Poly owner, Help me spend $20k-ish

[AstroBlasters]

To be fair, we don’t have the slightest clue what’s going to happen with RIV resale until it sells out. It’s a very popular resort and will remain so. It also rents for top dollar five years after opening, which says something.

I don't know why the resort is so controversial here. I guess because it's the first to have resale restrictions, but just today I've read multiple posts here claiming "It's never gonna sell out.","They have so many points left to sell." and "Its dues are among the highest."

None of that is true. It's 76%+ sold out and on track to sell out before Lakeshore Lodge opens.

As far as RIV dues, they're pretty middle of the road. $9.06. SSR is $8.54. AKL is $9.64. OKW is $10.51.

Considering the size of the resort, the fact that the entire resort is DVC, it has Skyliner and doesn't have inflated cabins or bungalows, that's not too bad IMO.

“we don’t have the slightest clue what’s going to happen with RIV resale until it sells out.”

Um…. you do know there is a resale for RIV right now and that the contracts go in the $115pp range…. it’s a MASSIVE devaluation….

https://www.dvcresalemarket.com/blog/dvc-resale-average-sales-prices-for-january-2025/

 

[BrianLo]

“we don’t have the slightest clue what’s going to happen with RIV resale until it sells out.”

Um…. you do know there is a resale for RIV right now and that the contracts go in the $115pp range…. it’s a MASSIVE devaluation….

https://www.dvcresalemarket.com/blog/dvc-resale-average-sales-prices-for-january-2025/

It’s more fair to say we don’t know the final delta on Poly v RIV resale in five years.

Thinking you won’t eat it if you buy Poly now and try to sell in a few years is misleading. Direct is a bad deal either way. Particularly (for me) with Poly as a very similar product is available on the resale market. RIV direct is at least a meaningfully different product if you hold onto it.

 

[AstroBlasters]

It’s more fair to say we don’t know the final delta on Poly v RIV resale in five years.

Thinking you won’t eat it if you buy Poly now and try to sell in a few years is misleading. Direct is a bad deal either way. Particularly (for me) with Poly as a very similar product is available on the resale market. RIV direct is at least a meaningfully different product if you hold onto it.

I agree with the first part, but the second part seems detached from what I said and then kind of goes all over the place.

The topic as I understood it was POLY direct vs RIV direct, and so that is the scope that my comments were made.

“Buying a few 50 points Poly contracts will have some depreciation…. but the risk is significantly less than RIV.”

How can that in any way be misleading?

Also, how is RIV direct “meaningfully different” if you hold onto it? Different than Poly resale? Sure… but why are you switching it up to compare RIV direct to Poly resale?

 

[AstroBlasters]

Of the active selling resort here is my opinion of the most risky to least risky if you need to resell within a short period of time from a devaluation perspective for someone who would be adding on direct to an “active selling” resort with a $20k budget:

1) CFW
2) AUL
3) RIV
4) VDH
5) POLY

There is a chance that VDH moves higher up in the risk level to parity with RIV as more contracts go on the market…. but it also has some upside to value retention if DLand FWD gets built over the coming years and is done well.

 

[BrianLo]

Also, how is RIV direct “meaningfully different” if you hold onto it? Different than Poly resale? Sure… but why are you switching it up to compare RIV direct to Poly resale?

Meaningfully different than its resale product (RIV direct v RIV resale).

It’s hard to extricate this conversation down to direct v direct when we start talking about resale value… because then the answer is actually just ‘neither’. Misleading is the wrong word, you weren’t trying to mislead. I just find this conversation always fixates on resale value when the solution is simply to buy resale, then there’s no value to be lost.

 

[🍀TwinsMom]

Folks, the OP asked about BUYING points, not selling hypothetical points down the road. We all know about the END OF THE WORLD RIVIERA RESTRICTIONS THAT WILL END LIFE AS WE KNOW IT ON VACATION FOREVERMORE. Sheesh.

Back to the topic at hand, OP is a family of three and already has 250 Poly points. Do they want to double down on more Poly but get less points if direct, or diversify with Riviera or some other product. We're assuming they mean Riviera based on new incentives and their heading title in their question, but maybe they're open to something else.

My vote earlier was diversification for Epcot/HS area and group size utilizing unique smaller room options and standard view booking options. OP can mull that over and see if it resonates or if they want to go baller at Poly.

