Caribbean Seashore and Riviera Lodge are “sister accommodations” at Walt Disney Global, each situated on Barefoot Bay and sharing Skyliner gondola stations. They’re very other—one a Average Lodge, the opposite a DVC belongings—however proportion so much. This publish contrasts and compares the 2 in theme/decor, rooms, eating, transportation, swimming pools, and price for cash. (Up to date September 15, 2024.)
This continues our Walt Disney Global Lodge Comparability Sequence, and if truth be told isn’t the primary time Caribbean Seashore confronted an ostensibly absurd underdog matchup. In Caribbean Seashore vs. Polynesian Village Lodge, we first made the case for the resort because the “Poly-lite” or “Deficient Individual’s Poly.” Both we’ve nostalgia blinders on for CBR, or the lodge punches above its weight magnificence.
Our affinity for Caribbean Seashore could also be mirrored in our Ratings of ALL Walt Disney Global Motels from Worst to Best possible, which takes worth and quite a lot of different variables into consideration. When you’d wish to learn that for a rundown of ways all accommodations rank, have at it. However, spoiler alert, this type of accommodations ranks 10 spots increased than the opposite…making the belief of this comparability quite inevitable.
To not smash this head-to-head smackdown for you, however that closing class of ‘worth for cash’ is in large part the important thing. Those two accommodations don’t seem to be aggressive with one every other around the board, however they’ve sufficient similarities that we’ll search to decide whether or not the Average-tier Caribbean Seashore Lodge is just right sufficient, or in the event that they must splurge at the Deluxe Disney’s Riviera Lodge Lodge. The decision may surprise you…or now not!
Since Disney’s Riviera Lodge opened, we’ve been providing passing comparisons between it and Caribbean Seashore and treating the 2 as “sister accommodations.” That’s not going to be a comparability that Walt Disney Global appreciates, because it perspectives the Riviera as a flagship DVC belongings on par with the Grand Floridian. Then again, it’s at the former grounds of Caribbean Seashore, and if truth be told changed one of the Average Lodge’s structures.
Thematically, those two homes conflict with one every other and in genre the tower of Disney’s Riviera Lodge is a pointy distinction to the development clusters of Caribbean Seashore Lodge. It’s additionally jarring to be sitting within the tropics of Caribbean Seashore and notice those gray towers looming at the shore. Alternatively, Caribbean Seashore visitors get pleasure from upgraded and new facilities on the new, close by lodge.
Whilst we’ve stayed at each accommodations more than one occasions (many, many occasions in terms of Caribbean Seashore) we had now not carried out near-consecutive remains on the two till somewhat lately. Now that we’ve got, this comparability turns into a bit of more uncomplicated–and expectantly extra truthful!
Value: Caribbean Seashore Lodge — On moderate, an ordinary Deluxe Studio at Disney’s Riviera Lodge prices just about triple the nightly price of Disney’s Caribbean Seashore Lodge. In fact, it’s worthwhile to all the time downgrade to a Tower Studio at Disney’s Riviera Lodge and pay “simplest” double the cost of CBR, however the ones tiny yet-overpriced Tower Studio rooms don’t seem to be going to move muster for many visitors. We’ll thus confine our comparability to the traditional rooms at each and every lodge.
Now, the argument may well be made that Riviera Lodge is extra sexy with reductions, because it has already observed 30% off charges and will get the “complete” Unfastened Eating cut price, on every occasion that’s introduced once more. It is also argued that Riviera Lodge is considerably inexpensive via Renting Disney Holiday Membership Issues. Then again, it’s tough to ebook by the use of DVC level apartment and isn’t with out problem–and that’s now 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 Lodge and Caribbean Seashore (which does come with reductions–usually higher at Riviera, as famous above). It doesn’t issue DVC level apartment or being a DVC member as a result of that’s now not the baseline situation. (But even so, no precise DVC member goes to be debating between those two.) This can be a making plans publish, so we’re viewing this from essentially the most sensible standpoint.
