My family stayed in a $950-a-night deluxe villa at Disney World, and it was the perfect weekend without even stepping foot in the parks

Megan duBoisSep 17, 2023, 20:06 IST

Disney's Riviera Resort is one of the newer hotels on the Disney World property.Megan duBois

I recently stayed in a fancy, $950-a-night one-bedroom villa at Disney's Riviera Resort in Florida.
The accommodations featured a massive bedroom, a split bathroom, and a full kitchen.

I visit Disney World about twice a month, so I'm always looking for a new place to stay. On a recent trip, my family booked a one-bedroom villa at Disney's Riviera Resort using our Disney Vacation Club points.

The villa typically costs about $950 a night, but three nights (one weekday and two weekends) in the villa cost us 129 points. We pay monthly dues for points within Disney's flexible timeshare system, and since we stay at Disney properties often, it ends up saving us money.

Here's what it was like taking full advantage of everything the European-inspired resort has to offer.

Disney's Riviera Resort is a glamorous hotel in the heart of the property.

The Riviera Resort is conveniently located on Disney World property.Megan duBois

From the moment I walked into the lobby, I knew I was in for a treat.

The main lobby is spacious and welcoming.Megan duBois

Our villa was beautiful, with plenty of space and cute artwork.

There was a large entryway at the front of the villa.Megan duBois

We had plenty of storage for our short trip.

There were extra pillows and blankets in the closet.Megan duBois

The entryway led into the large kitchen, dining room, and living room.

There was a large kitchen in the one-bedroom villa.Megan duBois

The full-sized appliances made our stay extra convenient.

We even had a dishwasher in the kitchen.Megan duBois

I loved the cute little dining room.

The dining room was tucked in the corner next to the fridge.Megan duBois

Past the kitchen was a large living room.

We had plenty of lounge space in the living room.Megan duBois

The living room doubled as a second sleeping area.

There were two beds in the living room.Megan duBois

There was a balcony attached to the living room.

Our balcony had metal furniture to sit on.Megan duBois

The main bedroom was spacious and comfortable.

My parents slept in the main bedroom.Megan duBois

Having a split bathroom was helpful in the mornings.

The bathroom had a beautiful tub.Megan duBois

Past the tub, there was another vanity and plenty of space to get ready.

More than one person could get ready in the bathroom a once.Megan duBois

I took some time to peruse the resort's gift shop.

La Boutique is a gift shop in the Riviera Resort.Megan duBois

The resort has its own branded merchandise.

I found Riviera Minnie ears.Megan duBois

The resort has two pools.

The family pool had lifeguards and a slide.Megan duBois

The second pool is tucked away in a quieter corner.

The second pool didn't have any lifeguards.Megan duBois

I think Riviera has some of the best food of any Disney hotel.

We got one of our meals from Primo Piatto.Megan duBois

Outside by the pool, Bar Riva serves drinks and Mediterranean-inspired meals.

Bar Riva is a nice spot for a light bite.Megan duBois

Topolino's Terrace is one of my favorite spots for happy hour.

Topolino's Terrace is a sit-down restaurant at Riviera Resort.Megan duBois

There are plenty of activities to take part in across the resort.

The resort plays outdoor movies on a big screen.Megan duBois

Overall, this was a great way to spend a few days at Disney World without even visiting the parks.

I met characters, relaxed by the pool, and ate great food at the Riviera Resort.Megan duBois

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