Boulder Ridge or Riviera for spring break stay

[Dbjr01]

My family of 4 is staying at a DVC resort for one week at the beginning of April next year. I’m waiting until the 7 month window to book. We plan on getting a one bedroom and will do 3 park days while we are there. The goal for the trip is more about relaxing and spending time at the resort and less about rope dropping and going crazy at the parks.

Our favorite parks are Magic Kingdom and Epcot. As for DVC, we have stayed at Beach Club, Grand Floridian, Saratoga Springs (Congress Park Area), and the Polynesian. We have loved every resort with my wife and I preferring the Polynesian and our kids preferring Beach Club.

Does anyone have any advice? Also, we definitely want a Murphy bed in the living room … I’ve heard this can be an issue at Boulder Ridge but I don’t know that for sure. We could also afford to switch to a 2 bedroom at BR if needed, but I’d prefer to save points if possible.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I love BRV.

Might depend on your kids' ages, but the pools at WL beat down the RIV pool and I will die on that hill.

It is slow to Epcot but the boat to MK is delightful.

Are you looking at a 1BR or a studio? Do you need 3 sleep surfaces or are 2 ok?

 

[Mle8308]

BRV does have the Murphy beds in the 1BR's except for the 5th floor. They are all sleep sofas there, for 2BR's, too. BRV is, to me, way more relaxing than Riviera.

 

[Dbjr01]

I love BRV.

Might depend on your kids' ages, but the pools at WL beat down the RIV pool and I will die on that hill.

It is slow to Epcot but the boat to MK is delightful.

Are you looking at a 1BR or a studio? Do you need 3 sleep surfaces or are 2 ok?

Kids are 9 and 13. We prefer 3 sleep surfaces but my 9 year old likes to sleep on a camping mat so 2 beds will work. Is Epcot a bus ride? I think we would love the boat ride to MK.

That’s really good to know about the pools. Weather permitting, that’s where we will spend a lot of our time on resort days.

 

[melk]

With kids I would say BRV. There’s more to do there and you’re just a boat ride away from Fort Wilderness or the Contemporary/monorail to do resort things. It has a laid back vibe to it if you’re just hanging out there also.

That being said we are doing a split stay at BRV/RR next trip. We’re older now and prefer Riviera for just relaxing by the quiet pool.

 

[Dbjr01]

BRV does have the Murphy beds in the 1BR's except for the 5th floor. They are all sleep sofas there, for 2BR's, too. BRV is, to me, way more relaxing than Riviera.

So I should request any floor but the 5th floor. Any view requests or room recommendations?

 

[Mle8308]

Kids are 9 and 13. We prefer 3 sleep surfaces but my 9 year old likes to sleep on a camping mat so 2 beds will work. Is Epcot a bus ride? I think we would love the boat ride to MK.

That’s really good to know about the pools. Weather permitting, that’s where we will spend a lot of our time on resort days.

The BRV studio has a small twin drop down/Murphy type bed in the room (great for a smaller child) in addition to the queen Murphy bed (or pull out if on the 5th floor).

 

[Mle8308]

So I should request any floor but the 5th floor. Any view requests or room recommendations?

Odd numbered rooms face the lake, even the woods/bus stop area. Some of the higher floor lake view rooms (closer to the elevators) have a view of the Electrical Water Pageant at night. However, if you have light sleepers, and you are trying to sleep at 9:35pm, it might be noticeable. I might request closer to the elevators because the hallways at BRV can be LONG! Not Kidani long, but after a long day... You do not want 4533, it is the only studio (if not booking a 1BR) without a balcony. We stayed in 4523 (1BR) and it was great! Close to elevator, lake view, quiet. I posted some pictures of the view on the Touring Plans site - for some reason, they are a little blurry. It's a dedicated 1BR and no neighbors on one side!

 

[Dbjr01]

Odd numbered rooms face the lake, even the woods/bus stop area. Some of the higher floor lake view rooms (closer to the elevators) have a view of the Electrical Water Pageant at night. However, if you have light sleepers, and you are trying to sleep at 9:35pm, it might be noticeable. I might request closer to the elevators because the hallways at BRV can be LONG! Not Kidani long, but after a long day... You do not want 4533, it is the only studio (if not booking a 1BR) without a balcony. We stayed in 4523 (1BR) and it was great! Close to elevator, lake view, quiet. I posted some pictures of the view on the Touring Plans site - for some reason, they are a little blurry. It's a dedicated 1BR and no neighbors on one side!

4523 sounds like a good room to request

 

[beccasmom]

We love both resorts! BRV rooms are newly renovated and are quite nice. We usually try for an odd-numbered room on the 3rd or 4th floor. The rooms are in a separate building, but it’s a short (covered) walk to the main building and the BRV building has a charming (small) lobby with rockers and fireplaces. It’s a short walk to the bus transportation too. And WL is just a gorgeous resort. Nice restaurants and pools too.

The RR is all in one building, which is convenient. The lobby is small (the complete opposite of WL!), but intimate, and fits the resort. We love the rooms; they are spacious and beautifully furnished. The grounds are lovely and we loved the ease of traveling to Epcot and HS. We particularly enjoy eating at Primo Piatto and strolling the grounds is fun.

Truly, you can’t go wrong with either one IMO. Enjoy!

 

[TCRAIG]

I’ve been to both several times - WL/BRV would absolutely be my choice.

 

[Dbjr01]

Thank you everyone for the great responses! I think we will try Boulder Ridge for this trip and keep Riviera on our list of places we want to stay soon.

