BookResorts™ is an independent travel network offering over 100,000 hotels worldwide.is an independent travel network.

Disney's Riviera Resort Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Book Now Or call, 24/7+1 (888) 605-1350
Rooms & Suites Dine & Drink Activities Gallery FAQs
Ready to book?Lowest online rate, free perks and upgrades.Book nowCall 24/7 · 888-605-1350
Hotel comparison guide

Disney's Riviera Resort vs Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney's Riviera Resort is a Mediterranean‑styled Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villa property with Skyliner access and rooftop signature dining. Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort is a DVC tower attached to the Contemporary, steps from the monorail and very close to Magic Kingdom — read this if you’re choosing between villa-style Disney hotels near the parks.

Updated

Night view of Disney's Riviera Resort pool and lakeside facade with fireworks overhead.

Disney's Riviera Resort

Skyliner access · Mediterranean styling · Rooftop signature dining

Best for easiest Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and for Mediterranean/European design.

See rooms & suites
Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Monorail/Contemporary connection · Steps from Magic Kingdom · Lakeside views

Best for walking/quick monorail access to Magic Kingdom, and for being inside the Contemporary/Monorail loop.

Quick Verdict: Disney's Riviera Resort vs Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort

When Disney's Riviera Resort wins: choose Riviera if you want direct Disney Skyliner gondola service to EPCOT (International Gateway) and a European‑inspired resort atmosphere with a rooftop signature restaurant (Topolino's Terrace). It’s a strong pick for families or couples who plan lots of EPCOT or Hollywood Studios time.

When Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort wins: choose Bay Lake Tower if proximity to Magic Kingdom is a priority. The tower is effectively part of the Contemporary complex with very short access to the monorail and lakeside park views, useful for families targeting Magic Kingdom or seeking quick in‑resort transfers.

Bottom line: both are Disney Vacation Club villas with villa‑style rooms and family amenities; pick Riviera for Skyliner/EPCOT convenience and themed European styling, pick Bay Lake Tower for location and monorail/Magic Kingdom convenience.

Call +1 (888) 605-1350Book Disney's Riviera Resort

Disney's Riviera Resort vs Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for Disney's Riviera Resort and Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
CategoryDisney's Riviera ResortBay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Overall vibeMediterranean/European, modern villa styleModern high‑rise tower attached to the Contemporary; more contemporary/modern hotel aesthetic
Location (Walt Disney World area)EPCOT Resort Area; has on-site Disney Skyliner stationBay Lake/Magic Kingdom area; attached to Disney's Contemporary Resort and on the monorail loop
Rooms / villa typesStudios, one‑ and two‑bedroom villas, Tower Studio; ~300–341 rooms across 9–10 floorsDeluxe Studios, 1‑ and 2‑Bedroom Villas (multiple view and accessibility options); 428 guestrooms listed
Pools & water playTwo heated pools (Riviera Pool with waterslide and zero‑entry + Beau Soleil quiet pool) plus S'il Vous Play kids' water play areaThree outdoor pools, waterslide and poolside bars listed in supplier amenities
Signature diningTopolino's Terrace — rooftop French/Italian signature dining and character breakfastMultiple on‑site restaurants across Contemporary complex (supplier lists 5 restaurants and several bars)
Transport highlightsDirect Disney Skyliner station to EPCOT/connection to Hollywood Studios (via transfer)Direct access to Magic Kingdom via short walk/monorail connection through the Contemporary
Fitness & wellnessAthlétique Fitness Center; whirlpools adjacent to pools; no dedicated full spa24‑hour fitness center listed; on‑site hot tub(s); supplier listing shows spa not explicitly named (details vary)
Who it's best forGuests prioritizing EPCOT/Hollywood Studios access and a quieter Mediterranean themeGuests prioritizing Magic Kingdom proximity, quick park runs, and lakeside/Contemporary connectivity
Accessibility & family policyAll ages welcome; accessible rooms and pool features; family‑friendly amenities
Room extrasVilla kitchens or kitchenettes in multi‑bedroom units; Rapid Fill mug refills at Primo PiattoMicrowaves, DVD players, balconies/patios in many rooms; in‑room safes and desks listed

A Look Inside Disney's Riviera Resort

Disney's Riviera Resort: rooms & suitesRooms & suitesDisney's Riviera Resort: pools & beachPools & beachDisney's Riviera Resort: diningDiningDisney's Riviera Resort: spa & wellnessSpa & wellness
See all photos →

Location: Riviera’s Skyliner vs Bay Lake Tower’s monorail/Contemporary access

Disney's Riviera Resort – Location

Disney's Riviera Resort sits in the EPCOT Resort Area with its own Disney Skyliner station.

