Caribbean Seaside and Riviera Resort are “sister inns” at Walt Disney World, each positioned on Barefoot Bay and sharing Skyliner gondola stations. They’re very totally different—one a Average Resort, the opposite a DVC property—however share quite a bit. This publish 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 really shouldn’t be the primary time Caribbean Seaside confronted an ostensibly absurd underdog matchup. In Caribbean Seaside vs. Polynesian Village Resort, we first made the case for the lodge because the “Poly-lite” or “Poor Particular person’s Poly.” Both we’ve nostalgia blinders on for CBR, or the resort punches above its weight class.
Our affinity for Caribbean Seaside can be mirrored in our Rankings of ALL Walt Disney World Resorts from Worst to Finest, which takes value and quite a lot of different variables under consideration. In the event you’d want to learn that for a rundown of how all resorts rank, have at it. However, spoiler alert, certainly one of these resorts ranks 10 spots increased than the opposite…making the conclusion of this comparability considerably inevitable.
To not break this head-to-head smackdown for you, however that final class of ‘worth for cash’ is essentially the important thing. These two inns aren’t 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 Seaside Resort is adequate, or if they need to splurge on the Deluxe Disney’s Riviera Resort Resort. The decision would possibly shock you…or not!
Since Disney’s Riviera Resort opened, we’ve been providing passing comparisons between it and Caribbean Seaside and treating the 2 as “sister inns.” 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 Seaside, and really changed a number of the Average Resort’s buildings.
Thematically, these two properties conflict with each other and in model the tower of Disney’s Riviera Resort is a pointy distinction to the constructing clusters of Caribbean Seaside Resort. It’s additionally jarring to be sitting within the tropics of Caribbean Seaside and see these gray towers looming on the shore. Alternatively, Caribbean Seaside friends profit from upgraded and new facilities on the new, close by resort.
Whereas we’ve stayed at each resorts a number of occasions (many, many occasions within the case of Caribbean Seaside) we had not accomplished near-consecutive stays on the two till pretty lately. Now that we’ve, this comparability turns into a bit simpler–and hopefully extra honest!
Value: Caribbean Seaside Resort — On common, a typical Deluxe Studio at Disney’s Riviera Resort prices almost triple the nightly fee of Disney’s Caribbean Seaside Resort. After all, you can at all times 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 aren’t going to cross 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 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 is also argued that Riviera Resort is considerably cheaper by Renting Disney Trip Membership Factors. Nonetheless, it’s tough to e-book 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 mean visitor would pay when going to Disneyworld.com and pricing out Riviera Resort and Caribbean Seaside (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. (Moreover, no precise DVC member goes to be debating between these two.) It is a planning publish, so we’re viewing this from essentially the most sensible perspective.
This price disparity is the backdrop in opposition to which the remainder of this comparability is ready. We’re not suggesting the Riviera must be twice nearly as good than Caribbean Seaside to be the final 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 individuals, it issues quite a bit. For others, cash is not any object, and very best remains to be very best. As with so many issues, it’s your mileage could range.
Theme: Caribbean Seaside — That is certain to be the primary controversial choose, however hear me out. Caribbean Seaside Resort feels like a tropical island escape. It’s a seaside resort by identify, however may nearly cross for a port metropolis within the Caribbean. As a Average Resort, not the entire particulars and structure are fully-fleshed out, but it surely coalesces very effectively in providing a transportive atmosphere that’s enjoyable, gentle, and ethereal.
Caribbean Seaside 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 calming atmosphere that could be a ton of enjoyable to discover.
Specifically, Caribbean Cay is a gem hiding in plain sight. I really like wandering Caribbean Seaside Resort resort late at evening or within the early morning–there’s merely a ton to discover and the atmosphere is nice and welcoming. The vibe is great–shockingly so for a Average Resort with outlying buildings and exterior hallways, however these truly work effectively with the theme at CBR.
Against this, Disney’s Riviera Resort shouldn’t be actually themed within the conventional sense of the time period. The design shouldn’t be all-encompassing, and doesn’t aspire to move you to a different time or place. As an alternative, it’s a reasonably generic luxurious tower lodge that provides impressionistic touches, with thrives, decorations, and artwork that evokes the spirit of the French (or is it the Italian?) Riviera. It’s undeniably extra luxurious than Caribbean Seaside, however luxurious and theme aren’t synonyms.
Our Disney’s Riviera Resort Assessment 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 harking back 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 may have chosen an iconic exemplar in Cannes, Good, or Monaco and additional romanticized and reinterpreted it. As an alternative, the model was phoned in with historic pictures of Walt Disney, work of animated movies, and European film posters being substitutes for precise themed design. Don’t get us improper–that’s all enjoyable, but it surely in the end 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. Nonetheless, even it comes with an asterisk–however we’re getting forward of ourselves on that.
We’ve heaped reward on Caribbean Seaside Resort’s redone rooms, and are why we dubbed the resort “Poly-lite” within the first place. These rooms 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 nearly a decade in the past when these “new” rooms first debuted. They had 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. Nonetheless, quite a bit has occurred within the time since, and Walt Disney World has actually refined its method to room overhauls. Many readers have criticized Caribbean Seaside’s rooms as darkish, dingy, and beginning to really feel dated.
