Crunch time! GF or RIV? Or maybe Poly?

[DVCRookie2023]

We are looking to buy direct very soon and feel a bit stuck as to which resort to buy into.

I do like RIV but feel the resale value might take a ding since it is relegated to only booking at RIV for the next purchaser. Probably should not be a driving factor in the decision but alas it has entered my mind.

GF seems to be a bit more toddler friendly and we will have a family of 4 (2 small children for the next few visits). GF also has a spa which is a draw for my wife.

I am a bit partial to RIV but would be ok with GF as well.

We are likely going to be booking 1BR rooms around the spring break time for the most part.

We recently stayed at Poly and loved it but they do not have any 1BRs available....yet. I would not want to buy in there in the hopes that Poly2 has them even though it seems highly likely.

Anyway just looking for anyone to chime in on their thoughts about where might be the best place to buy at this point.

Incentives right now are not great but believe they are better at GF.

Any and all thoughts are welcomed! Thank you!

 

[Sandisw]

With little ones, it’s hard not to want to choose VGF. 1 bedrooms are the last to book up so that is good. When they added al the resort studios though, with no new larger villas, it may eventually out pressure on those…but if you book at 11 months, it should not be a big deal, we do own here since it’s our 2nd favorite

RIV is our top choice and we love owning there, We own both resale and direct points and for us, resale restrictions don’t both us because we went in not expecting anything back if we sell.

There is a better balance of 1 bedrooms with other room sizes there, and do need to own there to have the best chance of SV rooms.

In terms of Poly, we still do not know the decision on whether the tower will be part of PVB…meaning all owners, including those buying resale, will have home resort booking.

If it’s a different association, then only those owners of Poly tower will have that advantage, and resale PVB bought since 2019 will be locked out, Direct PVB points will have the 7 month booking.

Lots of great choices!

 

[DVCRookie2023]

With little ones, it’s hard not to want to choose VGF. 1 bedrooms are the last to book up so that is good. When they added al the resort studios though, with no new larger villas, it may eventually out pressure on those…but if you book at 11 months, it should not be a big deal, we do own here since it’s our 2nd favorite

RIV is our top choice and we love owning there, We own both resale and direct points and for us, resale restrictions don’t both us because we went in not expecting anything back if we sell.

There is a better balance of 1 bedrooms with other room sizes there, and do need to own there to have the best chance of SV rooms.

In terms of Poly, we still do not know the decision on whether the tower will be part of PVB…meaning all owners, including those buying resale, will have home resort booking.

If it’s a different association, then only those owners of Poly tower will have that advantage, and resale PVB bought since 2019 will be locked out, Direct PVB points will have the 7 month booking.

Lots of great choices!

Thank you very much for this reply. I am leaning toward VGF.

What is the availability lie for RIV at the 7 month mark, particularly for a 1BR? Is that info available?

 

[minniesfriend]

These are both beautiful properties. We made this decision in July 2022 and went with VGF direct for the following reasons:
- You can walk, boat, or monorail to the MK
- There are no resale restrictions
- I believe it will be easier to sell if life circumstances change
- If we return early from a park, but aren't ready for bed, we are able to easily access the Poly (walk) or monorail to Contemporary.
- We can easily access table or quick service meals at other the monorail resorts
- Relaxing in the lobby or Enchanted Rose is nice, especially at Christmas!
- Spa
- You can see the MK fireworks and water pageant at night
- The views are much better in my opinion. Standard, water, and theme park
- We like having the options of the Resort and Deluxe studios

We have stayed in the Riviera in a 1 BR and a studio. The 1 BR was one of the nicest rooms I've stayed in and we LOVED it. But we didn't have the best luck with Disney buses (which can happen anywhere) and it was a pain when the Skyliner closed due to weather. But The Riviera is beautiful and I see why others make this choice!

We really haven't had a problem getting rooms at either in the 7 month window, depending on the time of year.

 

[Pens Fan]

Thank you very much for this reply. I am leaning toward VGF.

What is the availability lie for RIV at the 7 month mark, particularly for a 1BR? Is that info available?

I can't personally speak to the accuracy of these charts, but the ones I've looked at seem pretty reasonable based on my own limited experience at certain resorts.

https://www.dvcfieldguide.com/availability-tables

 

[sndral]

Thank you very much for this reply. I am leaning toward VGF.

What is the availability lie for RIV at the 7 month mark, particularly for a 1BR? Is that info available?

It’s too soon to know the ultimate availability pattern w/ RIV since it’s just over half sold, once it’s completely sold out then patterns will emerge. Riv is especially problematic w/ predictions because as time goes on there will be a % of people who own there & because they bought resale will only be able to book there which is unique, I would assume they’d put pressure on inventory @ 11 months, but how much pressure & how long until it starts to show up is very much an unknown.
Generally the smaller the resort the higher the resale value long term, BC resale has always been higher than BWV, for example. Riv, when fully sold out will have 6,739,966 points, VGF when VGF2 is fully sold will have 4,300,622 points, so based on potential supply VGF’s long term resale value should be higher than Riv even if DVC abandoned the resale restrictions.
Full disclosure, I personally prefer the VGF, I just like the vibe of the resort, the multiple restaurants, the spacious grounds, etc., & I really like riding in boats . I like the Skyliner too, but I am not a fan of the towers that Disney has been building lately so Riv is not my preferred ‘type’ of DVC resort.

