Disney's Riviera Resort: A Complete DVC Rental Guide

Disney's Riviera Resort opened in late 2019 and it's the most European-feeling property Disney has built in years. The design draws from the South of France and Italy, with terrace dining, a rooftop restaurant, and tile work that actually feels considered rather than themed.

If you're deciding whether to rent DVC points here, this guide covers what the resort is really like, what the rooms cost, and what you should know before booking.

What Makes the Riviera Different

Three things separate the Riviera from most other DVC resorts.

First, the Skyliner. The Riviera sits at a Skyliner gondola station, which gives you aerial cable-car access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The ride to Epcot takes about 8 minutes. To Hollywood Studios, about 12 minutes, with one transfer at the Caribbean Beach station. It's a genuinely pleasant way to get to the parks, and on warm evenings the ride back from Epcot after fireworks is one of the better Disney experiences you can have.

Second, the rooftop. Topolino's Terrace is on the tenth floor, with a view over the resort toward Epcot. Character breakfast here is one of the most popular dining reservations at Disney World right now. Dinner is also excellent, with an Italian-French menu and one of the better wine lists on property.

Third, the art. The Riviera commissioned original Disney fine art for the resort, including large-scale pieces that reference classic Disney films through a European lens. It's subtle, and it works.

Room Types and What They Cost

The Riviera has five room categories.

Tower studios are the smallest DVC room in the system, at roughly 250 square feet. One Murphy bed, a small sofa, and a kitchenette. These work well for couples or solo travelers who want the Riviera location at the lowest possible point cost. We have a dedicated guide to tower studios if you're considering them.

Deluxe studios are the standard entry point for most renters. About 316 square feet, with a queen bed, queen-size sleeper sofa, and a kitchenette. Many configurations also include a pull-down bed, which pushes the sleeping capacity to four adults or a family with two kids. Point costs for a 7-night studio in regular season run around 119 points, or roughly $2,380 at $20 per point.

One-bedroom villas add a full kitchen with a stove and oven, a full-size refrigerator, a washer and dryer, a separate bedroom with a king bed, and a living room with a sleeper sofa. Plan on about 202 points for a 7-night regular-season stay, or around $4,040 at $20 per point.

Two-bedroom villas sleep up to 9 and have two full bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a washer and dryer. These are created by joining a one-bedroom and a studio (called a lockoff), which means they're flexible inventory that can be split when demand warrants it.

Grand villas take up three bedrooms and sleep 12. At around 3,500 square feet, they're some of the largest resort rooms at Disney World.

What the Resale Restriction Means for Renters

The Riviera has a resale restriction: if someone buys a Riviera contract on the secondary market, they can only use those points at the Riviera. This makes Riviera contracts less valuable to resale buyers and has led to some unusual pricing dynamics in the market.

For renters, this restriction means nothing. You're renting points from the original owner, not buying a resale contract. Your access to the resort and your room are exactly the same as any other DVC guest.

Booking Tips

Tower studios at the Riviera sell out quickly at the 11-month booking window during popular weeks. Deluxe studios and one-bedrooms tend to have more availability, but peak dates still go fast.

For off-peak travel (September, January, early February), the 7-month window usually has Riviera availability across most room types. You can rent from any DVC member with enough points, not just Riviera owners, which gives you more listing options.

If you want the Riviera during a popular week, look for listings from members who own there. Browse our marketplace filtered by resort to see what's currently listed.