Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be complicated — especially when you’re trying to choose between 25 resort hotels. If you’re trying to decide between these two amazing resorts, just know that your vacation is going to be epic! But how do you make your final selection?

Choosing between Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and Disney’s Riviera Resort isn’t an easy task. So, let’s do some comparisons to see which one is right for you!

Whether room size, location, pools, and/or restaurants are most important to you, we share the information that you’ll need to make an informed decision. After all, we want you to stay at the hotel that is best for your family!

Let’s get started and look at all the details so that you can plan your Disney trip with confidence.

There’s no doubt that Disney vacations are expensive, and no one wants buyer’s remorse when it comes to what can usually be the most EXPENSIVE part of your Disney trip. We’re approaching this difficult decision with as much logic as possible, so we’re breaking it down into five categories:

• Common Ground
• Theme/Rooms
• Pools
• Food
• Transportation

Let’s get started on your vacation research.

Common Ground

Before we mention their differences, let’s take a look at what Grand Floridian and Riviera have in common. First, both offer Deluxe Villa accommodations (Grand Floridian also offers Deluxe rooms) with a similar resort layout. The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Villas can be booked by Disney Vacation Club members or cash-paying guests. You’ll discover luxurious amenities and unique themeing at both hotels. Plus, both boast many of the same perks. Grand Floridian and Riviera offer buses and at least one other type of Walt Disney World transportation.

The most expensive rooms at both resorts are large villas. You’ll see that rates are very similar, however note that the least expensive rooms at Riviera are very small.

For the Grand Floridian, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $780 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $5,502 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates)

For the Riviera Resort, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $443 per night for a studio that sleeps 2; $665 for a deluxe studio (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $5,165 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates)

Let’s dig a little deeper to see what you can get for the money at these resorts!

Extra Theme Park Hours Benefits for Disney World Resort Hotel Guests

Theme/Rooms

These are not your standard hotels. At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, you’ll be transported to a Victorian era. During a stay at Disney’s Riviera Resort, you’ll discover an Italian and French Riviera theme, inspired by Walt Disney’s travels!

But whether your stay takes you to the elegant seaside or the posh riviera, you’ll find that both of these options provide delightful Disney amenities.

Grand Floridian

Cross the threshold of Disney World’s flagship resort into the Victorian age of high tea, dressing for dinner, and gloved-hands with pinkies-out. The lobby and restaurants are grandiose and luxurious, yet families will still feel a welcoming presence. The meticulous grounds and pristine white buildings with their brilliant red-tiled roofs definitely provide that grand allure you’d expect from a deluxe resort.

And the lobby delivers on that jaw-dropping “oh wow” moment (especially around the holidays), but it seems like Disney blew the budget on the common areas, and then tightened the purse strings on the rooms. There are some very nice, and perfectly adequate furnishings, but the rooms themselves just don’t scream lavish.

The Grand Floridian standard rooms haven’t seen the TLC that the Contemporary and Polynesian rooms have. But with the ongoing renovations, we hope the updated Grand Floridian rooms will deliver more luxury considering the price tag assigned to them.

Riviera Resort

Disney’s Riviera Resort, which opened in December 2019, is Walt Disney World’s newest Disney Vacation Club Resort! The European Riviera inspires the architectural design and decorative touches. The theme translates into a refined and elegant space that is simultaneously bright and airy. Of course, Riviera Resort is not without touches of Disney whimsy! The overall effect is stunning while also being relaxing and welcoming.

Riviera Resort offers1-, 2- and 3-Bedroom Villas as well as Tower and Deluxe Studios. The least expensive accommodations are Tower Studios (255 sq. ft), which only sleep 2. Deluxe Studios sleep five (423 sq. ft.), however the rates are about $200 more per night. 

Inspired by Europe — and, in fact, by Walt Disney and his wife Lillian’s own travels along the French Riviera — deluxe amenities, memorable Resort activities, a wide range of fantastic and flavorful dining (including Character Dining), lovely and relaxing pools, and much more are all part of the Riviera Resort experience.

The overall effect is stunning while also being relaxing and welcoming.

Results

This could boil down to your preference. Riviera Resort seems to embrace all things European and “summery” while Grand Floridian is Victorian elegance. Both resorts deliver beautifully on their themes. So, this really could be down to what type of vibe you want on your vacation. Note that the ongoing renovations at Grand Floridian could really change things up once completed. In fact, the entire lobby will be refurbished.

