Direct Purchase, Riv VS Poly Showdown, Who wins for us- Riv Review

[Girlstar30]

After our wonderful stay at Poly, it was actually time for us to go to Loews Portofino Bay hotel at Universal Studios. I thought this was awesome because Riv was right after and I love a good European theme!

I feel i have to mention Portofino because it did inevitably skew my view of Riv a bit. But ill keep that short since its not DVC.

Portofino was a wonderful hotel that really captured the European theme in every way. I really felt like I was in a seaside village in Italy. The rooms had a fantastic view of the harbor with cute little boats floating by. The pool was spectacular, better than any DVC pool ive experienced and the slide actually had a fun little drop. They really captured the European theme with ancient ruins in the water, Beach entry and sandy bottom. Italian food was at every restaurant, opera singers came out on the balcony nightly singing over the piazza, and the lobby had Italian appetizers complimentary daily. After experiencing this, it was impossible not to compare it to Riviera right after as unfair as that may be.

We ordered an Uber Black to roll up to Riviera in style The bellman were very helpful in moving our stuff up and the service at this hotel was stellar, just as expected. The hotel really gave me GF vibes as being a more upscale experience. The marble floors were beautiful, although I preferred the warmer carpet of the Poly when I wake up. I was stoked to see a jacuzzi tub in the one bedroom! Def better than the Poly soaking tub! I hoped it worked good and it would be awesome after a long theme park day! The shower bench was there too, although more slippery because of the marble than Poly. No three showers like Poly, too bad. The room themeing did not Wow me as much as Poly and the PIT studio def had more amenities which are great for our extended family traveling with kids.

There were some Euro Disney paintings and Ratatouille is my favorite Pixar film, but it didnt have all the details and didnt seem to flow the way the Poly theme did. Take down the pictures and you'd have a really nice room thats pretty plain imo.

For some reason, the Murphy bed was really hard to pull down and the doors to the shower were a bit heavier to open than Poly's when your half asleep

We had a beautiful view of the Epcot Ball and were very pleased that we would be able to see the fireworks from our balcony.

Dinner at Topolinos was extraordinary and met the hype for us. The Filet Mignon was lovely, another best ive ever had and as a chocolate lover the chocolate cake with warm ganache really did it for me! We timed dinner to watch the fireworks before dessert and we stepped out onto the terrace to watch the Luminous fireworks and it was amazing with the music piped in. I was sad that they had no music piped into the rooms though, even if you had a fireworks view.

The character breakfast didn't impress me, I thought it was too expensive for just one dish and I tried a bite of other people's breakfast and nothing Wow'ed me. I wouldn't care to go back, but I did appreciate the uniquely themed character costumes! Bar Riva wins for best burger tied with Grand Cal for me so far, it was really good!

Went down to Le Petit Cafe for Coffee and dare I say I didn't really care for the cold brew and preferred Kona But everyone said Riv was the best! My cousin told me to try the Caramel Machiatto the next day and there it was. It was superior to Kona imo.

The lobby was extremely busy always, which I thought was weird because I wasn't expecting that. I thought this hotel was one of the smaller ones, but I could be wrong. It felt pretty chaotic. The elevator waits were also longer than Poly. The gift store, albeit being small, had some really good merch and I purchased clothes and my ornaments. I really liked the paintings in the room and wanted ratatouille for our kitchen and to remember our stay at Riv!

The pool fell flat for us, but not surprisingly. I hate to say it, but I felt... bored. The kids wanted to hop over to Carribean Beach and I thought, I shouldn't feel like I want to hop over to a moderate when im at a deluxe, but I did! I will say we did hop over and we quickly wanted to hop back I preferred the peace of the Riv over an overcrowded pool.

The Gelato was excellent. Better than Portofinos, just delicious. The cast member offered some on the house! We played Bocce ball on the lawn and it was really fun along with Connect four and corn hole.

Community Hall was uninspiring although we did enjoy making bath salts one afternoon! I thought the skyliner would be a fun ride in itself, but it actually kind of gave me a headache when we got the ones with the picture. I found myself missing the walking proximity of bcv to epcot and the friendship boat from bwv and preferred these modes of transportation.

