Crunch time! GF or RIV? Or maybe Poly?

[DVCRookie2023]

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.

When you add days at the 7 month window (after booking some days at 11 months) will they be able to keep you in the same room? Or is it generally that you will need to switch rooms mid stay?

 

[DVCRookie2023]

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.

I’m not sure I would want to own at two different places right now. Really wouldn’t be keen on potentially having to switch rooms/resorts mid stay w 2/3 small children. That would likely be the case if I’m splitting my points correct?

 

[sndral]

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.

I know there are those who perceive the VGF to be stuffy/formal, but it doesn’t feel that way to me personally. I actually love leaving a frenetic/crowded MK via the short boat ride over to the serene GF grounds. Or, if I’m not walked out strolling along the lake back to the GF.
I think it’s different when you stay there & know your way around v. the people just passing through to see the ‘flagship’ resort or to have a nice meal at one of the 5 sit down restaurants. It is much calmer than the Poly next door & because the grounds are spacious to me it feels less crowded as well, although I love Captain Cook’s the Poly QS so do walk or boat over often .
We don’t have young kids, but the kids playing at the splash area or in the pools or sitting on the grass watching the nightly movie or roasting marshmallows seem to be having a blast.
There are more formal areas like Victoria & Alberts, but there are more relaxed areas as well like the GF Cafe & the QS Gasparillas, the two pool bars, & the bar - the Enchanted Rose. I’d put Narcoossees & Citricos as upscale but not stuffy. 1900 Park Faire - the buffet, when it reopens, I assume will be much the same as before it closed - full of kids excited to meet characters.

When you add days at the 7 month window (after booking some days at 11 months) will they be able to keep you in the same room? Or is it generally that you will need to switch rooms mid stay?

Assuming you book the same resort, villa size, & same view you should be able to merge the reservations & not have to move.

 

[DVCsloth]

I’m not sure I would want to own at two different places right now. Really wouldn’t be keen on potentially having to switch rooms/resorts mid stay w 2/3 small children. That would likely be the case if I’m splitting my points correct?

Just something in the future to consider as a nice option 2 own at MK and Epcot area. If you have 2 resorts you can borrow points from the next year or you can modify at 7 months with non-home resort points to upgrade to a larger villa. Not guaranteed to be able to do it, but I don't think I have ever been shut out upgrading to a 1BR at 7 months.
There are some really popular times that it could happen, but I always have my original reservation just in case I can't modify.

 

[RoseGold]

If you're buying direct, you should really know the answer to this for you and your family. You don't sound thrilled by any of these choices. For a direct purchase, that wouldn't be good enough for me.

If I were having this pried out of my dying hands, I would be waiting for Poly2. IMO, it's a much better location that RIV.

For 1BRs, even at Spring Break, you don't need home points to book. You can buy resale and then buy direct when a resort comes along you really love, and there will be many, many more.

To directly answer your question, I wouldn't even consider RIV because of the restrictions. A property would really have to be exceptional, like VDH or Poly2 for me to consider it.

 

[DVCsloth]

If you're buying direct, you should really know the answer to this for you and your family. You don't sound thrilled by any of these choices. For a direct purchase, that wouldn't be good enough for me.

If I were having this pried out of my dying hands, I would be waiting for Poly2. IMO, it's a much better location that RIV.

For 1BRs, even at Spring Break, you don't need home points to book. You can buy resale and then buy direct when a resort comes along you really love, and there will be many, many more.

To directly answer your question, I wouldn't even consider RIV because of the restrictions. A property would really have to be exceptional, like VDH or Poly2 for me to consider it.

I initially didn't purchase Riviera because of the resale restrictions. But we ended up staying there in a Standard Studio for a few nights and then a 1BR. We were hooked! We love the resort and the location, love riding the Skyliner and as far as the restrictions, I don't have any restrictions.

 

[MarkNC2Disney]

Riv is fabulous. Every amenity is the “right size” for the population it is serving, which isn’t the case at most Disney resorts. All the rooms are top notch.

VGF is great but sprawling. It’s about a mile from VGF1 villas to MK. Few tend to rave about the walk from BCV to DHS (comparable distance), but I digress…

I’m worried Poly 2 won’t add enough amenities to the Poly overall. I say this as a Poly 1 owner. This will also put stress on the resort monorail loop.

