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 that sweet air conditioning, try a new snack or two, and recharge — you and your phone! More recently, Disney’s Riviera Resort has quickly become another favorite resort to visit and break away from the parks for a spell.
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. Side note; this lobby really reminds me of a Disney Cruise Line ship atrium with those low ceilings, dramatic decor, and the attached cafe.
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. But, in the evening, it transforms into a wine bar, serving beverages and sweet accompaniments!
The espresso here is divine. But my go-to choice is the almond cold brew. During my visit, the few seating areas within Le Petit were already occupied, so I continued on to 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! The frosted glass in the hallway is a nice touch, dimming that sunlight just enough.
Just outside the Voyageurs’ Lounge, the hallway is lined with even more photographs of Walt & Lillian’s travels. It’s nice to see this authentic touch.
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! I sense an evening-time Riviera break on my horizon…
Just 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.
…And don’t forget to check out those beautiful, floor-to-ceiling mosaics of Peter Pan and Tangled scenery on your way into the resort!
Theme Park Correspondent for The DIS | Chloé loves kitschy dark rides, roller coasters, a good background area music loop, hot Butterbeer, and all things Halloween. You’ll mostly find her wandering around Orlando’s biggest theme parks snapping pics and sharing tips… or probably talking about The Great Movie Ride.
