This December, guests of Disney World’s newest resort will be able to experience some of the history and charm of the European Riviera that captivated Walt and Lillian Disney. When Disney’s Riviera Resort opens later this year, visitors will see how Imagineers created a resort that embodies both old-world romance and modern sophistication while still capturing the Disney spirit.
Today, DisneyParks Blog released more details about the intensive research, design and planning that created this uniquely-Disney interpretation of an enchanting European Riviera Resort:
“The overall design of Disney’s Riviera Resort is inspired by the elegant, early 20th century hotels situated along Europe’s Mediterranean coast. Like the region itself, Disney’s Riviera Resort will convey classic European designs mixed with modern expressions.
Its articulated stone base and smooth stucco facades will be accented with decorative metalwork and colorful awnings. French mansard roofs and Italian style arches and loggias will intermingle with other architectural styles found along the coastal region.
The center building, or tower, with expressive roofs and ornamental details, will be at the heart of the resort. Adjacent wings are designed as if added progressively to accommodate more travels. The resort itself is a layered story, inspired by the buildings and architecture in Europe that grew and evolved over time.”
DisneyParks Blog points out that because each wing of the resort varies in height from 8 to 10 stories, there are “sweeping views of the resort to be seen from the rooftop restaurant, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera,” which is open now for booking reservations starting on December 16. Each resort wing has its own exterior style, depicted through porticoes, towers and terraces, and its own color scheme, inspired by the palette of the European coast. Window styles vary in size, shape and mullion designs, and the distinctly Riviera-style window awnings are matched with shutters of different colors and arrangements – all inspired by the architectural icons of the area and era. Special Disney touches include motifs of Mickey and Minnie subtly featured on the resort’s railings.
“By incorporating these detailed differences into the design, Imagineers captured the progressive feeling of European architecture, imparting a sense of history and story that developed over time,” DisneyParks Blog explains,”…Disney’s Riviera Resort at Walt Disney World Resort will be inspired by Europe and imagined by Disney.”
Sounds like the perfect combination for a truly magical, Mediterranean-style Disney World vacation! Reservations for Disney’s Riviera Resort are being accepted now, so plan your escape to Disney’s newest resort and play, relax and enjoy the elegance and charm of Disney and the European Riviera at its finest!