PHOTOS: The NEW Grand Floridian DVC Rooms Are Now OPEN in Disney World

Pools

Pools, splash pads, hot tubs, and lounge chairs, a vacation just doesn’t feel complete without spending some time by the pool. Which of these resorts is the aquatic champion of water lounging? Only one way to find out…

Grand Floridian

The Grand Floridian is not to be outdone in the pool category; it hosts two pools: the Beach Pool and the Courtyard Pool. And though both pools are pretty, the most memorable experience might be at the Mad Hatter splash pad.

And because it’s the Grand Floridian and sophisticated luxury is this resort’s brand, there are plenty of poolside lounge chairs and cabanas available to rent for the day as you relax by the pool and nosh on some peeled-grapes and sip on some sweet tea, like we’re sure Victorian-age vacationers did back in the day.

Grand Floridian offers a luxurious and relaxing spot to unwind!

Riviera Resort

Guests can enjoy the zero-entry Riviera Pool (complete with a waterslide) and the quiet, leisure pool — Beau Soleil Pool.

Each are accompanied by a whirlpool spa. And S’il Vous Play showcasing Fantasia characters is especially made for the kiddos to make a splash!

Bar Riva is the Resort’s poolside bar.

Chef-crafted sandwiches and specialty cocktails are served in a covered, open-air setting. There are lots of drink options and plenty of food options for your day by the pool.

If you’re staying at the Riviera soon, we recommend trying out this spot, located on the ground floor next to Primo Piatto and the main pool.

Results

Both have two, relaxing pools, and both have pool bars, lounge chairs, and splash areas. Again, it might boil down to just what your style is. Do you want to soak in a Victorian seaside setting? Or something a bit more modern with European flair? These two really make the choice difficult!

There’s no real loser in this category if you’ve found relaxation and joy!

10 Hidden Secrets About Disney World Pools

Food

Because we are Disney FOOD Blog, we take food seriously. Very. Seriously. And we love it all. We love the cheap, comfort of plastic cheese, and we love the high-brow sophistication of a wine flight or a multi-course pre-fixe meal. We don’t discriminate; we are a lover of all foods. Since food is SO important, let’s see how these resorts stack up against each other in the restaurant category.

Grand Floridian

Beaches Pool Bar and Courtyard Pool Bar provide fixes for your hunger without ever leaving either of the Grand Floridian’s pools.

Enchanted Rose Bar and Lounge is inspired by the live-action Beauty and the Beast film. Guests can indulge in gourmet bites and crafted cocktails while enjoying any one of the four themed rooms.

Garden View Tea Room hasn’t yet reopened, but when it does, it offers Afternoon Tea with delicious finger sandwiches, pastries, cheese, and fruit. The beautiful view, elegant atmosphere, and fine china make this an exquisite experience.

Gasparilla Island Grill is a counter service restaurant with a standard food court menu. While it used to boast being open 24-hours a day, Gasparilla typically closes at midnight now. Dine outdoors overlooking the Marina (with a view of Cinderella Castle) when the weather permits.

The more casual Table Service options at the Grand Floridian are 1900 Park Fare and Grand Floridian Cafe. 1900 Park Fare, when it reopens, provides popular character dining experiences! At breakfast, guests are entertained by Mary Poppins and friends while the young and young-at-heart feast on Mickey waffles. Dinner is a statelier affair hosted by Cinderella and Prince Charming.

Grand Floridian Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an airy, casual setting. You’ll find American fare being served at your table overlooking the hotel’s elegant courtyard.

Grand Floridian is home to three Signature dining restaurants, Citricos, Victoria & Albert’s, and Narcoossee’s.  Citricos is an upscale restaurant serving American dishes with Mediterranean influences. Reserve the Chef’s Domain for a private table and specially prepared menu.

Narcoossee’s, another Signature Dining restaurant, specializes in seafood. This beautiful, Victorian-inspired building sits ashore on the Seven Seas Lagoon, offering dramatic views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Victoria and Albert’s is a AAA Five Diamond Award winner offering an exclusive dining experience. This Signature Dining restaurant pampers guests with personalized menus, dedicated servers, and long-stemmed roses.

