IF I were shopping for resale RIV…

[atthebeachclub]

Riviera studios are second biggest on property at 423sf, just below Poly.
In contrast, Boardwalk and Beach Club are under 360sf.
Meanwhile, Riv studios tend to typically be about 1 point per night higher than Beach Club.

Not 1 point higher on average. You’re only comparing the resort view studios to BCV here (all resort view). Resort view are harder to obtain at Riv than premium view from what I’ve read. So you likely won’t even have access to the lower point chart reliably. Moreover, you are really only looking at the weekday point charts here. Riv has a bigger weekend increase than BCV, so for people wanting to stay 7 days or on weekends, the point charts between these resorts have bigger differences.

Now look at the 2 bedrooms. If you ever wanted a 2 bedroom, Riv, Poly, and Grand Floridian get eye bleedingly expensive, especially for people who travel during busy weeks. Older point charts are more stable through the year; newer resort point charts are a lot “peakier” on weekends and during holidays.

Even if Riv’s studio point chart did in fact match BCV, that larger space would likely mean higher dues overall. The only real way to reduce dues to numbers people like if creating larger rooms is to inflate the point chart. The high point charts by themselves aren’t an issue, except at a restricted resort that means you have to put more money into that restricted resort, and if you ever sell…you are more than likely going to see a greater loss.

This is part of why resale RIV is seemingly more popular among current RIV owners than non owners. The 150 points they bought direct are not getting them enough park days. But some of them may not want to buy more point directly because of the restrictions and cost difference. It’s a bit of a catch 22.

Personally, while Riv studios might be nice and big, location is my number one factor, and Riviera doesn’t have it. Add in point charts and restrictions, and it should cost less than it does right now on the secondary market.

 

[Cfabar1]

To me, discussion about point charts misses the point. It’s like saying, “I don’t like Grand Floridian because it’s more expensive than All Star Sports.”

Yes — it is more expensive. That’s no secret. They are very different resorts. The price difference is worth it for some people, not for others.

When we talk about point charts being “aggressive,” there is often an implication that it’s a “money grab”… that you’re being charge more for the same product.

But it’s not the same product. Though not a perfect 1:1 alignment, point charts correlate with cash booking rates.

More desirable resorts, larger rooms — have higher point charts.

Newer resorts tend to have higher point charts because they have bigger nicer rooms, etc.

Riviera studios are second biggest on property at 423sf, just below Poly.
In contrast, Boardwalk and Beach Club are under 360sf.
Meanwhile, Riv studios tend to typically be about 1 point per night higher than Beach Club.

Look at 1 Bedrooms and 2 Bedrooms and you'll see that there is not just a one or two point difference very quickly. Newer resorts tend to have higher point charts because DVC is able to increase the cost and customers continue to buy. You're also comparing the lower view type - which is a cash grab in and of itself - especially at Riviera where neither view is particularly stellar - many people even prefer the standard view regardless of the points difference.

So it’s not a question of an aggressive point chart. It’s a question of whether 1 point per night is worth an extra 60+ square feet, plus the other pros of Riviera (skyliner, newer resort, etc). While some may prefer to save a point, take a smaller room, but get to walk to Epcot, Stormalong bay, etc.

Boardwalk has a very “low” point chart. But that points to the fairly low appeal of the resort on the mass market. Like any WDW resort, it has its fans. But the hotel side typically has among the lowest rates of any park adjacent deluxe resort.

Beach Club, in part because of the size of resort is nearly impossible to book at for a long trip if you don't own there. Boardwalk is tough to get a studio or a two bedroom. As DVC properties, both are highly in demand. And yes, customers sometimes pick to stay there, and sometimes choose to book a room that lets them look at a monorail or a savannah. Many customers also are enjoying staying at Riviera, but there tends to be more availability - particularly in the preferred view rooms.

I tend to think the effect will be the exact opposite. Considering the number of people without the ability to trade in to Riviera, it should be a bit easier to book at 6 months than most other resorts.

We will have to see. I doubt even DVC knows, I just know as an owner, I would want to get my booking in right at 11 months, because I know if I can't use it there's nowhere else for me to put my points (well, I guess there technically is in II, but it is a terrible value!).

 

[AstroBlasters]

Not 1 point higher on average. You’re only comparing the resort view studios to BCV here (all resort view). Resort view are harder to obtain at Riv than premium view from what I’ve read. So you likely won’t even have access to the lower point chart reliably. Moreover, you are really only looking at the weekday point charts here. Riv has a bigger weekend increase than BCV, so for people wanting to stay 7 days or on weekends, the point charts between these resorts have bigger differences.

Now look at the 2 bedrooms. If you ever wanted a 2 bedroom, Riv, Poly, and Grand Floridian get eye bleedingly expensive, especially for people who travel during busy weeks. Older point charts are more stable through the year; newer resort point charts are a lot “peakier” on weekends and during holidays.

