Restaurant Review: Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera

Restaurant Review: Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera

Location: Disney’s Riviera Resort

Meals Offered: Character Breakfast and Dinner

Rating: 

This rooftop restaurant at Disney’s Riviera Resort offers two incredible dining options – and we experienced them both! 

Character Breakfast:

Breakfast was our first time at the resort and restaurant, and we were in awe of the beauty of everything! Aside from the fact that the resort has that new smell and feel to it, the decor is just breathtaking. The resort is European inspired (French and Italian), and the amount of detail and Disney history found throughout  is unbelievable. The story for the character breakfast (because Disney always tells a story) is that Mickey and his friends are studying at an art school and are dropping by to say hi! Each of the characters has a different skill and are dressed accordingly (i.e. Mickey is a painter). 

The meal is definitely on the pricier side, but you’re paying for the character experience. It’s $42 for adults and $27 for kids, and you pick a meal from a variety of options on the menu. The food was delicious and the service was the best. We sat for about an hour and were able to see the characters come around three different times – they come out individually and then as a group and do a fun parade and dance around the restaurant! Also, be sure to check out the amazing views outside on the terrace. It’s one of the best views of Disney property!

COVID Breakfast Thoughts: 

This is one of the only character meals available on property. Disney has offered a modified experience since characters cannot come around to the tables for individual pictures and autographs. We were unsure of how it would really be when we went, and I have to say, we loved it! Seeing Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy parade around the restaurant was so much fun, and we got to see them a ton! Even though they can’t “stop” at your table, the characters were great about posing in the background (6 feet away) so you could get pictures with them. Instead of autographs, the restaurant provided a pre-signed card. So overall, we would highly recommend this spot, especially once the “regular” character interactions are allowed again. View the Breakfast Menu HERE.

Dinner:

We had a delicious dinner and wonderful experience at Topolino’s Terrace. Currently, the outdoor terrace is closed, but we would have loved to have sat out there for our meal (and will have to come back and try it!). We were seated in one of the booths in the middle of the restaurant which was great. For the best view, request a table by the window!

The French and Italian inspired food was to die for, and we loved everything we tried on the menu! Again, this spot is a little pricey but worth the expense for a nicer meal at Disney. Despite being a little nicer, Topolino’s is still very family friendly and has great kids meal options on the menu. Check out the Dinner Menu HERE.

 

WDW Park Planners Tips: 

For Breakfast: 

The Riviera Resort is located on the Skyliner transportation system. If you’re going to breakfast at Topolino’s, plan your Hollywood Studios or Epcot day around that since you can take the Skyliner to both of those parks! Super easy and fun 🙂

For Dinner:

Try to time your meal around the nighttime shows (when they come back) at Epcot and Hollywood Studios since you can see them from here!

 

Questions? Send me an email below!

 

Restaurant Review: Nomad Lounge

Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Rating:

Calling all world wanderers! Come relax from your day of travels with an exotic cocktail or bite to eat at Animal Kingdom’s Nomad Lounge, a peaceful oasis on the water.

What we like:

Nomad Lounge is a hidden gem at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and I was thrilled when we discovered it on our last trip. It connects to Tiffins restaurant, which is located before the bridge crossing into Pandora. This spot does not accept reservations, so we walked in just expecting to take a quick look around. Lucky for us, there were plenty of seats open, so we took two chairs at the bar.

Our new favorite place!!

Aside from the bar seating, there are sitting areas with comfy lounge chairs and couches, along with outdoor seating on a wrap-around porch facing the water. The menu is small plates along with specialty drinks, inspired by cuisines and flavors from around the globe. We shared three menu items and each tried a different cocktail, and everything was delicious! You can’t go wrong here. This was one of the most relaxing places I’ve ever experienced in all of Disney World – we had the best time.

Things to note:

No reservations means Nomad Lounge could be a hit or miss! We sat through all of lunch and there was always some seating available, but I imagine it could get busier. This spot might be hard for bigger groups – definitely worth a shot regardless of your group size, though, as I’m convinced this is a hidden spot at Animal Kingdom still!

WDW Park Planners Tip:

If it’s not steamy and humid, ask to sit outside. The views are beautiful and unlike anything else at Animal Kingdom!

Restaurant Review: Narcoossee’s

Location: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Rating:

What better way to enjoy dinner than with panoramic views of the Seven Seas lagoon, Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain? That’s what you’ll get when you dine at the Grand Floridian’s Narcoossee’s restaurant, a steak and seafood spot located on the water.

What we like:

Narcoossee’s is a small restaurant on the water, but that’s what keeps it so intimate and cozy. This spot is perfect for a special occasion or date night; it’s on the pricier side but worth the splurge. Everything about this restaurant is exceptional – the food, the service, the waterfront views – you can’t beat it. Their wine list includes some Disney-owned brands, which were really neat to try. If you’re looking for a white tablecloth, upscale spot in Disney World, this is it!

Disney dates are the best dates!

Things to note:

As mentioned, this spot is on the pricier side, so there are not as many young kids and families dining here. Most places in Disney World are kid-friendly, so this is no exception, but it was mostly adult couples while we had dinner. We were seated at a table next to a family with one baby, but we also ate on the earlier side so we could head to Magic Kingdom afterwards.

WDW Park Planners Tip:

There are two tiers to the restaurant, so if you want to sit at the window, don’t be afraid to request it. Both tiers have breathtaking views (we were not on the window directly, and we still had great views), but if this is important to you, make sure you ask upon arrival 🙂

Also, if you dine on the later side, you may get to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant!