Hard Pass on Riviera Resort

[ScubaCat]

You both must be comparing preferred RIV to the other resorts. Standard is just 10%-20% more and actually has 25% more capacity which offsets the increase for some.

That of course assumes the beds don't topple on that extra person, in which case you are back to 10%-20% more!!

Using adventure season,

• BWV 2BR standard = 220/week
• RIV 1BR standard = 227/week

227 > 220, but 1BR < 2BR.

 

[RivShore]

Using adventure season,

• BWV 2BR standard = 220/week
• RIV 1BR standard = 227/week

227 > 220, but 1BR < 2BR.

You mentioned BVC in the post that started this discussion, that one BR is 197 vs 227 for Riv. That's what, a 15% difference?

ETA: in Adventure season.

 

[sndral]

@KAT4DISNEY--I thought that to be classified as "deluxe" by WDW, the room had to have a balcony or patio. No?

BC - the room portion of the resort - has a large % of rooms w/ the nonusable Juliette balconies. Some longhouses at the Poly - room portion of the resort - don’t have balconies for the second floor rooms.

 

[Miffy]

BC - the room portion of the resort - has a large % of rooms w/ the nonusable Juliette balconies. Some longhouses at the Poly - room portion of the resort - don’t have balconies for the second floor rooms.

Thanks @sndral -- I didn't know that.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Gran Destino was really built as part of the convention business. Because of the season, you're not seeing it held for con bookings, but it's the sort of room and dining setup that can help attract a certain sort of convention at the mid-tier of the business.

I'm confident they could have designed with balconies, but decided not to as part of the differentiation of room block holds between having a conference of a certain size and using CSR vs. using portions of Swan/Dolphin or Boardwalk's convention center. For the latter, the most common room blocks are at BWI, BC/YC, and S&D, which mostly offer balconies.

(I'm just going to skim over Gartner, because the size of Gartner is atypical of the core business. Gartner use all the convention space, not subdivisions, and have blocks at basically every cash deluxe, plus CSR, plus Pop.)

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

In my case (and I think Sandi's) we comment on threads like this to try and bring some sanity to the hyperbolic statements like "it costs double the points", to try and point out subjective negatives posted as objective facts, and to try and correct misstatements like the rooms are small, when they are actually the 2nd largest.

Those counter statements though also seem to by hyperbolic as they are often making comparisons to different room categories at other resorts and then arguing why that is appropriate.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

@KAT4DISNEY--I thought that to be classified as "deluxe" by WDW, the room had to have a balcony or patio. No?

That often is the case but not always. Poly does not and BC has some rooms that just have standing balconies - fairly useless.

(and I see this was already said!)

 

[rg35]

We liked Jambo a lot (Kidani was lovely but way too much walking for us) and would consider it but-for it being so reliant on busing. I think we would do resale at Copper Creek, Bay Lake, or GF if we go that route. And I agree about the Skyliner, I had high hopes but I think I will stay off it for a good 5 years as they figure it out.

The one hole in this logic about transportation is that while most of those hotels are fast to the MK, they aren't fast to other theme parks. And depending on the monorail situation, it can take longer than expected to get to monorail loop hotels. I guess once the walking bridge opens up to GF, you can walk to either Bay Lake or GF from MK, which would be fast and easy.

You've come out very anti-skyliner, but you also seem anti bus too (when in fact bus travel from AKV is pretty fast to three parks and moderately long to MK only).

Monorail loop hotels are really only very convenient if you plan to spend most of your time at the Magic Kingdom.

 

[summerw]

I'm not at all surprised the Riviera doesn't appeal to some. Its clean lines and finishes with touches of ornate metalwork, beautiful artwork and simple color palettes aren't for everyone, but are for me. I agree the pool and lobby aren't grand, but this is a DVC resort, not a hotel or mixed use. I think those things would only attract more visitors, and why would I want more visitors to "my home"? And about the points charts, pricing and restrictions, I agree with all those complaints. I just think they are moot when we talk about new resorts. I think when they start selling Reflections, we will see these are the new norm at Disney. JMHO.



What I don't get are some of the complaints, I'm legit asking if anyone wants to chime in because they agree with these complaints and can explain them to me...

When people say "it's just not Disney," what does that mean? Maybe it's because I grew up near Disneyland, but none of the resorts look "Disney" to me. Is the Riviera significantly less themed than SSR, OKW, BLT or most importantly, the Disneyland Hotel?