 

[Doberge]

I think both are great and I'd suggest just going with whichever you'd prefer to stay more. If you truly love them equally then go with the cheaper one.

Personal opinion, but I don't think VGF is more toddler friendly. Toddlers love monorail and skyliner about equally. Both have great splash pads and pools, but VGF has longer walks everywhere compared to Riviera.

I think Rivera has a better location with skyliner to two parks, and it's closer to Disney Springs. Monorail from GF to EPCOT can be a pain. GF has more dining options with multiple restaurants on site.

 

[sethschroeder]

Generally the smaller the resort the higher the resale value long term, BC resale has always been higher than BWV, for example. Riv, when fully sold out will have 6,739,966 points, VGF when VGF2 is fully sold will have 4,300,622 points, so based on potential supply VGF’s long term resale value should be higher than Riv even if DVC abandoned the resale restrictions.

Thing is VGF, POLY, POLY Tower, BLT, CCV, BRV all exist in the MK area. In 2042 only BRV will expire.

RIV, BCV, BWV exist in the Epcot area. In 2042 only RIV will be left meaning 100% of the Epcot resorts are highly likely to have resales restrictions.

In the end resale restrictions will lower the RIV price at resale but I don't think to any significant extent because I still look at 2042 when there will be no options for resale owners to trade in to Epcot anyways and a larger percentage of rooms for resale traders will be non-park attached.

Will VGF be higher than RIV for resale? Yes but its so inconsequential when you consider all the costs of DVC and how many nights you will be staying. After 20 years you might be talking like $10 a night or something you lost out on. Do you want to stay at your second choice over $10/night?

 

[Genie+]

How may points do you think you’ll want?

You could buy GFV resale now 100 points then wait for Poly 2 before deciding between Poly or Riviera direct 150 pts.

Some advantages there is more time to make final decision, existing member price on direct, easier match to UY, some points to use soonish, and 2 home priority resorts.

Or some variation of this?

 

[sethschroeder]

I think both are great and I'd suggest just going with whichever you'd prefer to stay more. If you truly love them equally then go with the cheaper one.

Personal opinion, but I don't think VGF is more toddler friendly. Toddlers love monorail and skyliner about equally. Both have great splash pads and pools, but VGF has longer walks everywhere compared to Riviera.

I think Rivera has a better location with skyliner to two parks, and it's closer to Disney Springs. Monorail from GF to EPCOT can be a pain. GF has more dining options with multiple restaurants on site.

My toddlers like Rivera more with how its setup and the slide not disappearing out of view as much (the splash pad is really a wash to an extent). Additionally they prefer the evenings we have at Epcot as well since they don't have bus rides or long monorail rides after eating at the Epcot area.

I know others are different but its great to hit up Nemo or Figment or Living with the Land with essentially no wait in combination with food booths and restaurants around the area (even Beaches and Cream and such outside the park). With Magic Kingdom its ALWAYS a zoo in my opinion and you have no real options for walk-ons in that park.

Also the Monorail IMO is a pain with little kids where you have a stroller because you are having to go through security at the resort. If you are going to BLT or Wilderness? Well there is two extra times through security and dealing with taking everything out of the stroller. I am not a fan of the monorail though or the long trek to get to the TTC to get to Epcot.

 

[sndral]

Thing is VGF, POLY, POLY Tower, BLT, CCV, BRV all exist in the MK area. In 2042 only BRV will expire.

RIV, BCV, BWV exist in the Epcot area. In 2042 only RIV will be left meaning 100% of the Epcot resorts are highly likely to have resales restrictions.

In the end resale restrictions will lower the RIV price at resale but I don't think to any significant extent because I still look at 2042 when there will be no options for resale owners to trade in to Epcot anyways and a larger percentage of rooms for resale traders will be non-park attached.

Will VGF be higher than RIV for resale? Yes but its so inconsequential when you consider all the costs of DVC and how many nights you will be staying. After 20 years you might be talking like $10 a night or something you lost out on. Do you want to stay at your second choice over $10/night?

I assume that in the next 19 years there’s likely to be additional DVC resorts built like the rumored front of Epcot DVC, YC conversion, DHS adjacent DVC, & that BC/BWV will be refreshed/rebuilt & resold, so Riviera won’t be the only DVC in the area in 2042, although by then they’ll all presumably be restricted.

 

[varns529]

I can’t imagine Disney letting all the 2042’s just expire. Maybe I’m off my rocker, but that’s a big bet to just think everyone will come back on a new contract. If I’m in that chair, I’m not making that bet. Even if I rebuild refresh and resell, can I sell as many points that expired and even if they do sell I have my doubts on that they sell out that quickly either.