This value disparity is the backdrop towards which the remainder of this comparability is about. We’re now not suggesting the Riviera must be two times as just right than Caribbean Seashore to be without equal victor nor do we grade on a curve from right here on out. Whilst value is goal, its relative weight is subjective. For some other folks, it issues so much. For others, cash is not any object, and very best remains to be very best. As with such a lot of issues, it’s your mileage might range.
Theme: Caribbean Seashore — That is certain to be the primary debatable select, however pay attention me out. Caribbean Seashore Lodge feels like a tropical island get away. It’s a seashore lodge via title, however may just virtually move for a port town within the Caribbean. As a Average Lodge, now not all the main points and structure are fully-fleshed out, however it coalesces rather well in providing a transportive surroundings that’s a laugh, mild, and ethereal.
Caribbean Seashore does an outstanding activity of shooting 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 surroundings that could be a ton of a laugh to discover.
Specifically, Caribbean Cay is a gem hiding in undeniable sight. I like wandering Caribbean Seashore Lodge lodge past due at evening or within the early morning–there’s merely a ton to discover and the surroundings is pleasing and welcoming. The vibe is superb–shockingly so for a Average Lodge with outlying structures and external hallways, however the ones if truth be told paintings smartly with the theme at CBR.
In contrast, Disney’s Riviera Lodge isn’t in point of fact themed within the conventional sense of the time period. The design isn’t all-encompassing, and does now not aspire to move you to yet again or position. As an alternative, it’s a reasonably generic luxurious tower resort that provides impressionistic touches, with prospers, decorations, and artwork that conjures up the spirit of the French (or is it the Italian?) Riviera. It’s undeniably extra sumptuous than Caribbean Seashore, however luxurious and theme don’t seem to be synonyms.
Our Disney’s Riviera Lodge Assessment sharply criticizes the loss of thematic ambition of the brand new DVC belongings, the use of phrases like “lazy, uninspired, and dull” when describing the structure and design of the massive field resort. The lodge is so much like cookie-cutter suburbia, extra paying homage to Val d’Europe, the Disney-developed the town adjoining to Disneyland Paris, versus the extra lavish and ornate French Riviera.
What’s maximum disappointing this is the squandered possible–the ‘supply subject material’ is a treasure trove of wealthy and lovely designs. Imagineering will have selected an iconic exemplar in Cannes, Great, or Monaco and extra romanticized and reinterpreted it. As an alternative, the manner was once phoned in with historical footage of Walt Disney, art work of animated movies, and Ecu film posters being substitutes for precise themed design. Don’t get us improper–that’s all a laugh, however it in the end feels hole and superficial.
Rooms: Riviera Lodge — When you’re beginning to query our bias or objectivity right here, this class must put a minimum of a few of the ones issues to mattress. Then again, even it comes with an asterisk–however we’re getting forward of ourselves on that.
We’ve heaped reward on Caribbean Seashore Lodge’s redone rooms, and are why we dubbed the lodge “Poly-lite” within the first position. Those rooms not really feel like price range motel lodging, and have great main points befitting of a better caliber lodge.
Or in order that’s how we felt virtually a decade in the past when the ones “new” rooms first debuted. They had been a pointy departure from the brightly-colored, arguably garish, however inarguably elementary rooms that got here sooner than. We beloved them on the time, and nonetheless like them. Then again, so much has took place within the time since, and Walt Disney Global has in point of fact subtle its technique 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 Accommodations, there is not any 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 Global; they weren’t best possible to start with and at the moment are due for every other overhaul.
Alternatively, the Deluxe Studios at Disney’s Riviera Lodge are the end result of a large number of room design courses discovered via Disney over the past decade. They iterate on previous successes, put out of your mind previous screw ups, and are available in combination completely. Disney’s Riviera Lodge options the near-pinnacle of room design at Walt Disney Global.
The design is classy and considerate, with space-saving options and beautiful design prospers. The room feels upscale and extremely usable, with refined touches, artwork, and extra. Riviera’s visitor rooms if truth be told shine thematically–the paintings, use of texture, and fabrics in point of fact come in combination. There also are balconies, which might be absent from all Average Accommodations.
