Disney's Riviera Resort Pools: A Complete Guide (2024)
Disney's Riviera Resort offers a splash of European charm right in the heart of Walt Disney World. It’s our family’s favorite resort on Disney property. The pools at Disney’s Riviera Resort mix relaxation for adults with fun features and safety for kids.
There are two main pools at Disney’s Riviera Resort. The Riviera Pool is the main attraction, perfect for families looking for excitement. It features a winding slide and a fun interactive splash area for kids. If you're seeking a quieter spot to unwind, the Beau Soleil Pool provides a quiet pool that provides a little refuge if you want to avoid the noise and play of small kids.
The quiet pool at Disney's Riviera Resort with the Disney Skyliner in the background
Key Takeaways
The resort features two pools: a main pool with kids area and a quiet pool
Pool areas include amenities like a slide, splash zones, and a poolside bar
Extra entertainment and food options near the pools enhance your resort experience
Overview of Disney's Riviera Resort
Disney's Riviera Resort is one of the newest Resorts at Walt Disney World. This Disney Vacation Club property sits along the Skyliner route, giving you easy access to the parks and other resorts.
You can choose from various room types to fit your needs. Tower Studios are cozy spaces perfect for two guests. Deluxe Studios offer more room and include a kitchenette.
For larger groups, one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas are available. These much larger accommodations feature fully equipped kitchens and washer/dryer units, a perfect design for families.
The resort's design takes inspiration from the French and Italian Riviera. You'll notice elegant touches throughout, from the lobby to the guest rooms. There is minimalist Disney art (that you can also purchase) around the resort as well.
Many rooms include Murphy beds, giving you extra sleeping space without sacrificing the daytime living area. Master bedrooms in villas provide a luxurious retreat after a day at the parks.
With its mix of European flair and Disney magic, the Riviera Resort offers you a unique place to stay during your Walt Disney World vacation.
Pools and Water Play Areas
Disney's Riviera Resort offers amazing pools and water play areas for guests of all ages. You can enjoy fun, relaxation, and splashing around in beautifully themed settings.
Riviera Pool
The Riviera Pool is the main feature pool at the resort. It's open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with extended hours until 11:00 PM between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Lifeguards are on duty to keep you safe and life jackets are available in various sizes for children of all ages. Complimentary towels are also readily available.
The pool is family-friendly with a zero-entry design makes it easy to wade in gradually. Sun umbrellas provide shade around the pool deck.
S'il Vous Play
Kids will have a blast at S'il Vous Play, the interactive water play area at the Riviera Pool. This fun space is designed with little ones in mind.
You'll find fun water features and splashing games inspired by European fountains. It's the perfect spot for young children to cool off and play.
The area includes sprayers, jets, and other water elements to keep kids entertained for hours. Parents can relax nearby while watching their children enjoy the water fun.
Beau Soleil Pool
For a more laid-back experience, head to the Beau Soleil Pool. This quiet leisure pool is perfect for relaxation away from the kids. The Beau Soleil Pool is typically open 7 AM to 11 PM.
The Beau Soleil Pool doesn't have lifeguards, so keep an eye on your little ones. Towels and life jackets are provided here as well.
Both pools at Disney's Riviera Resort are conveniently located near Primo Piatto, the quick-service restaurant, and Bar Riva, a poolside bar where you can grab refreshing drinks.
Disney’s Riviera Resort Pools Photo Gallery
Recreational Activities
Disney's Riviera Resort offers a ton of fun activities for guests of all ages. You can enjoy sports, movies, games, and more during your stay with a beautiful sandy beach just feet away from the pool area.
Sports and Games
You'll find plenty of options to stay active at the resort. The activity lawn has bocce ball courts where you can challenge friends and family to a friendly match. Cornhole is another popular game you can play outdoors.
Movies and Entertainment
Don't miss the nightly Movies Under the Stars on the movie lawn. You can relax on the grass and watch Disney classics under the night sky. Bring a blanket or towel to sit on and enjoy complimentary popcorn. The Riviera Resort Movies Under the Stars schedule changes each month and is available here and throughout the resort.
The resort hosts other entertainment too. You might find live music performances, trivia nights, or arts and crafts sessions. Check the daily activity schedule to see what's happening during your stay.
Dining Experiences
Disney's Riviera Resort offers a variety of great dining options. You can enjoy everything from fancy meals with characters to quick bites by the pool.
Topolino's Terrace
At Topolino's Terrace, you'll find amazing food and views. For breakfast, you can meet Mickey and friends in their cute artist outfits.
The character breakfast includes some top-tier choices like lemon blueberry pancakes. At dinner, the restaurant transforms into an upscale spot with French and Italian dishes.