 

[Lorana]

I don't know why the resort is so controversial here

For me, I reluctantly stay at Riviera. And whenever I do, I’m always reminded that the location is great, I like the food (Topolino’s is one of my favorite character breakfasts) the rooms are spacious and beautiful if not my thing, and it’s easy to get around. And those mosaics are gorgeous.

But generally I find the exterior so bland and boring, the Skyliner is great but doesn’t compare to the walkability of Boardwalk or Beach Club, the grounds are small, the pool is small and boring, and the rooms while spacious and beautiful don’t really “transport me” the way the theming at Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian or Copper Creek do. And that theming is why I want to stay at Disney.

Also while it’s easy to take the Skyliner to the Boardwalk, it closes to early in the evenings — we learned that the hard way one evening when we went to dinner and Jellyrolls and discovered the Skyliner wasn’t running at 11pm. I think the Skyliner should run until the restaurants/clubs close so adults can go out and not have to take a Lyft back to Riviera.

Do I own at Riviera? Yes. Because I wanted an EPCOT area resort, but wanted something that lasted beyond 2042, especially for the Festival of the Arts and Food & Wine Festival (I prefer Poly when we do the Flower & Garden Festival). Also I tend to use my Riviera points for reservations, events or benefits that require me to use Direct Points; which allows me to use my direct CCV and AKV points for better accommodations at those places at the 11-month mark. But I do swap out to Boardwalk and Beach Club every chance I get.

We also don’t mind split stays. Owning at RIV does make it convenient for hitting Epcot and Hollywood Studios, so we can prioritize our hotel location based on what we intend to do during our stay.

So I don’t hate it. But I wish it was more than it is. It was just lacking in that “oomph” I’ve come to expect from Disney, for me at least.

Now as I said to the OP, I think unless they really want to be able to do the 1BR, 2BR, etc at Polynesian - in which case I’d argue buying more Poly points and swapping out at 7mo if they want somewhere else - my recommendation *is* RIV for the location. Or AKV because it’s a beautiful hotel and the Savanna view is so worth it. I get most people don’t like the location but it’s part of what makes it ideal for me, and if you love Animal Kingdom it’s like a 5-10 minute bus ride away.

 

[Sandisw]

I love having multiple resorts so I’d buy some RIV!! Even if you do nights every other year with PVB if split stays aren’t your thing

 

[atthebeachclub]

For me, I reluctantly stay at Riviera. And whenever I do, I’m always reminded that the location is great, I like the food (Topolino’s is one of my favorite character breakfasts) the rooms are spacious and beautiful if not my thing, and it’s easy to get around. And those mosaics are gorgeous.

But generally I find the exterior so bland and boring, the Skyliner is great but doesn’t compare to the walkability of Boardwalk or Beach Club, the grounds are small, the pool is small and boring, and the rooms while spacious and beautiful don’t really “transport me” the way the theming at Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian or Copper Creek do. And that theming is why I want to stay at Disney.

Also while it’s easy to take the Skyliner to the Boardwalk, it closes to early in the evenings — we learned that the hard way one evening when we went to dinner and Jellyrolls and discovered the Skyliner wasn’t running at 11pm. I think the Skyliner should run until the restaurants/clubs close so adults can go out and not have to take a Lyft back to Riviera.

Do I own at Riviera? Yes. Because I wanted an EPCOT area resort, but wanted something that lasted beyond 2042, especially for the Festival of the Arts and Food & Wine Festival (I prefer Poly when we do the Flower & Garden Festival). Also I tend to use my Riviera points for reservations, events or benefits that require me to use Direct Points; which allows me to use my direct CCV and AKV points for better accommodations at those places at the 11-month mark. But I do swap out to Boardwalk and Beach Club every chance I get.

We also don’t mind split stays. Owning at RIV does make it convenient for hitting Epcot and Hollywood Studios, so we can prioritize our hotel location based on what we intend to do during our stay.

So I don’t hate it. But I wish it was more than it is. It was just lacking in that “oomph” I’ve come to expect from Disney, for me at least.