If the resort room is your paramount attention, Disney’s Riviera Lodge is the straightforward winner. No longer simply of this comparability, however arguably in all of Walt Disney Global. (I’d nonetheless select the Villas at Grand Floridian or Polynesian Villas, however that’s most commonly an issue of private desire.)
With that mentioned, there’s a plot twist on this class. Caribbean Seashore lately debuted an all-new room genre, the ‘Below the Sea’ fifth Sleeper Rooms Impressed via The Little Mermaid, which exchange the notorious pirate rooms and will simplest be present in Trinidad. Those Below the Sea rooms are nice for households who need extra space whilst they’re now not drowsing, because the pull-down beds make the primary residing house a long way much less cramped all through the day. Those are implausible–a long way higher than the usual rooms.
As a result of the whole lot wishes a nickname, we’ve dubbed those as Caribbean Seashore’s “DVC-Lite” or “Affordable-Riviera” rooms (nonetheless workshopping the title). Conceptually, those are just like the usual rooms at Disney’s Riviera Lodge. Those function the similar genre of pull-down Murphy beds that convert into couches, and now have lots of the identical ‘high quality of lifestyles’ options because the DVC-style studios.
To make certain, the studios at Disney’s Riviera Lodge are extra refined, spacious, and simply in most cases higher-end. It’s in point of fact the “bones” which are virtually equivalent right here, with a large number of the completing and contours differing–and being higher–at Disney’s Riviera Lodge. Nonetheless, for lower than part the fee (when going via rack charges), that’s an excellent tradeoff. Riviera Lodge nonetheless wins this class, however now not when seen during the lens of worth for cash.
Eating: Riviera Lodge — Every other comparability that Disney’s Riviera Lodge wins handily. This has the most efficient lineup of any Disney Holiday Membership lodge, and one of the vital best possible eating slates of any lodge with Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera, Primo Piatto, Bar Riva, and Le Petit Cafe.
Topolino’s Terrace is the primary standout, with the best possible persona breakfast at Walt Disney Global and a superlative Signature dinner menu. Primo Piatto flies beneath the radar, however it has emerged as a sleeper hit of counter carrier eating places at Walt Disney Global.
What we in point of fact recognize about Riviera Lodge is its vary of eating choices. Every eating place satisfies a special function, and maximum are at or close to the highest in their magnificence. Bar Riva and Le Petit Cafe, specifically, are ceaselessly lost sight of–however one is among the finest pool bars (with a family-friendly atmosphere and implausible menu) and the opposite is likely one of the maximum formidable bakeries. And only a few lovers find out about both–they’re by some means beneath the radara!
Caribbean Seashore Lodge has its personal duo of underrated eating choices in Centertown Marketplace and Spyglass Grill. Then there’s Sebastian’s Bistro’s new family-style meal this is the most efficient dinner deal in all of Walt Disney Global. Upload to that Banana Cabana, which is arguably one of the vital best possible pool bars at any Walt Disney Global lodge, and also you’ve were given reasonably the ambitious lineup.
Nonetheless, those 4 eating places don’t measure as much as the amount and diversity at Disney’s Riviera Lodge. Even supposing Caribbean Seashore punches above its weight, it nonetheless doesn’t rival one of the vital best possible Deluxe Accommodations (for eating) at Walt Disney Global.
Something to notice this is that it’s a very easy ~5-10 minute stroll from lots of the visitor rooms at Caribbean Seashore to the eating choices at Disney’s Riviera Lodge. In reality, some rooms at Caribbean Seashore are nearer to Primo Piatto than they’re Centertown Marketplace! So how a lot weight you give this class is as much as you.
Swimming pools: Caribbean Seashore — On our checklist of the Best 10 Swimming pools at Walt Disney Global, Fuentes del Morro Pool (aka the “Pirate Citadel Pool”) at Disney’s Caribbean Seashore Lodge ranked #3 and trio of Mediterranean swimming pools at Disney’s Riviera Lodge ranked #10.
The Pirate Citadel Pool rankings critical issues for its Spanish colonial castle genre, fortresses, cannons, and normal pirate enchantment. It’s a terrific position to fake you’re a pirate, and who amongst us doesn’t need to do this?! It’s possible you’ll 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 wondering, “why is the rum all the time long past?!” Critically, this pool is superior for visitors of every age.
