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 Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney's Riviera Resort is a Mediterranean-inspired Disney Vacation Club deluxe villa in the EPCOT Resort Area suited to families and Skyliner users. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is a safari-themed deluxe resort known for rooms with savanna views and wildlife viewing — good for guests who want a distinctive, animal-focused stay.

Updated · about 4.1 miles apart

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

Disney's Riviera Resort

Mediterranean · Skyliner access · DVC villas

Best for easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios (Skyliner) and for guests who want villa-style accommodations.

See rooms & suites
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Kissimmee, Florida

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Savanna views · Wildlife-focused · Large resort

Best for guests after a uniquely themed safari atmosphere and rooms that can look out onto a working savanna with animals.

Quick Verdict: Disney's Riviera Resort vs Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

When to pick Disney's Riviera Resort: choose Riviera if you want direct Skyliner access to EPCOT, compact modern villas, rooftop dining, and a quieter footprint that favors short transit times to World Showcase.

When to pick Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge: pick AKL if the idea of waking to giraffes or zebra outside your window, multiple restaurants with African-inspired menus, and a big resort with wildlife viewing is the main draw.

Bottom line: both are deluxe Disney resorts with strong theming — Riviera is polished Mediterranean and transportation-focused, while Animal Kingdom Lodge offers an immersive safari setting and larger-scale resort amenities. Pick based on whether park access or the savanna experience matters more to your trip.

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

Disney's Riviera Resort vs Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for Disney's Riviera Resort and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
CategoryDisney's Riviera ResortDisney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Overall vibePolished Mediterranean/European Riviera theme; DVC villa feelSafari-style, African lodge design with savanna viewing
Location (to parks)EPCOT Resort Area with a Disney Skyliner station; short ride to EPCOTLocated near Disney's Animal Kingdom; farther from EPCOT/Hollywood Studios
Size / roomsAbout 300–341 rooms (studios and 1–3 bedroom villas)972 rooms and suites, including many Savanna View room types
Ages / audienceAll-ages family resort; kids' pool and play area
Pools & playTwo heated pools (Riviera Pool with slide + Beau Soleil) and a children's water-play areaTwo outdoor pools, waterslide, children's activities and poolside bar
Restaurants & barsFour venues including Topolino's Terrace (rooftop signature), Primo Piatto, Bar Riva, Le Petit CaféThree restaurants, 24-hour room service, coffee shop; African-inspired dining and views
Spa & wellnessNo full-service spa; whirlpools/hot tubs and Athlétique Fitness CenterFull-service spa on-site plus fitness facilities
Known forSkyliner access, rooftop character breakfast at Topolino's Terrace, villa layoutsSavanna animal viewing, strong African lodge theming, number of rooms
TransportationDisney Skyliner plus complimentary buses to other parksComplimentary theme-park shuttle; convenient for Animal Kingdom
Room types (sample)Deluxe Studio - Standard View; 1 Bedroom Villa - Resort View; 2 Bedroom Villa - Preferred View; Tower Studio - Resort ViewRoom list includes Resort View, Water View, and many Savanna View room options (including Club Level access variants)

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 EPCOT access vs AKL's safari neighborhood

Disney's Riviera Resort – Location

Disney's Riviera Resort sits in the EPCOT Resort Area with an on-site Disney Skyliner station.

  • Direct Skyliner to EPCOT's International Gateway; transfer at Caribbean Beach required for Hollywood Studios
  • Short bus rides to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs
  • Close to World Showcase — some rooms see park nighttime entertainment

Riviera is optimized for quick access to EPCOT and easy transfers to Hollywood Studios.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Location

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is farther from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios but close to Animal Kingdom.

  • Located near Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park; resort programming and design oriented toward that park
  • Property address on Osceola Parkway (Kissimmee/Bay Lake area)
  • Complimentary shuttle service to the parks and water parks

AKL is the practical choice if you plan to spend a lot of time at Animal Kingdom or want the savanna setting.

Rooms: villa-style comfort vs savanna-facing rooms

Disney's Riviera Resort – Rooms

Riviera is a Disney Vacation Club Deluxe Villa resort with multiple villa configurations for longer or family stays.

  • Room mix includes Deluxe Studio, 1 Bedroom Villa, 2 Bedroom Villa and Tower Studio types
  • Villas include kitchenettes or full kitchens in larger units and layouts that support families
  • About 300–341 rooms across roughly 9–10 floors

Choose Riviera for villa layouts and compact, modern rooms designed around multi-night Disney stays.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Rooms

Animal Kingdom Lodge has a large room inventory with many Savanna View room types for animal viewing.

