Non-park trip options: Poly tower vs Riviera

[peacefrogdog]

As part of our quest to try each DVC resort at least once, we are debating between a Deluxe studio at one of these resorts for a short non-park stay to get away from our Canadian winter. The differences in point is not a big deal for us. Tentatively not planning to rent a car so will rely on disney transportation.

The priorities for our stay are:
- the pool area (prefer quiet vs party atmosphere)
- access to a signature dining restaurant one night without a car
- decently timed evening bus service to Disney springs (for a dinner there)
- non-signature dining (either quick service or casual sit-down dining) without having a car.
- Having a space to sit and do a bit of work/conference calls with a good coffee. For example, we loved the space in Barcelona lounge at Gran Destino. Longer walks (i.e. to bus or monorail, or potential long distances to rooms) are thankfully not issues for us.
- If there is a Disney after hours during our stay (February 2026) , we MIGHT do that but I see these are generally offered less frequently in the winter. So this likely won't be an issue.

From my own research:
Pool: neither look that fancy or unique which is fine. RIV looks a bit bigger and more seating? I guess at PIT can go to main poly pool that is more unique.
Signature dining: RIV (Topolino, but may be hard to get; Flying Fish via Skyliner then walk to Boardwalk), PIT (monorail options: Cali Grill, Citiricos, Narcosees)
Non-signature dining: RIV (Primo Piatto, Boardwalk options, Skyliner to Sebastiens), PIT (Capt Cook, and other options along the monorail)
Buses to DS: I think would be similar regarding frequency? I read Poly shares buses with GF to some parks, is it the same for Disney Springs?
Public areas: RIV seems to get knocked for a small lobby. PIT looks to have the lobby area with nice tables.

Any other big pros:cons of these two resort options that I should consider for this non-park stay?

 

[crvetter]

I haven’t stayed at PIT but for a non park stay I personally would avoid Poly in general. It has a ton of day guests coming into the resort which seems to overcrowd the spaces. However, perhaps with the new amenities added when PIT opened have helped there.

In regards to the pools, I personally found Poly’s pools packed; though, given you are coming during winter I’d expect them to be a bit less packed than say fall or summer. PIT’s pool does have a nice view, but RIV has an equally nice surrounding you just can’t see the top of MK icons is really the only difference.

As for dining, I personally enjoy RIV more so because of the variety of cuisines that are available there between American, Carribean, French, and Italian between the easy access on the Skyliner. The only different dining in my opinion is Poly on the monorail loop. However, if you are willing to take the boat to Wilderness Lodge I think the experiences between the two areas are about the same with adding in that rustic American type of food.

Access to DS via RIV is hands down better. It doesn’t share with GF like Poly will (yes to answer your question) and it’s so close the buses seem way more frequent than when I’ve stayed at Poly.

 

[Brian Noble]

I would probably do RIV, just because it is a little more sedate than the Poly area. The only thing on your list that is a little iffy is the place to sit and work. The coffee at Le Petit is okay, and Voyageurs' Lounge would be a great place to set up for work, but the latter can sometimes be busy.

However, you could imagine finding a spot either at CBR or any of the Crescent Lake locations via walking/the Skyliner, as long as you are not in a hurry.

 

[RuntheMouse]

I would also vote for RIV.

The quiet pool there is usually very quiet, it’s easier to get a seat there.

Topolino’s is great, DH and I often grab a seat at a the bar, first come first served but the entire menu is available. Primo Piatto is probably my favorite resort QS on property and I love Bar Riva!

There are two covered patios off they lobby to relax on as well as seating all over the grounds, even on the beach!

The busses are dedicated there, we’ve never had an issue with them!

 

[DeeBee3]

RIV over here. Great nooks for your work needs; pool was not crazy and you could use the quiet one; dining was good and the Skyliner opens you up to the whole boardwalk area including Swolphin.

 

[Brian Noble]

I hadn't even thought about the Swolphin. As conference hotels they are a great option for Working In The Lobby. You will be among your people, and no one will be annoyed that you are talking to a disembodied face on your screen!

 

[mort1331]

We have not stayed in the tower,,but have the other rooms.
For us no question,,RIV. Wife loves the quiet pool, larger, laid back relaxed, fob entry.
We did not have reservations at TOP in April, but went up as 2 and asked,,lucked out and were seated.
As pp mentioned, busses to DS is super easy and frequent. You could almost walk there. If you ask for a room that overlooks the skyliner, might luck out like we did and get views of all 3 firework shows, MK,EPCOT, and HS. The EPCOT ones are so close.
Lots of QS meals at DS , but RIV does have theres as well.

 

[RivGirl]

Reading through your list of wants, Riviera checks every box, no question.