For adults, Disney’s Riviera Lodge gives a somewhat robust poolside lounging recreation. Beau Soleil and Riviera Pool be offering a ton of selection with regards to seating choices, plus a laid again and tranquil vibe that’s absent from Fuentes del Morro Pool. Whilst the S’il Vous Play interactive water play house is good for children, it has not anything at the Pirate Citadel Pool.
With all of that mentioned, Disney Holiday Membership participants do be able to pool hop, which means that they are able to use each units of swimming pools. That’s now not true going the other way, which together with the eating class, additional muddies this lodge comparability.
Transportation: Tie — The marquee transportation at each accommodations is the Disney Skyliner gondola, which is relatively higher at Caribbean Seashore. Disney’s Riviera Lodge has one station, which gives direct carrier to EPCOT and connecting carrier to Disney’s Hollywood Studios by the use of the Caribbean Seashore hub station.
In contrast, Caribbean Seashore has simple get entry to to each stations which means direct get entry to to each parks, which will also be crucial when looking to get to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in time for Early Access to knock out Big name Wars: Upward push of the Resistance and/or Slinky Canine Sprint. Similar is going for Early Access at EPCOT thru Global Gateway, which makes knocking out Remy’s Ratatouille Journey and Frozen Ever After by the use of standby a breeze.
Then again, the rationale it is a tie is the bus carrier to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Caribbean Seashore has an inside bus loop, and whilst that’s now not as dangerous because it was once, it’s nonetheless now not superb. Disney’s Riviera Lodge has a unmarried bus depot, which is more practical, much less time-consuming, and reasons fewer frustrations all through height go back and forth occasions when buses are in top call for.
The scales will most certainly tip by some means for you relying upon whether or not you employ the Skyliner or bus transportation extra. Once more, your mileage might range.
Verdict: It Is dependent — There’s now not an enormous level in fixating on a verdict right here, as the load you in my opinion give to each and every class goes to be outcome-determinative right here. For some, the colossal value disparity between the 2 will make Disney’s Riviera Lodge a complete non-starter. If that’s the case for you, expectantly this comparability highlights how you’ll revel in some slices of Riviera’s luxurious whilst nonetheless staying on the extra budget-friendly lodge.
For others, the numerous benefit introduced via the rooms at Disney’s Riviera Lodge goes to be the difference-maker. (When you’re merely on the lookout for luxurious, you may also need to learn our Gran Destino vs. Riviera Lodge comparability.) Even then, expectantly this comparability illustrates how Caribbean Seashore gives some benefits–and the way you’ll make the most of the ones all through your keep on the Riviera.
Simply since the Riviera is the extra “posh” lodge doesn’t imply it’s higher at the whole lot, so don’t flip your nostril up at Caribbean Seashore’s pool, bar, and luxurious grounds. As with each lodge at Walt Disney Global, there’s just right and dangerous, execs & cons to either one of those, and each and every have their distinctive qualities that cause them to price trying out–or checking into, because the case could also be!
Making plans a Walt Disney Global commute? Know about accommodations on our Walt Disney Global Motels Evaluations web page. For the place to devour, learn our Walt Disney Global Eating place Evaluations. To economize on tickets or decide which kind to shop for, learn our Pointers for Saving Cash on Walt Disney Global Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a singular have a look at suave pieces to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney Global Journey Guides will lend a hand. For complete recommendation, the most efficient position to begin is our Walt Disney Global Travel Making plans Information for the whole lot you wish to have to understand!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Is cash the deciding issue for you, or are the visitor rooms? Do the awesome rooms, eating, and condensed format supply sufficient worth so that you can lend a hand bridge the fee hole? Is there every other variable you’ll call to mind to make Caribbean Seashore Lodge the simpler select? Are we lacking a key variable that tilts the scales extra within the Riviera’s want? Do you settle or disagree with our choices? Any questions we will permit you to solution? Listening to your comments–even while you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please proportion your ideas under within the feedback!
