Caribbean Seashore and Riviera Resort are “sister lodges” at Walt Disney World, each positioned on Barefoot Bay and sharing Skyliner gondola stations. They’re very completely different—one a Average Resort, the opposite a DVC property—however share rather a lot. This submit contrasts and compares the 2 in theme/decor, rooms, eating, transportation, swimming pools, and worth for cash. (Up to date September 15, 2024.)
This continues our Walt Disney World Resort Comparability Sequence, and really just isn’t the primary time Caribbean Seashore confronted an ostensibly absurd underdog matchup. In Caribbean Seashore vs. Polynesian Village Resort, we first made the case for the lodge because the “Poly-lite” or “Poor Individual’s Poly.” Both now we have nostalgia blinders on for CBR, or the resort punches above its weight class.
Our affinity for Caribbean Seashore can also be mirrored in our Rankings of ALL Walt Disney World Accommodations from Worst to Finest, which takes value and quite a lot of different variables into consideration. In the event you’d favor to learn that for a rundown of how all resorts rank, have at it. However, spoiler alert, one in every of these resorts ranks 10 spots increased than the opposite…making the conclusion of this comparability considerably inevitable.
To not destroy this head-to-head smackdown for you, however that final class of ‘worth for cash’ is essentially the important thing. These two lodges should not aggressive with each other throughout the board, however they’ve sufficient similarities that we’ll search to find out whether or not the Average-tier Caribbean Seashore Resort is ok, or if they need to splurge on the Deluxe Disney’s Riviera Resort Resort. The decision may shock you…or not!
Since Disney’s Riviera Resort opened, we’ve been providing passing comparisons between it and Caribbean Seashore and treating the 2 as “sister lodges.” That’s unlikely to be a comparability that Walt Disney World appreciates, because it views the Riviera as a flagship DVC property on par with the Grand Floridian. Nevertheless, it’s on the previous grounds of Caribbean Seashore, and really changed a few of the Average Resort’s buildings.
Thematically, these two properties conflict with each other and in fashion the tower of Disney’s Riviera Resort is a pointy distinction to the constructing clusters of Caribbean Seashore Resort. It’s additionally jarring to be sitting within the tropics of Caribbean Seashore and see these gray towers looming on the shore. Then again, Caribbean Seashore friends profit from upgraded and new facilities on the new, close by resort.
Whereas we’ve stayed at each resorts a number of instances (many, many instances within the case of Caribbean Seashore) we had not performed near-consecutive stays on the two till pretty just lately. Now that now we have, this comparability turns into a bit simpler–and hopefully extra truthful!
Value: Caribbean Seashore Resort — On common, an ordinary Deluxe Studio at Disney’s Riviera Resort prices almost triple the nightly fee of Disney’s Caribbean Seashore Resort. After all, you can at all times downgrade to a Tower Studio at Disney’s Riviera Resort and pay “solely” double the value of CBR, however these tiny yet-overpriced Tower Studio rooms should not going to move muster for many friends. We’ll thus confine our comparability to the conventional rooms at every resort.
Now, the argument might be made that Riviera Resort is extra engaging with reductions, because it has already seen 30% off charges and will get the “full” Free Eating low cost, at any time when that’s supplied once more. It is also argued that Riviera Resort is considerably cheaper by Renting Disney Trip Membership Factors. Nevertheless, it’s troublesome to guide by way of DVC level rental and isn’t with out draw back–and that’s not an apples to apples comparability, anyway.
Accordingly, that is premised round what a median visitor would pay when going to Disneyworld.com and pricing out Riviera Resort and Caribbean Seashore (which does embody reductions–usually higher at Riviera, as famous above). It doesn’t issue DVC level rental or being a DVC member as a result of that’s not the baseline situation. (Apart from, no precise DVC member goes to be debating between these two.) It is a planning submit, so we’re viewing this from essentially the most sensible perspective.
