I’ve stayed at all of Disney World’s priciest resorts — only one’s worth it for its easy park access and great amenities

I visit Disney World at least twice a month. On about half of my trips, I stay at the most expensive resorts on the property, which Disney labels “deluxe.”

Deluxe resorts are often the closest to the theme parks and feature upgraded amenities and special restaurants.

As they’re above Disney’s lower-cost value resorts and moderate options, they can get pricey. Starting rates at the deluxe resorts typically start at about $500 a night.

I love all of the high-end places I’ve stayed at, but if I had to recommend just one on the entire Disney World property, it’d be the Riviera Resort.

The resort brings a chic European style to the heart of Disney World

From the outside, the grayish resort doesn’t look like much. However, the interior is stunning and filled with custom artwork inspired by Disney’s princesses and movies set in Europe, like “The Aristocats.”

I also love that the resort has two pools. One is a dedicated quiet pool with plush seating and shaded tables that’s mainly for adults looking to relax. The other is more family-friendly with a slide and water features that are fun for kids.

There’s also plenty of upscale amenities on the property, like a beautiful gym and a rooftop bar overlooking the Disney Skyliner gondola system.

Even better, the Skyliner can easily take guests to two of Disney’s theme parks, Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Getting to the latter can sometimes take about 30 minutes (and requires a transfer), but the ride to Epcot is only about eight minutes.

The resort has a broad range of accommodations, ranging from studios that sleep two to massive three-bedroom villas that sleep 12 and are complete with a formal dining room, full kitchen, and outdoor deck.

My favorite is the resort’s one-bedroom villa, which can sleep up to five people.

It has a beautiful main bedroom that’s attached to a marble-covered bathroom. The open living room and kitchen double as another sleeping space with two pull-down beds.

The villa has a lot of storage, which I really love. It means I can unpack and spread out, but my space never looks cluttered throughout my stay.

There are great dining options at Disney’s Riviera Resort

I often like to cook my own food to save money on Disney trips — it’s cheaper than buying every meal at the parks or a hotel. However, the Riviera Resort has great dining options for a splurge meal.

My favorite is Topolino’s Terrace for Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends. This character-dining experience is a delightful way to spend a morning.

Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy make their way around the restaurant to take photos with guests as they munch on dishes like sour-cream waffles with roasted apples and French-toast bread pudding.

Other dining options around the resort are Bar Riva, an excellent pool bar serving drinks and sizable lunch and dinner plates, and Primo Piatto, a quick-service restaurant dishing out everything from hot sandwiches and pizza to soups and salads.

Plus, there’s plenty to do on the property once the sun goes down

During the day, I love spending time in the resort’s pools. At night, I always find lots to do around the property.

The resort hosts nightly movies on its lawn, where you can catch an animated Disney classic. I also love the free marshmallow roasts that happen each evening around a fire.

When it’s time for the Epcot fireworks, I head up to Topolino’s Terrace for incredible viewing on the outdoor patio. About 30 minutes before the show begins, I like to grab a drink from the bar that I can enjoy outside— its old-fashioneds are incredible.

This is the resort I always recommend to friends

When friends ask me where to stay at Disney World, the Riviera Resort is always my first suggestion if they have extra room in their vacation budgets.

Though a stay can be pricey, I still think the resort is a good pick for its easy access to two theme parks, ample dining options, exceptional amenities, and large rooms for bigger families. I’ve stayed here a handful of times and always enjoy my vacation.

Even if the resort isn’t in your budget, you should still try to get to Topolino’s Terrace for breakfast.

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