When evaluating the usual rooms at Caribbean Seaside and Riviera Resorts, there isn’t a comparability. It’s a stark distinction. Caribbean Seaside is among 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.
Alternatively, the Deluxe Studios at Disney’s Riviera Resort are the fruits of a number 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 thrives. The room feels upscale and extremely usable, with subtle touches, artwork, and extra. Riviera’s visitor rooms truly 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 simple 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 non-public desire.)
With that mentioned, there’s a plot twist on this class. Caribbean Seaside lately debuted an all-new room model, the ‘Beneath the Sea’ fifth Sleeper Rooms Impressed by The Little Mermaid, which exchange the notorious pirate rooms and might solely be present in Trinidad. These Beneath the Sea rooms are nice for households who need extra space whereas they’re not sleeping, because the pull-down beds make the principle residing space far much less cramped in the course of the day. These are implausible–much better than the usual rooms.
As a result of every little thing wants a nickname, we’ve dubbed these as Caribbean Seaside’s “DVC-Lite” or “Cheap-Riviera” rooms (nonetheless workshopping the identify). Conceptually, these are similar to the usual rooms at Disney’s Riviera Resort. These characteristic the identical model 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 sure, the studios at Disney’s Riviera Resort are extra subtle, spacious, and simply typically higher-end. It’s actually the “bones” which might be nearly similar 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 considered by the lens of worth for cash.
Eating: Riviera Resort — One other comparability that Disney’s Riviera Resort wins handily. This has the perfect lineup of any Disney Trip Membership resort, and the most effective 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 below the radar, but it surely 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 goal, and most are at or close to the highest of their class. Bar Riva and Le Petit Cafe, specifically, are sometimes ignored–however one is among the many finest pool bars (with a family-friendly setting and implausible menu) and the opposite is among the many most formidable bakeries. And only a few followers find out about both–they’re by some means below the radara!
Caribbean Seaside 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 the most effective pool bars at any Walt Disney World resort, and also you’ve obtained fairly the formidable lineup.
Nonetheless, these 4 eating places don’t measure as much as the amount and selection at Disney’s Riviera Resort. Although Caribbean Seaside punches above its weight, it nonetheless doesn’t rival the most effective Deluxe Resorts (for eating) at Walt Disney World.
One factor to notice right here is that it’s a simple ~5-10 minute stroll from most of the visitor rooms at Caribbean Seaside to the eating choices at Disney’s Riviera Resort. In actual fact, some rooms at Caribbean Seaside 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 Seaside — On our listing of the High 10 Swimming pools at Walt Disney World, Fuentes del Morro Pool (aka the “Pirate Fortress Pool”) at Disney’s Caribbean Seaside Resort ranked #3 and trio of Mediterranean swimming pools at Disney’s Riviera Resort ranked #10.
The Pirate Fortress Pool scores severe factors for its Spanish colonial fortress model, fortresses, cannons, and normal pirate enchantment. It’s an superior place to fake you’re a pirate, and who amongst us doesn’t need to do this?! You would possibly scoff at this as an grownup, however after sprucing 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?!” Severely, this pool is superior for friends of all ages.
For adults, Disney’s Riviera Resort provides a reasonably robust poolside lounging recreation. Beau Soleil and Riviera Pool supply a ton of selection by way of 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 youths, it has nothing on the Pirate Fortress Pool.
With all of that mentioned, Disney Trip Membership members do have the flexibility to pool hop, that means that they’ll use each units of swimming pools. That’s not true going the wrong 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 Seaside. Disney’s Riviera Resort has one station, which provides direct service to EPCOT and connecting service to Disney’s Hollywood Studios through the Caribbean Seaside hub station.
Against this, Caribbean Seaside has easy accessibility to each stations that means direct entry to each parks, which could be crucial when attempting 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. Similar goes for Early Entry at EPCOT by 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 Seaside has an inner bus loop, and whereas that’s not as dangerous because it was, it’s nonetheless not superb. Disney’s Riviera Resort has a single bus depot, which is easier, much less time-consuming, and causes fewer frustrations throughout peak journey occasions when buses are in excessive demand.
The scales will in all probability tip somehow for you relying upon whether or not you utilize the Skyliner or bus transportation extra. Once more, your mileage could range.
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 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 take pleasure in 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 the event you’re merely in search of luxurious, you may additionally need to learn our Gran Destino vs. Riviera Resort comparability.) Even then, hopefully this comparability illustrates how Caribbean Seaside provides 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 Seaside’s pool, bar, and luxurious grounds. As with each resort at Walt Disney World, there’s good and dangerous, professionals & cons to each of those, and every have their distinctive qualities that make them price trying out–or checking into, because the case could also be!
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study inns on our Walt Disney World Resorts Evaluations web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations. To save cash on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Suggestions for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a singular have 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 perfect place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every little thing it’s essential to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Is cash the deciding issue for you, or are the visitor rooms? Do the superior rooms, eating, and condensed structure present sufficient worth so that you can assist bridge the worth hole? Is there one other variable you possibly can consider to make Caribbean Seaside 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 might help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!