This value disparity is the backdrop in opposition to which the remainder of this comparability is ready. We’re not suggesting the Riviera must be twice pretty much as good than Caribbean Seashore to be the last word victor nor will we grade on a curve from right here on out. Whereas value is goal, its relative weight is subjective. For some folks, it issues rather a lot. For others, cash is not any object, and best possible continues to be best possible. As with so many issues, it’s your mileage might fluctuate.
Theme: Caribbean Seashore — That is certain to be the primary controversial decide, however hear me out. Caribbean Seashore Resort feels like a tropical island escape. It’s a seaside resort by identify, however might virtually move for a port metropolis within the Caribbean. As a Average Resort, not the entire particulars and structure are fully-fleshed out, however it coalesces very properly in providing a transportive atmosphere that’s enjoyable, mild, and ethereal.
Caribbean Seashore does an distinctive job of capturing the essence of vacationing within the tropics. Even post-overhaul, the grounds are nonetheless lush, there are some lovely seashores, and all of it culminates in a calming atmosphere that may be a ton of enjoyable to discover.
Specifically, Caribbean Cay is a gem hiding in plain sight. I like wandering Caribbean Seashore Resort resort late at night time or within the early morning–there’s merely a ton to discover and the atmosphere is nice and alluring. The vibe is superb–shockingly so for a Average Resort with outlying buildings and exterior hallways, however these really work properly with the theme at CBR.
Against this, Disney’s Riviera Resort just isn’t actually themed within the conventional sense of the time period. The design just isn’t all-encompassing, and doesn’t aspire to move you to a different time or place. As an alternative, it’s a relatively generic luxurious tower lodge that gives impressionistic touches, with prospers, decorations, and artwork that evokes the spirit of the French (or is it the Italian?) Riviera. It’s undeniably extra luxurious than Caribbean Seashore, however luxurious and theme should not synonyms.
Our Disney’s Riviera Resort Overview sharply criticizes the dearth of thematic ambition of the brand new DVC property, utilizing phrases like “lazy, uninspired, and boring” when describing the structure and design of the large field lodge. The resort is rather a lot like cookie-cutter suburbia, extra paying homage to Val d’Europe, the Disney-developed city adjoining to Disneyland Paris, versus the extra lavish and ornate French Riviera.
What’s most disappointing right here is the squandered potential–the ‘supply materials’ is a treasure trove of wealthy and delightful designs. Imagineering might have chosen an iconic exemplar in Cannes, Good, or Monaco and additional romanticized and reinterpreted it. As an alternative, the fashion was phoned in with historic images of Walt Disney, work of animated movies, and European film posters being substitutes for precise themed design. Don’t get us fallacious–that’s all enjoyable, however it finally feels hole and superficial.
Rooms: Riviera Resort — In the event you’re beginning to query our bias or objectivity right here, this class ought to put at the very least a few of these issues to mattress. Nevertheless, even it comes with an asterisk–however we’re getting forward of ourselves on that.
We’ve heaped reward on Caribbean Seashore Resort’s redone rooms, and are why we dubbed the resort “Poly-lite” within the first place. These rooms not really feel like funds motel lodging, and have good particulars befitting of a better caliber resort.
Or in order that’s how we felt virtually a decade in the past when these “new” rooms first debuted. They have been a pointy departure from the brightly-colored, arguably garish, however inarguably primary rooms that got here earlier than. We beloved them on the time, and nonetheless like them. Nevertheless, rather a lot has occurred within the time since, and Walt Disney World has actually refined its strategy to room overhauls. Many readers have criticized Caribbean Seashore’s rooms as darkish, dingy, and beginning to really feel dated.
When evaluating the usual rooms at Caribbean Seashore and Riviera Resorts, there is no such thing as a comparability. It’s a stark distinction. Caribbean Seashore is without doubt one of the early makes an attempt at this ‘era’ of room modernizations at Walt Disney World; they weren’t good to start with and at the moment are due for one more overhaul.
Then again, the Deluxe Studios at Disney’s Riviera Resort are the end result of a variety of room design classes discovered by Disney during the last decade. They iterate on previous successes, disregard previous failures, and are available collectively completely. Disney’s Riviera Resort options the near-pinnacle of room design at Walt Disney World.
