Poll: Are you going to buy at Riviera

[DougEMG]

How about this - it's still a long time until BWV expires. There will be Riviera Resale to buy at that time or even before that if it's a preference. Maybe the Gondolas will all tip over before then.

Resale is the other option for sure. If the prices crash enough that could work out well for a contract to use just at that resort. I'm already grandfathered in with all my old contracts, so I could just wait and hope for another recession to hit. That is probably what the best option is.

 

[DougEMG]

I honestly think that everyone who feels similarly to you should wait if it would cause stress and anxiety. I'm not being facetious which may be hard to gauge with an internet post that lacks inflection. I have had opportunities to ride gondolas for years, so I am not worried about them really. I'm more worried about the economy, restrictions, chartacolypse, etc. Like I said in another post, I told myself to just stop worrying now that we have purchased and look forward to staying in a very nice new resort with access to 2 parks. We are in our mid-30s now, so this is a good time to buy direct for a new resort for us if we are ever going to do it. I won't bore everyone with everything I've already said. To wrap it up, I think you should feel good about a purchase this size, and if you still have concerns that could be assuaged by waiting for it to open, then I think you're are making the right decision to wait and see.

If I was in my 30s (I wish), I'd probably be considering the Riviera over BWV/BCV as well.

 

[ray3127]

At least once a day a little voice inside my head says, "Buy already!" So far I've resisted...mainly with logic but I have two emotional answers that help.

The first is that DRR isn't 'the one'. Two or three resorts down the line, DVD will build a resort next to HS or at the front of EPCOT. The price will be exorbitant...but that's the one for me to buy. The one that (like BCV and BLT) puts a smile on my face every time I walk to the parks.

The second is that the only way I can even begin to think DRR is really 'the one' is after I ride the gondola and walk around the resort. If I pay a few more dollars per point so be it.

This is where we've settled as well. We are visiting over New Year's and are looking forward to riding the gondolas and touring the property. We are staying at BLT & BCV over 9 nights, so we'll have plenty of time to do a thorough comparison. After we get home and reflect, we'll be able to decide if Riviera is "the one", or if we'll hold out for DVC 17/18/19.

 

[skier_pete]

I get why people would think DRR would be "the one" but I can't imagine why anyone would want "Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge". Like what's the mindset: "I was thinking of buying CCV, but I really wanted something similar that's further away from the parks and really, really, close to a campground."

 

[Bing Showei]

I get why people would think DRR would be "the one" but I can't imagine why anyone would want "Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge". Like what's the mindset: "I was thinking of buying CCV, but I really wanted something similar that's further away from the parks and really, really, close to a campground."

That decision had me perplexed as well, especially given all the rumors and excitement around an Epcot gate DVC. I suspect the analyst realized that if RR went on sale and two years down the line there would be an Epcot resort, it may affect sales.

It's a different landscape when you're deciding between either buying today for a DVC that can access DHS/Epcot or waiting two years for a DVC at the Epcot Gate, vs buying today for DVC that can access DHS/Epcot or waiting two years to find a place with only boat/bus access.

Also, Reflections is timed for the recession. So they can easily pull the plug when the economy dives and then come back strong with... wait for it... Epcot Gate!

 

[ray3127]

I get why people would think DRR would be "the one" but I can't imagine why anyone would want "Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge". Like what's the mindset: "I was thinking of buying CCV, but I really wanted something similar that's further away from the parks and really, really, close to a campground."

Completely agreed, though it takes the pressure off when they make such decisions. I know I won't have to worry about buying any points over there! Kind of like when they come out with live-action Dumbo... I'll wait for TS4, thanks!

 

[TexasChick123]

I get why people would think DRR would be "the one" but I can't imagine why anyone would want "Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge". Like what's the mindset: "I was thinking of buying CCV, but I really wanted something similar that's further away from the parks and really, really, close to a campground."

I was also confused that they decided to add another WL type resort so soon after the last one, but what do I know?

That decision had me perplexed as well, especially given all the rumors and excitement around an Epcot gate DVC. I suspect the analyst realized that if RR went on sale and two years down the line there would be an Epcot resort, it may affect sales.

