Mediterranean Musings at Disney’s Riviera Resort

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Disney’s Riviera Resort, a Disney Vacation Club Resort, captures the magic of the Mediterranean Coast where Walt and Lillian Disney vacationed on their grand tour of Europe. Inspired by European art, architecture and cuisine, Disney’s Riviera Resort is the picture-perfect setting for a sophisticated yet casual vacation. Take a pictorial tour of Disney’s Riviera Resort.

Click here to view a video tour of Disney’s Riviera Resort.

Upon arrival at Disney’s Riviera Resort, a palm-tree lined entrance leads to an impressive port de cochere, featuring grand archways, water features, resort monogram, flowers and terraces. Crimson and navy awnings placed above guest room balconies add a pop of color to the resort’s light gray stone façade. In the grand oval lobby, early 20th century design elements mix with modern furnishings to create an upscale atmosphere. A stunning chandelier made of intertwined and illuminated circles shimmers above the sleek black and white marble floor. Floor to ceiling windows with stunning views of the resort lawn, pool and lakefront give a sneak peek of the adventures that awaits.

A new digital check-in process introduced at Disney’s Riviera is an efficient and streamlined experience for guests. Rather than queuing up at a central desk area, a Cast Members greets guests and invites them to a seating area where they register the guest and answer questions. This personal touch welcomes guests and makes them feel at home!

There are approximately 300 Deluxe Vacation Villas at Disney’s Riviera Resort including Tower Studios, Deluxe Studios, 1- and 2-Bedroom villas, and 3-Bedroom Grand villas. At 220 sq ft, the Tower Studios are the smallest guest rooms at any Disney Resort. They can accommodate a party of 2 with one queen-size pull-down bed, a kitchenette, and full bathroom.

Deluxe Studios fit up to 5 adults and offer 1 queen-size bed, 1 queen-size pull-down bed and 1 single pull-down bed plus a wet bar and kitchenette.

The 1-Bedroom Villa features a separate bedroom with 1 king-size bed, a queen-size pull-down bed and a single pull-down bed in the living area. With a fully-equipped kitchen and stacked washer/dryer, it’s ideal for a family looking for more space along with the comforts of home.

For a larger party, the 2-Bedroom Villa accommodates up to 9 guests. With a king-size bed in the master, 2 queen-size beds in the second bedroom, 1 queen-size pull-down bed and 1 single pull-down bed in the living area, there is room for everyone to spread out.

The 3-Bedroom Grand Villa is a dream come true! Accommodating up to 12 guests, the master bedroom features one king-size bed, 2 queen-size beds in each of the other two bedrooms and a queen-size sleeper sofa in the living area. The posh furnishings in a soft, inviting color pallet and elegant dining area will make you feel like you won the lottery. The best part – it also has three full bathrooms! No bumping into each other as you get ready to head out the door for the theme parks. All room types feature a private porch or balcony.

Throughout the resort you’ll find family photos from Walt and Lillian’s travels, along with an eclectic art collection celebrating beloved Disney characters. The artwork brings playful splashes of color to the sophisticated palette of metallics and metals. As you make your way outside, the vast outdoor grounds offer an inviting space for guests to enjoy some fresh air. Grab the family for a game of lawn chess or bocce ball, or relax on a porch swing to watch the sun set. The bright, manicured lawn flanked by towering palm trees offers kids a place to run around during the day, and is a magical setting for outdoor movies at night.

The resort ‘s quaint gift shop, La Boutique is located in the lobby. Here you’ll find Riviera Resort-branded merchandise, Disney souvenirs, grab-and-go food and drinks and basic necessities. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a gift for friends and family back home.

Guests looking to keep up their fitness regimen while on vacation can visit the Athlétique Fitness Center, which offers state-of-the-art cardio equipment and weights. Or, take your workout on the road and hit up the jogging path that winds around the resort. You can even continue jogging over to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, located just 5-10 minutes away. Both resorts are located around Barefoot Bay and within walking distance from each other, making it convenient to pop over for additional shopping and dining options. 

