Walt Disney World’s Riviera Resort opened its doors to the public for the first time yesterday and, with it, we got a brand new restaurant. And it’s good. It’s really, really good.
I’m going to start by saying a few words about Disney’s Riviera Resort in general. Because it is beautiful. It is beautiful in a restrained, lovely way that is so rare here. It is cozy and inviting and filled with gentle references to Walt. It feels like peace in the middle of the chaos. A quiet sort of retreat.
A space that surprises you at every turn with gorgeous details that were clearly more work than they let on.
But today we are here to talk about a very special restaurant at the top of this place called Topolino’s Terrace.
Topolino is the Italian name for Mickey Mouse. Topolino’s Terrace is at the very top of Disney’s Riviera Resort and, like the Grand Floridian’s Enchanted Rose, is yet another example of Disney’s ability to do theming with incredible style. It feels like we are learning together with Walt Disney World that we don’t have to choose between feeling immersed in the magic and enjoying fantastic food and drink.
The space inside Topolino’s is shaped like a bit of an upside down “U”. The left side is the Italian Riviera. The top bit is Monaco. And the right side is the French Riviera. We were seated in the Italian bit and greeted with a warm
“Bonjourno” by our waitress.
We then took in the space around us, surrounded by windows and offering spectacular views of Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. If you aren’t satisfied with the view from inside, you can wander out to the terrace space. There you’ll find comfortable seats and soaring views. At night you can watch the sunset and then stay for the fireworks. And while it isn’t opened yet, there is a bar out there that will eventually offer separate drink service.
I’ve heard fantastic things about dinner here (yes, after only 24 hours of being open) – but we went for breakfast to check out the prix fixe character dining experience.
Breakfast is $41 for adults and $24 for guests ages 3-9. At present they offer a 10% discount for Disney Vacation Club Members but do not accept Tables in Wonderland or offer an AP discount.
For the set price, you get a gorgeous basket of bread and pastries with honey butter, berry compote, and chocolate hazelnut spread. The croissants were to die for.
You also get the famed POG (passionfruit, orange, and guava) juice…but you can step it up for a bit more and have them make it into a mimosa for you. There are also a number of other cocktail options on the menu for an added fee.
You also of course get coffee and a meal of your choice. They offer a smoked salmon bagel that tempted me…since I’m always in the mood for some lox and an everything bagel. But for $41 I figured I’d explore a little more. So I opted for the Wood-fired Butchers Steak with polenta, Pomodoraccio tomatoes, roasted onions, wild mushroom conserva, and watercress.
It was fantastic. Up there with the best steak I’ve had on property.
My friend got the Spiced Sausage Hash – a sort of deconstructed eggs benedict with a poached hen egg, English muffin, potatoes, pearl onions, choron sauce, and herbs.
Her daughter got a lovely children’s plate with a Mickey and Minnie waffle and dipping sauces.
But while the food was fantastic, the fun of breakfast is that it’s also a fantastic character meal with two very special couples – Mickey and Minnie and Donald and Daisy, each in some of the sweetest outfits I’ve ever seen.
You can even get stuffed animal versions of them right there in the restaurant.
I’m always so hesitant to review a spot that’s just opened because there are always kinks to work out. It always feels almost unfair. But I found myself remarking again and again to our wonderful waitress that it felt like they had been opened for ages. The food was spot on, the service was impeccable, and all in all everything from the meal to the meet and greets was just executed seamlessly.
I’m thrilled that this is a new option on property. These latest spots are showing us that we no longer need to choose between fine dining and immersive fun and I’m loving every bit of it.
Will you be checking out Disney’s new Riviera Resort on your next trip??