The design is elegant and considerate, with space-saving options and beautiful design prospers. The room feels upscale and extremely usable, with subtle touches, artwork, and extra. Riviera’s visitor rooms really shine thematically–the paintings, use of texture, and supplies actually come collectively. There are additionally balconies, that are absent from all Average Resorts.
If the lodge room is your paramount consideration, Disney’s Riviera Resort is the straightforward winner. Not simply of this comparability, however arguably in all of Walt Disney World. (I’d nonetheless decide the Villas at Grand Floridian or Polynesian Villas, however that’s principally a matter of non-public desire.)
With that mentioned, there’s a plot twist on this class. Caribbean Seashore just lately debuted an all-new room fashion, the ‘Underneath the Sea’ fifth Sleeper Rooms Impressed by The Little Mermaid, which exchange the notorious pirate rooms and may solely be present in Trinidad. These Underneath the Sea rooms are nice for households who need more room whereas they’re not sleeping, because the pull-down beds make the principle dwelling space far much less cramped throughout the day. These are incredible–much better than the usual rooms.
As a result of all the things wants a nickname, we’ve dubbed these as Caribbean Seashore’s “DVC-Lite” or “Affordable-Riviera” rooms (nonetheless workshopping the identify). Conceptually, these are equivalent to the usual rooms at Disney’s Riviera Resort. These characteristic the identical fashion of pull-down Murphy beds that convert into couches, and now have most of the similar ‘high quality of life’ options because the DVC-style studios.
To make sure, the studios at Disney’s Riviera Resort are extra subtle, spacious, and simply usually higher-end. It’s actually the “bones” which are virtually equivalent right here, with a variety of the ending and options differing–and being higher–at Disney’s Riviera Resort. Nonetheless, for lower than half the value (when going by rack charges), that’s a good tradeoff. Riviera Resort nonetheless wins this class, however not when considered via the lens of worth for cash.
Eating: Riviera Resort — One other comparability that Disney’s Riviera Resort wins handily. This has the most effective lineup of any Disney Trip Membership resort, and among the best eating slates of any resort with Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera, Primo Piatto, Bar Riva, and Le Petit Cafe.
Topolino’s Terrace is the principle standout, with the most effective character breakfast at Walt Disney World and a superlative Signature dinner menu. Primo Piatto flies below the radar, however it has emerged as a sleeper hit of counter service eating places at Walt Disney World.
What we actually recognize about Riviera Resort is its vary of eating choices. Every restaurant satisfies a distinct objective, and most are at or close to the highest of their class. Bar Riva and Le Petit Cafe, particularly, are sometimes neglected–however one is among the many greatest pool bars (with a family-friendly setting and incredible menu) and the opposite is among the many most bold bakeries. And only a few followers learn about both–they’re in some way below the radara!
Caribbean Seashore Resort has its personal duo of underrated eating choices in Centertown Market and Spyglass Grill. Then there’s Sebastian’s Bistro’s new family-style meal that’s the greatest dinner deal in all of Walt Disney World. Add to that Banana Cabana, which is arguably among the best pool bars at any Walt Disney World resort, and also you’ve received fairly the formidable lineup.
Nonetheless, these 4 eating places don’t measure as much as the amount and selection at Disney’s Riviera Resort. Though Caribbean Seashore punches above its weight, it nonetheless doesn’t rival among the best Deluxe Resorts (for eating) at Walt Disney World.
One factor to notice right here is that it’s a straightforward ~5-10 minute stroll from most of the visitor rooms at Caribbean Seashore to the eating choices at Disney’s Riviera Resort. In reality, some rooms at Caribbean Seashore are nearer to Primo Piatto than they’re Centertown Market! So how a lot weight you give this class is as much as you.
Swimming pools: Caribbean Seashore — On our record of the High 10 Swimming pools at Walt Disney World, Fuentes del Morro Pool (aka the “Pirate Fortress Pool”) at Disney’s Caribbean Seashore Resort ranked #3 and trio of Mediterranean swimming pools at Disney’s Riviera Resort ranked #10.