A Chef’s Table is also available to those who’d like to experience the most exclusive dining experience in Disney World. Also, the Queen Victoria Room is available for a bit more privacy.

Join Us For a Meal at Disney World’s Most EXTRAVAGANT Restaurant — Victoria & Albert’s

Riviera Resort

Riviera Resort boasts rooftop and Character Dining, along with casual counter service and pool bar eats and drinks served in upscale settings.

As mentioned above, Bar Riva is the Resort’s poolside bar.

Le Petit Cafe is located off the lobby of the resort and serves up specialty coffee and artisan pastries in the morning, transforming into a wine bar in the evening.

Primo Piatto serves as Riviera’s Quick Service and grab-and-go location.

That said, with dishes like Blueberry-Lemon Pancakes and a Croque Madame sandwich for Breakfast, and Hearth-Baked Pizzas and Spicy Italian Sandwiches for Lunch and Dinner, Primo Piatto is Counter Service… elevated!

Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera is a rooftop Signature Dining restaurant and lounge. In addition to fine dining, Topolino’s also offers sweeping views of EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including views of the nighttime fireworks. 

In the morning, Topolino’s presents a TERRIFIC Character Breakfast featuring Mickey Mouse and friends: Breakfast à la Art!

Voyageurs’ Lounge is also off the lobby, offering a relaxing spot for guests to enjoy items from Le Petit Cafe, play a game, or read a book.

We love this quiet space!

The Complete Guide to Eating at Disney’s Riviera Resort

Results

It’s so hard to designate a clear winner for food — because both resorts offer a delectable lineup of dining choices. The Riviera and Grand Floridian list some unique menu items and you’ll find quality at both locations. Riviera’s Topolino’s Terrace boasts a signature dinner as well as a fantastic poolside bar.

With Gasparilla Island Grill and Grand Floridian Cafe offering some comfort food like fried chicken, burgers, and that creamy mac and cheese, families will feel right at home. Yet, on the OPPOSITE end of that spectrum, Victoria & Albert’s provides one of the most unique and sophisticated dining experiences in all of Florida!

Transportation

Do these resorts offer anything different when it comes to transportation? Let’s see!!

Grand Floridian

The Grand Floridian is aon the Monorail loop. If Magic Kingdom is your destination, there is also a boat option to sail across Seven Seas Lagoon to the front steps of the Magic Kingdom. When not closed for nearby construction, you can also get your steps in by strolling the walkway over to Magic Kingdom.

If Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s buses to transport you over to these parks.

If EPCOT is your park for the day, the easiest option is to board a Disney bus and head over. If you want to take the Monorail, you can but you’d have to walk through the Polynesian resort, over to the Transportation & Ticketing Center to catch that Monorail, resulting in a 15-20 minute walk, and that doesn’t include waiting for the monorail. Or you can hop on the Monorail at the Grand Floridian and ride it past Magic Kingdom, past the Contemporary, and then transfer to the EPCOT Loop Monorail once you get to the Transportation and Ticketing Center, but that does add more time and complication to your already busy morning.

Riviera Resort

Disney’s newest form of transportation, the Disney Skyliner, hosts a station at Disney’s Riviera Resort!

From Riviera, the Skyliner goes directly to EPCOT and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. From Caribbean Beach (which serves as the Skyliner Hub) guests can then transfer to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (or to Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts).

Additionally, guests have complimentary access to Disney Bus Transportation to and from the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.

Results

Riviera Resort has the perk of Disney Skyliner to two theme parks — Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT! But if you are spending more touring days at Magic Kingdom, then Grand Floridian might be better for your family — it really depends on your vacation plans.

Note that ride share, taxis, and Minnie Vans are also available at an extra cost in case you find yourself in a hurry.

Get the answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Disney Skyliner here!

The Winner!

So, who is the ultimate winner — Grand Floridian or Riviera? We hate to say it, but it depends! You’ll need to decide which theme, dining, room types, and transportation best suits your next vacation to Walt Disney World. If you want to stay in the flagship resort near Magic Kingdom, Grand Floridian is a wonderful resort.

However, you can save a little by staying in a deluxe studio at Riviera Resort. And you might want to consider that Grand Floridian is currently undergoing renovations. Good luck with this tough decision!

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What do you think? Is Grand Floridian Resort or Riviera better for your upcoming trip to Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments!