If you’re looking for the best pool bar at Walt Disney World, you’ve come to the right place.
Bar Riva at Disney’s Riviera Resort is one of the nicest pool bars I’ve ever been to, especially on Disney World property.
I’ve eaten at Bar Riva on several occasions, with my latest visit in August 2025.
Let’s get to my Bar Riva review, so I can show you why this remains the best (and my favorite) pool bar at Disney World.
In this article
What is Bar Riva?
Bar Riva is an open-air pool bar located near the Riviera Pool, the main feature pool with the cutest Fantasia-themed interactive water play area for kids.
Just like the hotel’s overall design, Bar Riva embodies an artistic blend of Disney details and European style. The resort celebrates Walt Disney’s travels and time in Europe, along with his love of the French Riviera and Italian Riviera.
As soon as you enter Bar Riva, you’ll immediately feel those European Riviera vibes.
This is definitely a more upscale pool bar. From the overall atmosphere, to the design, to the artwork, to the tiles, to the nearby restrooms (seriously, the nicest bathrooms I’ve used at Disney World so far), Bar Riva is sure to impress most, if not all, guests.
Unlike other dining locations on property, like Three Bridges Bar & Grill and Nomad Lounge, Bar Riva doesn’t have a walk-up list in person or in the My Disney Experience app to join. You also cannot make reservations.
This is a first come, first served situation, where you simply walk up and snag a table or a seat at the bar, if available.
Despite seating yourself, there are servers who will wait on you and take your order. And since this is a pool bar, you can obviously walk up to the bar to take drinks and food to go by placing your order at the bar.
Bar Riva also has televisions. For those who want to grab a drink and enjoy some sports, this is a great spot to do that.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to be staying at the Riviera to eat or drink here. But, know that Disney World hotels can sometimes be strict about letting in non-resort guests, unless they have dining reservations. Deluxe hotels seem to be stricter about this compared to Moderate and Value resorts.
If you drive yourself or use rideshare, there’s a chance the security guard at the entrance won’t let you in to park or be dropped off, especially since Bar Riva doesn’t take reservations. I’ve never had problems when using rideshare.
If you use Disney World transportation (bus or the Disney Skyliner), there won’t be any issue.
How much does Bar Riva cost?
As with all dining establishments, what you end up paying depends on what you order.
The main menu has appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees that range from $11.49 to $22.99, while kids’ items range between $7.49 and $8.99. You’ll also need to factor in if you want additional items, like an alcoholic beverage and dessert.
Here’s a look at the Bar Riva menu. This will give you a better understanding of what is available and how much food and drink items cost. There are also allergy-friendly options.
If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, it is accepted here (1 Table Service credit per person). Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members do not receive a discount.
Food & Drink Menus
Bar Riva Review
Bar Riva is hands down the best pool bar at Disney World. I haven’t been to every pool bar on property, but Bar Riva is going to be hard to beat.
First, let’s start with the cocktails. While I didn’t have this during my most recent trip to Bar Riva, in the past I have enjoyed the La Petite Fleur for $16.50. I absolutely love this. It comes with Cîroc Vodka, Lillet Blanc, camomile tea, lemon, and soda water.
Normally, I’m not a tea or soda water person when it comes to my beverages, but this is lovely, light, refreshing, and has the right amount of a tart lemon flavor. The tea and soda water also aren’t overpowering by any means.
During several visits to Bar Riva, including my most recent, I ordered a Kronenbourg 1664 lager. You can either get a 16 oz. for $11.00 or a 22 oz. for $12.25.
This is truly a fantastic light beer. I don’t typically drink lighter beer (I’m a Hazy IPA fan), but I love this because it’s great on a hot day, if you don’t want something too heavy, and if you want a lighter beer that has some flavor.
You can also find Kronenbourg 1664 lager in EPCOT’s France pavilion at Les Vins des Chefs de France and Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie.
Now, let’s talk the delicious food at Bar Riva.
A great starter is the Seasonal Arancini. For $13.49, you get 6 pieces that come with seasonal risotto, cheese, and truffle served with house-made marinara.
These are crispy and the risotto is cooked perfectly. The house-made marinara is also delicious and pairs wonderfully with the arancini.
The plant-based option at Bar Riva is phenomenal.
Important: This has changed in appearance since the last time I ordered it, but seeing as it comes with the same ingredients, I know it remains delicious.
The harissa-marinated Grilled Vegetable Pita costs $13.79 and is served with plant-based cucumber yogurt, tomato lemon vinaigrette, and quinoa salad. All of this is served over a grilled pita.
While a bit difficult and messy to pick up, you can easily cut it and enjoy all of the vegetable and flavorful goodness. This is fresh and filling.
Tip: You can also order the Grilled Vegetable Pita at Primo Piatto, the hotel’s Quick Service restaurant. Also, Bar Riva’s Grilled Chicken Pasta can be ordered without the chicken — BUT the sauce is made with chicken stock. A server once told me they can make the pasta without a sauce or substitute it with their house-made marinara.
If the following Seasonal Pizza is still on the menu when you visit (Bar Riva’s menu changes frequently), you need to order it immediately. You get a nice size for $17.49. It’s also shareable.
The pizza comes with fontina, mozzarella, roasted broccolini, lemon ricotta, and arugula-oregano pesto.
The crust is perfect and the lemon ricotta’s amazing! It’s a lovely lighter pizza on a hot summer day.
Finally, for dessert, the Riviera Cookie Skillet costs $7.99 and is worth every penny. It comes with the famous Riviera Cookie (you can order this individually at Primo Piatto) that consists of chocolate, walnuts, pistachios, and dried cherries.
The cookie is served warm and topped with pistachio gelato. This is pure heaven and filling, especially after having appetizers and entrees.
Is Bar Riva worth it?
Yes, Bar Riva is absolutely worth the visit, even if you’re not a hotel guest.
If you are staying at Riviera, I definitely recommend taking advantage of Bar Riva as much as you can, especially if you’re having a pool day.
I also love that it’s accessible via the Disney Skyliner, my favorite form of Disney World transportation.
Better yet, if you’re making your rounds on the Skyliner, doing a Skyliner crawl (similar to a monorail crawl), need an escape from the park, or are enjoying a non-park day, Bar Riva is a great choice!
From the top-notch food, to the tasty cocktails, to the upscale design, to the overall vibe, Bar Riva is truly a standout pool bar.
Have you been to Bar Riva? If so, let me know your thoughts!
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