  • Direct Skyliner gondola to EPCOT's International Gateway; transfer at Caribbean Beach for Hollywood Studios.
  • Complimentary buses to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs.
  • Resort is about 1.4 miles from EPCOT (park‑side views from some rooms).

Riviera is positioned for easy EPCOT/Skyliner access rather than Magic Kingdom proximity.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort – Location

Bay Lake Tower is the DVC tower attached to Disney's Contemporary Resort, inside the monorail loop and very close to Magic Kingdom.

  • Part of the Contemporary/Monorail loop — short walk or monorail trip to Magic Kingdom.
  • Supplier listing distances show Walt Disney World Resort and Magic Kingdom within short drives/walks.
  • Good option for quick returns to the room during a Magic Kingdom day.

Bay Lake Tower is the practical pick if you want the fastest access to Magic Kingdom.

Rooms: villa layouts and family flexibility

Disney's Riviera Resort – Rooms

Riviera is a DVC Deluxe Villa resort with studios to multi‑bedroom villas designed for longer stays.

  • Room types include Deluxe Studio - Standard/Resort/Preferred View, 1‑Bedroom and 2‑Bedroom Villas, and a Tower Studio.
  • Villas have living/dining space and kitchen or kitchenette options in multi‑bedroom units.
  • About 300–341 rooms over 9–10 floors, suited for families or groups.

Choose Riviera for traditional DVC villa layouts and longer‑stay conveniences.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort – Rooms

Bay Lake Tower offers deluxe studio and multi‑bedroom villa options with many accessibility choices.

  • Published room types include multiple Deluxe Studio variants, 1‑Bedroom and 2‑Bedroom Villas with Theme Park, Lake, Resort, and Preferred views.
  • Accessible room variations are listed (roll‑in showers, tubs, hearing accessibility options).
  • Room amenities per supplier: microwaves, DVD players, private balconies/patios, complimentary Wi‑Fi.

Bay Lake Tower gives a wide spread of DVC studio and villa room types with many view and accessibility options.

Dining & drinks: Riviera’s rooftop versus Contemporary’s restaurant footprint

Disney's Riviera Resort – Dining & drinks

Riviera focuses on four published dining outlets anchored by Topolino's Terrace on the rooftop.

  • Topolino's Terrace — rooftop French/Italian signature dinner and character breakfast.
  • Primo Piatto — Italian‑American quick‑service trattoria with mobile ordering; Le Petit Café — lobby coffee and light bites; Bar Riva — pool bar.
  • Reservations recommended for Topolino's Terrace; other venues are walk‑up or mobile order.

Riviera concentrates dining around a signature rooftop experience plus casual and quick options.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort – Dining & drinks

Bay Lake Tower/Contemporary complex offers multiple full‑service and casual dining outlets across the property.

  • Supplier lists 5 restaurants and 4 bars/lounges on site; room service is available during limited hours.
  • Coffee shop/cafe and poolside bar options are available for snacks and drinks.
  • Convenience of on‑site dining plus easy access to additional Contemporary restaurants and monorail‑linked resort dining.

Bay Lake Tower places you inside a larger Contemporary dining ecosystem with more total outlets.

Pools & recreation: Riviera’s two pools vs Bay Lake Tower’s multiple pools

Disney's Riviera Resort – Pools & recreation

Riviera has two heated pools and a dedicated children’s water play area.

  • Riviera Pool — main feature pool with winding water slide, zero‑entry area, whirlpool and lifeguards.
  • Beau Soleil Pool — quieter leisure pool with adjacent hot tub (no lifeguards).
  • S'il Vous Play interactive water play area for kids; pools are heated year‑round and provide towels/life jackets.

Riviera is set up for families with a lively main pool plus a quieter secondary pool and kids' splash area.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort – Pools & recreation

Bay Lake Tower lists three outdoor pools and recreational amenities including a waterslide and poolside bars.

  • Supplier listing shows three outdoor pools, at least one waterslide, poolside bar(s), and hot tub(s).
  • Pools are part of the larger Contemporary resort leisure offerings; pool access and specifics follow resort policy.
  • Additional recreation includes on‑site arcade/game room and proximity to marina and lakeside activities.