Now as I said to the OP, I think unless they really want to be able to do the 1BR, 2BR, etc at Polynesian - in which case I’d argue buying more Poly points and swapping out at 7mo if they want somewhere else - my recommendation *is* RIV for the location. Or AKV because it’s a beautiful hotel and the Savanna view is so worth it. I get most people don’t like the location but it’s part of what makes it ideal for me, and if you love Animal Kingdom it’s like a 5-10 minute bus ride away.

This is insightful. I also love AKV.

I actually would probably consider RIV strongly if regular bussing was an option. I don’t mind busses, and the AKV ones are nicely run. But I don’t like how often the Skyliner stops for no apparent reason and without communication as to how long the stop will be, especially when you have rope dropping to do or Lightning Lanes or a dinner time to get to, and I do not want to drive or Uber or Minnie Van while on vacation. Strangely I’ve never minded gondolas while snowboarding, but the Skyliner impedes my Disney planning ability and seemed to stop significantly more than all other gondolas I’ve ridden.

 

[sarahlord]

Buy Riviera, own both a MK and HS/Epcot resort!

 

[matt and beth]

We have GFV, CCV, and BWV. We also alternate based on what we want to do that next trip. Adds variety within the 11 month booking window. Buy where you want to stay!

Not sure how RIV gets so much attention in this thread. 1. The resales are tanking. The restrictions are doing damage. Don’t assume you’ll have it for ever, because things change. Buy a place with a decent expiration date that you love. 2. RIV is not an Epcot resort. It takes transportation to get there. You can’t walk it. Swan, Dolphin, Yatch, BCV, and BWV can all walk there and are justly called Epcot resorts. Calling RIV an Epcot resort is like saying PVR is an Epcot resort because monorail takes you there. DVC sales made a pitch to boost sales and people are buying it.

 

[atthebeachclub]

Exactly. Buying a few 50 points Poly contracts will have some depreciation…. but the risk is significantly less than RIV.

I think you are right on this specific example, but the current very low incentives and no Magical Beginnings option for Poly make the out of pocket starting costs higher and feel like a large depreciation too.

None of the direct prices are holding value on the resale market; all resorts take a large hit now after direct sale. Comparing the RIV incentives, the resort isn’t out of the ordinary in depreciation percentage based on original cost after incentives, though I am also convinced that resale prices will fall further when more used Riviera enters the market.

 

[BuzzLightyr]

The challenge with one tween is your travel patterns will likely change significantly. You might have one year where you want a grand villa for a trip with their friends. You would have time where they want to just hang out at home with their friends.

With an empty nest, a fixed week at riviera would be my go to. With young kids, maybe bay lake tower. With a tween I would say resale SAP.

You already have direct points, so great point values at the cabins are already available. One beds are a nice option for a family of 3 with a good stash of points, and usually the last category to fill up (good for sap).

Imagine what you could do with 225 SSR points vs 75 poly points. SSR tree house, OKW 3 bedroom grand villa, or more nights in a boardwalk 1 bed pool/garden view. Renting if you plans change will have a better return for resale sap vs direct points.

With a tween - you may want to split your stay Disney vs Universal. You may want a car to drive. Staying at a bus resort gives you a cheaper point stay while retaining ADRs and on property benefits you don't get with a Wyndham or off property timeshare.

 

[DVCsloth]

The same resale restrictions that hurt Riviera resale value are also the same ones that make it a potentially great resale purchase.

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

Not sure how RIV gets so much attention in this thread.

Probably because the OPs original ask implied a direct purchase so the choices are pretty limited and RIV is a big one. Bringing up the other resorts isn’t helpful when they said help me buy before Tuesday’s price increase…

 

[amandaC]

Not our vibe at all. We don’t really like any of the DVC towers, but Riv in particular just feels like a Marriott to us. If someone gave me Riv points for free, I don’t know if I’d take them, unless they were direct I could use as SAP. It’s the one resort I always uncheck when searching availability. We’d never stay there.

I felt exactly the same way. I made fun of the building, scoffed at the pools and hated on the Skyliner. And then my son asked to stay there. I indulged him and it is now, by far, my favorite resort! There is a charm to the rooms, the quick service is excellent, the pools and bocce ball courts are so relaxing, and the skyliner is faster than our usual walk to HS from BCV.

 

[AstroBlasters]

I think you are right on this specific example, but the current very low incentives and no Magical Beginnings option for Poly make the out of pocket starting costs higher and feel like a large depreciation too.