It's a different landscape when you're deciding between either buying today for a DVC that can access DHS/Epcot or waiting two years for a DVC at the Epcot Gate, vs buying today for DVC that can access DHS/Epcot or waiting two years to find a place with only boat/bus access.

Also, Reflections is timed for the recession. So they can easily pull the plug when the economy dives and then come back strong with... wait for it... Epcot Gate!

Completely agreed, though it takes the pressure off when they make such decisions. I know I won't have to worry about buying any points over there! Kind of like when they come out with live-action Dumbo... I'll wait for TS4, thanks!

If a recession does happen sooner rather than later, then I think a lot of DVC future builds will be put on hold. I also wouldn't be surprised if they just add a few more hotels without a DVC component for a while. They can always build a DVC building down the road. There have been rumors of BLT 2 and Poly 2 for years. I certainly don't have any insider information at all, but I would think these additions are more likely in the near future than an entrance gate DVC for Epcot or HS. And don't forget the new method of building new lands to the theme parks rather than a new park. there are so many variables. I, for one, have never heard that they were planning on building any DVCs at the entrance to any park, but maybe I missed it completely.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I, for one, have never heard that they were planning on building any DVCs at the entrance to any park, but maybe I missed it completely.

Yes, at the front of Epcot, to the right. Might have been just west of the Seas pavilion? Anyway, in that general area. Like the FW came back around after a delay the Epcot might also.

 

[ray3127]

I was also confused that they decided to add another WL type resort so soon after the last one, but what do I know?





If a recession does happen sooner rather than later, then I think a lot of DVC future builds will be put on hold. I also wouldn't be surprised if they just add a few more hotels without a DVC component for a while. They can always build a DVC building down the road. There have been rumors of BLT 2 and Poly 2 for years. I certainly don't have any insider information at all, but I would think these additions are more likely in the near future than an entrance gate DVC for Epcot or HS. And don't forget the new method of building new lands to the theme parks rather than a new park. there are so many variables. I, for one, have never heard that they were planning on building any DVCs at the entrance to any park, but maybe I missed it completely.

Point well taken. My response had more to do with having zero interest in Reflections, anything beyond that is speculation from me. If we tour Riviera in December and love it, and see no signs of an Epcot/HS walkable DVC in the next couple of years, we will likely buy in at that time. Between selling through Riviera and then Reflections, and a possible recession, the earliest DVC 17 could be quite a while. We are early 30's with young kids, so we don't want to wait too long for "the one"; we may find that Riviera is it for us. Like @DougEMG said, I could see buying with the intent of passing them on, maybe a couple 75-pointers for us.

We will likely pay more $ per point next January than today, but just decided to wait, largely because we are pretty well 'booked' for the foreseeable future anyway. But I am excited for Riviera, and I completely understand your decision to buy in now!

 

[ELMC]

This may be just me, but despite the gondola I do not consider DRR to be an Epcot resort, not like BCV and BWV anyway. Sure it has better access and close proximity, but to me if you can't walk to the park then you don't get that park's designation. So yes, I do classify BLT on a different level than PVB and VGF. Anyone who has tried to leave the park immediately after fireworks on a busy night knows exactly why.

 

[skier_pete]

This may be just me, but despite the gondola I do not consider DRR to be an Epcot resort, not like BCV and BWV anyway. Sure it has better access and close proximity, but to me if you can't walk to the park then you don't get that park's designation. So yes, I do classify BLT on a different level than PVB and VGF. Anyone who has tried to leave the park immediately after fireworks on a busy night knows exactly why.

I get what you are saying - but most consider PVB and VGF Magic Kingdom resorts. I think there will be a hard sell that DRR is an Epcot resort. Especially once people see the view from the restaurant (and maybe some of the rooms).

 

[ljmiii]

This may be just me, but despite the gondola I do not consider DRR to be an Epcot resort, not like BCV and BWV anyway. Sure it has better access and close proximity, but to me if you can't walk to the park then you don't get that park's designation. So yes, I do classify BLT on a different level than PVB and VGF. Anyone who has tried to leave the park immediately after fireworks on a busy night knows exactly why.