Primo Piatto Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are definetely a thing and the best quick service breakfast!! I do wish there was just one more restaurant at this hotel.

I was impressed that we left some stuff in the room upon checkout that I didn't even know we left and I immediately got a notification that a lost and found report had been filed on my behalf and everything was being shipped to us, free of charge!

After experiencing Portofino, I felt Disney could have done better on the European theme. The spirit wasn't there for me. I felt like I was staying at a really, really nice hotel, but I didnt feel like I was actually in Europe whereas Poly made me feel like I was in Hawaii and Portofino in Europe, etc.

There is nothing bad to say about this hotel, but when booking an Epcot resort, my initial reaction would be to check if BWV was open because of how much fun we had or BCV because of the proximity to the theme parks. If I really wanted to stay at Riv one year but it was booked, I would have no issue booking elsewhere.

If I really wanted to stay at PIT one year and it was booked, I would feel really sad. And thats why, for us, Poly wins the direct showdown I am happy that a clear winner for us emerged and I will truly be buying where I want to stay soon and I look forward to staying at Riv again in the future. And yes, the jacuzzi tub worked amazingly and is the best treat after a long day at the parks than any of the others

 

[havoc315]

Very fair and excellent review. Thanks for sharing.

Personally, the pools at Riviera are among my favorite because they are lovely, and peaceful. Quite large relative to the size of the resort. Now, I’d feel differently if I still had young children. So it’s a question of the period of my life.

I’m in total agreement that while I love dining at the Riviera, I wish it had 1 more restaurant. Though the dining at Caribbean Beach essentially satisfies that itch.

I’ve stayed at Portofino Bay. To me, even though both hotels are themed after the Riviera, they take VERY different approaches. Portofino Bay is basically themed as a small seaside Riviera town — literally the town of Portofino. It does an EXCELLENT job capturing this vibe.
Riviera Resort does not copy a single location, but instead creates the look and vibe of various hotels found in the French and Italian Rivera. It’s inspired by hotels found in the Riviera, instead of inspired by a specific Italian town. Almost the difference between “inspired by New York City” versus “inspired by the Waldorf Astoria, St. Regis and Plaza Hotel.”
Very different approaches aiming for different things.

Portofino Bay does give me a vibe of being in an Italian town. Riviera Resort does give me a vibe of being in a French / Italian resort.

Skyliner is my favorite WDW transportation, especially as it goes to 2 parks. But I agree that nearby walking has a superiority.

You’re not the first to describe the Riviera lobby as busy. We have now stayed multiple times and I’ve never noticed it more than moderately busy. And can always find a quiet seat in the library behind the Cafe, or even on the balconies connected to the lobby. It obviously isn’t the grand lobby of many WDW resorts — though it actually is a big lobby by European standards. (But the lobby does not feel particularly European or Grand. To me though, it feels casually elegant and comfortable. Light and bright).

One of the best things about WDW resorts and DVC, is that there are very different options for different tastes.

 

[VGCgroupie]

After experiencing Portofino, I felt Disney could have done better on the European theme. The spirit wasn't there for me. I felt like I was staying at a really, really nice hotel, but I didnt feel like I was actually in Europe whereas Poly made me feel like I was in Hawaii and Portofino in Europe, etc.

This is a part of why Poly didnt do it for us, especially my husband. We have been to Aulani and Poly felt kind of knock off to us. I should say OG Poly is different than the tower. OG Poly has a tiki room vibe which is very much just Disney, the tower is where we felt it was knock off. Also the cm saying Aloha at Poly was a bit cringey for us.

You have completely sold me on staying at Portofino when we decide to go to Universal. Previously I would have said I will just stay DVC and drive.

We still want to stay at RIV to see how we like it, I think I really would like it. I actually loved Topolinos breakfast, but then again since we are vegan we dont get to experience food the way others do at restaurants at Disney.

 

[cruisehopeful]

Also the cm saying Aloha at Poly was a bit cringey for us.

I had breakfast at Tangaroa Terrace at The Disneyland Hotel a couple weeks ago and was greeted with, "Aloha," and I wanted to say, "This isn't Hawaii. We're in Anaheim." I have no idea why, but it really hit me the wrong way. Sorry, only Hawaii can pull off Hawaii.

 

[Girlstar30]

Very fair and excellent review. Thanks for sharing.

Personally, the pools at Riviera are among my favorite because they are lovely, and peaceful. Quite large relative to the size of the resort. Now, I’d feel differently if I still had young children. So it’s a question of the period of my life.

I’m in total agreement that while I love dining at the Riviera, I wish it had 1 more restaurant. Though the dining at Caribbean Beach essentially satisfies that itch.

I’ve stayed at Portofino Bay. To me, even though both hotels are themed after the Riviera, they take VERY different approaches. Portofino Bay is basically themed as a small seaside Riviera town — literally the town of Portofino. It does an EXCELLENT job capturing this vibe.
Riviera Resort does not copy a single location, but instead creates the look and vibe of various hotels found in the French and Italian Rivera. It’s inspired by hotels found in the Riviera, instead of inspired by a specific Italian town. Almost the difference between “inspired by New York City” versus “inspired by the Waldorf Astoria, St. Regis and Plaza Hotel.”
Very different approaches aiming for different things.

Portofino Bay does give me a vibe of being in an Italian town. Riviera Resort does give me a vibe of being in a French / Italian resort.

Skyliner is my favorite WDW transportation, especially as it goes to 2 parks. But I agree that nearby walking has a superiority.

You’re not the first to describe the Riviera lobby as busy. We have now stayed multiple times and I’ve never noticed it more than moderately busy. And can always find a quiet seat in the library behind the Cafe, or even on the balconies connected to the lobby. It obviously isn’t the grand lobby of many WDW resorts — though it actually is a big lobby by European standards. (But the lobby does not feel particularly European or Grand. To me though, it feels casually elegant and comfortable. Light and bright).

One of the best things about WDW resorts and DVC, is that there are very different options for different tastes.

I feel like later in life i will appreciate the quietness of the pools too, but for right now I want music and action
So we really wanted to go to Sebastians, but Rivieras food was so good, we didnt make it Skyliner access

We were actually supposed to eat at Sebastians at CBR, but the food at Riv was so good we opted to eat there the whole time I look forward to another Topolinos dinner and trying some new things!

I kept thinking Portofino should have incorporated Luca and forgetting it was Universal I think youre right, theyre going for different Euro themes, I guess the seaside one is more my vibe!

I am happy that Riviera is part of the family, it really is beautiful. I forgot to mention the dedicated one way trip on the bus is a very nice perk of staying here!

 

[VGCgroupie]

I still think if you are waiting til next year to buy direct you should see how LSL plays out. There's a very good chance you may like it. And the lazy river looks like it's going to be great.

 

[Girlstar30]

This is a part of why Poly didnt do it for us, especially my husband. We have been to Aulani and Poly felt kind of knock off to us. I should say OG Poly is differnt than the tower. OG Poly has a tiki room vibe which is very much just Disney, the tower is where we felt it was knock off. Also the cm saying Aloha at Poly was a bit cringey for us.

You have completely sold me on staying at Portofino when we decide to go to Universal. Previously I would have said I will just stay DVC and drive.

We still want to stay at RIV to see how we like it, I think I really would like it. I actually loved Topolinos breakfast, but then again since we are vegan we dont get to experience food the way others do at restaurants at Disney.

I would recommend not staying at Riv and Portofino on the same trip as it would be impossible not to compare and Riv themeing might feel less stellar after as it did to us.

I wondered if I had stayed at Royal Pacific Universal if Poly would have paled in comparison with themeing to us, but I just felt so happy at Poly I dont think so, but what do I know, everything i thought about this trip and what I liked best was completely opposite

I am curious to see what you think about portofino after because I just loved it. I will def want to swaps points in the future! I think you would really like Riv as a standalone, I mean great food, coffee, service, transportation, really nothing not to like

 

[Girlstar30]

I had breakfast at Tangaroa Terrace at The Disneyland Hotel a couple weeks ago and was greeted with, "Aloha," and I wanted to say, "This isn't Hawaii. We're in Anaheim." I have no idea why, but it really hit me the wrong way. Sorry, only Hawaii can pull off Hawaii.