I’d go Riviera.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Have you stayed at either property? How do you feel about the Skyliner vs Monorail? Will you be buying enough points to where the lower ppp of VGF comes into play? Do you care that VGF will hold its resale value more because of no restrictions?

 

[intamin]

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.

I don't see how they let them continue tbh. I imagine they'll let the original contracts end but a couple years or just a year prior to that they'll start selling the new resort. It'll let them redo the point charts and charge significantly more for those rooms. They've seen the disaster of what happened when they tried to extend OKW about trying to get everyone to sign the quitclaim.

To answer OP's question based on my signature you can tell I'm biased. My partner and I are Epcot people over MK. We love the Skyliner. I was originally tempted by VGF just to avoid the resale restrictions but we loved the rooms and love the access to both Epcot and HS. After staying in VGF a couple months ago now I think we made the right decision. VGF's lobby was amazing but at the end of the day that's really just the curb appeal. We feel that Poly is much more in line with the resorts we like so having 2 MK resorts didn't make sense so that's ultimately what made us choose RIV as our first contract but to each their own. Good luck choosing!

 

[DVCRookie2023]

If you're buying direct, you should really know the answer to this for you and your family. You don't sound thrilled by any of these choices. For a direct purchase, that wouldn't be good enough for me.

If I were having this pried out of my dying hands, I would be waiting for Poly2. IMO, it's a much better location that RIV.

For 1BRs, even at Spring Break, you don't need home points to book. You can buy resale and then buy direct when a resort comes along you really love, and there will be many, many more.

To directly answer your question, I wouldn't even consider RIV because of the restrictions. A property would really have to be exceptional, like VDH or Poly2 for me to consider it.

Thanks. I definitely love both RIV and GF (and Poly) for that matter. It’s more choosing the best of the bunch! Didn’t mean to come off as not liking any of them. Have just narrowed it down to these and kind of getting down to the nitty gritty for deciding.

 

[DVCRookie2023]

Have you stayed at either property? How do you feel about the Skyliner vs Monorail? Will you be buying enough points to where the lower ppp of VGF comes into play? Do you care that VGF will hold its resale value more because of no restrictions?

We haven’t stayed at RIV but checked it out.

Def like the sky liner but loved traveling by boat as well. Even though not quicker necessarily it was a fantastic atmosphere.

Definitely considering the resale values but like someone else recent said as an owner they don’t have any restrictions!

 

[Minniemoo15]

If you're buying direct, you should really know the answer to this for you and your family. You don't sound thrilled by any of these choices. For a direct purchase, that wouldn't be good enough for me.

If I were having this pried out of my dying hands, I would be waiting for Poly2. IMO, it's a much better location that RIV.

For 1BRs, even at Spring Break, you don't need home points to book. You can buy resale and then buy direct when a resort comes along you really love, and there will be many, many more.

To directly answer your question, I wouldn't even consider RIV because of the restrictions. A property would really have to be exceptional, like VDH or Poly2 for me to consider it.

This is a good point about being excited about your very expensive direct purchase. We were very very close to buying VGF2 direct last March - but we just weren’t super into the resort so we ultimately didn’t sign. And are we ever glad we didn’t, because not 1 week later Poly2 was announced which we are SUPER excited for.

 

[RoseGold]

A surprise factor that might be an issue for both of these properties is noise:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/most-quiet-and-most-loud.3914888/

RIV has a lot more noise issues than you would expect from a brand new build. It was surprising to me, as I thought RIV would be a nice normal, quiet hotel. VGF2 was just horrible, the noisiest hotel I've stayed in for years. VGF1 (where the 1BRs all are) is wonderful, and maybe Poly2 will be more like that build.

 

[AstroBlasters]

We haven’t stayed at RIV but checked it out.

Def like the sky liner but loved traveling by boat as well. Even though not quicker necessarily it was a fantastic atmosphere.

Definitely considering the resale values but like someone else recent said as an owner they don’t have any restrictions!

1) Are you willing to pay more for RIV than VGF?

2) Do prefer RIV be enough of a margin to accept that it will retain less of its value relative to VGF if you do want/need to sell?

 

[🍀TwinsMom]

We did a split stay Riviera and Grand Floridian this December. We only do one or two-bedrooms; like a king bed, doors for privacy, laundry in the room I use nightly, and kitchen for adult beverages and light cooking.

GF rooms were gorgeous, and I loved our lakeside balcony. My husband uses a scooter (probably about the size of a double stroller,) and it was pinched in the entry trying to access the bathroom and laundry with it (Scooter) parked in there. There was a lack of storage in the living room, but the master bedroom was strangely massive.

