Gran Destino or Riviera

[Benjamin Draper]

Have had a quote for a similar price for the Executive suite at the new Gran Destino Tower and a Deluxe studio at the new Riviera resort. Does anyone have any opinions about which one would be better. First time staying in a Disney property and don't want anything too "themed"

 

[`OhanaHare]

Gran Destino just opened and Rivera isn't open until later this year. It's going to be hard for anyone to give you an educated opinion based on that.

 

[Benjamin Draper]

I’m only looking for opinions. Educated or not. It’s a big investment and it’s my 40th birthday so need all the help I can get. We will be travelling from Europe also.

 

[sponica]

If I had to make a decision today, I'd pick destino, if only because we have actual pictures of what everything looks like. I think Riviera is still artist renderings.

 

[`OhanaHare]

I’m only looking for opinions. Educated or not. It’s a big investment and it’s my 40th birthday so need all the help I can get. We will be travelling from Europe also.

Then just pick one. But if you don't want anything "too themed" look into the Swan and Dolphin resorts.

 

[Eeyore daily]

If I had to pick today I'd chose Riviera, just because it's a DVC over a moderate. The Topolino (spelling?) Restaurant, along with the gondola system make it seem nicer and the images I've seen of rooms look fantastic. Just my opinion.

 

[Benjamin Draper]

If I had to pick today I'd chose Riviera, just because it's a DVC over a moderate. The Topolino (spelling?) Restaurant, along with the gondola system make it seem nicer and the images I've seen of rooms look fantastic. Just my opinion.

What are the added benefits staying in a DVC compared to a moderate?

 

[sponica]

I guess the balcony might nudge me in the direction of riviera...unless the executive suite at destino is bigger.

But really I feel like this might be a coin flip situation. I don't think there's a "wrong" decision

 

[4evryoung]

What are the added benefits staying in a DVC compared to a moderate?

In this case it's not really a comparison between a DVC unit and a moderate as, although the Gran Destino is based at a moderate resort. the furnishings and amenities within the tower appear to be at a higher standard than other Disney moderate rooms/resorts. As a convention resort, Coronado Springs has more bar/lounge locations and food/restaurant locations than you will find at other moderate resorts or DVC resorts.

On the negative side, the tower itself does not have a dedicated pool -- the Coronado Springs main pool is a short walk via a bridge across the lake. In contrast, Riviera has a main pool, a leisure/quiet pool and a children's splash pad immediately adjacent to the rooms. Coronado Springs is also dependent on bus transport to the theme parks whilst Riviera will have access to gondola transport to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

If I were making a choice between the two resorts, a major consideration would be if it was an adult only trip or if it was a family trip. I think kids would enjoy the proximity of the pools at Riviera, but adults would enjoy the more "grown-up" atmosphere at Gran Destino.

 

[CarolynFH]

What are the added benefits staying in a DVC compared to a moderate?

There will be two swimming pools at Riviera, right outside the door and open only to Riviera guests, whereas the closest pool to the Tower at CSR will be the Dig Site, a 2-5 minute walk away and of course shared with all CSR guests, not just those in the Tower. Also, all the eating facilities are in the one building at Riviera rather than some being in another building a short walk away.

DVC studios will have a kitchenette including drip coffee pot, toaster, microwave and small fridge whereas moderates usually have just coffee pot (I think CSR has Keurigs) and small fridge, although it’s possible an “Executive Suite” would have more.

BTW photos/videos of the Riviera villas are on the DIS and other websites - the models have been open for some months now. But to my knowledge there aren’t any photos of the rest of the building yet, just concept art and a CGI video that DVC released. This link might help: https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/disney-riviera-resort/

 

[Benjamin Draper]

In this case it's not really a comparison between a DVC unit and a moderate as, although the Gran Destino is based at a moderate resort. the furnishings and amenities within the tower appear to be at a higher standard than other Disney moderate rooms/resorts. As a convention resort, Coronado Springs has more bar/lounge locations and food/restaurant locations than you will find at other moderate resorts or DVC resorts.