Bay Lake Tower offers multiple pools and the Contemporary complex’s broader water/recreation options.

Wellness & nightlife: fitness, spas and evening options

Disney's Riviera Resort – Wellness & nightlife

Riviera provides a fitness center (Athlétique) and whirlpool areas; there is no dedicated full‑service spa on property.

  • Athlétique Fitness Center with weights and cardio equipment for registered resort guests.
  • Whirlpool/hot tub areas adjacent to both pools for soak/relaxation.
  • Evening outdoor seating and a firepit area for relaxed nighttime gathering.

Riviera covers basic fitness and hot tub needs but lacks a dedicated spa facility.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort – Wellness & nightlife

Bay Lake Tower and the Contemporary complex list 24‑hour fitness facilities and hot tubs; a named full spa on the supplier listing is not specified.

  • 24‑hour fitness center is listed among resort amenities.
  • Supplier includes hot tub(s) and poolside bars for evening downtime.
  • The Contemporary complex has multiple dining and lounge options for nighttime activity.

Bay Lake Tower provides round‑the‑clock fitness access and more connected nightlife/dining options through the Contemporary.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for EPCOT/Skyliner access
Bright seating area and check-in zone inside Disney's Riviera Resort lobby with circular light fixtures.

Disney's Riviera Resort

Disney's Riviera Resort — direct Disney Skyliner station to EPCOT and easy transfers to Hollywood Studios.

Best for Magic Kingdom proximity
Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Bay Lake Tower — attached to the Contemporary and on/near the monorail loop for the fastest access to Magic Kingdom.

Best for rooftop signature dining
Child sliding down a shallow water play slide at Disney's Riviera Resort

Disney's Riviera Resort

Disney's Riviera Resort — Topolino's Terrace offers rooftop French/Italian signature dining and a character breakfast.

Best for resort dining options and bars
Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Bay Lake Tower/Contemporary — supplier listing shows more restaurants and bars available across the Contemporary complex.

Frequently asked questions

Disney's Riviera Resort vs Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort: FAQs

See all FAQs →
Which resort is closer to Magic Kingdom?

Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort — it’s attached to the Contemporary and on the monorail loop, making Magic Kingdom the quicker park to reach.

Which resort has direct Skyliner service to EPCOT?

Disney's Riviera Resort has an on‑site Disney Skyliner station with direct access to EPCOT's International Gateway.

Are both resorts family‑friendly?

Yes. Both properties welcome guests of all ages and list family‑friendly amenities and accessible rooms.

Does either resort have a full spa?

Disney's Riviera Resort does not have a dedicated full‑service spa (it offers whirlpools/hot tubs); Bay Lake Tower’s supplier listing shows hot tubs and fitness facilities but does not publish a named full spa.

More Disney's Riviera Resort Comparison Guides

Explore how Disney's Riviera Resort stacks up against other hotels nearby:

Outdoor pool deck with lounge chairs and blue umbrellas at Disney's Riviera Resort
Book your stay

Rooftop Character Breakfast & Signature Dining

  • Lowest rate guarantee
  • Complimentary perks & upgrades
  • 24/7 concierge
Check availability Call 888-605-1350
Offer terms

Price comparison & offer terms

These terms apply to the price comparison, Lowest Price Guarantee, free perks and concierge service shown on this site.

How we compare rates

The nightly rate shown is the lowest nightly rate we found for Disney's Riviera Resort after searching every available night up to 12 months in advance, based on single occupancy (one guest). We compared that rate with publicly available rates on other online travel agencies (OTAs), such as Expedia, Hotels.com and similar sites, and show the price difference we found. We don't name the specific site each comparison came from.

Rates and availability change constantly. The rate for your dates, room type and number of guests may be different. The full price, including taxes and fees, is shown before you confirm.

Lowest Price Guarantee

Free perks & upgrades

24/7 concierge

General

BookResorts may change or end these offers at any time. These terms are in addition to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. BookResorts is an independent travel agency and is not affiliated with Disney's Riviera Resort.
Legal

Terms & Conditions

Last updated: January 1, 2026

Please read these Terms carefully. They contain important information about limitations of our liability and the resolution of disputes through binding arbitration and a class action waiver (Section 16), and our right to change these Terms (Section 18).

