POLL: WWYD? BLT LV or RiV Std?

[kristenrice]

Opinions wanted....

My best friend/Disney travel companion and I are planning for our fall 2025 trip. We always go for 7 nights and split our stay between 2 resorts. For the first part of our stay, I managed to secure a concierge studio for our arrival night, followed by 2 nights in a value 1BR. We are fine with the "short split" because it is within the same resort/building and we get the concierge lounge access for the entire second day too.

For the last 4 nights, we have 180 points to work with and we are torn between a 1BR LV at BLT (170) and a 1BR standard at RR (178). Here's some of our thoughts/considerations...

• BLT is walkable to the MK and we plan on going to MNSSHP. In addition, we like to do a lot of resort dining so the proximity to the MK bus station means that we would not be dependent on Uber/Lyft to go resort to resort.
• We *LOVE* the Riviera, having spent 2 nights there in a preferred view studio, and a 1BR would be a dream come true!
• BLT is getting a full renovation which should be done by the time we arrive (mid-October) and we would really like the extra bathroom
• The room at Riviera looks more "compact", even though it is 10 sq ft bigger. We prefer the kitchen and bathroom layout at BLT, but that may change with the renovation (doubtful)
• The Riviera has the Murphy bed so we can both have a "real" bed. This is possibly a moot point because hopefully, the BLT 1BR's are also getting the Murphy bed with the renovation.
• As far as park time goes, we typically split our time between MK and Epcot with a day each at AK and the Studios.

Please feel free to comment and vote...we have until March to make our decision.

 

[Disneylover99]

Here's some of our thoughts/considerations...

• BLT is walkable to the MK and we plan on going to MNSSHP. In addition, we like to do a lot of resort dining so the proximity to the MK bus station means that we would not be dependent on Uber/Lyft to go resort to resort.
• We *LOVE* the Riviera, having spent 2 nights there in a preferred view studio, and a 1BR would be a dream come true!
• BLT is getting a full renovation which should be done by the time we arrive (mid-October) and we would really like the extra bathroom
• The room at Riviera looks more "compact", even though it is 10 sq ft bigger. We prefer the kitchen and bathroom layout at BLT, but that may change with the renovation (doubtful)
• The Riviera has the Murphy bed so we can both have a "real" bed. This is possibly a moot point because hopefully, the BLT 1BR's are also getting the Murphy bed with the renovation.
• As far as park time goes, we typically split our time between MK and Epcot with a day each at AK and the Studios.

Please feel free to comment and vote...we have until March to make our decision.

I voted BLT, but if a one bedroom at the Riviera is your dream come true, then that is what you should choose.

 

[Silvermist999]

BLT if the renos will be done plus you are going to MNSSHP. Busing from MK to other resorts for dining is very convenient.

 

[tigerlilly]

I don't think you can go wrong either way. These are the two DVC resorts we have not stayed in so take my opinion w/a grain of salt lol. We did stay at CBR last April and visited RR daily...I loved it. Like love. Of course we are resale so can't book there but considering buying a contract there. BLT does get you closer to MK so there is that and

Busing from MK to other resorts for dining is very convenient.

This point here is a great one.

Have fun deciding. I too am in my angst of decision lol.

 

[jcolvin5]

I don't see a bad decision between the two. Riviera is wonderful! We will be there mid Oct as well for a 6/6 split. We are doing RIV on the second part of the trip and staying at either BLT or VGF on the first part, mainly due to the MNSSHP and quick access to MK.

So, for your question...BLT on this trip. Definitely prioritize RIV in the future!! Good luck either way!

 

[blancaster]

We just recently bought 220 points at BLT so I'm biased but here are my reasons for BLT (most of which you have already listed):

1. Nothing is better than the 5 minute walk to the Magic Kingdom. You have your own security line, you can come and go as you please without having to think too far ahead. It's really nice to spend a full day at another park and then randomly make the decision at 8:00 at night to pop over to the Magic Kingdom ride one ride, watch the fireworks or just go shopping.

2. Having access to the monorail and boats opens up a world of dining options. We especially love making reservations for the Polynesian and Grand Floridian. Obviously the Contemporary is a short walk for full hotel amenities.

3. You are correct in thinking the majority of the renovation will be done by October. Even if it's not, the last few will be in the process either way so you won't get an old room. There are a few spy pics in the DVC Resort section that show the new Murphy beds that are being installed which I'm personally excited about. Based on the spy pics I think you are correct that the layout is not changing, although I do hope the smaller bathroom is made to be a little more functional by removing the tub and expanding the sink area. The second bathroom is what actually sold us on the resort.

4. Since you will spend most of your time at MK and Epcot the monorail makes travel to Epcot fairly simple.

5. Lastly, we love looking out over the Seven Seas Lagoon and seeing the Poly, the Grand Floridian and mostly the castle. It never gets old.

 

[TCRAIG]

I’d stay at BLT for sure - second bath and walking to MK after MNSSHP is a game changer.

 

[atthebeachclub]

I don’t see how Riviera would fit your needs for this stay. I really think BLT is the way to go!

 

[marmentrout85]

I voted Riviera as the 1BR there is my favorite room on property, so take my biased opinion with a grain of salt lol. Having said that, the extra bathroom at BLT is nice to have.

Other than attending MNSSHP were you planning on spending any more time at Magic Kingdom during those 4 days? If plans are to spend more time at EPCOT and Hollywood Studios those 4 days then Riviera seems like the more convenient option. But of course, less convenient if plans are to dine/resort-hop around the monorail loop during those days.