An Epcot Area Strategy

[Steelers0854]

We own at 400 points total (300 direct) between Poly and CCV, both our fav resorts and both in the MK area. Currently, retirement strategy is to get about 800 points total to allow us several weeks at WDW during the winter. We do love the Epcot area and BWV and BCV are great, but are 2042 resorts. Im not opposed to buying them resale, but when they expire i should have well over a decade left in me to travel (fingers crossed!) and would really like something that gets me to 2055 or so. It really only leaves me with Riviera and I think it’s only a partial option. We havent stayed there yet (im going to try and book a January stay tomorrow), and the Skyliner is great but is down for a week is in prime travel time for us, and can be inconsistent with the weather. Also I am not concerned about leaving anything to heirs.

What would you suggest? Keep an eye out for a deal on BWV or BCV? Pickup a resale Riviera? Im not concerned about the resale restrictions. This purchase for us is buying where we will stay, I have plenty of O14 points and Direct (I think atleast) to handle flexible booking.

Thanks for the thoughts!

 

[DVCsloth]

We own at 400 points total (300 direct) between Poly and CCV, both our fav resorts and both in the MK area. Currently, retirement strategy is to get about 800 points total to allow us several weeks at WDW during the winter. We do love the Epcot area and BWV and BCV are great, but are 2042 resorts. Im not opposed to buying them resale, but when they expire i should have well over a decade left in me to travel (fingers crossed!) and would really like something that gets me to 2055 or so. It really only leaves me with Riviera and I think it’s only a partial option. We havent stayed there yet (im going to try and book a January stay tomorrow), and the Skyliner is great but is down for a week is in prime travel time for us, and can be inconsistent with the weather. Also I am not concerned about leaving anything to heirs.

What would you suggest? Keep an eye out for a deal on BWV or BCV? Pickup a resale Riviera? Im not concerned about the resale restrictions. This purchase for us is buying where we will stay, I have plenty of O14 points and Direct (I think atleast) to handle flexible booking.

Thanks for the thoughts!

I think resale Riviera is a pretty good deal if you don't have an issue with the restrictions. I also expect if you are to sell in ten years, the value will probably go up since BCV/BWV will be so close to the contract's end date.

 

[kanerf]

I own at both RIV and BWV for Epcot area stays. I bought one 50 pt contract at RIV when it first went on sale, so fairly cheap and also own to resales there. I own resales only at BWV. Not really concerned about the expiration dates for BWV as I am not sure if I will expire before they do. If you can get a good deal on BWV, I would go with that. Assuming you have enough retail points, you can stay at Riviera anyway. I don't think it is that hard at 7 months except for F&W dates.

 

[DVCsloth]

I own at both RIV and BWV for Epcot area stays. I bought one 50 pt contract at RIV when it first went on sale, so fairly cheap and also own to resales there. I own resales only at BWV. Not really concerned about the expiration dates for BWV as I am not sure if I will expire before they do. If you can get a good deal on BWV, I would go with that. Assuming you have enough retail points, you can stay at Riviera anyway. I don't think it is that hard at 7 months except for F&W dates.

Good point, I think they are a little overpriced for me at BWV though, but I usually only look at the smaller contracts. Much better point chart as well.

 

[Sandisw]

Since you have direct points that can be used to supplement resale RIV points, it can work well.

That is why we had no issue buying them. I personally wouldn’t buy BWV or BCV due to its price and years left, but they aren’t my top resort either.

In terms of January Skyliner maintenance, maybe that week you choose to stay in the MK area to avoid it.

 

[Chili327]

We own at 400 points total (300 direct) between Poly and CCV, both our fav resorts and both in the MK area. Currently, retirement strategy is to get about 800 points total to allow us several weeks at WDW during the winter. We do love the Epcot area and BWV and BCV are great, but are 2042 resorts. Im not opposed to buying them resale, but when they expire i should have well over a decade left in me to travel (fingers crossed!) and would really like something that gets me to 2055 or so. It really only leaves me with Riviera and I think it’s only a partial option. We havent stayed there yet (im going to try and book a January stay tomorrow), and the Skyliner is great but is down for a week is in prime travel time for us, and can be inconsistent with the weather. Also I am not concerned about leaving anything to heirs.

