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Disney's Riviera Resort Lake Buena Vista, Florida
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Hotel comparison guide

Disney's Riviera Resort vs Disney's Art Of Animation Resort

Disney's Riviera Resort is a Deluxe Villa–class Disney Vacation Club property with Mediterranean-inspired design and Skyliner access; it suits families, couples, and longer stays who want upgraded rooms and rooftop dining. Disney's Art Of Animation Resort is a value-focused, large family resort with oversized character theming and multiple family suites; read this if you want budget-friendly, highly themed rooms close to the parks.

Updated · about 1.2 km apart

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

Disney's Riviera Resort

Deluxe DVC · Skyliner access · Rooftop signature dining

Best for travelers who want villa-style space, Skyliner access to EPCOT, and a rooftop signature restaurant.

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Disney's Art Of Animation Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort

Value family · Strong character theming · Skyliner transfer access

Best for families looking for budget-friendly themed family suites, multiple pools, and direct value-resort pricing.

Quick Verdict: Disney's Riviera Resort vs Disney's Art Of Animation Resort

When Disney's Riviera Resort wins: choose Riviera for a more upscale room inventory (studios and multi-bedroom villas), a quieter leisure pool option, Topolino's Terrace rooftop dining, and direct on-site Skyliner access to EPCOT.

When Disney's Art Of Animation Resort wins: choose Art of Animation when you need the cheapest family-suite bedrooms large enough for lots of kids, strong character immersion, multiple themed pools, and a resort designed around young families on a budget.

Bottom line: Riviera is the higher-tier, DVC-style resort with more polished dining and villa layouts; Art of Animation is the value, kid-focused option that gives large families space and character-driven decor for less money.

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Disney's Riviera Resort vs Disney's Art Of Animation Resort – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for Disney's Riviera Resort and Disney's Art Of Animation Resort
CategoryDisney's Riviera ResortDisney's Art Of Animation Resort
Overall vibeDeluxe DVC villa resort, Mediterranean/Riviera stylingValue-class, oversized Disney character theming (Cars, Finding Nemo, Lion King, Little Mermaid)
Location (to Epcot/parks)Epcot Resort Area with its own Skyliner station; about 1.4 miles to EpcotLake Buena Vista location near Hollywood Studios and Epcot with free theme park shuttle
Size (rooms)Approximately 300–341 rooms (studios and 1–2 bedroom villas)2,104 guestrooms including multiple themed Family Suites and standard rooms
AgesAll ages welcome; family-focused but suitable for couples and longer staysAll ages welcome; specifically family-focused with kid-oriented rooms
Pools & water playTwo heated pools (Riviera Pool and Beau Soleil Pool) plus S'il Vous Play kids' water-play areaThree outdoor pools and family-friendly pool areas (multiple themed pool complexes)
Restaurants & barsFour published venues: Topolino's Terrace (rooftop signature + character breakfast), Primo Piatto, Bar Riva, Le Petit CaféOne main restaurant plus pool bar and quick-service options; room service limited hours
Spa / wellnessNo dedicated spa; whirlpools/hot tubs and Athlétique Fitness CenterNot published
Known forRooftop signature dining and direct Skyliner access to EPCOTOversized Disney character theming and family suites
TransportationOn-site Disney Skyliner station plus buses to other parks
Free Wi‑Fi & parkingComplimentary Wi‑Fi; parking policies vary (DVC members vs non-members)Complimentary Wi‑Fi and free self parking

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
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Location: Riviera vs Art of Animation

Disney's Riviera Resort – Location

Disney's Riviera Resort sits in the EPCOT Resort Area with its own Skyliner station and short transfers to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

  • Approximately 1.4 miles from Epcot; direct Skyliner link to EPCOT's International Gateway.
  • Complimentary buses serve Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs.
  • About 1.5 miles to Disney Springs for shopping and dining.

Choose Riviera for the easiest Skyliner access to EPCOT and quick bus links to other parks.

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort – Location

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort is in Lake Buena Vista with easy access to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot-area transport.

  • Located within a short drive of Disney Springs and Hollywood Studios; listed distances place it under 3 miles from major parks.
  • Complimentary theme park shuttle is available for resort guests.
  • Large property footprint with distinct themed areas (Cars, Finding Nemo, Lion King, Little Mermaid).

Choose Art of Animation when you want a value stay close to the parks with straightforward shuttle service.

Rooms: villa space vs family suites

Disney's Riviera Resort – Rooms

Riviera offers villa-style layouts and compact studios designed for longer stays or groups needing separate living space.

  • Room types include Deluxe Studios and 1- and 2-Bedroom Villas (exact types published in resort materials).
  • Studios feature Murphy beds and villa-style conveniences for multi-night stays.
  • Housekeeping, laundry room on-site, and villa amenities support family and extended stays.

Riviera is better when you want villa comforts and separate sleeping/living areas.

