accommodations, Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek, which include villas ranging from basic studio rooms all the way up to multi-room cabins overlooking Bay Lake.

Some of these cabins face the Contemporary Resort and may provide some obstructed views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Results

This could boil down to your preference. Riviera Resort seems to embrace all things European and “summery” while Wilderness Lodge is cozier and “wintery.” Both resorts deliver beautifully on their themes. So, this really could be down to what type of vibe you want on your vacation.

PHOTOS: The Halls at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Are DECKED Out for Christmas!

Pools

Pools, splash pads, hot tubs, and lounge chairs, a vacation just doesn’t feel complete without spending some time by the pool. Which of these resorts is the aquatic champion of water lounging? Only one way to find out…

Riviera Resort

Guests can enjoy the zero-entry Riviera Pool (complete with a waterslide) and the quiet, leisure pool — Beau Soleil Pool.

Each are accompanied by a whirlpool spa. And S’il Vous Play showcasing Fantasia characters is especially made for the kiddos to make a splash!

Bar Riva is the Resort’s poolside bar.

Chef-crafted sandwiches and specialty cocktails are served in a covered, open-air setting. There are lots of drink options and plenty of food options for your day by the pool.

If you’re staying at the Riviera soon, we recommend trying out this spot, located on the ground floor next to Primo Piatto and the main pool.

Wilderness Lodge

The Wilderness is not to be outdone in the pool category; it hosts two pools: the Copper Creek Pool and the Boulder Ridge Pool. Both pools have the natural feel of swimming in a spring. Copper Creek is the main pool, complete with a water slide and the Copper Creek splash area.

Copper Creek pool overlooks the serene Bay Lake and resort-iconic geyser, Fire Rock Geyser, which spouts off every hour on the hour between 7am and 10pm. (But they will turn it off for inclement weather or on particularly windy days.)

Boulder Ridge pool is a quieter pool closer to the Boulder Ridge section of the resort with rusticly themed cabanas, and close proximity to the Geyser Point Bar & Grill.

Results

Both have two, relaxing pools, and both have pool bars, lounge chairs, and splash areas. Again, it might boil down to just what your style is. Do you want to soak in a natural spring with lakeside views, a majestic geyser, and surrounded by serene, wooded trails? Or something a bit more modern with European flair? These two really make the choice difficult!

There’s no real loser in this category if you’ve found relaxation and joy!

10 Hidden Secrets About Disney World Pools

Food

Because we are Disney FOOD Blog, we take food seriously. Very. Seriously. And we love it all. We love the cheap, comfort of plastic cheese, and we love the high-brow sophistication of a wine flight or a multi-course pre-fixe meal. We don’t discriminate; we are a lover of all foods. Since food is SO important, let’s see how these resorts stack up against each other in the restaurant category.

Riviera Resort

Riviera Resort boasts rooftop and Character Dining, along with casual counter service and pool bar eats and drinks served in upscale settings.

As mentioned above, Bar Riva is the Resort’s poolside bar.

Le Petit Cafe is located off the lobby of the resort and serves up specialty coffee and artisan pastries in the morning, transforming into a wine bar in the evening.

Primo Piatto serves as Riviera’s Quick Service and grab-and-go location.

That said, with dishes like Blueberry-Lemon Pancakes and a Croque Madame sandwich for Breakfast, and Hearth-Baked Pizzas and Spicy Italian Sandwiches for Lunch and Dinner, Primo Piatto is Counter Service… elevated!

Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera is a rooftop Signature Dining restaurant and lounge. In addition to fine dining, Topolino’s also offers sweeping views of EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including views of the nighttime fireworks. 

In the morning, Topolino’s presents a TERRIFIC Character Breakfast featuring Mickey Mouse and friends: Breakfast à la Art!

Voyageurs’ Lounge is also off the lobby, offering a relaxing spot for guests to enjoy items from Le Petit Cafe, play a game, or read a book.

We love this quiet space!

The Complete Guide to Eating at Disney’s Riviera Resort

Wilderness Lodge

Wilderness Lodge has five dining spots for you to nibble and nosh your way through the wilderness.

Geyser Point Bar & Grill located near the Copper Creek Springs Pool at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge — is a unique space in that it offers two different kinds of service for guests… all in one cozy and lovely setting.

