Come summertime, one of my favorite things to do during a full Walt Disney World park day is to take a mid-day break at a nearby resort. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Boardwalk Inn are just a few of my top choices. Each feature one, two, or more quiet lounge areas. Not too many public resort areas feature those nooks and crannies, but when you find one, they make a great respite from the parks. Here, you can soak up tat sweet air conditioning, try a new snack or two, and recharge.
During the time of waiting around for Rise of the Resistance boarding groups (remember that?), Disney’s Riviera Resort quickly became another favorite resort of mine to break away from the parks – and it remains one to this day.
Hopping off the Skyline and heading into the resort, there are two beautiful, floor-to-ceiling mosaics of Peter Pan and Tangled scenery.
The Riviera’s theme takes inspiration from Walt & Lillian’s many trips along the Mediterranean coastline. Upon first glance, there weren’t too many touches of Walt & Lillian that I could find. Little did I know, there’s a whole lot of those touches just waiting to be discovered at Le Petit Cafe and the Voyageurs’ Lounge!
Le Petit Cafe is located on the first floor, within the resort’s main lobby.
Le Petit Cafe shares its name with the cafe found in the Aristocats – this Vincent Van Gogh-inspired piece featuring the geese fits right in!
Le Petit Cafe serves handcrafted coffee beverages and fresh pastries in the morning and afternoon. In the evening, it transforms into a wine bar, serving more adult beverages and sweet accompaniments!
The espresso here is divine, but my go-to choice is the almond cold brew.
In case the few seating areas within Le Petit are already occupied, continue on into the Voyageurs’ Lounge, found just next door…
Ample seating lines Voyageurs’ Lounge, warmly welcoming weary park travelers.
A large community table sits on one side of the lounge which is great for playing board games or checking out a book or two! Movies and animated shorts play quietly in the background here.
For me, it’s all about the details. The book shelves are full of classic European literature and tales, vintage memorabilia and snapshots of Walt’s travels.
Touches of Walt can be found throughout the lounge, including, supposedly, one of his hats! And just outside the Voyageurs’ Lounge, the hallway is lined with even more photographs of Walt & Lillian’s travels.
I could just stay at this lounge all day. It’s comfortable, tucked away, quiet, and chock-full of nostalgic detail. Not to mention that coffee and wine bar right next door, AND one of the best cookies at Walt Disney World available, just a few steps away at Primo Piatto…
A quick Skyliner ride away from both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Riviera is a great place to lounge for a break from the parks and Florida sun.