The Pirate Fortress Pool scores critical factors for its Spanish colonial fortress fashion, fortresses, cannons, and basic pirate attraction. It’s an superior place to faux you’re a pirate, and who amongst us doesn’t wish to do this?! You may scoff at this as an grownup, however after sharpening off a few Caribbean Smugglers from the Banana Cabana pool bar, you’ll be staggering round questioning, “why is the rum at all times gone?!” Critically, this pool is superior for friends of all ages.
For adults, Disney’s Riviera Resort affords a reasonably sturdy poolside lounging sport. Beau Soleil and Riviera Pool provide a ton of selection when it comes to seating choices, plus a laid again and tranquil vibe that’s absent from Fuentes del Morro Pool. Whereas the S’il Vous Play interactive water play space is good for youths, it has nothing on the Pirate Fortress Pool.
With all of that mentioned, Disney Trip Membership members do have the power to pool hop, which means that they’ll use each units of swimming pools. That’s not true going the other way, which together with the eating class, additional muddies this resort comparability.
Transportation: Tie — The marquee transportation at each resorts is the Disney Skyliner gondola, which is barely higher at Caribbean Seashore. Disney’s Riviera Resort has one station, which affords direct service to EPCOT and connecting service to Disney’s Hollywood Studios by way of the Caribbean Seashore hub station.
Against this, Caribbean Seashore has easy accessibility to each stations which means direct entry to each parks, which will be vital when making an attempt to get to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in time for Early Entry to knock out Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and/or Slinky Canine Sprint. Identical goes for Early Entry at EPCOT via Worldwide Gateway, which makes knocking out Remy’s Ratatouille Journey and Frozen Ever After by way of standby a breeze.
Nevertheless, the explanation it is a tie is the bus service to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Caribbean Seashore has an inner bus loop, and whereas that’s not as dangerous because it was once, it’s nonetheless not supreme. Disney’s Riviera Resort has a single bus depot, which is less complicated, much less time-consuming, and causes fewer frustrations throughout peak journey instances when buses are in excessive demand.
The scales will most likely tip somehow for you relying upon whether or not you employ the Skyliner or bus transportation extra. Once more, your mileage might fluctuate.
Verdict: It Relies upon — There’s not an enormous level in fixating on a verdict right here, as the load you personally give to every class goes to be outcome-determinative right here. For some, the colossal value disparity between the 2 will make Disney’s Riviera Resort a complete non-starter. If that’s the case for you, hopefully this comparability highlights how one can take pleasure in some slices of Riviera’s luxurious whereas nonetheless staying on the extra budget-friendly resort.
For others, the numerous benefit supplied by the rooms at Disney’s Riviera Resort goes to be the difference-maker. (In the event you’re merely searching for luxurious, you may additionally wish to learn our Gran Destino vs. Riviera Resort comparability.) Even then, hopefully this comparability illustrates how Caribbean Seashore affords some benefits–and how one can make the most of these throughout your keep on the Riviera.
Simply because the Riviera is the extra “posh” resort doesn’t imply it’s higher at all the things, so don’t flip your nostril up at Caribbean Seashore’s pool, bar, and luxurious grounds. As with each resort at Walt Disney World, there’s good and dangerous, execs & cons to each of those, and every have their distinctive qualities that make them value trying out–or checking into, because the case could also be!
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about lodges on our Walt Disney World Accommodations Critiques web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Critiques. To economize on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Suggestions for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a singular take a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Journey Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most effective place to begin is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for all the things you should know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Is cash the deciding issue for you, or are the visitor rooms? Do the superior rooms, eating, and condensed format present sufficient worth so that you can assist bridge the value hole? Is there one other variable you may consider to make Caribbean Seashore Resort the higher decide? Are we lacking a key variable that tilts the scales extra within the Riviera’s favor? Do you agree or disagree with our picks? Any questions we may help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even while you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
