Disney's Riviera Resort vs Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
Photo: Disney's Riviera Resort
Photo: Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
At a Glance
| Riviera | Walt Disney World Swan Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Deluxe | Deluxe |
| Area | Epcot Resort Area | Epcot Resort Area |
| Transportation | Skyliner, Bus | Walk, Boat, Bus |
| Table-Service Dining | 1 restaurant | 4 restaurants |
| Quick-Service Dining | 1 location | None |
| Pool Amenities | Pool | Pool |
| Extended Evening Hours | Yes | Yes |
| Top Highlight | Disney Skyliner hub with direct access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios | Newest and most modern of the Swan and Dolphin complex |
Tier
Riviera
DeluxeWalt Disney World Swan Reserve
DeluxeArea
Riviera
Epcot Resort AreaWalt Disney World Swan Reserve
Epcot Resort AreaTransportation
Riviera
Skyliner, BusWalt Disney World Swan Reserve
Walk, Boat, BusTable-Service Dining
Riviera
1 restaurantWalt Disney World Swan Reserve
4 restaurantsQuick-Service Dining
Riviera
1 locationWalt Disney World Swan Reserve
NonePool Amenities
Riviera
PoolWalt Disney World Swan Reserve
PoolExtended Evening Hours
Riviera
YesWalt Disney World Swan Reserve
YesTop Highlight
Riviera
Disney Skyliner hub with direct access to EPCOT and Hollywood StudiosWalt Disney World Swan Reserve
Newest and most modern of the Swan and Dolphin complexOverview
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.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
The newer tower within the Swan and Dolphin complex, positioned near Crescent Lake and marketed as a more boutique-style Marriott option.
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
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
Recreation
- Pool
- Tennis Courts
- Arcade
- Playground
- Boat Rental listed in Activities & Recreation; water taxi access to parks
Wellness
- Fitness Center
- Spa
Other
- Water taxi dock for park access
- Resort shops available
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
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
-
Walk
EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios
-
Boat
EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios
-
Bus
Magic Kingdom Park, 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
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
- Newest and most modern of the Swan and Dolphin complex
- Spacious tower rooms with contemporary design and updated amenities
- Same Crescent Lake location with walking access to EPCOT
- Marriott Bonvoy points redemption available
- Quieter and more upscale feel than the larger Swan and Dolphin hotels
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
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
- No Disney on-site perks such as Early Entry or booking advantages
- High resort fees on top of nightly rate increase true cost
- Smaller pool exclusive to Swan Reserve guests, main pools are at Swan/Dolphin
- Limited dining within the Swan Reserve itself
- No direct transportation to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom
On-Site Dining
Disney's Riviera Resort
Community Discussions
Disney's Riviera Resort
- Details! Disney's Riviera Resort : r/WaltDisneyWorld r/WaltDisneyWorld
- Riviera resort : r/WaltDisneyWorld r/WaltDisneyWorld
- Riviera Resort : r/WaltDisneyWorld r/WaltDisneyWorld
- Riviera Resort or Switch it? : r/WaltDisneyWorld r/WaltDisneyWorld
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
- Swan & Dolphin appreciation : r/WaltDisneyWorld r/WaltDisneyWorld
- Swan or Swan Reserve? : r/WaltDisneyWorld r/WaltDisneyWorld
- Swan Reserve pros and cons : r/WaltDisneyWorld r/WaltDisneyWorld
- Thoughts on the Swan Reserve? : r/WaltDisneyWorld r/WaltDisneyWorld
- Walt Disney World Swan Reserve and ADR/LL r/WaltDisneyWorld
Videos
Disney's Riviera Resort
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
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