1. Acceptance of these terms

These Terms & Conditions (the “Terms”) govern your access to and use of BookResorts and any booking you make through us. By using the site or making a reservation, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the site.

2. Definitions

“We,” “us,” and “our” refer to BookResorts, operated by SVH Tours & Travel Services, Inc. “You” refers to the person using the site or making a reservation. A “Supplier” or “Travel Provider” is the hotel, resort, or other provider that supplies the travel services. “Travel Services” means the room stays and related services made available through us. “Content” means text, descriptions, images, reviews, and other material on the site.

3. Who we are

BookResorts is an independent online travel agency that acts as an intermediary between you and Suppliers. We are not a hotel, and we are not owned by, affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any hotel or brand featured on the site. When you book, your reservation is made with the Supplier through us as agent.

4. Eligibility & use of the site

You must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority where you live) and able to enter a binding contract. You agree to use the site only to make legitimate reservations for yourself or for someone you are authorized to act for, to provide accurate and complete information, and to inform any other traveler of the terms that apply to their reservation.

5. Bookings & confirmation

All reservations are subject to availability and to the rate rules, restrictions, and policies shown at the time of booking. A reservation is confirmed only when you receive a confirmation from us. You are responsible for reviewing the rate rules (including cancellation terms) before you book.

6. Prices, fees, taxes & currency

Prices are shown in the currency indicated and include applicable taxes and fees unless stated otherwise; the total is displayed before you confirm. Our price may include a service fee and may differ from the rate offered directly by the Supplier. Currency conversions, where shown, are estimates. Certain taxes or resort fees may be collected by the Supplier at the property.

7. Cancellations, changes & refunds

Each rate carries its own cancellation policy, shown before you book (for example, non-refundable, or refundable up to a stated deadline). Refund eligibility and timing follow the policy attached to the rate you select. Service fees may be non-refundable. Failure to check in (“no-show”) may result in forfeiture of the amount paid, per the rate rules.

8. Your responsibilities

You are responsible for having valid identification and any required travel documents (such as a passport or visa), and for complying with the Supplier’s policies, including minimum check-in age, occupancy limits, deposits, and identification requirements. You are responsible for the accuracy of all guest information you provide.

9. Suppliers & third-party services

Suppliers are independent third parties. We are not liable for the acts, errors, omissions, representations, warranties, or negligence of any Supplier, or for the quality, condition, or safety of the travel services they provide. Any dispute regarding your stay or the services delivered is between you and the Supplier. Supplier terms and policies apply in addition to these Terms.

10. Third-party links

The site may contain links to third-party websites provided for your convenience. We do not control and are not responsible for those sites, and a link does not imply endorsement. Your use of any linked site is at your own risk and subject to that site’s terms.

11. Intellectual property

The site and its Content (excluding third-party trademarks) are owned by BookResorts or its licensors and are protected by law. Hotel names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used only to identify the property being booked. You may not copy, scrape, or reuse any Content without permission.

12. Prohibited conduct

You agree not to use the site for any unlawful or fraudulent purpose; not to make speculative, false, or fraudulent reservations; not to use automated tools to access or scrape the site; and not to interfere with the site’s operation or security.

13. Reviews & user content

If you submit reviews or other content, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute it in connection with our services. You are responsible for what you submit, and we may remove content at our discretion.

14. Disclaimers

The site, its Content, and the travel services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis, without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including as to accuracy, availability, or fitness for a particular purpose. We do not warrant that listings, prices, or descriptions are error-free.

15. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, BookResorts will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential damages arising out of or connected with your use of the site or any booking. If we are found liable, our total liability will not exceed the greater of (a) the fees you paid to BookResorts for the booking at issue, or (b) US$100. This limitation reflects the allocation of risk between us.

16. Dispute resolution

We want to resolve any concern quickly and fairly. Before pursuing a formal claim, you agree to first contact our support team at 888-605-1350 or support@bookresorts.com and give us 60 days to resolve the matter informally. If we are unable to resolve it, any dispute will be handled by the state or federal courts located in California, as set out in Section 17 (either party may still bring qualifying claims in small claims court).

17. Governing law & venue

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, USA, without regard to conflict-of-laws rules. Any permitted court action will be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California, and you consent to their jurisdiction.

18. Changes to these terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The version in effect at the time of your booking applies to that booking. Your continued use of the site after changes take effect means you accept the updated Terms.

