Grand Floridian or Riviera?

[Willsfam]

Looking to stay at either Grand Floridian Villas or the new Riviera Resort next spring. Any opinions as to which would be our best bet would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Happy2BMommy0812]

I think that depends on a lot of things.

Do you own points or will you rent?

Where do you plan to spend the most time? Magic Kingdom? Epcot? Evenly at all parks?

Both resorts may be hard to get unless you own there or rent and book before 7 months. But both are great choices. You may just want togo with whichever you can get.

 

[Marionnette]

Looking to stay at either Grand Floridian Villas or the new Riviera Resort next spring. Any opinions as to which would be our best bet would be greatly appreciated.

Tough choice but if you're renting, I think both of those will be difficult to get...especially if you're interested in studios.

VGF is small. There are only 47 studios in the whole resort right now. People who own there tend to book there and they do it early in their 11-month window.

RIV is new and less than half of the villas have been declared into inventory. That means that you have a better chance if you reserve a room thru Disney with cash. It will probably change between now and next spring but those studios also book quickly, especially the standard views which have very good views and are much fewer points. Everyone wants to stay there to try it out since it's new.

Of the two, I would lean toward VGF because it's the flagship resort and close to the MK. But in the end, it's really going to come down to what's available for your nights.

 

[PalmettoPath]

For me it is GFV hands down. Riviera is nice, but the Grand Floridian is the Crown Jewel and it is in the Magic Kingdom resort area, which offers such a wide variety of things to see and do in close proximity. Plus, the ability to walk to Magic Kingdom is a big plus. There is far more to do at the resort itself as well, for guests of all ages. So when it comes to dining, shopping, activities, amenities and location, I would personally choose the Grand.

 

[Carol_]

I’d go with Riv if I were planning on going to HS and Epcot more. I’d pick VGF if MK, fireworks view, and the spa were my priority.

 

[sethschroeder]

RIV, BWV, BCV then rest of Disney

Being around two parks and being connected to Epcot for dinners/festival food is a major perk.

VGF is really nice for people who want to spend everyday at MK though but I prefer evenings in Epcot.

 

[DVCsloth]

Both are great resorts, I would choose VGF over Riviera for many reasons. VGF is right next to the hotel even though it is missing the Orchestra not sure about the Pianist though. Awesome lobby, multiple restaurants, ability to walk to MK. You can also walk to Polynesian for even more food options or walk to TTC for the EPCOT monorail. This opens up 3 parks without the need for a bus. Either way they are both pretty awesome!

 

[sethschroeder]

You can also walk to Polynesian for even more food options or walk to TTC for the EPCOT monorail. This opens up 3 parks without the need for a bus

I mean for food options that's a long ways from VGF to the World Showcase food though.

The big benefit of the Epcot Resorts is the back entrance right on the World Showcase.

You would be to Epcot from the Epcot resorts before you got to the TTC almost walking.

Additionally many are raving about Sebastiáns upon reopening so being within a walk there might be a positive depending on how you view Poly food (I think it's the 2nd best QS behind RIV for resort dining).

 

[DVCsloth]

I mean for food options that's a long ways from VGF to the World Showcase food though.

The big benefit of the Epcot Resorts is the back entrance right on the World Showcase.

You would be to Epcot from the Epcot resorts before you got to the TTC almost walking.

Additionally many are raving about Sebastiáns upon reopening so being within a walk there might be a positive depending on how you view Poly food (I think it's the 2nd best QS behind RIV for resort dining).

We like to walk to the Polynesian and have an early lunch at Capt. Cooks quick serv. Then on to the TTC and EPCOT for the day and usually an early dinner at one of the restaurants. We have 7 nights at Riviera in September, so we may try Sebastián's one night. The quick serv by the pool at Riviera is also pretty good.

 

[sethschroeder]

early lunch at Capt. Cooks quick serv

My favorite is those Nachos so great and sharable for not too bad of cost.

 

[havoc315]

1. My primary consideration is where you plan to spend park time. If more than 50% of your time will be Magic Kingdom, then GF. If more than 50% at Epcot/DHS, I’d lean to RIV.
2. If the location isn’t enough to decide it— RIV has nicer, larger and newer rooms.
3. By Spring, GF will have more on-property dining options. Though Riviera has fewer options, the Riviera options are top notch. Both can expand dining options with Skyliner/monorail.

 

[bbn1122]

I stayed at both. VGF 2018 in a 2 bedroom. RIV in November 2020 in a 1 bedroom. I will be back for a 2nd stay at RIV this August in a 2 bedroom.

I think I like RIV better than VGF. I thought it was so elegant and there outdoor area and pools are stunning.
I am solely basing it on feel
I love the Skyliner and proximity to Epcot. But who doesn’t enjoy the monorail resorts.

I believe someone mentioned size, points and availability, those are all factors at 7 months. I think RIV might be easier to snag.

Both are the 2 most elegant resorts in WDW. Good luck.

 

[Willsfam]

I stayed at both. VGF 2018 in a 2 bedroom. RIV in November 2020 in a 1 bedroom. I will be back for a 2nd stay at RIV this August in a 2 bedroom.

I think I like RIV better than VGF. I thought it was so elegant and there outdoor area and pools are stunning.
I am solely basing it on feel
I love the Skyliner and proximity to Epcot. But who doesn’t enjoy the monorail resorts.

I believe someone mentioned size, points and availability, those are all factors at 7 months. I think RIV might be easier to snag.

Both are the 2 most elegant resorts in WDW. Good luck.

Thank you very much for your great advice!

 

[Willsfam]

Tough choice but if you're renting, I think both of those will be difficult to get...especially if you're interested in studios.

VGF is small. There are only 47 studios in the whole resort right now. People who own there tend to book there and they do it early in their 11-month window.

RIV is new and less than half of the villas have been declared into inventory. That means that you have a better chance if you reserve a room thru Disney with cash. It will probably change between now and next spring but those studios also book quickly, especially the standard views which have very good views and are much fewer points. Everyone wants to stay there to try it out since it's new.

Of the two, I would lean toward VGF because it's the flagship resort and close to the MK. But in the end, it's really going to come down to what's available for your nights.

Thanks so much for your input. We traditionally have stayed at the BWV and love it, but are interested in staying somewhere different.

 

[Willsfam]

I stayed at both. VGF 2018 in a 2 bedroom. RIV in November 2020 in a 1 bedroom. I will be back for a 2nd stay at RIV this August in a 2 bedroom.

I think I like RIV better than VGF. I thought it was so elegant and there outdoor area and pools are stunning.
I am solely basing it on feel
I love the Skyliner and proximity to Epcot. But who doesn’t enjoy the monorail resorts.

I believe someone mentioned size, points and availability, those are all factors at 7 months. I think RIV might be easier to snag.

Both are the 2 most elegant resorts in WDW. Good luck.

Thank you very much for your great advice!

Both are great resorts, I would choose VGF over Riviera for many reasons. VGF is right next to the hotel even though it is missing the Orchestra not sure about the Pianist though. Awesome lobby, multiple restaurants, ability to walk to MK. You can also walk to Polynesian for even more food options or walk to TTC for the EPCOT monorail. This opens up 3 parks without the need for a bus. Either way they are both pretty awesome!

We have stayed at the BWV several times and love the access to 2 parks. Just thought we might like to try somewhere else this time around. Thanks for your advice!