Why does it matter if the Riviera looks out on Caribbean Beach? Do people complain that you can see the Poly from GF or vice versa? Or if it's about Deluxe looking at a moderate... is WL looking at a campground a problem?

And if flying through the air in a box just isn't for you, then it's understandable the Skyliner isn't, but I don't get it when people talk about the Skyliner as if it's not as safe as Disney's other transportation... have you seen the video where a door on the monorail opened and remained that way while up in the air? Or the Disney bus that caught on fire?
I'm not defending the Skyliner, because I'm not defending any Disney transportation. I did love riding it personally though, so quiet and peaceful and nothing like the hot and loud bus stops or the monorail that was constantly down at unscheduled times when we stayed at the Poly. That's great for me if it's not for everyone. Wouldn't want the lines to get too long. Lol.





I can't wait to grab a coffee on my covered walk to the Skyliner to my under-10-minute, whisper-quiet ride to 2 parks. I hope anyone who isn't into the Riviera finds the one for them!

 

[klcts]

I'm not at all surprised the Riviera doesn't appeal to some. Its clean lines and finishes with touches of ornate metalwork, beautiful artwork and simple color palettes aren't for everyone, but are for me. I agree the pool and lobby aren't grand, but this is a DVC resort, not a hotel or mixed use. I think those things would only attract more visitors, and why would I want more visitors to "my home"? And about the points charts, pricing and restrictions, I agree with all those complaints. I just think they are moot when we talk about new resorts. I think when they start selling Reflections, we will see these are the new norm at Disney. JMHO.



What I don't get are some of the complaints, I'm legit asking if anyone wants to chime in because they agree with these complaints and can explain them to me...

When people say "it's just not Disney," what does that mean? Maybe it's because I grew up near Disneyland, but none of the resorts look "Disney" to me. Is the Riviera significantly less themed than SSR, OKW, BLT or most importantly, the Disneyland Hotel?

Why does it matter if the Riviera looks out on Caribbean Beach? Do people complain that you can see the Poly from GF or vice versa? Or if it's about Deluxe looking at a moderate... is WL looking at a campground a problem?

And if flying through the air in a box just isn't for you, then it's understandable the Skyliner isn't, but I don't get it when people talk about the Skyliner as if it's not as safe as Disney's other transportation... have you seen the video where a door on the monorail opened and remained that way while up in the air? Or the Disney bus that caught on fire?
I'm not defending the Skyliner, because I'm not defending any Disney transportation. I did love riding it personally though, so quiet and peaceful and nothing like the hot and loud bus stops or the monorail that was constantly down at unscheduled times when we stayed at the Poly. That's great for me if it's not for everyone. Wouldn't want the lines to get too long. Lol.





I can't wait to grab a coffee on my covered walk to the Skyliner to my under-10-minute, whisper-quiet ride to 2 parks. I hope anyone who isn't into the Riviera finds the one for them!

Well said. I'm predicting the Riviera, because of the skyliner and from my prospective a great location, will sell out faster then people think, I also think it will be like the monorail resorts, when it comes to there high demand.
Just my perspective.

 

[Fauntleroy]

I own at BLT, If two of your significant qualifications for a resort are theme and an impressive lobby, BLT does not have either. The actual BLT lobby reminds me of a generic deluxe hotel. The rooms have minimal "theme". The location relies upon the proximity to the Contemporary (with its very expansive and impressive public spaces), the ability to walk to the MK (which is a HUGE plus), and the view of the MK from many rooms on one side of the building. For my wife and I, transportation (monorail and walking to MK) were more important than an impressive lobby, and we like the low key modern "hidden mickey" theme of BLT.

The BLT’s theme is definitely subtle- but I love it. I would say it’s an homage to Walt’s 1960s modernist vision for the “Florida Property”/E.P.C.O.T. while taking full-advantage of views of the Contemporary/Monorail, Bay Lake and Cinderella Castle (get more “Disney” than that?) itself. Meanwhile, right on about convenience (walk to MK, Monorail to Epcot)...

FWIW I am very interested to see how much RIV celebrates “Walt’s trips to Europe”. If well-done that strikes me as another subtle theme that I could enjoy quite a bit...

