Before I sign, here's everything I think I have learned from this board so far.

[NVDISFamily]

Great list. First, we love Riviera. However, even for our family of 4, if I were going for a long trip I would recommend you consider a 2BR. The biggest reason, the extra bathroom. Having only 1 bathroom in the 1BR is one of the biggest downsides to the resort. We are spoiled with the two in Cali and Kidani having the extra bathroom. Don't let this stress you out, and I'm sure over the years you will get to try other resorts and see what you like. That's another perk of being a member. Welcome home.

 

[DonkeyHoTay]

Just fyi… new poly tower 1bdrm villas come with 2 really nice bathrooms…

 

[dvc lover 1970]

The only thing I would do different is do 150 75 75 instead of two 150's

 

[NVDISFamily]

Just fyi… new poly tower 1bdrm villas come with 2 really nice bathrooms…

The only issue is the fact that the old studio at poly is big and has 1.5 bathrooms. That extra shower helps with getting ready for rope drop (I would guess). For short stays I think we are going to like the longhouse. For longer stays near MK give me a 2 br at ccv or brv please. Less points than the 1 BR at the new tower.

 

[Kailunkat]

Interesting. I got 90 days with no problem in mid-2024 along with many others. I think someone reported on here they even received 120 days. Not a major issue to push, obviously, but wondering if this is an actual change in policy or just a guide not wanting to do it.

Either way, your plan is well thought out. Welcome home!

I think new members have a max that is lower than existing (60 vs 90 maybe?).

@RivGirl you've done a good job! Did you consider buying a resale contract for one and a direct contract after? It can save a bit that way. If you could find a low point RIV contract resale (say 50pts) you could still get 2 125point direct contracts to get to the 300 points. Just a random late night thought you might want to check on.

 

[WeIcomeHome]

I think new members have a max that is lower than existing (60 vs 90 maybe?).

@RivGirl you've done a good job! Did you consider buying a resale contract for one and a direct contract after? It can save a bit that way. If you could find a low point RIV contract resale (say 50pts) you could still get 2 125point direct contracts to get to the 300 points. Just a random late night thought you might want to check on.

Low point RIV still get a decent premium on resale compared to 150+ sized deeds. When I thought about this approach I decided to just add some extra points onto my direct contract instead. The price of the additional 50 direct points to go from 200 to 250 came out to $128 per point during 2024 summer incentives and my points are all unrestricted.

Even if the spread in costs was $40 to 50 per point I'd still lean towards direct to avoid restrictions. On a 50 or 75 point contract, that upfront premium on the purchase is microscopic compared to the total cost of the dues you will pay over the life of the deed.

@RivGirl sounds like you did your homework. I canceled at the end of last spring and purchased in the summer to save on 3 months of dues. With the price increase coming I'll be surprised if the next incentives improve but at least you have that option. Welcome Home!

 

[LittleBitGoofy]

Our Guide offered up the 90 days option without any prompting from me when we did a small add-on for Poly in December. It was our third direct contract with her and she's always been good about offering best options without us pushing to get it.

Maybe the change was for 2025?

 

[radiodome21]

I also sad the same thing about spreading out our rates of Disney vacations. That lasted a year and half before I added on an additional 100 points and we have 2 more trips scheduled this year after ringing in the new year. We’re doing a 1 bedroom at the Riviera in July on the first of a split stay. We’re then going to a studio at the poly. We’re coming from another Orlando hotel (we have a volleyball tournament) so I wanted us to have a larger place where we can spread out, do some laundry and even make some our own food. I’d say you did well. I have 2 kids either and 2 contracts with different amounts. I’ll let them figure that out assuming I do t ever buy more points.

 

[🍀TwinsMom]

Welcome home! We, too, have 300 direct Riviera points, family of four, 1B or bust (no studios as a family, juice isn't worth the squeeze,) and we love it! Bought in 2019, had our welcome home during C19 in December, 2020. Many trips later, love it more and more. The 2B is awesome for extended family and spreading out but still traveling together.

Congrats, and check out the PIT (Poly Island Tower) TPV 2B. It's REALLY well laid out, and the extra bathroom is going to be handy as the kids grow up. Or, maybe not. We have done totally fine with the 1B and the four of us, mainly because I'm an early bird and the kids and DH stagger wake times, so so far no one has been stomping their foot outside the door.