Help regarding VGF vs RR

[laserpastry]

I'm considering purchasing at either VGF or RR. I don't like the restrictions at Riviera or the higher annual dues, and my husband is afraid of heights, so the Skyliner is viewed as an issue rather than a benefit. However, the rooms are beautiful and less points, and the compact nature of the resort and protection from rain is great. I actually like Hollywood Studios and Epcot more than Magic Kingdom, and since I'm the one likely to be at Disney most often, that is a factor as well. I've also read many comments/reviews about how the walls in the main Grand Floridian buildings are very thin and noise is an issue, and since one of those buildings has been converted to DVC, I'm concerned that if we end up stuck in one of the new rooms that we won't get much sleep. The Grand Floridian does have better amenities imo, as well as lower annual dues, rooms that are almost as nice as Riviera, and potentially better value on the resale market. It's also the favorite resort of one of my kids. What's a girl to do?

 

[lowlight]

You will be happy with either one. One is the best MK resort, and one is the best Epcot resort (IMO). However, if the skyliner is a definite no-go, do not buy Riviera.

 

[sethschroeder]

I would say I heard plenty of people scared of heights who are fine on the skyliner but that might not be the same for everyone. As an example large windows on tall buildings can cause more fear than the Skyliner.

The pricing long term really isn't going to be much different for the same number of points but with VGF you will need a few extra points meaning it will be slightly more expensive.

Until people stay in the new rooms no one will know how much noise goes through the walls and such.

 

[RivShore]

All else somewhat equal, I would let your favorite park(s) be your guide...

 

[SleeplessInTO]

If your family is indifferent / doesn't feel strongly, then you should buy where you want to stay. That way you'll be happy, as the main Disney-goer, and if add-on-itis strikes, its much easier to convince the family to buy another contract at the resort they love

 

[mustinjourney]

The rooms (currently) are nicer at RIV than VGF (I own at both). I like having skyliner access to two parks compared to just access to MK (sure you can get to epcot via monorail transfer -- but that takes at least 30-45 minutes).

I would say buy half your points at RIV and half at VGF and do split stays!!! But you won't get any incentives if you do this -- so that does make it more expensive.

 

[Wedgeout]

New husband?…No No No…joke only. Go with what makes you both happy and healthy. Epcot is only about 20 minutes away from the TTC by monorail. The Skyliner about 15 minutes from RIV with more weather delays.

 

[Squirrel29]

I dont think I would base it on Annual Dues. Im new at this but seems like the dues will increase with the construction and how VGF annual fees is lower than alot of other resorts.

 

[Marionnette]

I dont think I would base it on Annual Dues. Im new at this but seems like the dues will increase with the construction and how VGF annual fees is lower than alot of other resorts.

Construction costs of VGF2 are borne by the developer. They do not become part of owner's dues.

Annual fees are specific to the operating costs of each resort. They are independent of other DVC resorts. If a hurricane causes widespread damage at VB, the dues at the other resorts do not go up as a result. So, increasing VGF dues just because other resorts have higher dues cannot happen.

 

[LadybugsMum]

I would buy VGF over RR because of the resale restrictions on RR.

 

[gregskellington]

If your husband actually won't ride the Skyliner then don't buy at the Riviera.

I honestly don't get the concern with the resale restrictions because there is already a resale market for RR and the points sell for a decent PPP.

 

[tidefan]

Am I the only one that thinks the construction was a bit cheap and shoddy at RIV? I much prefer the rooms at GFV. We had a 2 Bdrm at GFV and I think that's our favorite room we've stayed in at WDW (Aulani wins for favorite resort, but that's a different animal)...

 

[laserpastry]

I would say I heard plenty of people scared of heights who are fine on the skyliner but that might not be the same for everyone. As an example large windows on tall buildings can cause more fear than the Skyliner.

The pricing long term really isn't going to be much different for the same number of points but with VGF you will need a few extra points meaning it will be slightly more expensive.

Until people stay in the new rooms no one will know how much noise goes through the walls and such.

Yeah, no, my husband is the sort who won't even get on an airplane. He will never get on the Skyliner.

 

[laserpastry]

I honestly don't get the concern with the resale restrictions

I guess it's more the principle of it. I don't want to encourage Disney in this sort of behavior.

 

[LadybugsMum]

I guess it's more the principle of it. I don't want to encourage Disney in this sort of behavior.

That's why I don't like it. I wouldn't buy RR as resale because of the restrictions, but I don't want Disney to think it's acceptable to make those restrictions.

 

[gregskellington]

That's fair!

 

[sethschroeder]

That's why I don't like it. I wouldn't buy RR as resale because of the restrictions, but I don't want Disney to think it's acceptable to make those restrictions.

Unless you are buying resale as well then it doesn't matter that much.

VGF more upfront while RIV you will get less back if you sell. You also need less point for RIV then VGF.

So the main difference is if you personally will get resale points that you want to combine to stay. That being said you can combine resale and RIV direct at VGF or other resorts other than RIV.

Plus RIV resale being lower means if you love RIV you could actually get a discount adding on resale.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Riviera is lovely. Best rooms on property imo.

 

[RoseGold]

Buy BW resale. Resale market is going to be a wreck with this out of whack pricing. Put in some offers. You only need one.

BW has significant point advantage for priority, and a chart that looks quaint next to RR/VGF, which puts it in this ballpark. You need a lot less points, maybe a whole lot less, and you bought resale, which makes the whole thing less commitment too.

Also, relying on buses only at RIV sounds like a major drag.

 

[DVCKing]

Will we see these discounts on Riviera again?