Has anyone stayed at both Beach Club and Riviera?

[ElsieM80]

Hi all,
I have been over to WDW a few times with my family and have stayed at Beach Club, Wilderness Lodge and Coronado Springs. This next trip we are staying at the Poly and and either Beach Club or Riviera. I can't decide between BC or Riviera. We love Stormalong Bay and the access to Epcot but really intrigued by Riviera too. Has anyone done both and can give me any insight ? thank you.

 

[kanerf]

Sure, a number of times at each. Beach Club is great for it's location next to Epcot and a boat ride from HS. It also has a number of good restaurants (though some are still closed at the moment). Riviera is very new and has access to Epcot and HS via the Skyliner. The Skyliner works, but the lines are very long in the morning and while you go direct to Epcot, you have to switch at Caribbean Beach for HS. That said the rooms at Riviera are very nice and I think better than Beach Club. There is Topolinos at the top for dinner and a character breakfast and a somewhat under-rated quick service.

 

[Jen0107c]

I’ve stayed at both several times. While the rooms at Riviera are beautiful, I think beach club has the upper hand for the walk to Epcot. Riviera does have good dinning options for quick service and sit down. But... I think Beach Club is just as good. Transportation from Riviera I found to be spotty. We had long bus lines, along with the skyliner getting backed up. As far as pools go Beach Club wins every time.

 

[Nabas]

We've stayed at all of the resorts you mention.

Although I prefer BC over Riviera, I'm a big fan of trying something new. Since you have never stayed, perhaps give the Riviera a try.

The Riviera is less gimmicky than many Disney hotels. The Riviera is more like the Swan, Dolphin, or Gran Destino Tower. The Riviera is more like an upscale hotel than the traditional theming Disney uses at most of its older resorts.

In the middle of the day, the lines for the Skyliner are short and you can hop on right away. For park closing, and especially for park opening, it could take an hour to get to a theme park. Also, the Skyliner shuts down for thunderstorms, which happens most days in the summer at WDW.

If you want to try something new, stay at the Riviera.

If you want to know exactly what you'll be getting, stay at the Beach Club.

 

[sethschroeder]

I just want to mention the Skyliner is now sitting multiple parties in the gondola together. It should help speed lines up and get things moving more quickly.

Will never beat the walk but just something to call out.

 

[HappyDisneyWife]

We’ve also been able to stay both places multiple times. Since you’ve already stayed at the BC, you know what you’re getting into & you know it’s best features- Stormalong Bay & easy walking to 2 parks. The Riviera, on the other hand, has the best rooms (IMO- and by a long shot)... which everyone in my family values pretty highly... so it makes it very hard for us to choose our favorite (& which to stay at when!)!!

I’d say if you ever found yourself riding the Skyliner to/from BC, and you don’t spend every afternoon in the pool, then you’re a perfect candidate for the Riviera! Otherwise, BC likely has the edge... but it’s hard to even type that as I’m very much looking forward to staying at RR again this fall! They’re both wonderful in their own ways

 

[MomOTwins]

I think this is so subjective and depends so much on your vacation style and preferences. I've stayed at both. I prefer Riviera because it is a bit more relaxing/laid back, and that's what I like in a resort. The gondola rides are slower than walking, but scenic and so nice to relax as you fly along with a lovely cool breeze. The QS at Riviera is designed for sit-down hot meals, whereas at BC the QS is more grab and go. Similarly, don't eat at Topolinos if you want a quick meal between maximizing time at the parks--it's a looooong meal, but so much higher quality (both breakfast and dinner) than anything at BC. The pools at Riviera are smaller, but quieter, with lots of umbrellas and comfy loungers and pool beds--better suited to lounging with a cocktail and a book and taking a dip while the kids swim, whereas stormalong bay is more lively and better suited if you want an active water park style pool.

In other words, I feel like BC is better if you want to rope drop the parks and spend resort time swimming--a more active vacation. Riviera is better if you like your vacation to be more laid back, with lots of rest and relaxation.

 

[sssteele]

I think this is so subjective and depends so much on your vacation style and preferences. I've stayed at both. I prefer Riviera because it is a bit more relaxing/laid back, and that's what I like in a resort. The gondola rides are slower than walking, but scenic and so nice to relax as you fly along with a lovely cool breeze. The QS at Riviera is designed for sit-down hot meals, whereas at BC the QS is more grab and go. Similarly, don't eat at Topolinos if you want a quick meal between maximizing time at the parks--it's a looooong meal, but so much higher quality (both breakfast and dinner) than anything at BC. The pools at Riviera are smaller, but quieter, with lots of umbrellas and comfy loungers and pool beds--better suited to lounging with a cocktail and a book and taking a dip while the kids swim, whereas stormalong bay is more lively and better suited if you want an active water park style pool.

In other words, I feel like BC is better if you want to rope drop the parks and spend resort time swimming--a more active vacation. Riviera is better if you like your vacation to be more laid back, with lots of rest and relaxation.

Stayed at Riviera in April, and we own 2 contracts at BCV. Not very impressed by Riviera, with the exception of the studio layout.