Comparing 2-bedrooms: BLT vs Riviera vs Boulder Ridge (for 5 adults)

[peacefrogdog]

My family of 5 (all adults) will be going mid-May. I'm looking to stay at a DVC resort that we've yet to try. Based on a combination of that, and what seems to be available, our options seem to be BLT, Riviera and Boulder Ridge Villas. Was originally hoping to book two studios but none seem to be available. While 1-Bedrooms at BLT and Riviera do sleep 5, it would mean one of my adult kids would need to sleep in the sleeper chair which won't work well. As such I'm looking at the 2-Bedroom options. We do have the points for all 3 options if needed. Will also try for something at the new Island Tower at the Poly when able, but not banking on those. We will also have a car to enable us to drive to Disney Springs and for dining but will otherwise plan to use Disney transportation to get to/from theme parks. Will probably do AK and DHS.

Thus far, here is my take when comparing these options. Any other considerations into which I should be taking?

BLT 2-Bedroom (186 points for lakeview for our dates)
Pros: monorail access. 3 bathrooms helps (my kids tend to take long #2's!)
Cons: There will be refurbs going on. I'm less concerned about getting a non-refurbed room than I am about them moving us if there turns out to be a room shortage.

Riviera 2-Bedroom (226 points for preferred; can waitlist for standard)
Pros: the newest, has good access to the Skyliner and has seems to have good food options.
Cons: higher point cost.

Boulder Ridge 2-Bedroom (164 points)
Pros: cheapest, I believe all rooms have been refurbed by now(?). We've stayed at the Lodge before and like Geyser Point, and the ferry to MK is not a bad option.

 

[smrice95]

We loved the space in BLT 2 bedroom when we stayed there. We also were lake view. We could see Epcot fireworks too along with the water pageant. We have never stayed Riviera, but have been in a 2 bedroom being nosy during COVID. They are equally nice. The have a unique bathroom situation too. I am a point miser so it would be too many points for me. I believe I read standard view is actually the nicer view for EPCOT fireworks too. I have never stayed at Boulder Ridge so cannot comment. I know they are different layouts, but I did not like the smaller space in Copper Creek 2 bedrooms (specifically in the kitchen/family area.

 

[mfortis]

Location location location. BLT is the 1st choice, then BRV villas, then the Radison.
If theming is your thing then go with Boulder Ridge.
Logistically? Not sure which if any of the above has the most bathrooms. We just stayed at a AKL 2 bedroom and it had 3 full bathrooms.

 

[foodiddiedoo]

I’ve stayed at all three and BRV has finished the remodels. Be aware that the top floor of the building still has sleeper sofas instead of Murphy beds in the living/kitchen. I’d go with BLT because of the extra space and third bathroom unless you really want a Murphy bed. Riviera’s skyliner was cool, but the quick service was not great, and Topolino’s was hard to get a reservation for.

 

[TCRAIG]

I’ve stayed at all 3 - I’d for sure stay at BLT as my first choice, then BRV and RIV last.

 

[gottalovepluto]

RIV 1 bedroom doesn’t have a sleeper chair. The bed setup is 1 King in the bedroom, 1 drop down queen and 1 drop down single in the living room. BUT it’s only 1 bathroom.

 

[McCrae]

My family of 5 (all adults) will be going mid-May. I'm looking to stay at a DVC resort that we've yet to try. Based on a combination of that, and what seems to be available, our options seem to be BLT, Riviera and Boulder Ridge Villas. Was originally hoping to book two studios but none seem to be available. While 1-Bedrooms at BLT and Riviera do sleep 5, it would mean one of my adult kids would need to sleep in the sleeper chair which won't work well. As such I'm looking at the 2-Bedroom options. We do have the points for all 3 options if needed. Will also try for something at the new Island Tower at the Poly when able, but not banking on those. We will also have a car to enable us to drive to Disney Springs and for dining but will otherwise plan to use Disney transportation to get to/from theme parks. Will probably do AK and DHS.

Thus far, here is my take when comparing these options. Any other considerations into which I should be taking?

BLT 2-Bedroom (186 points for lakeview for our dates)
Pros: monorail access. 3 bathrooms helps (my kids tend to take long #2's!)
Cons: There will be refurbs going on. I'm less concerned about getting a non-refurbed room than I am about them moving us if there turns out to be a room shortage.

Riviera 2-Bedroom (226 points for preferred; can waitlist for standard)
Pros: the newest, has good access to the Skyliner and has seems to have good food options.
Cons: higher point cost.

Boulder Ridge 2-Bedroom (164 points)
Pros: cheapest, I believe all rooms have been refurbed by now(?). We've stayed at the Lodge before and like Geyser Point, and the ferry to MK is not a bad option.

If you haven’t checked look at the difference between the BLT 2BR dedicated vs lock off. The lock off where you have a studio connected to a 1Br maybe the best option?

 

[peacefrogdog]

I’ve stayed at all 3 - I’d for sure stay at BLT as my first choice, then BRV and RIV last.

Thanks. Out of curiosity what are your reasons for RIV being last? the points?

 

[peacefrogdog]

If you haven’t checked look at the difference between the BLT 2BR dedicated vs lock off. The lock off where you have a studio connected to a 1Br maybe the best option?

you're right. I'm pretty sure it doesn't make much difference in terms of amount of space etc. other than the lockoff would have a mini-kitchenette.