What would you suggest? Keep an eye out for a deal on BWV or BCV? Pickup a resale Riviera? Im not concerned about the resale restrictions. This purchase for us is buying where we will stay, I have plenty of O14 points and Direct (I think atleast) to handle flexible booking.

Thanks for the thoughts!

I’d buy a small resale at BWV or BCV (50-100) and just plan on buying into whatever is available there in 2043.

 

[airjay75]

Two thoughts.

One, you just have to see what you think of RIV. I think a lot BCV/BWV lovers don't see RIV as an Epcot resort - unless they can walk to Epcot, it isn't going to cut it. I think others, such as myself, honestly prefer RIV to the crescent lake resorts both for the resort itself and because it is just ever so slightly removed from Epcot and HS via the Skyliner. That said, I do like the ability to book at BCV/BWV with my points as the points charts there are very attractive and walkability is nice.

Two, studios or 1 BRs? If studios, and particularly if you're trying for resort view studios, IMO, it's almost like BCV/BWV/RIV are all restricted resorts already. You need to book during the home resort priority period or you're likely not getting in there. If 1 BRs, that's a different story. Then, I think it comes down to how much you like RIV and/or whether you want the option to trade out. If you bought direct RIV, those would be useable now at all three resorts and also useable post-2042, so that's what I would do. OTOH, if you are ok with RIV-only, I suppose resale RIV could make sense too and that can free up your other direct points for SAP. Personally, I wouldn't buy resale BCV/BWV for 1 BR access unless you're trying for really difficult times. I just think the price/point is too high and I think those resorts can be had with cheaper SAP.

 

[Brian Noble]

One, you just have to see what you think of RIV.

I think this makes a lot of sense. Stay there and see what you think of it. RIV as a resale option is not going anywhere.

I am a hybrid RIV owner---about 50/50 direct/resale---but I *know* I like RIV, so I am perfectly happy to have half of my points locked there.

 

[jason423]

As others have said I would try out Riviera first. We go every year to BWV and the proximity to Epcot and HS is something I dont think we could ever replace even if we were to really like RIV. That said I wouldnt buy those 2042s right now. If we were to add more points I think we would just buy what we feel is a good price/location and be happy if we could use them at BW and also be happy if we could not.

 

[PolyRob]

We own at 400 points total (300 direct) between Poly and CCV, both our fav resorts and both in the MK area. Currently, retirement strategy is to get about 800 points total to allow us several weeks at WDW during the winter. We do love the Epcot area and BWV and BCV are great, but are 2042 resorts. Im not opposed to buying them resale, but when they expire i should have well over a decade left in me to travel (fingers crossed!) and would really like something that gets me to 2055 or so. It really only leaves me with Riviera and I think it’s only a partial option. We havent stayed there yet (im going to try and book a January stay tomorrow), and the Skyliner is great but is down for a week is in prime travel time for us, and can be inconsistent with the weather. Also I am not concerned about leaving anything to heirs.

What would you suggest? Keep an eye out for a deal on BWV or BCV? Pickup a resale Riviera? Im not concerned about the resale restrictions. This purchase for us is buying where we will stay, I have plenty of O14 points and Direct (I think atleast) to handle flexible booking.

Thanks for the thoughts!

When you do visit Riviera, consider the Skyliner in the event you need an accessibility device during retirement.

Riviera's Skyliner station isn't equipped like the other stations with a separate bay of cabins waiting for you. CMs must stop the Skyliner to let you on and it can really add to your wait time during peak times.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Agree with trying Riv to see what you think. But I wouldn't rule out a BCV/BWV resale contract. Even with a 2042 expiration, you're talking at least 15 years of great experiences and walks to EPCOT. If you purchase a BCV contract, for example, you enjoy it for many years and then see what's going on in another decade with other options. Also, a small thing to keep in mind, since you mentioned winter trips. The Skyliner is usually down for maintenance the last week of January each year - just something to keep in mind depending what weeks in the winter you like to travel. Riv without the Skyliner isn't nearly as interesting!

