Disney's Riviera Resort Photos (A Gallery of Favorites)

We’ve accumulated numerous photos of Disney’s Riviera Resort since it opened a few years back. Below, you’ll find photos with light commentary and a few tips for staying at the resort. Disney’s Rivieria is an attractive resort inspired by the French Riviera that borders Italy, gleaming influences from both countries.

Disney’s Riviera is a Disney Vacation Club Resort. So, the resort’s accommodations consist of studios and multi-bedroom villas. We’ll preview photos of some of the villas a little further down. You do not have to be a DVC member to stay at the Riviera. However, given its popularity, it can be difficult to find availability, especially during peak seasons.

Of course, the resort’s amenities are what makes it so popular. It’s hard to beat the proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios via the Skyliner. Additionally, the resort has stunning pools, incredible dining options, and a boutique footprint that makes it convenient to get around. We consider Disne’s Riviera to be the most luxurious hotel and hope these photos do it justice.

View of Disney’s Riviera Resort from Martinique

Disney’s Riviera sits on Barefoot Bay and is surrounded by Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort on both sides. The photo below was taken from Old Port Royale, looking back to Riviera.

Disney’s Riviera with the Old Port Royale Lighthouse

When the water is calm, you can snap a reflection shot.

Mirror Reflection of Disney’s Riviera Resort

If you enjoy the outdoors, we can’t stress enough how enjoyable the walk around Barefoot Bay is, especially around sunset hour.

If you’re visiting as a day guest, the walking path begins near the Skyliner’s exit. In the photo below, you can see where the covered walkway extends from the exit of the Skyliner to the resort.

View of the side of Disney’s Riveria Resort with the covered walkway to the Skyliner

When you reach the end of the covered walkway, you’ll enter a gallery with two decorative murals spanning both sides.

Here is the view when you’re leaving the resort, walking toward the Skyliner.

Entrance to the Skyliner from Disney’s Riviera

You’ll come out the opposite of the breezeway to the hotel. Notice how the bright green landscaping compliments the resort so well.

Planters and Landscaping at Disney’s Riviera Resort

If you stay to the left, a covered walkway extends to the rest of the resort. A pair of restrooms sit in this area.

A covered walkway extends between the lobby and the Skyliner.

If you stay to the right, you can join the pathway around Bay Lake.

Patio Tables and Chairs for Guests Along Barefoot Bay

Here is a photo of the view of Old Port Royale from Disney’s Riviera Resort.

View of Caribbean Beach from Disney’s Riviera Resort

Continuing along this path, we get a unique perspective of the hotel.

I often wonder if guests realize this bright green lawn is available. When the weather is agreeable, this is where they hold the nightly Movie Under the Stars.

A view of the lawn that sits behind the Riviera Pool

The path continues between the resort and the lake.

A walking path that runs between the feature pool and the lake.

Shrubbery adds privacy to the pool area.

Here are a few photos of the pools. We have an article with tons of photos and everything you need to know about the pools at Disney’s Riviera Resort.

This aquatic play area sits in a separately fenced area adjacent to the Riviera Pool. It’s themed to the Disney classic Fantasia.

It’s one of the best pool areas for children at Walt Disney World.

Riviera’s Aquatic Play Area for Children

A hot tub sits near the slide.

We also love the various lounge chairs set up around the pool. But don’t forget to bring the sunscreen!

A white sand beach sits on the opposite side of the Riviera Pool. These loungers tend to come and go, but the white Adirondack chairs are always present.

Looking back to the hotel from the beach.

Here is a view of the beach from a preferred room. You can see how the walking path extends to Caribbean Beach. The path that begins to the left of the beach leads to the far side of the resort’s parking lot.

Here are a few more photos of the secondary pool.

View of the Beau Soleil Pool from the Riviera’s Rooftop

Back in the courtyard, we see a Bocce Ball Court. Multiple games are set up on the lawn. It’s common to see children enjoying the games. It’s also encouraging to see anyone enjoying an electronics-free outdoors.

Inside, a hallway on the lower level contains a wall of movie posters.

Interior Hallway with French Movie Posters

The posters are in French. I always assume this area is reminiscent of the Cannes Film Festival.

The posters are of Disney favorites in French.

Riviera’s lobby is on the resort’s second floor. It’s a small gathering area that’s pleasant. But the resort invites you to explore other spaces, especially outdoor ones.

A gallery of black and white photos of Walt Disney and his family.

However, you might take a self-guided art tour if you enjoy art. Over 40 unique pieces of art were created for the resort. You can pick up a guide in the lobby that will help you locate where to find each piece.

Here are a couple of photos of the various room types.

The resort offers two studios. The Riviera’s tower studio (not pictured) sleeps up to two guests, and the deluxe studio at the Riviera sleeps up to five guests.

We have toured the following villas and have photos of each one if you want to learn more: Riviera One-Bedroom Villa, Riviera Two-Bedroom Villa, and the Three-Bedroom Grand Villa at Disney’s Riviera. Below are a few more photos, but the room tours will go more in depth.

Open Floor Plan in One and Two Bedroom Villas

Primary Bedroom in the One and Two Bedroom Villas

Split Bathroom in One and Two Bedroom Villas

Secondary Bedroom in the Three Bedroom Grand Villa

Primary Bedroom in the three-bedroom Grand Villa

Our other favorite thing about Disney’s Riviera is the resort’s restaurants. You cannot go wrong with any of them. It is rare we say that about any hotel. But we dine here regularly and have no complaints about any of the options. These lemon-blueberry pancakes are our go-to breakfast. They are available at the resort’s upscale quick-service, Primo Piatto.

Related: Primo Piatto Review

Lemon Blueberry Pancakes | Breakfast at the Riviera

Grilled Chicken Sandwich and Side Salad from Primo Piatto

Croque Monsieur with Romano Fries from Primo Piatto

Bar Riva is another excellent option. It is next door to Primo Piatto and is the resort’s lounge and pool bar. They have a menu complete with appetizers, entrees, and desserts. We consider both Primo Piatto and Bar Riva to be hidden gems.

Related: Bar Riva Review

Topolino’s Terrace is the resort’s character breakfast, and in the evening, it transitions into signature dining. Both meal periods are worth your reservation if you plan to stay here.

You might enjoy a treat from Le Petit Cafe for dessert, coffee, or cocktails. This coffee shop by day and bar by night has an outstanding dessert case.

Related: Le Petit Cafe Review

Between the resort’s amenities, rooms, and dining options, Disney’s Riviera Resort is an excellent place to relax during your Walt Disney World vacation. Don’t be surprised if you end up spending a little more time at the resort than usual when you stay here.

For more information about Disney’s Riviera Resort, you might enjoy the following:

What Do You Think?

Did you enjoy this photo tour of Disney’s Riviera Resort? What do you think of the resort? Have you had a chance to stay here or enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants? We love to hear from you and value your feedback. Please tell us what you think in the comments section below.