Poly or Riviera

dez1978

DIS Veteran
Joined
Apr 11, 2019
Messages
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We booked 2 rooms at Poly for the last week in January. We have our family, DH, I and 2 boys 5&8, and my Sister in law, her DH and 2 boys 5&11 going. We were hoping for a great discount, but unfortunately, that didn't happen. We did get a discount that saved us a little over 1,000, but its still pretty expensive. we could move to the Riviera and save another 1,100. Do I stay at Poly, or switch to Riviera? Ive only ever stayed at POR, so I have no comparison for either. We do have Ohana breakfast planned for our checkout day.
 
For how many nights? Saving $1100 over 4 nights is a lot bigger deal than saving $1100 over 8 nights, for instance. That said, I would probably go the cheaper route 9 out of 10 times.
 
Unfortunately, Riviera is a bit of an unknown at this time as it's scheduled to open on December 16. Plus, the skyliner, which one would hope would be fixed by January, is down currently. What types of rooms are you considering at Poly and Riviera? Keep in mind, Poly studios and Riviera studios and 1-bedrooms will offer only 1 real bed plus pull-outs for the other guests. Poly resort rooms (not DVC) will offer real beds for everyone. Riviera also offers a character breakfast, so, if you do switch, you could consider simply eating there on your check-out day. For me, Poly is a known quantity. Riviera is a bit of a dice roll at this point, IMHO.
 
Are you going to be using a stroller? Are you going to be mostly spending time at the Magic Kingdom? If so then I'd stick with the Poly and only switch if you truly would rather save money. Unless the theme of the Riviera appeals to you and you'll want to be at Epcot and Hollywood Studios a lot.
 

No one has a comparison for Riviera yet. I will say because it is a single tower, it will be more compact than a PO stay.

I'd save the money and go for Riviera, actually. That's a healthy chunk of change. Use some to book the character meal at Topolino instead of 'Ohana breakfast.
 
That's a tough one. I would never by DVC at Rivera, but I would try it sometime. Poly is tough to get discounts at since it is so popular, but the convenience is really nice. Since Rivera will just open in December, I would expect an excellent experience similar to what people were reporting at Gran Destino because staff will all have their best foot forward to promote the resort and get it off to a good start. I think I might pick to save the money and give Rivera a try since it will be sparkly and new.
 
We are DVC at poly and love it there. The decor, the themeing, the pools. But given your travel in January and it may be too cold for swimming, I’d probably save the cash and book Riviera, or possibly spend the same cash and upgrade to a 1 bedroom. One bedrooms ha e washing machines and full kitchens and relaxing tubs, which can be nice! (As long as you don’t mind sofa/pull down beds for the kids. If you want 2 real beds, stick with Poly like pp said.) We are trying Riviera in the Spring and are excited. We tried the Skyliner before it broke and really loved it, so hoping they have all the kinks worked out by then!
 
Unfortunately, Riviera is a bit of an unknown at this time as it's scheduled to open on December 16. Plus, the skyliner, which one would hope would be fixed by January, is down currently. What types of rooms are you considering at Poly and Riviera? Keep in mind, Poly studios and Riviera studios and 1-bedrooms will offer only 1 real bed plus pull-outs for the other guests. Poly resort rooms (not DVC) will offer real beds for everyone. Riviera also offers a character breakfast, so, if you do switch, you could consider simply eating there on your check-out day. For me, Poly is a known quantity. Riviera is a bit of a dice roll at this point, IMHO.
resort rooms. We have a Stitch lover so Ohana is a must lol.
 
Are you going to be using a stroller? Are you going to be mostly spending time at the Magic Kingdom? If so then I'd stick with the Poly and only switch if you truly would rather save money. Unless the theme of the Riviera appeals to you and you'll want to be at Epcot and Hollywood Studios a lot.
No strollers. We are doing a day at each park, and one off day, maybe go to Seaworld since its prob not going to be pool weather. My husband wants Riviera bc he is considering DVC and wants to check it out. I've read enough that I don't think Riv is the place we should buy lol. I wanted Poly, which is why I booked there, but now having researched more, I don't like that there is only one type of rooms there. So now Idk what to do. Our TA says we would like Poly more, but Idk.
 
No strollers. We are doing a day at each park, and one off day, maybe go to Seaworld since its prob not going to be pool weather. My husband wants Riviera bc he is considering DVC and wants to check it out. I've read enough that I don't think Riv is the place we should buy lol. I wanted Poly, which is why I booked there, but now having researched more, I don't like that there is only one type of rooms there. So now Idk what to do. Our TA says we would like Poly more, but Idk.
Ah if that's the case and you might want to buy there than I'd say stay there. Poly is always going to be expensive so I try to not look at the money aspect of it. I'm sure you'll enjoy it either way!
 
No strollers. We are doing a day at each park, and one off day, maybe go to Seaworld since its prob not going to be pool weather. My husband wants Riviera bc he is considering DVC and wants to check it out. I've read enough that I don't think Riv is the place we should buy lol. I wanted Poly, which is why I booked there, but now having researched more, I don't like that there is only one type of rooms there. So now Idk what to do. Our TA says we would like Poly more, but Idk.

I would try to stay at the resort you think you may want to buy in to. Have you looked at Copper Creek or priced out WL for your trip? It's absolutely gorgeous, is typically less than Poly and has boat access to MK.
 
No strollers. We are doing a day at each park, and one off day, maybe go to Seaworld since its prob not going to be pool weather. My husband wants Riviera bc he is considering DVC and wants to check it out. I've read enough that I don't think Riv is the place we should buy lol. I wanted Poly, which is why I booked there, but now having researched more, I don't like that there is only one type of rooms there. So now Idk what to do. Our TA says we would like Poly more, but Idk.
Personally, I would skip Rivera then. I could see the rooms being really nice especially since they are brand new and your husband wanting to jump into DVC while there. But I wouldn't touch Rivera DVC with a ten foot pole. Those restrictions kill the deal for me and I wouldn't want to risk an emotional decision especially if your husband isn't as informed about the possible challenges with Rivera. Now that you don't like the rooms at poly is there anywhere else you are considering as an option?

Plus, since you are definitely sticking with breakfast at Ohana on check out day it would be so much easier if you are staying there. If not you need to get a couple Ubers or take the skyliner (assuming its open) to Hollywood Studios and then a bus to the resort which could take awhile. Too stressful for the last day.
 
I would try to stay at the resort you think you may want to buy in to. Have you looked at Copper Creek or priced out WL for your trip? It's absolutely gorgeous, is typically less than Poly and has boat access to MK.
Im checking out WL, its about 600 cheaper. We wouldn't do Copper creek tho because we need a 3rd bed. My boys can't sleep together bc ones a fitful sleeper and wakes up anyone who tries to sleep with him lol.

Now that you don't like the rooms at poly is there anywhere else you are considering as an option?
Thats just it, I can't decide for sure. I like the look of BRV but isn't the contract pretty short there?
 
Im checking out WL, its about 600 cheaper. We wouldn't do Copper creek tho because we need a 3rd bed. My boys can't sleep together bc ones a fitful sleeper and wakes up anyone who tries to sleep with him lol.


Thats just it, I can't decide for sure. I like the look of BRV but isn't the contract pretty short there?
Yes the contract expires in 2042. I would only buy there if you are considering buying resale. I don't think its worth paying an extra $75 a point to get direct benefits that will only last 23 more years.
 












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