Disney Vacation Club Celebrates Grand Opening of Disney’s Riviera Resort

Disney Vacation Club welcomed its first guests to Disney’s Riviera Resort on December 16 at Walt Disney World Resort. As the newest of 15 properties, important members of the brand’s executive team celebrated with a dedication ceremony on the resort’s promenade with Cast Members, guests, and media in attendance. Welcome and dedication remarks were given by DVC’s Senior VP and General Manager Terri Schultz and Senior VP of Resorts, Premium Services, Disney Springs and Sports at Walt Disney World Thomas Mazloum.

Disney’s Riviera Resort’s design has been heavily influenced by the European Riviera and engrosses guests in its enchanting colors, impressive architecture, and old-world feel. Riviera Resort is the first deluxe Disney Vacation Club property to have a dedication ceremony at Disney World since the opening of Disney’s Saratoga Springs in 2004.

Schultz was excited to speak at the event:

“Blending the flavors and flair of the Italian and French Riviera with the creativity and imagination that only Disney can deliver, this new resort pays tribute to Walt and Lillian Disney’s amazing European travels while connecting Disney artistry and storytelling to this region’s renowned art heritage and inspiration. Not only will Disney’s Riviera Resort delight families with its gorgeous architectural details and wide range of accommodations, but members and guests will simply fall in love with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Europe around every corner. Our team is excited to welcome families to this relaxing destination inspired by the world-famous sun-drenched Mediterranean Coastline.”

Sticking within the theme, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck were all also on-stage in their new, European-inspired outfits from Topolino Terrace, the resort’s rooftop restaurant. Their outfits reflect the many art forms studied on the European Riviera with Mickey as a painter, Donald as a sculptor, Minnie as a poet, and Daisy as a dancer. Minnie even recited a special dedication poem to guests in honor of the event.

Mazloum added:

“Disney’s Riviera Resort adds a beautiful and inspiring addition to Walt Disney World. We are always trying to evolve the guest and Cast Member experience at our parks and resorts. Riviera Resort does that by placing guests in the middle of the magic during their entire stay, inspiring them with old-world glamour and delighting them with timeless Disney charm.”

The resort isn’t the only exciting addition to Walt Disney World. Guests can also utilize the new Disney Skyliner to access both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The gondola offers guests a whole different view of the park with incredible views, amazing photo opportunities, and small extras like a tunnel archway and water features to make the experience even more enjoyable. Inside the cabins, guests will see a variety of graphics based on the brand’s films, attractions, and many characters.

The property boasts of 300 accommodation options designed for a variety of families in mind. Deluxe studio, one-, and two-bedroom villas, as well as grand villas, allow for as many as 12 guests to stay in a single unit together. The resort even has unique efficiency accommodation options in Tower Studios designed for two guests with queen-size Murphy beds which reveal comfortable lounge areas underneath, writing nooks, beverage centers, microwaves, comfortable bathrooms, and plenty of storage.

There is more than enough artwork featured throughout the Riviera Resort including archival photography of Walt Disney’s travels through Europe, Disney film posters released in Europe, and plenty of Disney concept art within various European settings. If all of that wasn’t enough, the resort also has more than 40 signature art pieces created specifically for the resort featuring Disney characters and inspired by the art history that surrounds the European Riviera.

To learn more about Disney Vacation Club and its upcoming property openings, please visit their official website.