  • 972 air-conditioned rooms, many labeled Savanna View (including Club Level options)
  • Some rooms offer direct views of the resort's working savannas with wildlife
  • Room types include Resort View, Water View, and multiple Savanna View configurations

AKL is best if a room with a savanna view and wildlife outlook is a priority.

Dining & drinks: rooftop signature vs African-inspired variety

Disney's Riviera Resort – Dining & drinks

Riviera's restaurants emphasize French and Italian Riviera cuisine plus quick-service options.

  • Topolino's Terrace — rooftop signature dining and character breakfast
  • Primo Piatto — Italian-American quick service with mobile ordering
  • Le Petit Café and Bar Riva provide coffee, pastries, cocktails and poolside service

Riviera centers on Mediterranean flavors and a standout rooftop dining experience.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Dining & drinks

Animal Kingdom Lodge offers several restaurants with African- and international-inspired menus.

  • Three on-site restaurants and a coffee shop/café; 24-hour room service is available
  • Dining often highlights African flavors and ingredients tied to the lodge theme
  • Buffet breakfasts available for a fee and table-service options vary by venue

AKL focuses on themed dining that complements the savanna and lodge atmosphere.

Pools & signature amenity: Riviera's pools and play vs AKL's wildlife viewing

Disney's Riviera Resort – Pools & signature amenity

Riviera has two heated pools and a children's water-play area designed for families.

  • Riviera Pool is the main pool with a winding water slide, zero-entry and lifeguards
  • Beau Soleil Pool is a quieter leisure pool with an adjacent hot tub
  • S'il Vous Play interactive water play area for younger children

Riviera emphasizes pool amenities and a family-friendly water play area rather than resort-wide spectacles.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Pools & signature amenity

Animal Kingdom Lodge pairs standard pool amenities with its defining feature: animal viewing on the savanna.

  • Two outdoor pools, a waterslide and poolside bar
  • Public spaces and some rooms overlook the savannas where guests can see giraffes, zebras and other animals
  • Resort programming includes guided activities and wildlife viewing opportunities

AKL's signature draw is the savanna and animal viewing experience, with pools as secondary recreation.

Wellness & nightlife: fitness, spa and evening options

Disney's Riviera Resort – Wellness & nightlife

Riviera offers a fitness center and whirlpools but no full-service spa.

  • Athlétique Fitness Center with weights and cardio equipment for registered guests
  • Whirlpools/hot tubs adjacent to both main pools
  • Evening outdoor seating and a firepit area for quieter nights

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

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Wellness & nightlife

Animal Kingdom Lodge includes a full-service spa in addition to fitness and evening options.

  • Full-service spa with massage treatments and wellness offerings
  • Fitness facilities available for guests
  • Evening lounge and resort bars plus safaris and nighttime wildlife viewing

AKL provides a fuller spa/wellness program and more nighttime activity tied to the animal-experience.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for EPCOT 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 — on-site Disney Skyliner station gives the easiest, quickest access to EPCOT's International Gateway.

Best for animal/wildlife experience
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Kissimmee, Florida

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge — savanna-view rooms and on-property wildlife viewing are the resort's primary draw.

Best for villa living / longer stays
Child sliding down a shallow water play slide at Disney's Riviera Resort

Disney's Riviera Resort

Disney's Riviera Resort — villa configurations (studios through multi-bedroom villas) support families and extended stays.

Best for spa and resort scale
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Kissimmee, Florida

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge — larger property with a full-service spa and broader on-site programming.

Frequently asked questions

Disney's Riviera Resort vs Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge: FAQs

See all FAQs →
Which resort is closer to EPCOT?

Disney's Riviera Resort is closer and has a direct Skyliner link to EPCOT's International Gateway.

Can I see animals from my room at Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Yes — many Savanna View room types at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge offer direct views of the savanna with animals; request a Savanna View when booking if this matters to you.

Does Riviera have a full-service spa?

No — Disney's Riviera Resort does not have a dedicated full-service spa; it provides whirlpools/hot tubs and a fitness center instead.

Which resort is better for families with young children?

Both are family-friendly. Riviera has pools with a children's water-play area and villa layouts; AKL offers animal-focused programming that many kids enjoy.

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