Even if Riv’s studio point chart did in fact match BCV, that larger space would likely mean higher dues overall. The only real way to reduce dues to numbers people like if creating larger rooms is to inflate the point chart. The high point charts by themselves aren’t an issue, except at a restricted resort that means you have to put more money into that restricted resort, and if you ever sell…you are more than likely going to see a greater loss.

This is part of why resale RIV is seemingly more popular among current RIV owners than non owners. The 150 points they bought direct are not getting them enough park days. But some of them may not want to buy more point directly because of the restrictions and cost difference. It’s a bit of a catch 22.

Personally, while Riv studios might be nice and big, location is my number one factor, and Riviera doesn’t have it. Add in point charts and restrictions, and it should cost less than it does right now on the secondary market.

I came away impressed by Rivera….. my wife however said it looked likely they started with a generic box and then added a roof line and some decorative iron work in an attempt to make it look faux European…. and she was not a fan of the Skyliner….. ok then…. I guess that is settled….

 

[WeIcomeHome]

I tend to think the effect will be the exact opposite. Considering the number of people without the ability to trade in to Riviera, it should be a bit easier to book at 6 months than most other reresorts.

I hope your right because it will make it easier for be to book my trips. But I don't see this being the case. There have been multiple properties to choose from the entire time Riviera has been available for sale. Most of the alternatives were unrestricted resorts. Many of the points sold at RR have been to people who like the resort and want to stay there. Plus, any RR resale can only book there. To me this looks like a more difficult 11 mo. booking situation over time, particularly after 2042 when I expect the RR points charts to be much better than whatever replaces BC and BW.

 

[intamin]

I came away impressed by Rivera….. my wife however said it looked likely they started with a generic box and then added a roof line and some decorative iron work in an attempt to make it look faux European…. and she was not a fan of the Skyliner….. ok then…. I guess that is settled….

To each their own. The best part of the resort is the rooms IMO. We love the skyliner . I do think the theming could've been done better like at Portofino Bay or at least make the lobby slightly grander like the actual Hotel Negresco.

 

[AstroBlasters]

To each their own. The best part of the resort is the rooms IMO. We love the skyliner . I do think the theming could've been done better like at Portofino Bay or at least make the lobby slightly grander like the actual Hotel Negresco.

If you love the Skyliner then I can see the resort working well.

I’m sure the rooms are very nice, but I was not going to waist a guides time to see rooms when I have no intention of buying direct. Not fair to someone who works based on commission. I was hoping they would have an open house at PolyT like they do at Aulani… but it looked like it was all private tour.

On the Skyliner, It must be a bit annoying having to always have to share the transportation with the moderate guests when going to EPCOT or switching over at CB…

 

[RivGirl]

On the Skyliner, It must be a bit annoying having to always have to share the transportation with the moderate guests when going to EPCOT or switching over at CB…

Personally, I have never found anything about the Skyliner annoying. Only smooth sailing and good vibes. It’s our favorite form of Disney transportation by far. Having it be just steps outside of Riviera is the icing on that particular cake!

Edited to add: And I actually enjoy it when we end up sharing a Skyliner cabin with a couple of strangers. I have had some of the nicest and most memorable “Disney” conversations in those instances. There is something about sharing a Skyliner cabin that encourages friendliness, as opposed to the buses or monorail, which I feel have more of a “mind your own business” vibe more often than not.

 

[tx911]

Personally, I have never found anything about the Skyliner annoying. Only smooth sailing and good vibes. It’s our favorite form of Disney transportation by far. Having it be just steps outside of Riviera is the icing on that particular cake!

Edited to add: And I actually enjoy it when we end up sharing a Skyliner cabin with a couple of strangers. I have had some of the nicest and most memorable “Disney” conversations in those instances. There is something about sharing a Skyliner cabin that encourages friendliness, as opposed to the buses or monorail, which I feel have more of a “mind your own business” vibe more often than not.

Agree, I love the Skyliner! I prefer it over the bus by a lot.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Personally, I have never found anything about the Skyliner annoying. Only smooth sailing and good vibes. It’s our favorite form of Disney transportation by far. Having it be just steps outside of Riviera is the icing on that particular cake!

Edited to add: And I actually enjoy it when we end up sharing a Skyliner cabin with a couple of strangers. I have had some of the nicest and most memorable “Disney” conversations in those instances. There is something about sharing a Skyliner cabin that encourages friendliness, as opposed to the buses or monorail, which I feel have more of a “mind your own business” vibe more often than not.

Glad you enjoy it. There is a good chance I never ride it again in my life. Happy to walk, take a boat, or order a car.

 

[Brian Noble]

It must be a bit annoying having to always have to share the transportation with the moderate guests

I genuinely do not understand what you mean by this.

 

[Brian Noble]

There is something about sharing a Skyliner cabin that encourages friendliness, as opposed to the buses or monorail, which I feel have more of a “mind your own business” vibe more often than not.

I've never thought about this before, but you're right! It's sort of like sitting at a table at Teppanyaki or Biergarten.

 

[Cfabar1]

I came away impressed by Rivera….. my wife however said it looked likely they started with a generic box and then added a roof line and some decorative iron work in an attempt to make it look faux European…. and she was not a fan of the Skyliner….. ok then…. I guess that is settled….

When we toured initially I, like you, was taken by the sleek modern beauty of Riviera. I was particularly impressed by the crispness and the manicured nature of the property, as well as how peaceful and sprawling it is. My wife, similar to yours, very much said "this hotel could be anywhere and isn't special at all".

She does however enjoy when we go to Topolinos so we still visit! We have yet to stay a night or two, but I am not opposed to it... Having stayed at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, I see her point... They just need to do a good room refurb and they could be the Riviera of the Grand Cypress Resort Area....

 

[AstroBlasters]

I genuinely do not understand what you mean by this.

When we were getting on at RIV we had to wait a while for a car. I am assuming this is because a lot of people were going back to Caribbean Beach as we didn’t have to wait much once we scurried off one car into another at the transfer station.

I guess I would equate it to VGF people having to wait for a monorail or bus that shares transportation with Poly.

 

[AstroBlasters]

When we toured initially I, like you, was taken by the sleek modern beauty of Riviera. I was particularly impressed by the crispness and the manicured nature of the property, as well as how peaceful and sprawling it is. My wife, similar to yours, very much said "this hotel could be anywhere and isn't special at all".

She does however enjoy when we go to Topolinos so we still visit! We have yet to stay a night or two, but I am not opposed to it... Having stayed at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, I see her point... They just need to do a good room refurb and they could be the Riviera of the Grand Cypress Resort Area....

Yes, Topolinos was great! We also enjoyed the gelato down by the pool.

 

[tx911]

When we were getting on at RIV we had to wait a while for a car. I am assuming this is because a lot of people were going back to Caribbean Beach as we didn’t have to wait much once we scurried off one car into another at the transfer station.

I guess I would equate it to VGF people having to wait for a monorail or bus that shares transportation with Poly.

That's one thing I wish they would tweak a bit. Maybe leave every 3rd car empty for Riv.

 

[intamin]

When we were getting on at RIV we had to wait a while for a car. I am assuming this is because a lot of people were going back to Caribbean Beach as we didn’t have to wait much once we scurried off one car into another at the transfer station.

I guess I would equate it to VGF people having to wait for a monorail or bus that shares transportation with Poly.

They do keep a skyliner car empty for every few cabins filled with Caribbean Beach guests/transfers for RIV guests going to Epcot. Otherwise though, I find it a lot more tolerable than waiting for the monorail because well for one, it's continuously going similar to like an omnimover ride like Haunted so the line continuously moves and you hardly ever wait longer than 5 minutes. Even at park close it takes like 10 to 15 minutes max which while obviously not as convenient as walking to BC/BW I'd say takes close to roughly the same time as walking from MK to BLT after fireworks get out. You also don't necessarily have to guess if you're going to get on the monorail or if the cabin youre lined up for will already be full when it arrives like with the monorail.

 

[AstroBlasters]

They do keep a skyliner car empty for every few cabins filled with Caribbean Beach guests/transfers for RIV guests going to Epcot. Otherwise though, I find it a lot more tolerable than waiting for the monorail because well for one, it's continuously going similar to like an omnimover ride like Haunted so the line continuously moves and you hardly ever wait longer than 5 minutes. Even at park close it takes like 10 to 15 minutes max which while obviously not as convenient as walking to BC/BW I'd say takes close to roughly the same time as walking from MK to BLT after fireworks get out. You also don't necessarily have to guess if you're going to get on the monorail or if the cabin youre lined up for will already be full when it arrives like with the monorail.

Yup, makes sense.

We are Disneylanders…… and we want to be able to walk to wherever we want to go….. but I did love going on a boat…. such a peaceful mode of transportation….

 

[Cfabar1]

and we want to be able to walk to wherever we want to go…..

we are exactly the same way.... our solution to that is multiple trips a year... one where we can walk to MK and one where we can walk to the other 2 parks... it just leaves AK... luckily if a trip is long enough, 1 day to have to ride a bus isn't too bad!

*yes, I know there is such a thing as a split stay, it just isn't for us... too stressful!

 

[DVCsloth]

When we stay at VGF I don't normally consider walking to MK, I prefer the monorail. I would use the walkway if I stayed till closing time and walk back. PVB would be a little too far for me and sometimes the walkway was not even open in the evening. I don't think you would have this issue with BLT. Also, it's a pretty good hike from BCV to HS and I would mostly take the gondola rather than walk.

 

[atthebeachclub]

it's a pretty good hike from BCV to HS and I would mostly take the gondola rather than walk.

Our favorite is definitely the boat from BCV to HS. Seems faster/more direct than the Skyliner path. We could definitely walk, but haven’t. In summer we wouldn’t want to walk there, but it definitely could be a nice winter option when our kids are bigger.