Riviera room layout, IMO, are pretty darn close to perfect. Plenty of scooter/stroller foyer space, great layout, nice finishes, and we’ve stayed tons of times there and NEVER heard so much as a kid running down the hallway. Very soundproof.

GF has a lot more (great!) handy food options nearby, but this tired mom LOVES having Primo/Bar Riva/Topolinos on site, away from the elements. Bonus round, our kids can go solo to pick up mobile orders now, so that’s hugely helpful, to me.

GF pools are definitely better themed for the main poo, and their s- lash pad is adorable.

Riviera’s pool, IMO, is laid out awesome for kids and parents watching them. The splash pad, bar, bathrooms, hot tub, and pool slide are all in one corner of the pool. It’s nice to have everything you need nearby, especially if your kids need to be in the splash pad for a little and the slide for the bigger kids.

Now for the pitchforks to come after me. We really dislike the monorail and buses at GF! We waited FOREVER for an AK bus, never saw a HS bus, and the monorail is a PITA to access. You have to go outside, into the mobbed lobby, up stairs (or wait for the birdcage elevator to have room for scooter/stroller,) then hope to get on the monorail and find space — and then it broke down at Contemporary.

Granted, we were there mid December, and every looky-loo was in the lobby proposing, taking pics in front of the tree, in line for gingerbread, meandering around the bars, restaurants, and shops — there were several wedding parties in the side area vestibule entrances, too — but, OMG, I was people-d out after having to navigate just the LOBBY to get to the monorail, to then get to the MK! It was NOT an easy, quick process.

Which brings me to the Skyliner. We have never had to wait more than a minute or two. Easy-peasy with the scooter, even at Epcot at the end of the night. Lines are long, but they move fast. We love the Skyliner and prefer it to anything else.

For many people, MK=WDW. You can’t go wrong with GF and being close to it. Our kids are now 9 and 10 and vastly prefer Epcot and HS, so it’s a no-brained for us to be closer to that area.

Which parks do you prefer? Do you envision date nights eating and drinking around World Showcase? Bringing grandparents to babysit who would LOVE GF and it’s amenities? I wouldn’t split points 150/150 Riviera/GF because they’re so expensive on point charts, but if you’re thinking 300 per resort, that’s a great number of points for those resorts.

Really, you can’t go wrong. Just my $0.02, but resale restrictions continue to be overblown. The prices are holding up well in this buyer’s market. If you’re buying direct with young kids and plan to hold it for at least a decade, I have no doubt you can recoup your purchase price (or come very close to it.)

 

[Sandisw]

When you add days at the 7 month window (after booking some days at 11 months) will they be able to keep you in the same room? Or is it generally that you will need to switch rooms mid stay?

When adding days to a reservation using non home resort points, it’s still one trip…so, no changing rooms.

The only time it is a risk,,,and never has happened to us…is when you may have more than one membership…which happens With a different UY or owners..and you have to book part of the trip on one and on the other.…then you have to ask them to note it,,,we do it all the time and never had to change rooms.

But, a long as all contracts are in the same membership, then at 7 months, points from different resorts, function like they are all one big contract for booking purposes, even though contracts are individual.

 

[DVCRookie2023]

We did a split stay Riviera and Grand Floridian this December. We only do one or two-bedrooms; like a king bed, doors for privacy, laundry in the room I use nightly, and kitchen for adult beverages and light cooking.

GF rooms were gorgeous, and I loved our lakeside balcony. My husband uses a scooter (probably about the size of a double stroller,) and it was pinched in the entry trying to access the bathroom and laundry with it (Scooter) parked in there. There was a lack of storage in the living room, but the master bedroom was strangely massive.

Riviera room layout, IMO, are pretty darn close to perfect. Plenty of scooter/stroller foyer space, great layout, nice finishes, and we’ve stayed tons of times there and NEVER heard so much as a kid running down the hallway. Very soundproof.

GF has a lot more (great!) handy food options nearby, but this tired mom LOVES having Primo/Bar Riva/Topolinos on site, away from the elements. Bonus round, our kids can go solo to pick up mobile orders now, so that’s hugely helpful, to me.

GF pools are definitely better themed for the main poo, and their s- lash pad is adorable.