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort – Rooms

Art of Animation focuses on large family suites and standard rooms decorated with bold character themes.

  • Room types include Cars Family Suite, Finding Nemo Family Suite, Lion King Family Suite, and Little Mermaid standard rooms.
  • Family Suites commonly include combinations like 1 Queen Bed, Double Sleeper Sofa, and Double Table Bed.
  • Over 2,100 guestrooms provides many budget-oriented options for larger groups.

Art of Animation is the budget choice when you need themed, roomy suites that sleep larger families.

Dining & drinks: signature meals vs value options

Disney's Riviera Resort – Dining & drinks

Riviera provides a mix of quick service and signature dining with a rooftop character breakfast and dinner service.

  • Topolino's Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera: rooftop signature restaurant with Breakfast à la Art (character) and a dinner menu.
  • Primo Piatto offers Italian-American quick-service meals and mobile ordering.
  • Bar Riva (pool bar) and Le Petit Café (lobby café) handle casual dining, coffee, and drinks.

Riviera is the choice for a refined sit-down option (Topolino's) alongside quick-service convenience.

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort – Dining & drinks

Art of Animation has one main restaurant and poolside dining aimed at families and value-minded guests.

  • On-site dining includes a restaurant with room service during limited hours and poolside bar/lounge options.
  • Self-serve breakfasts are available daily for a fee.
  • Quick bites and grab-and-go choices suit families on park days.

Art of Animation covers basics well for families on the go but lacks a rooftop signature dining option.

Pools & signature amenity

Disney's Riviera Resort – Pools & signature amenity

Riviera highlights two heated pools and a dedicated kids' interactive water-play area.

  • Riviera Pool: main feature pool with water slide, zero-entry, whirlpool, and lifeguard attendants.
  • Beau Soleil Pool: quieter leisure pool with adjacent hot tub; pool access limited to registered guests.
  • S'il Vous Play interactive water-play area for younger children; both pools heated year-round.

Riviera blends a main activity pool with a quieter leisure pool to suit different guest needs.

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort – Pools & signature amenity

Art of Animation offers multiple themed pool complexes across the property for families to spread out.

  • Three outdoor pools are listed among property amenities.
  • Pools and poolside bars are family-focused and tied to the resort's themed areas.
  • Complimentary towels and pool amenities are available; lifeguard coverage varies by pool.

Art of Animation is strong for families who want multiple, character-themed pool areas.

Wellness & nightlife

Disney's Riviera Resort – Wellness & nightlife

Riviera provides a fitness center and low-key nighttime options rather than a full spa or nightlife scene.

  • Athlétique Fitness Center features weights and cardio equipment for registered guests.
  • Whirlpools/hot tubs adjacent to pools provide relaxation but no dedicated spa treatments on-site.
  • Le Petit Café and the rooftop lounge area offer low-key evening drink options.

Riviera suits travelers who want fitness and quiet evening dining rather than active nightlife or a spa.

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort – Wellness & nightlife

Art of Animation focuses on family recreation with arcade/game areas and poolside activity rather than spa services.

  • Arcade/game room and family recreation offerings help keep kids entertained after park hours.
  • No published on-site full-service spa; wellness offerings are limited compared with deluxe resorts.
  • 24-hour front desk, ticket assistance, and babysitting services (surcharge) support family logistics.

Art of Animation is built around family convenience and entertainment rather than wellness or nightlife.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for signature dining and a quieter, upscale stay
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 — Topolino's Terrace and villa-style rooms deliver a more polished, less crowded experience.

Best for large families on a budget
Disney's Art Of Animation Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort — family suites and strong character theming give lots of space and value for bigger groups.

Best for Skyliner access to EPCOT
Child sliding down a shallow water play slide at Disney's Riviera Resort

Disney's Riviera Resort

Disney's Riviera Resort — an on-site Skyliner station provides direct, convenient access to EPCOT's International Gateway.

Best for immersive Disney character theming
Disney's Art Of Animation Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort — themed areas (Cars, Finding Nemo, Lion King, Little Mermaid) surround the property and rooms.

Frequently asked questions

Disney's Riviera Resort vs Disney's Art Of Animation Resort: FAQs

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Which resort is better for families with young children?

Both welcome kids, but Art of Animation focuses on oversized character rooms and family suites that sleep more kids for a lower price; Riviera offers a kids' water-play area and villa layouts if you prefer more refined dining and separate living space.

Do either of these resorts have a spa?

Riviera does not have a dedicated spa (it has whirlpools and a fitness center); Art of Animation has no published full-service spa.

Which has better transportation to EPCOT?

Riviera has an on-site Disney Skyliner station with a direct link to EPCOT's International Gateway; Art of Animation relies on shuttle service and park transfer options.

Are the pools heated at Riviera?

Yes — Riviera's pools are typically heated year-round to around 82°F (27.8°C).

More Disney's Riviera Resort Comparison Guides

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