 

[Ms.Minnie]

I'm not at all surprised the Riviera doesn't appeal to some. Its clean lines and finishes with touches of ornate metalwork, beautiful artwork and simple color palettes aren't for everyone, but are for me. I agree the pool and lobby aren't grand, but this is a DVC resort, not a hotel or mixed use. I think those things would only attract more visitors, and why would I want more visitors to "my home"? And about the points charts, pricing and restrictions, I agree with all those complaints. I just think they are moot when we talk about new resorts. I think when they start selling Reflections, we will see these are the new norm at Disney. JMHO.



What I don't get are some of the complaints, I'm legit asking if anyone wants to chime in because they agree with these complaints and can explain them to me...

When people say "it's just not Disney," what does that mean? Maybe it's because I grew up near Disneyland, but none of the resorts look "Disney" to me. Is the Riviera significantly less themed than SSR, OKW, BLT or most importantly, the Disneyland Hotel?

Why does it matter if the Riviera looks out on Caribbean Beach? Do people complain that you can see the Poly from GF or vice versa? Or if it's about Deluxe looking at a moderate... is WL looking at a campground a problem?

And if flying through the air in a box just isn't for you, then it's understandable the Skyliner isn't, but I don't get it when people talk about the Skyliner as if it's not as safe as Disney's other transportation... have you seen the video where a door on the monorail opened and remained that way while up in the air? Or the Disney bus that caught on fire?
I'm not defending the Skyliner, because I'm not defending any Disney transportation. I did love riding it personally though, so quiet and peaceful and nothing like the hot and loud bus stops or the monorail that was constantly down at unscheduled times when we stayed at the Poly. That's great for me if it's not for everyone. Wouldn't want the lines to get too long. Lol.





I can't wait to grab a coffee on my covered walk to the Skyliner to my under-10-minute, whisper-quiet ride to 2 parks. I hope anyone who isn't into the Riviera finds the one for them!

As far as I know you can't see the campground from WL, to many trees in the way. I hope you enjoy your stays at RR. I too am looking forward to riding the Skyliner I'm just hoping it doesn't decide to breakdown while I'm on it! Happy New Year to all!

 

[Jenniebee]

When people say "it's just not Disney," what does that mean? Maybe it's because I grew up near Disneyland, but none of the resorts look "Disney" to me. Is the Riviera significantly less themed than SSR, OKW, BLT or most importantly, the Disneyland Hotel?

The answers to this will be very subjective of course, but here is my take on it. For a Hotel to have the Disney feel, to me, it means it has a certain level of theme, quality, and amenities. When you walk in you are impressed with how it looks and it has a cohesive theme that you get right away. It feels fun, and magical. This is the way it looks, and also the way you are greeted by CM's (their service level, and the themed uniforms, etc.) When we went to Pop, when we stepped off the ME they greeted us with blowing bubbles. When we went to POFQ when you got off the ME they were greeting you with Mardi Gras Beads. It offers a lot, even at the Value level you feel like wow this is pretty awesome. You cannot see things around the resort or in the rooms that make you aware where they were trying to save money or cut corners. You are immersed in a different type of place (magical?) vs. if you were staying at a Courtyard or Hilton.

This does not have to be exclusive to high end or Deluxe hotels. Pop Century "feels" Disney. So does the Poly, and POR. When they refurbed Yacht Club and Beach club rooms (and CS to some extent), some of the Disney vibe was lost because the theming was toned down. I do not know if they have CM's greeting people when they get off the ME anymore. Another example - The Yacht Club cafeteria is not very Disney, appears like a work break room. Rivera seems like it was created in this new phase of making the hotels not very themed, and the amenities seem like they are cut way back, so it comes across as "not very Disney". This is JMO and others may define the "Disney feel" differently.

 

[mlayton14]

How have the crowds at the quick service been ? Seems kind of small , and with people from CBR and Other resorts testing out the skyliner with an easy stop you would think people would be visiting to check out the facilities. That’s what we will be doing when staying at yacht club this summer , Take skyliner from Epcot to HS , and use the riviera facilities on the way

 

[summerw]

The answers to this will be very subjective of course, but here is my take on it. For a Hotel to have the Disney feel, to me, it means it has a certain level of theme, quality, and amenities. When you walk in you are impressed with how it looks and it has a cohesive theme that you get right away. It feels fun, and magical. This is the way it looks, and also the way you are greeted by CM's (their service level, and the themed uniforms, etc.) When we went to Pop, when we stepped off the ME they greeted us with blowing bubbles. When we went to POFQ when you got off the ME they were greeting you with Mardi Gras Beads. It offers a lot, even at the Value level you feel like wow this is pretty awesome. You cannot see things around the resort or in the rooms that make you aware where they were trying to save money or cut corners. You are immersed in a different type of place (magical?) vs. if you were staying at a Courtyard or Hilton.