On the negative side, the tower itself does not have a dedicated pool -- the Coronado Springs main pool is a short walk via a bridge across the lake. In contrast, Riviera has a main pool, a leisure/quiet pool and a children's splash pad immediately adjacent to the rooms. Coronado Springs is also dependent on bus transport to the theme parks whilst Riviera will have access to gondola transport to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

If I were making a choice between the two resorts, a major consideration would be if it was an adult only trip or if it was a family trip. I think kids would enjoy the proximity of the pools at Riviera, but adults would enjoy the more "grown-up" atmosphere at Gran Destino.

In a DVC resort do you still get things like daily housekeeping?

 

[crvetter]

The Riviera rooms have the following plus: Two shower areas but 1 toilet, murphy bed under tv, kitchenette, and balcony. The model rooms have very much been seen by DVC owners and prospective owners. I would say the inside of these rooms look just as nice as the photos I've seen of Gran Destino. Gran Destino with the Executive Suite is probably larger. Does this room include club level access? Also is it an Executive suite I see the tower has the following rooms: Standard View, Water View, Deluxe Suite, Presidential, and 1 Bedroom? I know CSR has Executive Suites outside the tower but it is also possible the website has a different name (ones I mentioned).

The Riviera location offers a single bus stop, skyliner to Epcot and HS. Gran Destino is multi-bus stop resort with buses to all parks.

Now Gran Destino looks amazing and the amenities, restaurants, pool, etc. probably are a toss up between the two resorts in my opinion.

In a DVC resort do you still get things like daily housekeeping?

Yes if staying on cash you get same level of service you would be used to. Only if renting points would it be different.

 

[4evryoung]

In a DVC resort do you still get things like daily housekeeping?

If this is cash reservation through Disney, you will get daily housekeeping.

 

[glocon]

Personally I’d pick a suite over a studio.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

IMHO, they both look lovely. Based on the videos I've seen, the furnishings at Riviera seem a bit more upscale and "deluxe" than what I've seen in the Gran Destino rooms. That being said, the Gran Destino suite will offer you a bedroom and separate living room plus the Club Level lounge with breakfast, snacks, hors d'oeuvres, beverages, etc. throughout the day which offers a lot of value. We are not "mod" folks and typically stay deluxe. I've enjoyed all of the DVC resorts we've stayed in, but I am definitely tempted to stay in Gran Destino. If I were to pick a DVC property, even with the addition of the gondola at Riviera, I'd still be more tempted to stay at a DVC resort in a better location - for example, we love BWV and BCV for walking access to both EP and DHS. Neither of those are that "themed" IMHO. VGF is also lovely and has the most beautiful rooms on-property, IMHO. The theming at GF and VGF is also very subtle, IMHO.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

The CL at Gran Destino is looking swanky.

 

[Marionnette]

i just saw a video for the Chronos Lounge for club level guests. Very impressive.

But I would choose Riviera just for the pool and transportation. Gran Destino looks amazing and I would stay there in a heartbeat if it were anywhere else. But at Disney, you’re there for the parks. Getting to and from the parks with as little aggravation as possible is key.

 

[gillep]

If the executive suite comes with CL access I would go with that. Also, if it is more than two adults in your group I would go with the executive suite. We have always really enjoyed Coronado and the tower looks great.

Otherwise, I would do Riviera for the balcony, close dedicated pools, skyliner, and amazing looking rooftop restaurant. If you have two adults only I like the studio setup with the queen bed and couch to use as a place to sit and relax when not sleeping.

 

[nkereina]

Even with Gran Destino, CSR is still a moderate resort. Its the nicest moderate, IMO, but if you prefer deluxe then its something to consider. Riviera will also have alternative transportation in the form of the Skyliner.

I'm guessing an Executive Suite is much larger than a Deluxe Studio. Usually a DVC studio is on par with or smaller than a regular hotel room, with no additional living space like a suite would have. So if space is a concern, I'd pick Gran Destino.

 

[stinkpickle]

I would definitely do the Gran Destino tower suite.