Anyone change their opinion about buying Riviera after staying there?
First VGC and now RVA! I think I like you.Just spent the first half of the day doing an awesome tour of multiple resorts with our guide. We wanted to get some cheaper points at WDW to go along with our VGC points for cali. Went into the day 80 percent sure I was going to buy VGF. Wife and kids fell in love with Rivera. Ended the day as a direct member with Rivera points
The points are for using at CCV and Aulani if we can book at 7 months too but more thank happy to buy after our visit. Can’t wait to stay at Rivera for years to come.
We had been talking about it for a while and I had given the pros/cons list to my wife for a while now. I was pushing towards VGF but after walking I had to say just liked everything about RVA in total (sum of the parts kind of thing).First VGC and now RVA! I think I like you.
Curious what sold Riviera for your wife and kids over VGF?
Same experience!I haven’t stayed yet, but ate at Topolinos and my DH and I liked what we saw. It was nicer than we expected it to be. I’ve no intention to buy any more points, but I am happy that I can use my points to stay there!
I found myself wondering how some of the negative opinions people have about the place have even come to be held.
This is certainly not a generic hotel. Nobody is mistaking it for a holiday inn anytime soon.
I just stayed at a Westin in Jersey City last week - it was ok and wouldn't compare it to a cruise ship. On the other hand, in comparing AKL, WL, Poly and Grand Floridian (as examples) - the Riviera and perhaps the renderings of the expected Poly Tower do lean more into the corporate hotel category "look" part of the spectrum. I think the Gran Destino Tower as a Moderate at Coronado looks better than BLT- and they both have a corporate feel. Regardless, it's all subjective.I just read someone on these boards refer to the Disney Wish looking like a Westin. I sighed and just assume that's the standard ad hominem launched at new Disney builds. VDH and Poly will have the same thrown at them. I've yet to stay at these mythical Westin/Hiltons/<insert corporate hotel chain here.>
What I wasn't expecting is how relaxing Riviera is. Tones is all down. We use the quiet pool often and I am generally not a pool person. We will spend mornings with a coffee and evenings at the Topolino's lounge. It is an unexpected sanctuary unlike the hustle and bustle of other resorts.
Call me crazy, but the only DVC that's given me holiday inn vibes was the Poly. Never stayed there before joining DVC and we've always loved visiting the resort on non-park days to dine at Ohana or grab some dole whip. When we stayed back in May we were a little disappointed with it, probably because we've hyped it up so much in our heads. The longhouses look so dark and dated (the outside looks like a red roof inn) and the inside gives a 70s motel vibe with the dark motif and small elevators. The rooms themselves are nice and spacious for studios but we're in no rush to stay there again. I'm sure this is an unpopular opinion and don't mean to offend the Poly lovers! I also get residence inn vibes (or some other extended-stay type place) from Saratoga Springs, which we don't mind. We do love SSR (our first home resort) because it's so peaceful and tranquil, which you need sometimes during a Disney stay!This is certainly not a generic hotel. Nobody is mistaking it for a holiday inn anytime soon.
have you tried Copper Creek? It does seem like your a short boat ride away to MK!!!!What I wasn't expecting is how relaxing Riviera is. Tones is all down. We use the quiet pool often and I am generally not a pool person. We will spend mornings with a coffee and evenings at the Topolino's lounge. It is an unexpected sanctuary unlike the hustle and bustle of other resorts.
I love CCV but we wanted some direct points and CCV direct is just too much $$$$ (I’ll take VGC resale for that much per point). I see more than a few stays at CCV in our future trying to ninja in at the 7 month window. Would even be willing to use points for the cabins for the family to stay there.have you tried Copper Creek? It does seem like your a short boat ride away to MK!!!!