There are two pools at Disney’s Riviera Resort. The main pool, aptly named the Riviera Pool, features a 30-foot tower turret water slide sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Resembling Rapunzel’s Tower, you may feel inclined to let down your hair! Surrounded by lounge chairs and dark blue umbrellas, the glimmering turquoise pool is a family-friendly place to enjoy the Florida sunshine. Cool off with a refreshing cup of gelato at the poolside Vivoli il Gelato cart.

If you have little ones, they’ll love the S’Il Vous Plait water play area. This interactive splash spot for kids 48″ and under features characters from the movie Fantasia. Inspired by the grand European public fountains, there are silly water spouts, canons and water slides for hours of fun.

For a more relaxing experience, stroll over to the Beau Soleil Pool, the Resort’s quiet pool with a good book and a cool beverage. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a serene place to catch some rays.

The poolside Bar Riva is more than your typical snack bar. This quick-service eatery has a welcome atmosphere, with large open archways and vibrant blues and whites. The Mediterranean-inspired menu features Monte Cristo sandwiches, grilled chicken wings and baked brie in puff pastry. A variety of cocktails, wines, beers and sangrias make for some refreshing post-swim sippers!

Just a few steps away, you’ll find the chic Primo Piatto, a quick -service trattoria open from 7 am until midnight, serving up delicious dishes like lemon and blueberry pancakes, tuna niçoise salads, warm sticky buns and the signature croque madame.

If you need a quick pick me up, swing by the convenient Le Petit Cafe. Inspired by Parisian cafes, this charming nook just off the lobby serves coffee, lattes, and pastries. And just like Disney Magic, in the evenings this location transforms into a wine bar, featuring specialty cocktails and hot d’oeuvres. Enjoy a treat here or take it with you next door to the adjacent Voyaguer’s Lounge, a quiet gathering space to pass time and catch up with friends and family. The décor is inspired by a collection of books that Walt Disney gathered, including Walt’s 1935 European “Grand Tour” and showcases some of the unique Disney connections to Europe. Settle into a comfy chair and read a book or meet friends for some lively conversation or a board game.

If you’re seeking a unique dining experience with top notch food, you’ll have to look up…. way up to the 10^th floor at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, a beautiful rooftop restaurant offering French and Italian cuisine inspired by the cliffside restaurants along the Mediterranean. In fact, Topolino is the Italian name for Mickey Mouse! Here, “Breakfast a la Art with Mickey & Friends,” is a popular character meal featuring “artist” Mickey Mouse, “fashionista” Mademoiselle Minnie Mouse, “sculptor” Donald Duck and “ballerina” Daisy Duck! Start your day with a prix fixe menu including pastries, quiche gruyere, sour cream waffles, smoked salmon or eggs. In the evening, this space transforms into a signature dining experience where you can indulge in fresh, delicious seafood and meat dishes, handmade pasta and decadent desserts. Enjoy a before or after dinner glass of wine on the outside terrace along with sweeping views of Walt Disney World.

Disney’s Riviera is conveniently located on the Disney Skyliner route. From here, you can zip directly into Epcot or head over to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, where you can transfer to a Skyliner to Disney’s Hollywood Studios The tunnel walkway that leads to the Riviera Skyler station is one of the most stunning features of this resort. More than one million hand-cut tiles were placed to create two storytelling murals. On the one side is a depiction of Rapunzel’s floating lantern scene from Tangled and the other side features Peter Pan, Wendy, Michel and John flying over Big Ben. As the two stories come together overhead, they are intertwined by an enchanting night sky. The captivating mosaics celebrate storytelling like only Disney can and set the stage for your own Skyliner adventure as you float above Walt Disney World.

Disney’s Riviera Resort is a magical setting where you can create your own vacation story.

Whether it’s your first or fiftieth Disney Vacation, Small World Vacations, a Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, is your best resource when planning a Disney Vacation. That’s why we’re recommended by MouseSavers, Disney Food Blog and WDW Prep School.

Small World Vacations is celebrating 27 Years of Magic.
Learn how our experience can help you!
Request your FREE price quote for your Walt Disney World Vacation Today!