We were so excited to try Topolino’s Terrace –Flavors of the Riviera for our daughter Lily’s 7th birthday on March 13. We were not disappointed. I think this was one of my all-time favorite character dining experiences with the food, ambiance, and overall vibe!
We live behind the Magic Kingdom, so we were to the new Riviera Resort in no time (heads up, some GPS systems have you turn down Bonnet Creek — no need, it’s right off of Buena Vista Drive with its own traffic light). We met up with her bestie, bestie’s adorable baby sister and their wonderful grandmother for our celebration! We took the elevator to the 10th floor of the brand-new Riviera Resort for our 9:50 a.m. reservation and were met with a bright, airy restaurant with beautiful views. It was quiet as it was a weekday morning, but also right before Walt Disney World began its unprecedented, historical shutdown due to the Corona Virus.
Delicious Italian and French Cuisine
We were slightly confused with the pasta decor and music at first because we automatically associated the Riviera with France, but the river does border alongside Italy as well, and this restaurant blends the two perfectly both in food and ambiance.
Once seated at a round table, our party of 8 (3 adults, 3 kids and 2 infants), perused the menus. Needless to say it had been a crazy few days as a travel planner specializing in Disney so I ordered a Bellini! It was crisp, and delightful for our brunch!
Breakfast begins with fresh pastries—delicious Danish, croissants, blueberry scones, or Epi bread—a rustic pull-apart baguette shaped like a wheat stalk. I had an apple pastry that was buttery and amazing. The kids loved the mini muffins. The chocolate hazelnut sauces, honey butter and jam were a wonderful touch.
The included juice is POG: our favorite over at ‘Ohana! (Passionfruit, orange, guava juices).
My husband has a soy allergy (and a few others) and the chef came out to speak with him. He is a very picky eater due to his food intolerances, but was genuinely impressed with the level of attention to him. We have had chefs come out before at other character breakfasts, but this is the first restaurant where just the ingredients and presentation were much more high-end. It took awhile for our food compared to other locations, but again, I believe it’s due to the way this kitchen runs and we were just fine! He went with the Sour Cream Waffle with roasted apples, chantilly, and orange-maple syrup. His breakfast was DELICIOUS and he couldn’t stop raving. He hates character dinings because it’s hard for him to eat with the lack of food customization available, but he has a new fave and we will be back (the kids and I say, YAY!!!).
Breakfast is a prix fixe menu, so you choose one of the following entrées including Quiche Gruyère with house-made pancetta, Sour Cream Waffle, Wood-fired Butchers Steak, Smoked Salmon, Spiced Sausage Hash, Two Eggs Any Style, plant-based “Egg” Omelet and more.
I went with the Quiche and it was unlike any Disney-breakfast I had before. It came with roasted potatoes, field greens and lemon vinaigrette. I would have to say my plate looked and tasted like something I usually get at Palo brunch on the Disney Cruise ships (and that is my favorite brunch of all time)!
The kids went with Mickey waffle dippers which were Mickey waffles on sticks, but had specialty dipping sauces with them to look like an artist palette. The babies had eggs and fruit and were very content with that!
Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends
While enjoying our breakfast and the bird’s eye views, our favorite Disney Friends greeted us several times! Mickey Mouse (the painter), Minnie Mouse (the writer), Donald Duck (the sculptor) and Daisy Duck (the dancer) were all stylishly dressed from head to toe in outfits unique to Topolino’s Terrace! I love that Daisy is the dancer here as it coincides nicely with her role at the new Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway railway at Hollywood Studios.
This was one of the best character interactions due to the size of the restaurant and overall pace. The characters came around several times, spent lots of time with us, and the dance they did had them further interacting with us as well.
Mickey even had time to show us where the ladies room was (what a host!).
Again, this could be due to a slower morning with all that’s happening with the COVID-19 virus, but in looking at the layout, seating etc, this breakfast features a lot more time for characters. The overall pace was good as I tend to feel rushed at buffets, like “what if I miss them when they come to the table?!
Reservations and Important Details
This is a 1-table service credit restaurant if you are on the Disney Dining, Disney Dining Plan Plus, or Disney Deluxe Dining Plan.
Breakfast: $42 for adults, $27 for kids ages 3-9.
Advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made with the My Disney Experience app up to 180 days prior to your visit. Character appearances and entertainment are subject to change. As your travel planner, I can assist with these reservations and provide recommendations.
Getting there: we drove of course, but afterwards, we checked out the new Skyliner and finally took a ride! So Skyliner is an option as well as private Minnie Van, or a resort bus from one of the parks or Disney Springs.
It was a fantastic way to spend her birthday and I highly recommend breakfast at Topolino’s along with a stay at the Riviera Resort during your next Walt Disney World vacation! See more photos at my Instagram feed and stories!