Disney's Contemporary Resort vs Disney's Riviera Resort

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Photo: Disney's Contemporary Resort
Deluxe Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Disney's Riviera Resort

Photo: Disney's Riviera Resort
Deluxe Epcot Resort Area
Alex Young
Alex Young
· Updated · 5 min read

At a Glance

Tier

Contemporary

Deluxe

Riviera

Deluxe

Area

Contemporary

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

Riviera

Epcot Resort Area

Transportation

Contemporary

Monorail, Walk, Boat, Bus

Riviera

Skyliner, Bus

Table-Service Dining

Contemporary

4 restaurants

Riviera

1 restaurant

Quick-Service Dining

Contemporary

6 locations

Riviera

1 location

Pool Amenities

Contemporary

Pool, Quiet Pool

Riviera

Pool

Extended Evening Hours

Contemporary

Yes

Riviera

Yes

Top Highlight

Contemporary

Monorail runs directly through the hotel to Magic Kingdom

Riviera

Disney Skyliner hub with direct access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios

Overview

Disney's Contemporary Resort

A flagship monorail resort next to Magic Kingdom, recognized for its A-frame tower and quick walk to the park gates.

Disney's Riviera Resort

Enchantment awaits you at a Resort hotel that’s inspired by Europe and imagined by Disney. Here, you can delight in exhilarating activities, delectable dining and stylish accommodations—from cozy Tower Studios to spacious villas with up to 3 bedrooms.

Amenities

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Recreation

  • Pool
  • Playground
  • Quiet Pool
  • seven seas lagoon — enjoy fishing, boating and more
  • Marina
  • Children's water play area
  • Arcade
  • Running Trail
  • Tennis Courts
  • Volleyball

Wellness

  • Fitness Center

Rooms

  • rooms and suites with club-level service
  • Club Level

Other

  • Laundry Facilities

Disney's Riviera Resort

Recreation

  • Pool
  • a soothing bubble-jet bathtub
  • S'Il Vous Plait aquatic play area for kids 48 inches and under
  • Jogging Trail

Wellness

  • Spa

Other

  • Laundry Facilities
  • Gift Shop

Transportation

Disney's Contemporary Resort

  • Monorail

    Magic Kingdom Park

  • Walk

    Magic Kingdom Park

  • Boat

    Magic Kingdom Park

  • Bus

    Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs

Disney's Riviera Resort

  • Skyliner

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Bus

    Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs

Pros

Disney's Contemporary Resort

  • Monorail runs directly through the hotel to Magic Kingdom
  • Walking distance to Magic Kingdom, closest hotel to the park
  • Top-tier dining including California Grill atop the resort
  • Iconic A-frame architecture and clean modern design
  • Bay Lake Tower offers direct walkway connection

Disney's Riviera Resort

  • Disney Skyliner hub with direct access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
  • Elegant European Riviera theming unlike any other Disney resort
  • Topolino's Terrace character dining breakfast at the rooftop restaurant
  • One of the newest Disney-owned resorts with modern room quality
  • Skyliner connection to multiple resorts makes for easy park hopping

Cons

Disney's Contemporary Resort

  • One of the most expensive resorts at Walt Disney World
  • Modern design lacks the immersive theming of other Deluxe resorts
  • Standard rooms can feel dated compared to newer renovations
  • Far from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, bus ride required
  • Monorail loop congestion can cause delays during peak times

Disney's Riviera Resort

  • DVC resale restrictions limit booking flexibility for non-DVC members
  • Primarily a DVC property with limited cash room inventory
  • No dedicated table service for non-character-dining other than rooftop
  • Bus-only to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom parks
  • Theming may feel generic compared to more strongly themed resorts

On-Site Dining

Disney's Contemporary Resort

  • California Grill

    Table Service

    American, Seafood, Sushi

    dinner

    View menu

  • Chef Mickey's

    Table Service

    American

    breakfast · dinner

    View menu

  • Contempo Café

    Quick Service

    American

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Contemporary Grounds

    Table Service

    American, Quick Service - Coffee

    dinner

    View menu

  • Cove Bar

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • Outer Rim

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • Steakhouse 71

    Table Service

    American, Steakhouse

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Steakhouse 71 Lounge

    Quick Service

    Steakhouse, American

    snack

    View menu

  • Steakhouse 71 To Go

    Quick Service

    American, Steakhouse

    lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • The Sand Bar

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

Disney's Riviera Resort

  • Primo Piatto

    Quick Service

    American

    breakfast · lunch · dinner · snack

    View menu

  • Topolino's Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera

    Table Service

    French, Italian

    breakfast · dinner

    View menu

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