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 Reasonable Resort, the opposite a DVC property—however share quite a bit. This put up 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 Lodge Comparability Sequence, and truly is just not 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 we have now nostalgia blinders on for CBR, or the resort punches above its weight class.
Our affinity for Caribbean Seashore can be mirrored in our Rankings of ALL Walt Disney World Motels from Worst to Finest, which takes worth and a wide range of different variables into consideration. In case you’d want to learn that for a rundown of how all resorts rank, have at it. However, spoiler alert, one in all these resorts ranks 10 spots greater 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 are usually not aggressive with each other throughout the board, however they’ve sufficient similarities that we’ll search to find out whether or not the Reasonable-tier Caribbean Seashore Resort is adequate, 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. Nonetheless, it’s on the previous grounds of Caribbean Seashore, and truly changed among the Reasonable Resort’s buildings.
Thematically, these two properties conflict with each other and in type 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. However, Caribbean Seashore visitors 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 finished near-consecutive stays on the two till pretty just lately. Now that we have now, this comparability turns into a bit simpler–and hopefully extra truthful!
Price: Caribbean Seashore Resort — On common, a normal Deluxe Studio at Disney’s Riviera Resort prices practically triple the nightly fee of Disney’s Caribbean Seashore Resort. In fact, you would all the time downgrade to a Tower Studio at Disney’s Riviera Resort and pay “solely” double the worth of CBR, however these tiny yet-overpriced Tower Studio rooms are usually not going to move muster for many visitors. We’ll thus confine our comparability to the traditional rooms at every resort.
Now, the argument might be made that Riviera Resort is extra enticing with reductions, because it has already seen 30% off charges and will get the “full” Free Eating low cost, each time that’s provided once more. It may be argued that Riviera Resort is considerably cheaper by Renting Disney Trip Membership Factors. Nonetheless, it’s tough to guide through 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 embrace 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 state of affairs. (Apart from, no precise DVC member goes to be debating between these two.) This can be a planning put up, so we’re viewing this from probably the most sensible perspective.
This price disparity is the backdrop towards which the remainder of this comparability is about. We’re not suggesting the Riviera must be twice nearly as good than Caribbean Seashore to be the last word victor nor will we grade on a curve from right here on out. Whereas price is goal, its relative weight is subjective. For some folks, it issues quite a bit. 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 positive to be the primary controversial choose, however hear me out. Caribbean Seashore Resort feels like a tropical island escape. It’s a seashore resort by identify, however might virtually move for a port metropolis within the Caribbean. As a Reasonable Resort, not all the particulars and structure are fully-fleshed out, nevertheless 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 stunning seashores, and all of it culminates in a soothing atmosphere that could 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 evening 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 Reasonable Resort with outlying buildings and exterior hallways, however these really work properly with the theme at CBR.
In contrast, Disney’s Riviera Resort is just not actually themed within the conventional sense of the time period. The design is just not all-encompassing, and doesn’t aspire to move you to a different time or place. As a substitute, it’s a moderately 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 are usually not synonyms.
Our Disney’s Riviera Resort Evaluate 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 massive field lodge. The resort is quite a bit 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 exquisite designs. Imagineering might have chosen an iconic exemplar in Cannes, Good, or Monaco and additional romanticized and reinterpreted it. As a substitute, the type 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 incorrect–that’s all enjoyable, nevertheless it in the end feels hole and superficial.
Rooms: Riviera Resort — In case you’re beginning to query our bias or objectivity right here, this class ought to put a minimum of a few of these issues to mattress. Nonetheless, 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 now not really feel like finances 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 fundamental rooms that got here earlier than. We cherished them on the time, and nonetheless like them. Nonetheless, quite a bit 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 ‘technology’ of room modernizations at Walt Disney World; they weren’t excellent to start with and are actually due for an additional overhaul.
However, the Deluxe Studios at Disney’s Riviera Resort are the end result of a number of room design classes realized by Disney over the past 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 Reasonable 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 choose the Villas at Grand Floridian or Polynesian Villas, however that’s largely a matter of private desire.)
With that mentioned, there’s a plot twist on this class. Caribbean Seashore just lately debuted an all-new room type, the ‘Underneath the Sea’ fifth Sleeper Rooms Impressed by The Little Mermaid, which exchange the notorious pirate rooms and might 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 through the day. These are improbable–much better than the usual rooms.
As a result of every little thing 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 function the identical type of pull-down Murphy beds that convert into couches, and still have most of the similar ‘high quality of life’ options because the DVC-style studios.
To make certain, 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 number of the ending and options differing–and being higher–at Disney’s Riviera Resort. Nonetheless, for lower than half the worth (when going by rack charges), that’s a good tradeoff. Riviera Resort nonetheless wins this class, however not when seen 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 top-of-the-line 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 finest character breakfast at Walt Disney World and a superlative Signature dinner menu. Primo Piatto flies beneath the radar, nevertheless it has emerged as a sleeper hit of counter service eating places at Walt Disney World.
What we actually respect about Riviera Resort is its vary of eating choices. Every restaurant satisfies a unique objective, and most are at or close to the highest of their class. Bar Riva and Le Petit Cafe, particularly, are sometimes ignored–however one is among the many finest pool bars (with a family-friendly setting and improbable menu) and the opposite is among the many most bold bakeries. And only a few followers find out about both–they’re by some means beneath 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 finest dinner deal in all of Walt Disney World. Add to that Banana Cabana, which is arguably top-of-the-line 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 top-of-the-line 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 type, fortresses, cannons, and basic pirate enchantment. It’s an superior place to fake you’re a pirate, and who amongst us doesn’t need to try 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 all the time gone?!” Critically, this pool is superior for visitors of all ages.
For adults, Disney’s Riviera Resort affords a reasonably sturdy poolside lounging recreation. Beau Soleil and Riviera Pool supply 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 sweet for teenagers, it has nothing on the Pirate Fortress Pool.
With all of that mentioned, Disney Trip Membership members do have the power to pool hop, that means that they will 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 through the Caribbean Seashore hub station.
In contrast, Caribbean Seashore has quick access to each stations that means direct entry to each parks, which might be important 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 through standby a breeze.
Nonetheless, the rationale 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 unhealthy because it was once, it’s nonetheless not preferrred. 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 by hook or by crook for you relying upon whether or not you utilize 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 burden you personally give to every class goes to be outcome-determinative right here. For some, the colossal price 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 get pleasure from some slices of Riviera’s luxurious whereas nonetheless staying on the extra budget-friendly resort.
For others, the numerous benefit provided by the rooms at Disney’s Riviera Resort goes to be the difference-maker. (In case you’re merely searching for luxurious, you may additionally need 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 every little thing, 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 unhealthy, professionals & cons to each of those, and every have their distinctive qualities that make them value testing–or checking into, because the case could also be!
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about lodges on our Walt Disney World Motels Evaluations web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations. To save cash on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys put up takes a singular take a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most effective place to begin is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every little thing it’s essential 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 worth hole? Is there one other variable you possibly can consider to make Caribbean Seashore Resort the higher choose? 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 under within the feedback!