This does not have to be exclusive to high end or Deluxe hotels. Pop Century "feels" Disney. So does the Poly, and POR. When they refurbed Yacht Club and Beach club rooms (and CS to some extent), some of the Disney vibe was lost because the theming was toned down. I do not know if they have CM's greeting people when they get off the ME anymore. Another example - The Yacht Club cafeteria is not very Disney, appears like a work break room. Rivera seems like it was created in this new phase of making the hotels not very themed, and the amenities seem like they are cut way back, so it comes across as "not very Disney". This is JMO and others may define the "Disney feel" differently.

Thank you for answering. I appreciate that you would try to explain. May I ask... so then because of their cafeteria and no greeter, is the Yacht Club not “Disney” to you?

and I agree that’s very subjective. So “feeling Disney” isn’t necessarily something Disney failed to do at the Riviera... they just failed to do it for you?

I have only seen the Skyliner station and the outside in person, but the theme feels very cohesive to me. I lived in Italy for 4 months and have been to the French Riviera so it felt very defined and familiar.

Also the diction and cadence of your first paragraph had me flashing to Caroline Bingley’s (of Pride & Prejudice) speech about what makes a lady. I couldn’t read your paragraph without hearing it. Great fun! Thanks again for responding!

 

[ScubaCat]

I can't wait to grab a coffee on my covered walk to the Skyliner to my under-10-minute, whisper-quiet ride to 2 parks. I hope anyone who isn't into the Riviera finds the one for them!

It's the internet, so anyone who doesn't care for something (whether having actually seen/experienced it or not) MUST repeatedly stress how horrible it is until everyone else is shamed into disliking it as well. I actually thought Frozen 2 was a lousy movie, but others apparently disagree. I'm glad they enjoyed it

I wouldn't worry at all about what other people, myself included, think of Riviera. If you like it, go for it. I actually find the monorail to be surprisingly slow and inefficient with large crowds. Have you ever waited 15 minutes on that mob-scene platform at Grand Floridian? It's insanity. The skyliner (mostly) continually moves and has a MUCH higher passenger rate than the monorail.

There are pros and cons with anything - resort, form of transportation, etc. Everyone weighs them out and reaches their own conclusion. Heck, there's a certain amount of insanity right out the gate spending as much as some of us have on a timeshare! Fact is, Riviera will likely sell out in a similar timeframe as all the other on-property DVC resorts have. Then we'll move on to Reflections, someone will start a thread on why it sucks, it'll sell out, and the cycle will continue.

 

[Jenniebee]

Also the diction and cadence of your first paragraph had me flashing to Caroline Bingley’s (of Pride & Prejudice) speech about what makes a lady. I couldn’t read your paragraph without hearing it. Great fun! Thanks again for responding!

LOL - You're welcome! I love P&P and I love Caroline Bingley! This is an amazing compliment.

 

[jerseyduke]

Well said. I'm predicting the Riviera, because of the skyliner and from my prospective a great location, will sell out faster then people think, I also think it will be like the monorail resorts, when it comes to there high demand.
Just my perspective.

It will sell out right around when Disney wants it to sell out. If its selling TOO fast, they will raise the prices more. The will not be left with nothing to sell before reflections open. They also probably do not want to be left with a million RR points when reflections is ready to go.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

How have the crowds at the quick service been ? Seems kind of small , and with people from CBR and Other resorts testing out the skyliner with an easy stop you would think people would be visiting to check out the facilities. That’s what we will be doing when staying at yacht club this summer , Take skyliner from Epcot to HS , and use the riviera facilities on the way

This will be a problem. There is no other “deluxe” resort within walking distance of a moderate or value.

 

[Sandisw]

How have the crowds at the quick service been ? Seems kind of small , and with people from CBR and Other resorts testing out the skyliner with an easy stop you would think people would be visiting to check out the facilities. That’s what we will be doing when staying at yacht club this summer , Take skyliner from Epcot to HS , and use the riviera facilities on the way

What facilities? Just thr QS? Pools are off limits. Nothing else When I visited, I didn’t think it was smaller than WL or what is available at BC or Boardwalk bakery, which have to service both DVC and hotel side,