 

[R2Daddy]

We love how the Riviera 1 bedroom rooms are shaped long. Never stayed at BRV, and while they look clean, they have the cramped 1 bedroom layout like at Beach Club. Feels like a bigger overall space in RIV. I like to call the Riviera a “calm elegance” which certainly isn’t for everyone, especially if you are looking for a more lively resort and in-your-face theming. If you are looking for a relaxing time at a resort then Riviera delivers that. The views, Bar Riva, Topolinos, it’s all such a great experience. Not to mention it’s a quick skyliner ride away from Epcot and HS. It’s so easy to stop back at the resort to rest and then head back to Epcot for dinner, fireworks or more rides.

No matter if I’m on FB, Reddit, or these boards there seems to be some disdain for Riviera. If you’ve only taken a stroll through the resort then you haven’t experienced Riviera. There’s something about coming back to the ‘calm elegance’ after a long day at the park that makes you realize why people love this resort. People often say you need a vacation from your vacation at Disney, but I found that Riviera helps to add relaxation to a very exhausting trip and lessens the need to recover.

 

[Cybertruck]

I highly recommend BRV with kids your age there is a lot to explore and burn off that kid energy. You can watch electrical water pageant and let the kids be kids nearby. There is also a scavenger hunt which is a great time for the whole family.

 

[TCRAIG]

We love how the Riviera 1 bedroom rooms are shaped long. Never stayed at BRV, and while they look clean, they have the cramped 1 bedroom layout like at Beach Club. Feels like a bigger overall space in RIV. I like to call the Riviera a “calm elegance” which certainly isn’t for everyone, especially if you are looking for a more lively resort and in-your-face theming. If you are looking for a relaxing time at a resort then Riviera delivers that. The views, Bar Riva, Topolinos, it’s all such a great experience. Not to mention it’s a quick skyliner ride away from Epcot and HS. It’s so easy to stop back at the resort to rest and then head back to Epcot for dinner, fireworks or more rides.

No matter if I’m on FB, Reddit, or these boards there seems to be some disdain for Riviera. If you’ve only taken a stroll through the resort then you haven’t experienced Riviera. There’s something about coming back to the ‘calm elegance’ after a long day at the park that makes you realize why people love this resort. People often say you need a vacation from your vacation at Disney, but I found that Riviera helps to add relaxation to a very exhausting trip and lessens the need to recover.

I’ve stayed at RIV - I didn’t find it relaxing at all - small and hectic lobby, small pools, tons of screaming kids and I’m not a fan of the Skyliner. I much prefer WL/BRV - 2 lobbies to explore, lots of natural areas and outdoor space, and better pools. And if you want true relaxed elegance- stay at VGF.

 

[R2Daddy]

I’ve stayed at RIV - I didn’t find it relaxing at all - small and hectic lobby, small pools, tons of screaming kids and I’m not a fan of the Skyliner. I much prefer WL/BRV - 2 lobbies to explore, lots of natural areas and outdoor space, and better pools. And if you want true relaxed elegance- stay at VGF.

I’ve stayed at Riviera twice (preferred view) and never had that experience. I’ve seen the lobby hectic on Saturdays before checkin, but usually when visiting the cafe it’s never too bustling throughout my stay. RIV has lots of opportunities for exploration including the large outdoor area and sandy beaches with lounge chairs. If you want to explore other resorts there’s Caribbean Beach next door and every resort that touches the skyliner, including Boardwalk. Not sure how someone can dislike a convenient method of transportation like the Skyliner. Especially when comparing to a resort that has a boat for one park and bus for the rest.

 

[TCRAIG]

I’ve stayed at Riviera twice (preferred view) and never had that experience. I’ve seen the lobby hectic on Saturdays before checkin, but usually when visiting the cafe it’s never too bustling throughout my stay. RIV has lots of opportunities for exploration including the large outdoor area and sandy beaches with lounge chairs. If you want to explore other resorts there’s Caribbean Beach next door and every resort that touches the skyliner, including Boardwalk. Not sure how someone can dislike a convenient method of transportation like the Skyliner. Especially when comparing to a resort that has a boat for one park and bus for the rest.

Not a big fan of the Skyliner for a coupla reasons:
I use an ECV - sometimes I have to wait 20-30 minutes to get one, I go to WDW solo so the ride itself is kind of boring, I’ve been stuck on it a couple times mid-air, depending on the weather, it can be really hot or freezing cold depending on whoever was in the cabin before me and how they left the vents, and lastly, I’m terrified heights! But that’s one of the reasons why DVC is so wonderful - we have choices!

 

[Dbjr01]

I’ve stayed at RIV - I didn’t find it relaxing at all - small and hectic lobby, small pools, tons of screaming kids and I’m not a fan of the Skyliner. I much prefer WL/BRV - 2 lobbies to explore, lots of natural areas and outdoor space, and better pools. And if you want true relaxed elegance- stay at VGF.

We are going to try VGF for a December stay and Mickey's Christmas Party. Do you have any recommendations for rooms or things you like to do?

 

[TCRAIG]

We are going to try VGF for a December stay and Mickey's Christmas Party. Do you have any recommendations for rooms or things you like to do?

I stay in a 1Br standard room at VGF…I usually just ask for high floor…

 

[michelleiada]

My vote goes to Boulder Ridge. We love Wilderness Lodge and have stayed several times at Copper Creek and Boulder Ridge. The theming is amazing...such a cozy resort. Boat to MK is great too. Riviera has never appealed to me. I think it's a lovely resort and we love Toppolino's but I don't feel the need to ever stay there.