Riviera’s pool, IMO, is laid out awesome for kids and parents watching them. The splash pad, bar, bathrooms, hot tub, and pool slide are all in one corner of the pool. It’s nice to have everything you need nearby, especially if your kids need to be in the splash pad for a little and the slide for the bigger kids.

Now for the pitchforks to come after me. We really dislike the monorail and buses at GF! We waited FOREVER for an AK bus, never saw a HS bus, and the monorail is a PITA to access. You have to go outside, into the mobbed lobby, up stairs (or wait for the birdcage elevator to have room for scooter/stroller,) then hope to get on the monorail and find space — and then it broke down at Contemporary.

Granted, we were there mid December, and every looky-loo was in the lobby proposing, taking pics in front of the tree, in line for gingerbread, meandering around the bars, restaurants, and shops — there were several wedding parties in the side area vestibule entrances, too — but, OMG, I was people-d out after having to navigate just the LOBBY to get to the monorail, to then get to the MK! It was NOT an easy, quick process.

Which brings me to the Skyliner. We have never had to wait more than a minute or two. Easy-peasy with the scooter, even at Epcot at the end of the night. Lines are long, but they move fast. We love the Skyliner and prefer it to anything else.

For many people, MK=WDW. You can’t go wrong with GF and being close to it. Our kids are now 9 and 10 and vastly prefer Epcot and HS, so it’s a no-brained for us to be closer to that area.

Which parks do you prefer? Do you envision date nights eating and drinking around World Showcase? Bringing grandparents to babysit who would LOVE GF and it’s amenities? I wouldn’t split points 150/150 Riviera/GF because they’re so expensive on point charts, but if you’re thinking 300 per resort, that’s a great number of points for those resorts.

Really, you can’t go wrong. Just my $0.02, but resale restrictions continue to be overblown. The prices are holding up well in this buyer’s market. If you’re buying direct with young kids and plan to hold it for at least a decade, I have no doubt you can recoup your purchase price (or come very close to it.)

This is awesome. Definitely sharing this write up with my wife!

We have a 2.5 year old and another one on the way so definitely planning on holding this for some time to come - hoping that they use it with their kids!

Honestly I like Epcot and AK, my wife likes MK and HS but we love them all. We recently stayed at Poly and really enjoyed the boat rides over but did have a long wait coming back one night so even though it is nice - it is certainly not the most efficient means of travel.

I really LOVE both of these options and I am hoping that we can stay at both so long as the demand at the 7 month booking period is not overwhelming. And by stay - hopefully in a 1BR with no split stay - toddlers and split stays are not really something I would prefer to do.

Definitely will be bringing grandparents and I am sure they would love the amenities of GF - especially the spa (which me and my wife would like as well).

Yea - I want to start with like 165 points and plan to go every other year to start. Knowing myself, I will likely want to add but no harm in dipping feet in direct and then maybe adding on resale (or direct again).

This is definitely a good problem to have in that we love both resorts and I think/hope we will be able to stay at both in a 1BR weather in the 11 or 7 month time frame. Thanks again for that write up!

 

[sethschroeder]

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.

When it happens it will have happened but until then it still hasn't happened. As you outlined though its likely restricted and going in to 2042 if Disney is just flipping the resorts nothing new being built in Epcot area then its just a countdown of a couple years while Riviera will have a long contract left.

 

[sethschroeder]

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.

What are you trying to spin? RIV points being so much greater for Disney than private purchaser? What?

The resale market would never dry up for RIV unless all of DVC is going down the drain. The reason for this is all about $$$$.

Plenty of people book at 11 months every year without an issue and are flexible to a certain extent as well. You are given three options:

• $100/point at Riviera 30 years left
• $100/point at SSR 10 years left
• $200/point at VGF 20 years left

Riviera will likely stay in the gap between the non-park attached resorts and park attached resorts though. Below BLT/POLY/CCV but above AKV/SSR/OKW typically until OKW/SSR start their 10-15 year countdown and start decreasing like BWV/BCV will in the next few years likely.

You can say resale restrictions will impact resale value but I don't see how you connect any dots where VGF is doing amazing and RIV is supposedly worthless.

 

[sethschroeder]

2) Do prefer RIV be enough of a margin to accept that it will retain less of its value relative to VGF if you do want/need to sell?

The one thing to keep in mind is that this is true for the next 20-30 years but when VGF is at like 10 years and RIV at 20 years left you likely will find that RIV is worth more. Until then though VGF is highly likely to be worth more.