Don’t worry about getting seating at Topolino’s. Reservations open up night before or walk up to the bar. Especially if it’s just for two.

Plus you have Le Petit Cafe for treats and beverages all day, Primo Piatto for QS that is more upscale than your usual QS, and Bar Riva for great food and vibes with walk up availability.

Two pools at Riviera and the non-feature pool is particularly uncrowded. Easy Skyliner ride to other resorts, beautiful walking path around Caribbean Beach, and Sebastian’s Bistro for another great TS a quick walk away.

Dedicated buses that make getting to and from the Springs easy.

Yes, I’m biased, but I have stayed at both and I love both for different reasons. For what you are looking for, it’s Riviera.

 

[muppets3d]

I don't think getting in at Topolino's is as hard as it used to be. Especially for a table for two. Just join the walk-up list or get a seat at the bar/lounge area that is first come first serve.

 

[oldwash]

I believe Riviera will be much quieter overall. Topolino’s is great and I wouldn’t be worried about reservations. You can always sit at the bar.

 

[peacefrogdog]

The only thing on your list that is a little iffy is the place to sit and work. The coffee at Le Petit is okay, and Voyageurs' Lounge would be a great place to set up for work, but the latter can sometimes be busy.

Thanks for this. The Voyageur's lounge looks perfect for what I was thinking of for the occasional work I'd have to do (maybe 1-2 hours at a time).

 

[RivGirl]

Thanks for this. The Voyageur's lounge looks perfect for what I was thinking of for the occasional work I'd have to do (maybe 1-2 hours at a time).

Just check the resort activity schedule, as they play trivia in the Voyageur’s Lounge some afternoons. People can still stay in there and do their own thing, it’s not like you get kicked out, but there’s a [relatively quiet but not silent] game going on.

Highly recommend the trivia on its own, though Actually, the last time we played, it seemed as if several people who had been working in there for a while took a break from work to play trivia!

 

[bbn1122]

I can not wait to stay at the PIT, but after 4 stays at RIV...that is the place.

I love that it is by itself, just a DVC resort and there is no deluxe hotel attached...they are too crowded.

RIV has a library next to the Petit Cafe for workspace.

I love Bar Riva and the quiet pool. And the Skyliner to hop over to Boardwalk area.

Enjoy your stay wherever you choose.

 

[zackiedawg]

Riv definitely would hit the most of your requirements. As for work spots, if you had any difficulty finding any at Riv (when Voyageurs has an event or is running DVC commercials, when loud parties are in the library spot behind Petit Cafe, etc), then taking the Skyliner over to the Epcot resort area would give you tons of spots - the aforementioned Swan and Dolphin have lots of spots in the lobbies and convention centers that can be pretty quiet, Boardwalk resort has lots of great little nook-and-cranny spots on the hotel side and Belle Vue Lounge can be quite dead at times and a very nice spot to work. Also, Yacht Club's Crew Club and Beach Club's solarium are often completely empty or very quiet.

 

[muppets3d]

I often see folks working in the voyager's lounge at Riviera. It can get crowded and busy, especially around check-out time as folks wait for shuttles to the airport etc. If nice weather, you can always go out to the fire pit area - there are tables and chairs with umbrellas.

Hitting the skyliner and going to Beach Club is a nice idea as well. I love the drawing room and solarium there. Boulder Ridge's train room is wonderful as well. Just a few options.

 

[peacefrogdog]

Riv definitely would hit the most of your requirements. As for work spots, if you had any difficulty finding any at Riv (when Voyageurs has an event or is running DVC commercials, when loud parties are in the library spot behind Petit Cafe, etc), then taking the Skyliner over to the Epcot resort area would give you tons of spots - the aforementioned Swan and Dolphin have lots of spots in the lobbies and convention centers that can be pretty quiet, Boardwalk resort has lots of great little nook-and-cranny spots on the hotel side and Belle Vue Lounge can be quite dead at times and a very nice spot to work. Also, Yacht Club's Crew Club and Beach Club's solarium are often completely empty or very quiet.

If I'm not staying at those resorts, will anyone turn an eye to me setting up shop for few hours in the Beach Club's solarium or Boardwalk's Belle Vue Lounge to do some work?

 

[airjay75]

On RIV, I'll just add that there are some tables with umbrellas at the quiet pool that are closest to the RIV building itself - even at busy pool times, it seems like those tables are mostly empty. Depending on what type of work you're doing, I think you could easily do some work at one of those tables if you couldn't find space it the library (assuming it is not too hot out).

And, hands down, RIV is the win for the type of trip you're considering IMO - everyone has pretty much gone through all the reasons so I won't repeat them.