Disney's Riviera Resort vs Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Disney's Riviera Resort

Photo: Disney's Riviera Resort
Deluxe Epcot Resort Area
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Photo: Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Deluxe Disney Springs Resort Area
Alex Young
Alex Young
· Updated · 5 min read

At a Glance

Tier

Riviera

Deluxe

Saratoga Springs

Deluxe

Area

Riviera

Epcot Resort Area

Saratoga Springs

Disney Springs Resort Area

Transportation

Riviera

Skyliner, Bus

Saratoga Springs

Boat, Walk, Bus

Table-Service Dining

Riviera

1 restaurant

Saratoga Springs

1 restaurant

Quick-Service Dining

Riviera

1 location

Saratoga Springs

6 locations

Pool Amenities

Riviera

Pool

Saratoga Springs

Pool

Extended Evening Hours

Riviera

Yes

Saratoga Springs

Yes

Top Highlight

Riviera

Disney Skyliner hub with direct access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios

Saratoga Springs

Boat service to Disney Springs is the most convenient of any resort

Overview

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.

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Inspired by historic Saratoga Springs—a late-1800s’ New York retreat famous for its spas and horse racing—this charming, Victorian-style Resort hotel is nestled between rolling golf course greens and the shimmering Lake Buena Vista. Delight in stately Studios and multi-bedroom Villas, dazzling pools and a spa.

Amenities

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

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Recreation

  • Pool
  • disney's lake buena vista golf course
  • Children's themed interactive wet play area with pop-jet fountains
  • Tennis Courts
  • Running Trail listed in Activities & Recreation
  • Boat Rental listed in Activities & Recreation; information from Horsing Around Rentals

Wellness

  • Spa

Other

  • Laundry Facilities
  • Artist Palette shop and merchandise at Carriage House

Transportation

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

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

  • Boat

    Disney Springs

  • Walk

    Disney Springs

  • Bus

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

Pros

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

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

  • Boat service to Disney Springs is the most convenient of any resort
  • Largest Disney Vacation Club property with extensive room variety
  • Treehouse Villas offer a unique and secluded resort experience
  • Congress Park section has rooms literally adjacent to Disney Springs
  • Full spa and fitness center on property

Cons

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

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

  • Very large resort with extremely long walks between some sections
  • Primarily a DVC property with limited cash booking options
  • Dated theming compared to newer Disney resorts
  • Bus-only transportation to theme parks; boat and walk options limited to Disney Springs
  • Pool complex is spread out, with multiple smaller pools instead of one standout

On-Site Dining

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

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

  • Backstretch Pool Bar

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • Chip 'n' Dale's Café at Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course

    Quick Service

    American

    lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • On the Rocks Pool Bar

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • The Artist's Palette

    Quick Service

    American

    lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • The Paddock Grill

    Quick Service

    American

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • The Turf Club Bar and Grill

    Table Service

    American

    dinner

    View menu

  • The Turf Club Lounge

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

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