 

[peacefrogdog]

Location location location. BLT is the 1st choice, then BRV villas, then the Radison.
If theming is your thing then go with Boulder Ridge.
Logistically? Not sure which if any of the above has the most bathrooms. We just stayed at a AKL 2 bedroom and it had 3 full bathrooms.

I assume you meant to say Riviera instead of Radison. I would have thought Riviera location being a Skyliner ride away from Epcot and DHS would be a plus, no?

 

[foodiddiedoo]

Dedicated 2 bedrooms (the only thing you'll get booking with cash) provide 3 real beds. Lock offs give 2 real beds and some form of sofa or murphy bed.
I think people dislike Riv because it's generic and its location is blah aside from being at a skyliner station. You still have to take the skyliner to Caribbean beach and transfer if you want to go to HS.

 

[atthebeachclub]

Dedicated 2 bedrooms (the only thing you'll get booking with cash) provide 3 real beds. Lock offs give 2 real beds and some form of sofa or murphy bed.
I think people dislike Riv because it's generic and its location is blah aside from being at a skyliner station. You still have to take the skyliner to Caribbean beach and transfer if you want to go to HS.

Agree. If Riviera had a better location (it is really the same location as Caribbean Beach. Not a deluxe location) or didn’t have restrictions, even in spite of complaints of being generic, it would probably have sold out already. Location and convenience is the most important thing for a lot of visitors.

 

[TCRAIG]

Thanks. Out of curiosity what are your reasons for RIV being last? the points?

Honestly- and I guess rather snobbish too - RIV has so many new to DVC owners - it’s just too loud, too hectic and too many little kids running around…plus the lobby is tiny, pool is small and I’m not a fan of the Skyliner…

 

[RachaelA]

I’d pick BLT even with the construction. I think it’s still much rarer to be moved during construction than people realize. Location of BLT and monorail access. Also 3 bathrooms.

 

[beccasmom]

My first choice would be BRV. We stayed there last August and we loved the new design for the rooms. Very comfortable and we are big fans of WL in general. Love that we can head out the back entrance of the BRV building and quickly get to the pool and Geyser Point. And it is a short walk to the buses from the BRV building as well.

Second choice would be RR. We have not stayed in a two-bedroom unit, but have stayed in both a studio and a one-bedroom. They are beautifully furnished and very comfortable. Lots of space. We enjoy the restaurants and the grounds are lovely. Some don’t care for the small lobby, but I think it is fine. But it is pricey for points. For us this means we reserve it for special occasions or maybe a split stay.

We like BLT a lot and are eager to see the renovated units. The third full bathroom is a HUGE convenience. The location is unbeatable IMHO. But I personally try to avoid resorts under refurbishment (“try” is the operative word; I haven’t always been able to do so! ).

 

[Bullseye]

I'd go BLT. Having the three bathrooms is really nice. Plus you're on the monorail so you have access to the other resorts for dining and shopping, plus two parks. The pool at BLT is not great, but you also have access to contemporary pools. We prefer a lake view on an upper floor.

 

[peacefrogdog]

My first choice would be BRV. We stayed there last August and we loved the new design for the rooms. Very comfortable and we are big fans of WL in general. Love that we can head out the back entrance of the BRV building and quickly get to the pool and Geyser Point. And it is a short walk to the buses from the BRV building as well.

Second choice would be RR. We have not stayed in a two-bedroom unit, but have stayed in both a studio and a one-bedroom. They are beautifully furnished and very comfortable. Lots of space. We enjoy the restaurants and the grounds are lovely. Some don’t care for the small lobby, but I think it is fine. But it is pricey for points. For us this means we reserve it for special occasions or maybe a split stay.

We like BLT a lot and are eager to see the renovated units. The third full bathroom is a HUGE convenience. The location is unbeatable IMHO. But I personally try to avoid resorts under refurbishment (“try” is the operative word; I haven’t always been able to do so! ).

I know the answer may be obvious, but realistically how much of an inconvenience does the refurbs cause? I suspect they wouldn't assign people to rooms that are next to those being refurbed, so noise won't be that much of an issue. I guess there may be more trucks around which could limit access to parking. What else are the problems to expect?

 

[peacefrogdog]

Thanks all. Ended up snagging a 2-BR theme part view at BLT. I'm stingy for points so waitlisted for standard view, and may do the same for Lakeview. I figured we could watch the fireworks from the bridge or the Top of the World lounge.

 

[foodiddiedoo]

Thanks all. Ended up snagging a 2-BR theme part view at BLT. I'm stingy for points so waitlisted for standard view, and may do the same for Lakeview. I figured we could watch the fireworks from the bridge or the Top of the World lounge.

According to the email sent me there may be points where the sky bridge is closed for a bit. I think that might be the only disruption that you would experience with the construction as they are working in one section at a time. Right now they are doing the south rooms.

 

[Disney mac]

Just got back from a Riv 2 bedroom. Just a heads up that there are 2 "bathrooms", but 3 showers.
I thought the sleeping arrangement was good (1 King, 1 Queen, 2 drop down Queens, 2 drop down twins).

My only 2 complaints:
1. This was the first time I had a scooter and found out that leaving Epcot after fireworks is very tough to get on the Skyliner. Waited over 50 minutes in line to get back.
2. A lot of points. I would tell anyone to use less points and stay at a 2 bedroom at Boardwalk if they can get it.