 

[Steelers0854]

Thanks all. Just secured our 3 night 1BR Riviera stay for January so we will see how we like the resort after that. Probably shoulda booked a studio for our first time, that 1BR is probably gonna hook me and not in a good way lol.

Two, studios or 1 BRs? If studios, and particularly if you're trying for resort view studios,

Now we book whatever we want, but I have no issues staying in a studio or a Cabin at CCV. Because we do other vacations in addition to WDW with our current points we are doing more “splurge” stays, for fun and TBH renting points is kinda a pain. And why not? 1 BR with a washer and dryer means I can pack way less and do more resort stays in comfort. But long term, when we implement this as a retirement strategy I think we will max our point use so probably all studios at that point with maybe a short split stay in a 1BR for laundry. I know we can use laundry at the resorts in a studio, but we like the convenience.

Riviera's Skyliner station isn't equipped like the other stations with a separate bay of cabins waiting for you. CMs must stop the Skyliner to let you on and it can really add to your wait time during peak times.

I hadn’t thought about that, thats a great point. While you never know, I think when 2042 hits I should be ok without one, so it makes BCV/BWV a harder sell on this point, but we may just have to wait and see what happens with our RIV stay that may answer our question right there. This made me think as well that CCV isnt a perfect long term fit, with only the bus and boat as options an ECV isnt ideal at that resort either, but I can use the majority of those points (150 out of 250 total) anywhere and all the points at the O14 so I dont see this as big of deal.

 

[PolyRob]

I hadn’t thought about that, thats a great point. While you never know, I think when 2042 hits I should be ok without one, so it makes BCV/BWV a harder sell on this point, but we may just have to wait and see what happens with our RIV stay that may answer our question right there. This made me think as well that CCV isnt a perfect long term fit, with only the bus and boat as options an ECV isnt ideal at that resort either, but I can use the majority of those points (150 out of 250 total) anywhere and all the points at the O14 so I dont see this as big of deal.

Yes! My mom needed an ECV prior to having a double knee replacement and the monorail/walkable resorts really made things simpler.

WL is lovely and the boat is very relaxing, but wondering if you'll get one big enough to accommodate your device can be stressful. It's nice to have flexibility with the points.

 

[jolynne28]

As someone who owns resale at both, and is currently on the backend of a 10 day split stay between both, I can say that hubby and I have already agreed that we need more RIV points and will probably sell the small BWV contract we have. There is no comparison in our opinion, and I absolutely love the Boardwalk. RIV rooms are beautiful, quieter and the resort itself more peaceful. It is also so much easier to get around, and the designated buses are amazing. Maybe it's the way we vacation, but we've had no issues with the skyliner at all, the wait has always been minimal and the weather never affected our plans.
I agree to wait until January and try it out before you make any decisions.

 

[atthebeachclub]

I think a lot BCV/BWV lovers don't see RIV as an Epcot resort - unless they can walk to Epcot, it isn't going to cut it.

I agree with this. I see Polynesian and Riviera as in the same category of "not true Epcot resorts, but Epcot adjacent", and neither would have the upper hand IMO on this.

As someone who owns resale at both, and is currently on the backend of a 10 day split stay between both, I can say that hubby and I have already agreed that we need more RIV points and will probably sell the small BWV contract we have. There is no comparison in our opinion, and I absolutely love the Boardwalk. RIV rooms are beautiful, quieter and the resort itself more peaceful. It is also so much easier to get around, and the designated buses are amazing. Maybe it's the way we vacation, but we've had no issues with the skyliner at all, the wait has always been minimal and the weather never affected our plans.
I agree to wait until January and try it out before you make any decisions.

Wow! I remember when you bought this; interesting comparison! Glad to hear you love what you bought.