19. Force majeure

We are not responsible for any failure or delay caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, government actions, or Supplier closures.

20. Miscellaneous

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions stay in effect. Our failure to enforce a provision is not a waiver. These Terms are the entire agreement between you and us regarding the site.

21. Contact

Questions about these Terms or a reservation? Call our support team, available 24/7, at 888-605-1350.
Legal

Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 1, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how BookResorts collects, uses, shares, and protects your personal information when you use our site or make a booking. For the purposes of applicable data protection law, the data controller is SVH Tours & Travel Services, Inc. (operating as BookResorts).

1. Information you provide

When you search, book, or contact us, we collect information such as your name, email, phone number, billing and payment details, the names and details of other guests, your travel dates and preferences, and the content of your communications with us.

2. Information we collect automatically

When you use the site, we automatically collect technical and usage data such as your device and browser type, IP address, approximate location, pages viewed, referring URLs, and interactions with the site, using cookies and similar technologies.

3. Information from other sources

We may receive information about you from Suppliers, business partners, fraud-prevention services, and (if you choose to connect one) social media platforms.

4. How we use your information

We use your information to process and manage bookings; communicate with you about reservations; provide customer support; personalize your experience; send marketing where permitted (with the ability to opt out); analyze and improve the site; prevent fraud and secure our services; and comply with legal obligations.

5. How we share your information

To complete a booking, we share necessary details with the relevant hotel and room Suppliers and with payment processors. We may also share information with service providers who support our operations, with advertising and analytics partners, with our corporate affiliates, in connection with a business transfer, with authorities where required by law, and with your consent.

6. Cookies & tracking

We use essential, performance, functional, and advertising cookies and similar technologies. You can manage non-essential cookies through your browser and through our cookie settings. For more detail, see our Cookie Policy.

7. Your privacy rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the use of your personal information, to data portability, and to opt out of marketing.

EEA/UK (GDPR): You may access, rectify, erase, restrict, or object to processing of your data, withdraw consent, and lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority. We process data based on your consent, the performance of a contract, our legitimate interests, and legal obligations.

California (CCPA/CPRA): You may request to know, delete, or correct your personal information, and limit the use of sensitive personal information, without discrimination. We do not sell or share your personal information as those terms are defined under California law, so no opt-out is necessary. To exercise any of your rights, contact us at support@bookresorts.com; we verify requests before responding.

8. Data retention

We keep personal information for as long as needed to provide our services and to meet legal, tax, accounting, and dispute-resolution obligations.

9. Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. International transfers

Your information may be processed in countries other than where you live. Where required, we put appropriate safeguards in place (such as standard contractual clauses) for those transfers.

11. Children’s privacy

The site is intended for adults and is not directed to children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 without appropriate consent.

12. Third-party links & social features

The site may contain links to, or features from, third-party services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties; please review their policies.

13. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The “last updated” date above reflects the current version, and we will provide notice of material changes where required.

14. Contact us

Questions or privacy requests? Reach our support team, available 24/7, at 888-605-1350 or by email at support@bookresorts.com.
About BookResorts · Independent since 1993

A better way to book your hotel

BookResorts is a full-service, independent travel agency connecting travelers to unforgettable stays since 1993. Detailed hotel information, competitive all-in rates and 24/7 concierge support, all in one place.

Est. 199330+ years
100K+Hotels & resorts
200+Countries
24/7Concierge
This is not the official website of Disney's Riviera Resort. BookResorts is an independent travel agency and is not owned by, affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Disney's Riviera Resort or its parent brand.

Why travelers choose BookResorts

Best available rates

We compare rates from top suppliers. Taxes and fees included, no hidden charges.

100,000+ hotels & resorts

200+ countries and 2,000+ cities, from all-inclusives to boutique stays.

24/7 concierge

Real travel specialists to build, change or help with your reservation anytime.

Full transparency

Honest details on every property: rooms, amenities and policies.

Trusted since 1993

Three decades as a full-service, independent travel agency.

Secure & protected

Every booking is handled securely and your information is protected.

How booking with us works

Questions about a reservation? Our team is here 24/7 at 888-605-1350.
Full details in our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Lowest Price + Free Perks

UsOthers
Nightly rate
Price guarantee✓
No hidden fees✓
Perks & upgrades✓
24/7 concierge✓
Check availability

vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·

Book by phone888-605-1350
Book nowLowest rates Call usAvailable 24/7
Photo viewer