It blends two different dining styles (a Table Service lounge and a Quick Service walk-up counter) and two different menus. The Featured Cocktail list at the lounge boasts beverages unique to Geyser Point, featuring spirits from Northwest distilleries in keeping with the theme of the Resort. Hearty appetizers can be ordered from the lounge as well, while full entrees are available at the connected Counter Service.

The open-air restaurant offers gorgeous waterfront views and a fireplace for cool evenings. And don’t sleep on Geyser Point, it’s a destination-worthy eatery with amazing burgers, queso, and unique cocktails, all in a serene atmosphere.

Formerly a signature restaurant, Artist Point’s setting and menu have been entirely transformed with a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs theme for a different experience. Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White is a Character Meal at Disney World’s beautiful Wilderness Lodge! Guests enjoy a prix-fixe meal and can look forward to Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy stopping by throughout the dinner. And The Evil Queen is even present for a unique photo opportunity.

Shhh…..don’t tell anyone our secret. Territory Lounge is one of our favorite hidden gems at Disney World!  If your idea of a good lounge is one with cozy seating, specialty cocktails (as well as beer and even wine flights), and some of the best lounge eats on Walt Disney World property, then Territory Lounge is your place.

Boasting its own unique menu of lounge noshes, the Disney Food Blog gives it a hearty thumbs-up. The Territory Lounge is a great place to grab a light dinner and drinks with friends in an atmosphere that’s warm and inviting.

Hearty comfort food in a warm, rustic setting…. Welcome to Roaring Fork! Roaring Fork offers a variety of hearty entrees and counter service basics (along with grab-and-go options) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a serene atmosphere, with seating both indoors and out.

Guests will even find specialty coffee drinks available, and fans of Disney cupcakes will often find some really fun and unique options here that change with the seasons.

The other Table Service option at the Wilderness Lodge is Whispering Canyon. Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge is one of Disney World’s “funnest” restaurants ! With a crew of wayward servers intent on making you laugh and all-you-can-eat down home grub served skillet-style (guests may also choose from a la carte selections), this restaurant is a great one to book for a casual good time — especially if you’re with a group!

Whispering Canyon is renowned for its raucous hijinks like wooden pony races, massive straw drops, and tables overloaded with ketchup bottles. It is one of Disney’s dining options that put the fun front-and-center, and also provides some consistently tasty eats.

Click HERE for our Complete Guide to Eating at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge!

Results

It’s so hard to designate a clear winner for food — because both resorts offer a delectable lineup of dining choices. The Wilderness Lodge and Riviera list some unique menu items abd you’ll find quality at both locations. Wilderness Lodge offers a more casual vibe with Whispering Canyon Cafe, while Riviera’s Topolino’s Terrace boasts a signature dinner.

Transportation

Do these resorts offer anything different when it comes to transportation? Let’s see!!

Riviera Resort

Disney’s newest form of transportation, the Disney Skyliner, hosts a station at Disney’s Riviera Resort!

From Riviera, the Skyliner goes directly to EPCOT and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. From Caribbean Beach (which serves as the Skyliner Hub) guests can then transfer to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (or to Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts).

Additionally, guests have complimentary access to Disney Bus Transportation to and from the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.

Wilderness Lodge

If Magic Kingdom is your destination, there is boat transportation that sails through Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon to the front steps of the Magic Kingdom. There is also a bus option at peak times or when the weather doesn’t permit boat travel.

If EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s buses to transport you over to these parks.

Guests staying at the Wilderness Lodge will have to rely primarily on bus transportation for the free option to navigate around Disney property.

Results

Riviera Resort has the perk of Disney Skyliner to two theme parks — Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT! But if you are spending more touring days at Magic Kingdom, then Wilderness Lodge might be better for your family — it really depends on your vacation plans. We’ll give this one to Riviera, though, because the ability to take the Skyliner to two theme parks as well as to other resorts is a huge convenience!

Note that ride share, taxis, and Minnie Vans are also available at an extra cost in case you find yourself in a hurry.

Get the answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Disney Skyliner here!

The Winner!

So, who is the ultimate winner in the Riviera vs. Wilderness Lodge battle? We hate to say it, but it depends! You’ll need to decide which theme, dining, room types, and transportation best suits your next vacation to Walt Disney World.  Since their price point is similar and both resorts are popular, we don’t envy your decision.

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What do you think? Is Riviera or Wilderness Lodge the best choice for your family? Let us know in the comments!

The post Wilderness Lodge vs. Riviera Disney World Resort Guide 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog.