If not Riviera, where?

[intamin]

I actively seek out BWV/BCV. I like those resorts and their walking distance to Epcot, what I don't like is their 2042 expiration dates. I'm trying to enjoy their point charts while we still have them over the next 20 years. Even if I have RIV booked, I know I can always book RIV and I love the resort but those 2042 point charts won't be there forever. If I'm trying to save points but unable to get one of those my next drop down is probably AKV and then SSR in that order. I'm looking forward to trying out the standard studios at BLT this March and then Boardwalk view studios immediately after that

 

[Genie+]

Some don’t prefer BCV pool with small children. Too easy to for them to get out of your sight just 10 or 15 feet away. Alot of bendy winding even outside the pool. Hard to relax even with the extra lifeguards.

Looking to conserve points yet exciting? Poly is cheaper than any 1BRs. It has 2 great pools, volcano and oasis. You’ll get a very large studio with bathtub/shower sink toilet combo and a whole extra 1/2 bathroom with big rainfall shower and sink. The DVC rooms are right next to TTC and farthest from tower construction. Lots of transportation options. Take resort boat to MK (it goes Poly, VGF, MK in circles all day). 5 minute walk to TTC to take EP monorail, and pleasant return from MK on ferry or express monorail. There’s plenty at the resort plus VGF and Contemporary close by.

Something interesting to try!

 

[tidefan]

I was originally thinking BLT but changed my mind after seeing it was in need of refurbishment and checking out the pool situation. So those who have stayed there recently, is the condition of the rooms okay? Is the pool fun for little ones?

I am typing this from a BLT Studio! Room is fine, the only thing I can sort of see is that the hallway carpet probably is due for a replace, but that's not a big thing. Also, contrary to a poster above, we think that the BLT studios are among the best because of the layout that gives you a true kitchenette area, which we very much appreciate. I will also say, for bringing your candy haul back from MNSSHP, BLT is hard to beat.

My other thought (and I am sure others would disagree) is to not overthink it. All of the DVC resorts are nice and they all have their strong points. Quite honestly, after the recent renovation of the resort, we really like the SSR rooms as well. If you are a pool person, I actually believe that SSR is among the best.

 

[Sandisw]

We split between VGF and RIV most trips. Only time it varies if if I have to change a trip do to unforeseen reasons…then I try for BLT for the MK area and BCV for the Epcot area.

Worst case, if I had to, it would be CCV or SSR.

 

[🍀TwinsMom]

We own and love Riviera and only do one or two-bedrooms. Our kids are now 9 and 10 (girl/boy,) and have enjoyed all the pools in different ways.

We visited friends at the Kidani pool this last trip, and while the pool itself was kind of shallow and more younger-kid aimed (perfect for you though,) we all really enjoyed the poolside activities and tie dye, etc. It seems like a really hopping pool for the kids at your age, which is nice if they don't have a sibling/friend/cousin they're traveling with. Our kids just start chatting with other kids and swim together/go down the slides with whoever is around.

Since you'll have a car, we REALLY unexpectedly LOVED OKW. Granted, we got building 12 near the Hospitality House, which was an ideal location for going back and forth for food and pools and stuff, but that sandcastle slide is a good one, and we loved the whole pool area. Good's to Go had really good poolside food, and Gurgling Suitcase great drinks. We loved taking the boat over to Disney Springs, and the kid rec center/community hall was WONDERFUL for all sorts of arts and crafts and stuff. Again, tons of kids of all ages that our kids played with, which was fun for everyone.

BLT, we haven't stayed at, but we did tour. It is 100% not our vibe at all, and the pool area looked very unappealing to us.
SS, really awkward layout with bathrooms and foyer. (I know you didn't ask, but it's a low-point option usually available.) We didn't stay long enough to try the pools, but I hear they're good.

Boulder Ridge I can't wait to try out. We love Wilderness Lodge, and I was just waiting for the refurb to be finished. The rooms look wonderful, and the pool looks peaceful -- but that may not be fun for the kiddo if there's no one to play with.

Poly pool is always hopping and is very cool.

I'm in the minority here, but we did NOT love Stormalong Bay, and our kids were older and excellent swimmers when we went. No WAY I'd be bringing a kid under 8 or 9 there. Way too stressful with all the blind spots, having to leave the actual pool area and cross the sidewalk to get to the slide, not a lot of chair space for lounging, and it's kind of a zoo when we went. Nothing relaxing over there as a parent who has to either do the "watch me!" thing all day or panic every time the kid disappears around another corner -- or having to follow them down the slide ALL FREAKING DAY because they're too little to go down alone, and I don't love the idea of the unattended child leaving the pool and crossing the sidewalk to get in line for the slide anyway. Stressful! I'm sure it's awesome once the kids are older, but for littles, no way.

 

[DeeBee3]

After coming home from Poly (1st time), I would prefer CCV/BRV with a 4 year old. For me, it was hard navigating the buildings and getting to the main building or pools. Also, we were traveling during all the rain so that made it tougher. I have young kids too - they didn't care, but it's more ponchos and traveling to do just to get a bite to eat.

We own at CCV but looking forward to a stay at newly refurbished BRV.

p.s. we just did a Riviera stay too and I preferred that layout.

 

[petrola]

my favorite is CCV. love being in the main building and the two pools are great. We also enjoy Geyser Point!

 

[intamin]

Just stayed at BRV this past week and while the rooms were nice, idk I wasn't WOWed like I was when I stayed at RIV. Obviously there's quite a point differential between the two. But I think my biggest gripes for the WL area was having to take the boat to MK. The view was nice from the lake but I think we'd rather be walking (BLT) or taking the monorail from Poly/VGF. I'll probably book BLT with my resale points somewhat regularly at 7 months and the new poly tower with direct points if necessary.

 

[sndral]

Just stayed at BRV this past week and while the rooms were nice, idk I wasn't WOWed like I was when I stayed at RIV. Obviously there's quite a point differential between the two. But I think my biggest gripes for the WL area was having to take the boat to MK. The view was nice from the lake but I think we'd rather be walking (BLT) or taking the monorail from Poly/VGF. I'll probably book BLT with my resale points somewhat regularly at 7 months and the new poly tower with direct points if necessary.

I love that boat ride . When I stay at the VGF I’ll take the boat to MK & hop over to catch the boat out to the WL just to enjoy the boat ride.
Personally I’d opt for CCV over BRV just because I like staying in places with grand lobbies/public spaces & the point charts for both resorts are the same. The main pool area at the WL lodge is beautiful. The whole resort was built before Disney’s extreme penny pinching era started & it really shows IMO.

 

[Shellyred8]

I'll throw in another vote for BRV/CCV. They have a good splash pad and the "quite" pool is zero-depth entry. I was there a few years ago with twin 2-year olds and they loved that pool and splash pad.
I also like the boat rides to and from MK from there.

Though I would give Kidani a vote too, given the age of your child. The pool is good for a kiddo that age. As long as they don't freak out about the animals, this would be a good option too. There are lots of viewing areas in the building to see the animals from. You can be walking down the hall to or from your room and see the animals outside some of the windows. So, that might be fun for your kiddo.

 

[ML_LovesDisney]

I have a question for those of you who love Riviera. Where do you stay when you don't stay at Riviera?
Looking to stay somewhere different next year to save some points for the following year's trip but I feel like I am constantly changing my mind about what our family might like. We are a family of 3, our son will be 4 at time of travel. Looking to book a 1 bedroom, and ideally the resort would have a good pool area. So far I have considered Beach Club, Boulder Ridge, AK Kidani (with a rental car).

BLT, AKV or CCV. Love all of those. I haven't stayed at RIV yet even though we own points just because of other points and trips booked pre-buying it.

 

[intamin]

I love that boat ride . When I stay at the VGF I’ll take the boat to MK & hop over to catch the boat out to the WL just to enjoy the boat ride.
Personally I’d opt for CCV over BRV just because I like staying in places with grand lobbies/public spaces & the point charts for both resorts are the same. The main pool area at the WL lodge is beautiful. The whole resort was built before Disney’s extreme penny pinching era started & it really shows IMO.

LOL I'm sure some people enjoy it but my fiancee gets motion sickness pretty easily and I don't think the hot air and humidity helped. I definitely do like the theming. I originally considered buying there for Christmas but I don’t think it makes sense for us. We’re Poly people and can see that being a home resort for us. I’d also consider a relatively small BLT contract for theme park view during July 4th/ NYE.