It will be interesting to see what the line for the gondolas looks like after the fireworks finish...Riviera guests will be but a small part of the CB/Animation/Pop Century stream of people exiting the parks.

 

[asfarrell]

Ooooh. I have a disney outlet store near me (Dallas, TX). Maybe I'll go look tonight!

Lol...I live in Dallas (well, Cedar Hill), where is a Disney Outlet? I need to go!

 

[Katie L]

Lol...I live in Dallas (well, Cedar Hill), where is a Disney Outlet? I need to go!

My aunt is in Cedar Hill. Grapevine Mills mall! We take the kids there for fun sometimes.

 

[asfarrell]

My aunt is in Cedar Hill. Grapevine Mills mall! We take the kids there for fun sometimes.

Oh great! I didn't even realize there was still a Disney Store there. We always go to Bass Pro, so we will stop there next time...Thank you.

 

[Chuck S]

I probably would've voted "No, was never going to." But never say never. I guess my point is, if I do decide that I need another contract (which is unlikely) the restrictions would not affect my decision of where to buy. I would probably buy at the newer resort, so that my heirs could have at least some points beyond my OKW 2042 end date.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

This may be just me, but despite the gondola I do not consider DRR to be an Epcot resort, not like BCV and BWV anyway. Sure it has better access and close proximity, but to me if you can't walk to the park then you don't get that park's designation. So yes, I do classify BLT on a different level than PVB and VGF. Anyone who has tried to leave the park immediately after fireworks on a busy night knows exactly why.

Not just you. I would not have really considered CBR an Epcot resort and don't really consider Riviera one either.

 

[DougEMG]

This may be just me, but despite the gondola I do not consider DRR to be an Epcot resort, not like BCV and BWV anyway. Sure it has better access and close proximity, but to me if you can't walk to the park then you don't get that park's designation. So yes, I do classify BLT on a different level than PVB and VGF. Anyone who has tried to leave the park immediately after fireworks on a busy night knows exactly why.

Walking to MK is exactly why I bought BLT instead of VGF (which I like better).

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Just posted this in another forum... This resort looks lovely, but by my break-even analysis using our vacationing particulars, there's no way to justify this purchase. The only way I can get to a break-even is assuming the same rate of increase in dues (actually 5.5%/yr since we've owned), as in rack rates (actually 3.6%/yr since we've owned DVC) -- and even there I arrive at 40yrs. If you pull together our 3 DVC past purchases (in 2006, 2009, 2013), we broke even in 2017. They've changed the economics of DVC, and it no longer makes sense for us.

We'll probably try renting at 7mos. to check it out. But that's a big MAYBE -- because we can get BLT for just slightly FEWER points per night (which seems insane to me given location and walkability).

ETA: If I shift my opportunity cost calc to assume funds instead just sit in the bank with the stupid-low interest rates these days, let's say (instead of in the market at a "reasonable" rate of return), I can get my break-even on DRR way down to about 15 yrs. Still not as good as the past, but not insane. I suspect Disney doesn't include this at all in their analysis.

 

[Madame]

Just posted this in another forum... This resort looks lovely, but by my break-even analysis using our vacationing particulars, there's no way to justify this purchase. The only way I can get to a break-even is assuming the same rate of increase in dues (actually 5.5%/yr since we've owned), as in rack rates (actually 3.6%/yr since we've owned DVC) -- and even there I arrive at 40yrs. If you pull together our 3 DVC past purchases (in 2006, 2009, 2013), we broke even in 12yrs. They've changed the economics of DVC, and it no longer makes sense for us.

We'll probably try renting at 7mos. to check it out. But that's a big MAYBE -- because we can get BLT for just slightly FEWER points per night (which seems insane to me given location and walkability).

I agree. They are trying to take what it was - a TS for those looking for larger onsite accommodations at significant savings - & make it into some sort of upscale exclusive club.

It’s a rebranding I guess, but I just don’t see how this will play well during an economic downturn. I really think that a lot of newer contracts have been/are being heavily financed (at least from what I’m seeing elsewhere). Guess we’ll see how it all shakes out eventually.