 

[disneylandtour]

When you do visit Riviera, consider the Skyliner in the event you need an accessibility device during retirement.

Riviera's Skyliner station isn't equipped like the other stations with a separate bay of cabins waiting for you. CMs must stop the Skyliner to let you on and it can really add to your wait time during peak times.

So here's the list I'd consider -

Skyliner can be a big drawback. It's hot in the summer. When it's closed the bus options aren't great. I've been stuck on the Skyliner for nearly an hour. It wasn't a great experience.

It's an isolated resort. Most DVC resorts open up to a range of nearby experiences...such as walking trails, paths to various restaurants, paths to nearby parks. RIV is mostly a tower unto itself.

In terms of pools, I'd put RIV easily in the lower half of DVC resorts. And I think this matters in spring/summer.

Studios are on the small side. Point charts on the high side. Not a great combination.

As dozens have mentioned...resale restrictions and low resale value.

And then this is a personal preference - but a lack of overall inviting theming to create a compelling and unique world. Poly does this best. Then AKV. Next CCV (Wilderness Lodge). And so on.

So I'd say that you'd probably need to love everything else about RIV enough--and some people do--to overcome these limitations.

 

[RuntheMouse]

Studios are on the small side. Point charts on the high side. Not a great combination

The studios aren’t small.

 

[disneylandtour]

The studios aren’t small.

You are correct. I actually had to look this up. Maybe it's just the layout that makes them seem small. (I've only been in two.). Regardless, not small. Still, high points.

 

[airjay75]

So here's the list I'd consider -

Skyliner can be a big drawback. It's hot in the summer. When it's closed the bus options aren't great. I've been stuck on the Skyliner for nearly an hour. It wasn't a great experience.

It's an isolated resort. Most DVC resorts open up to a range of nearby experiences...such as walking trails, paths to various restaurants, paths to nearby parks. RIV is mostly a tower unto itself.

In terms of pools, I'd put RIV easily in the lower half of DVC resorts. And I think this matters in spring/summer.

Studios are on the small side. Point charts on the high side. Not a great combination.

As dozens have mentioned...resale restrictions and low resale value.

And then this is a personal preference - but a lack of overall inviting theming to create a compelling and unique world. Poly does this best. Then AKV. Next CCV (Wilderness Lodge). And so on.

So I'd say that you'd probably need to love everything else about RIV enough--and some people do--to overcome these limitations.

Aside from the points charts being on the higher side, I disagree with basically all of this. As @RuntheMouse pointed out, the size of the studios being small is just objectively false (although whether they feel small is, yes, an opinion). The rest are all personal preferences/opinions. But, rather than devolving this thread into another why people love or hate RIV, I'm just going to reiterate that @Steelers0854 should try it out for themselves. Maybe they'll agree with those of us who love the resort, maybe they'll agree with those who find it greatly overrated and wouldn't waste a single point there, or maybe it'll just be a neutral experience for them. As Brian pointed out, RIV resale isn't going anywhere.

 

[disneylandtour]

Aside from the points charts being on the higher side, I disagree with basically all of this. As @RuntheMouse pointed out, the size of the studios being small is just objectively false (although whether they feel small is, yes, an opinion). The rest are all personal preferences/opinions. But, rather than devolving this thread into another why people love or hate RIV, I'm just going to reiterate that @Steelers0854 should try it out for themselves. Maybe they'll agree with those of us who love the resort, maybe they'll agree with those who find it greatly overrated and wouldn't waste a single point there, or maybe it'll just be a neutral experience for them. As Brian pointed out, RIV resale isn't going anywhere.

Oh absolutely. Everyone has their jam. All is good with that here. I'm not trying to start a debate on whether RIV is "good" or not. I'm only putting up a list of things for the OP to consider--as it seems the OP is considering a very large purchase without a lot of actual information. If someone wanted to post a list of things they believe are positive (on my list would he the restaurants and cafe), that would probably be helpful for the OP as well.