If I pass ROFR I will be in that boat. Almost 60 when that hits, maybe I just let that contract go.

 

[DVCRookie2023]

It’s too soon to know the ultimate availability pattern w/ RIV since it’s just over half sold, once it’s completely sold out then patterns will emerge. Riv is especially problematic w/ predictions because as time goes on there will be a % of people who own there & because they bought resale will only be able to book there which is unique, I would assume they’d put pressure on inventory @ 11 months, but how much pressure & how long until it starts to show up is very much an unknown.
Generally the smaller the resort the higher the resale value long term, BC resale has always been higher than BWV, for example. Riv, when fully sold out will have 6,739,966 points, VGF when VGF2 is fully sold will have 4,300,622 points, so based on potential supply VGF’s long term resale value should be higher than Riv even if DVC abandoned the resale restrictions.
Full disclosure, I personally prefer the VGF, I just like the vibe of the resort, the multiple restaurants, the spacious grounds, etc., & I really like riding in boats . I like the Skyliner too, but I am not a fan of the towers that Disney has been building lately so Riv is not my preferred ‘type’ of DVC resort.

Thank you for this. Do you find it to be stuffy or “formal” at all?

Obviously it is Disney but want it to be a great place for our kids to enjoy the pools, grounds, restaurants etc.

 

[DVCRookie2023]

How may points do you think you’ll want?

You could buy GFV resale now 100 points then wait for Poly 2 before deciding between Poly or Riviera direct 150 pts.

Some advantages there is more time to make final decision, existing member price on direct, easier match to UY, some points to use soonish, and 2 home priority resorts.

Or some variation of this?

Good point and I may consider this but I was really only looking to start w about 165 points. That will allow us to go every other year.

That being said, barring anything unfortunate, I do not see a future without us adding points!

 

[DVCsloth]

We love VGF 1. Don't really plan on staying in BPK since we usually book 1BR's. We also own at Riviera and love it there as well. I don't think you can wrong with either. We really like having a home at MK and one near Epcot/HS. Nothing but good things to say about both. Also, was not happy with the addition of BPK because of all the studios added, but so far it hasn't made much of a difference getting a 1BR.

 

[DVCRookie2023]

We love VGF 1. Don't really plan on staying in BPK since we usually book 1BR's. We also own at Riviera and love it there as well. I don't think you can wrong with either. We really like having a home at MK and one near Epcot/HS. Nothing but good things to say about both. Also, was not happy with the addition of BPK because of all the studios added, but so far it hasn't made much of a difference getting a 1BR.

Thank you. I’m glad I’m getting the overall sentiment of “you can’t go wrong with either”. Definitely putting me more at ease.

 

[Sandisw]

I can’t imagine Disney letting all the 2042’s just expire. Maybe I’m off my rocker, but that’s a big bet to just think everyone will come back on a new contract. If I’m in that chair, I’m not making that bet. Even if I rebuild refresh and resell, can I sell as many points that expired and even if they do sell I have my doubts on that they sell out that quickly either.

If I pass ROFR I will be in that boat. Almost 60 when that hits, maybe I just let that contract go.

DVD has a lot of incentive to bring those resorts back as new resorts…it means new terms, new point charts, and new families,

If DVC is still a product they want to sell, then they will find a creative way to make it work. Maybe they shut down the Boardwalk Inn a few years earlier, renovate it into new DVC rooms, and start selling them so they are ready to open when the current BWV expires…lots of options.

 

[Sandisw]

Thank you. I’m glad I’m getting the overall sentiment of “you can’t go wrong with either”. Definitely putting me more at ease.

Another thing to consider is that DVD did just lower the minimum to 100 points foe new buyers,..you could buy some at each? Now, that would change incentives, but you would have to contact them to see if they are doing anything for buyers who want different resorts..

If you had both, you could alternate years with your 11 month bookings. So split stays, or tey to add days at the 7 months with the other points.

 

[GoingSince1990]

VGF, no question. Beautiful, so close to MK (walk or 1 stop on the monorail), and the resale restrictions on RIV would terrify me; I worry that at some point, due to the value of RIV points being so much greater for Disney than for a private purchaser, the private resale market for RIV points could dry up altogether and you could be at Disney’s mercy if you ever wanted to get out. As possibly the last ever chance to buy direct into a resort without RIV-style resale restrictions, VGF is an absolutely golden opportunity.

 

[DVCsloth]

Another thing to consider is that DVD did just lower the minimum to 100 points foe new buyers,..you could buy some at each? Now, that would change incentives, but you would have to contact them to see if they are doing anything for buyers who want different resorts..

If you had both, you could alternate years with your 11 month bookings. So split stays, or tey to add days at the 7 months with the other points.

I was kind of thinking something like that except, buy 100 or so at Riviera and wait to see what the Poly Tower is going to be like. May not get any incentives this way but it could be a nice combo.