Primo Piatto
Primo Piatto is the resort's quick-service spot and it’s arguably the best quick-service restaurant at a Disney Resort. It's perfect when you want a fast meal without sacrificing taste.
You'll find fresh salads, snacks, sandwiches, burgers and pizzas here. The breakfast menu includes classics like eggs and Mickey waffles.
The pizza at Primo Piatto is, in my opinion, the best pizza at Walt Disney World. And considering how highly people rate Via Napoli in EPCOT, that’s saying something.
For a special treat, try the gelato. Primo Piatto also offers mobile ordering, making it easy to grab food on the go.
Bar Riva
Bar Riva is the resort's open-air pool bar. It's a great place to relax and grab a drink or snack while enjoying the Florida sunshine.
The menu features light bites like salads, wings and sandwiches. You can also enjoy refreshing cocktails and mocktails.
Bar Riva's Mediterranean-inspired dishes are perfect for a poolside lunch. Don't forget to try their signature sangria!
Transportation and Location
Disney's Riviera Resort offers easy ways to get around. You can ride the Skyliner, walk to nearby spots, or use Disney buses. These options make it simple to visit parks and other places at Walt Disney World.
Disney Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner is a fun way to travel. You can hop on right at the Riviera Resort. It takes you to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. The Skyliner station is near the main building. You'll get great views as you glide through the air. The ride to Epcot is about 10 minutes. To get to Hollywood Studios, you'll need to change gondolas at Caribbean Beach Resort. This takes about 15-20 minutes total. The Skyliner runs from early morning until late at night.
Walking Distance and Nearby Attractions
You can easily walk to some cool places from the Riviera Resort. Caribbean Beach Resort is next door. It's a short 5-10 minute stroll. You'll find more dining options there. The Skyliner station at Caribbean Beach is also close by. This gives you even more travel choices. While you can't walk to any parks, the resort's central location puts you close to many Walt Disney World attractions.
Bus Service and Disney Buses
Disney buses are another way to get around. The bus stop is in front of the main building. Buses go to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. They also run to water parks and other Disney hotels. When the Skyliner isn't working, buses go to Epcot and Hollywood Studios too. Buses come about every 20 minutes. They start running 45 minutes before parks open and keep going until 1 hour after parks close. Using Disney buses is free for resort guests.
Amenities and Services
Disney's Riviera Resort pools offer a range of amenities to make your stay enjoyable. You'll find complimentary towels provided at both pools, so there's no need to bring your own from your room.
Lifeguards are on duty at the main Riviera Pool during operating hours. This adds an extra layer of safety for you and your family while enjoying the water.
The pools feature convenient pool bars where you can grab refreshing drinks and light snacks.
After a swim, you might want to relax in the hot tub. It's a great spot to unwind and soothe tired muscles from all your Disney adventures.
Housekeeping services are available to keep your room tidy and clean during your stay. They'll ensure you have fresh towels and a clean space to return to after your pool time.
Remember, pool hours may vary by season. The Riviera Pool is typically open from 10 AM to 10 PM, with extended hours during peak summer months.
Booking Your Stay
Ready to dive into the magic of Disney's Riviera Resort pools? Let's talk about how you can make it happen! Fill out the form below for a FREE, no obligation quote and we will help you plan the Disney vacation of your dreams!
Keep in mind that the Riviera is a Disney Vacation Club property, so rooms can fill up fast.
If you're a Disney Vacation Club member, you can use your points to book your stay. Not a member? No worries! You can still book a room!
Frequently Asked Questions
Disney's Riviera Resort pools offer many features for guests to enjoy. Here are answers to some common questions about the pools.
What amenities are available at the pools in Disney's Riviera Resort?
The pools have lots of great amenities. You can find free towels at both pools. There are comfy lounge chairs to relax in. Lifeguards are on duty during main hours. Life jackets are provided.
The Riviera Pool has a fun water slide. There's also a kids' splash area nearby. The Beau Soleil Pool is quieter for adults who want to swim laps.
Are the pools at Disney's Riviera Resort heated?
Yes, the pools are heated. You can swim comfortably year-round. The water stays at a nice warm temperature even in cooler months.
Is there a pool at Disney's Riviera Resort suitable for young children?
The S'il Vous Play splash area is perfect for little ones. It has small slides and water jets. Kids can splash and play safely in the shallow water.
There's also a zero-entry area in the main Riviera Pool. This lets small children walk into the pool gradually.
What are the operating hours for the pools at Disney's Riviera Resort?
The pools are usually open from 10 AM to 10 PM. These times can change based on the season. It's best to check with the front desk when you arrive for current hours.
Does Disney's Riviera Resort offer any poolside dining options?
Bar Riva is right next to the Riviera Pool. You can get drinks and snacks there. They serve both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
There are also tables near the pool where you can eat. You can bring food from other resort restaurants to enjoy poolside.