Island tower had me fooled, I was all for it

 

[Girlstar30]

I still think if you are waiting til next year to buy direct you should see how LSL plays out. There's a very good chance you may like it. And the lazy river looks like it's going to be great.

This is how one feels when they're resale only...

 

[VGCgroupie]

This is how one feels when they're resale only...

It's hard for me, Im in between a rock and a hard spot. I have direct points but they are all in CA. And I want to keep them all to use in CA. So every time I have started to book RIV I cant bring myself to just go through with it.

I would be willing to bet that LSL rooms will have similar layouts to Poly and VDH. Im thinking they now are all just going to be copycats with different themes. If LSL does go this way and have the extra bathroom I will be in trouble... I do not need more points and I love all the points I have so I cant see myself selling any.

 

[Girlstar30]

It's hard for me, Im in between a rock and a hard spot. I have direct points but they are all in CA. And I want to keep them all to use in CA. So every time I have started to book RIV I cant bring myself to just go through with it.

I would be willing to bet that LSL rooms will have similar layouts to Poly and VDH. Im thinking they now are all just going to be copycats with different themes. If LSL does go this way and have the extra bathroom I will be in trouble... I do not need more points and I love all the points I have so I cant see myself selling any.

I feel like that too because well speaking for myself id be very happy if they continue this layout! Do you think LSL will go on sale or at least be available to preview in 2026? Because if so then I agree it makes sense to wait a few more months if its later in the year plus summer incentives have been hot with direct the past couple of years! The extra bathroom is everything. I know how you feel because I wouldn't want to dump any of my current ones either (we know why i keep SSR around lol) but I love things that are new and shiny!!

 

[VGCgroupie]

I feel like that too because well speaking for myself id be very happy if they continue this layout! Do you think LSL will go on sale or at least be available to preview in 2026? Because if so then I agree it makes sense to wait a few more months if its later in the year plus summer incentives have been hot with direct the past couple of years! The extra bathroom is everything. I know how you feel because I wouldn't want to dump any of my current ones either (we know why i keep SSR around lol) but I love things that are new and shiny!!

I thought it was expected to be next year spring on sale. But I could be remembering wrong. The extra bathroom makes things so much easier, especially since we are shower before bed people and stay at the park late people. So having 2 people being able to shower at midnight-1am is a huge plus.

 

[Girlstar30]

I thought it was expected to be next year spring on sale. But I could be remembering wrong. The extra bathroom makes things so much easier, especially since we are shower before bed people and stay at the park late people. So having 2 people being able to shower at midnight-1am is a huge plus.

I hope so! My initial reaction is that the woodsy theme is not for me, but I dont listen to my initial reaction anymore is one thing I learned from this trip! The more I think i wont like it, im in trouble that I'll probably love it lol

 

[havoc315]

I would recommend not staying at Riv and Portofino on the same trip as it would be impossible not to compare and Riv themeing might feel less stellar after as it did to us.

I wondered if I had stayed at Royal Pacific Universal if Poly would have paled in comparison with themeing to us, but I just felt so happy at Poly I dont think so, but what do I know, everything i thought about this trip and what I liked best was completely opposite

I am curious to see what you think about portofino after because I just loved it. I will def want to swaps points in the future! I think you would really like Riv as a standalone, I mean great food, coffee, service, transportation, really nothing not to like

I’ve stayed at Royal Pacific and at Poly (not during the same trip). There, the comparison is the opposite:
Royal Pacific just feels like a hotel, that maybe you’d find in Hawaii. While Polynesian longhouses feel more truly Hawaiian. (The tower on the other hand has a different feel).

 

[Girlstar30]

I’ve stayed at Royal Pacific and at Poly (not during the same trip). There, the comparison is the opposite:
Royal Pacific just feels like a hotel, that maybe you’d find in Hawaii. While Polynesian longhouses feel more truly Hawaiian. (The tower on the other hand has a different feel).

I got that impression looking online too. Its hard for me to pick universal over disney because even tho I loved the portofino themeing, our actual dvc villas cant be beat. So it would really have to wow me to stay at Universal and portofino did, i would stay again in a heart beat. And ofc the convenience of the water taxi for universal trips cant be beat. For some reason I dont feel as drawn to stay at Royal over poly the way i did Portofino, but im sure ill make my way over one day.