Photo Tour: Disney's Riviera Resort Grounds

Disney's Riviera Resort is the most recent Disney Vacation Club property to open at Walt Disney World. Inspired by Walt Disney's travels through Europe it evokes the feeling of being in a grand resort on the northern mediterranean coast. If you love elegant manicured lawns and pretty fountains punctuated with tall swaying palms then this may be the environment you are looking for. Come take a walk with me around Disney's Riviera Resort.



Disney's Riviera ResortDisney's Riviera Resort


Whether you arrive at the resort by car, bus, Skyliner, or even on foot from Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort you will be welcomed with water in the form of a charming fountain or lake. I found this a charming nod to being on the riviera even without an ocean nearby.


Riviera Entryway FountainsRiviera Entryway Fountains


The Riviera Resort's central courtyard is manicured with neatly trimmed lawns and clean lines of stonework.


Central LawnCentral Lawn


Plantings are classic and simple, tall palms sway overhead, simple sculpted topiary, and urns spilling over with floral elements can be found throughout the grounds.


Simple TopiarySimple Topiary
Elegant PlantingsElegant Plantings


A Bocce Ball Court court takes pride of place closest to the quick service dining establishments. There are plenty of tables and lounge seating so that guests might enjoy refreshments as they watch a round or two of Italian lawn bowling. Across the way there is a giant chess board laid into the pavement so that guests might test their strategy.


Bocce Court With Prima Piatto To The LeftBocce Court With Prima Piatto To The Left
Glass Lobby Entrance Near Bocce CourtGlass Lobby Entrance Near Bocce Court
Riviera Resort Bocce CourtRiviera Resort Bocce Court


The central courtyard at Disney's Riviera Resort is home to the quiet Beau Soleil Pool. Enclosed by fence and hedge this relaxing getaway makes for a welcome retreat.


Quiet Pool From AboveQuiet Pool From Above
Central Courtyard Quiet PoolCentral Courtyard Quiet Pool


Past the beautiful lawns guests can head to the waterfront for a beautiful view across the lake. That is where you can find the firepit, movie lawn, and a beach area with shaded lounge chairs. I very much enjoyed sitting back and watching Disney's Skyliner quietly gliding by.


The Hotel As Seen From The WaterfrontThe Hotel As Seen From The Waterfront
Fire Pit On the WaterfrontFire Pit On the Waterfront
Riviera Resort Beach With Shaded Lounge ChairsRiviera Resort Beach With Shaded Lounge Chairs


The feature Riviera Pool is a hub of activity, as most Disney Resort feature pools are. This is really the place where you'll find families of all ages splashing and playing while they take time off from the Disney Parks. Fantastia is the theme here and kids will enjoy both a splash pad and water slide. Just outside the pool gate, parents will enjoy Bar Riva.


Fantastia Themes Splash Pad At The Feature PoolFantastia Themes Splash Pad At The Feature Pool
Riviera Has Many Decorative Hidden MickeysRiviera Has Many Decorative Hidden Mickeys


One of my favorite spot at Disney's Riviera Resort was the breezeway leading to Disney's Skyliner. Here you will find beautiful fountains and stunning mosaic murals. While there isn't any structure seating here, there is plenty of room to sit down and relax on the side of the fountain while admiring the artwork.


Fountains and Mural Skyway EntryFountains and Mural Skyway Entry
Beautiful Mosaic Mural Inspired By FlightBeautiful Mosaic Mural Inspired By Flight


I really enjoyed my time at Disney's Riviera Resort, and would happily stay here again. While it's not my favorite Disney Resort (that goes to the Polynesian) this new hotel has a classic charm and elegance that will take it well into the future.

Have you been over to this new resort yet? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts about it with me.

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. If you have a Gravatar account associated with the e-mail address you provide, it will be used to display your avatar.

More information about formatting options