None of the direct prices are holding value on the resale market; all resorts take a large hit now after direct sale. Comparing the RIV incentives, the resort isn’t out of the ordinary in depreciation percentage based on original cost after incentives, though I am also convinced that resale prices will fall further when more used Riviera enters the market.

On a $20k-ish purchase I believe you are getting less than the 100 points…. So there are no incentives or magical beginnings.

Even at 100 points it’s a $2pp difference for RIV…

Also, IMO magical beginnings is not really a “savings”… it’s giving up a year’s worth of points by renting them back to Disney.

So, compare the depreciation hit on 2x50 point contracts at POLY vs RIV and I think you will find that RIV is significantly more (25%?). Probably in the range of $50pp… or $5k on a $20k purchase.

Once again, this is all coming from a recent experience I had with someone who had a change in his compensation package at work and needed to start considering reducing his DVC to right size the family cash flow. It put the depreciation of RIV smack dab in front of me.

Poly may be the last non-restricted resort that can be purchased direct…. unless they build another Bay Lake Tower and make it part of the same association…

 

[atthebeachclub]

On a $20k-ish purchase I believe you are getting less than the 100 points…. So there are no incentives or magical beginnings.

Even at 100 points it’s a $2pp difference for RIV…

Also, IMO magical beginnings is not really a “savings”… it’s giving up a year’s worth of points by renting them back to Disney.

So, compare the depreciation hit on 2x50 point contracts at POLY vs RIV and I think you will find that RIV is significantly more (25%?). Probably in the range of $50pp… or $5k on a $20k purchase.

Once again, this is all coming from a recent experience I had with someone who had a change in his compensation package at work and needed to start considering reducing his DVC to right size the family cash flow. It put the depreciation of RIV smack dab in front of me.

Poly may be the last non-restricted resort that can be purchased direct…. unless they build another Bay Lake Tower and make it part of the same association…

All good points. I’m considering 150 for member benefits personally but I just don’t see a reasonable price at the moment. For fewer points, the value proposition is even worse and the depreciation hit is also worse.

I suspect Poly could be in my future eventually. We have a stay coming up there this summer in the older studios, so I’ll have a better idea about preferences after that.

 

[maui22]

I think you are right on this specific example, but the current very low incentives and no Magical Beginnings option for Poly make the out of pocket starting costs higher and feel like a large depreciation too.

None of the direct prices are holding value on the resale market; all resorts take a large hit now after direct sale. Comparing the RIV incentives, the resort isn’t out of the ordinary in depreciation percentage based on original cost after incentives, though I am also convinced that resale prices will fall further when more used Riviera enters the market.

This is exactly the struggle we had/have. We used to be direct only buyers. BLT at $96/pt during the Great Recession effected fire sale. Then PVB (can’t recall if it was 160-165). Those resorts didn’t have restrictions and at least held resale value fairly well or really well. Story was the same from people who bought during DVCs first 25 or so years. The equation changed and really makes it difficult for us.

We bought our first resale and while the sellers were a bit painful (didn’t even respond to the salesperson for nearly a week when it was time to close). However, the savings is significant. We were all set to sign a third PVB contract (returning to direct), but that price difference was a nagging factor. Every night we slept on it, we realized our resale PVB was far better for us. Even if we can’t use at the new resorts, those are not as impactful until 2042. After 2042, BCV/BWV point charts are going to make PVB point charts look reasonable. (My opinion walking access to 2 parks deserves the highest point charts).

I often wonder if Disney would have ever convinced us to buy if the product had changed like it has. I even struggle with the concept of what will happen in 10-20 years to these restricted resorts. Resale buyers will have to book their resort, so the 10-11 month booking might be even more required. That works for 90% of our trips, but 10% of the time we book under 7 months. If estimates of 2% of all direct points get resold each year are correct, after 25 years half of the points in the restricted resorts may be fighting at 11 months. Using RIV (first restricted resort), earlier this year DVD had roughly 800k more points declared than @wdrl (DVCNews sales tracker) showed were sold. RIV has actually been easier to book for 5+ years than it will be once it reaches the sold out stage. 97-98% sold vs 100% declared is much different than RIV (and all new resorts) experience.

 

[AstroBlasters]

All good points. I’m considering 150 for member benefits personally but I just don’t see a reasonable price at the moment. For fewer points, the value proposition is even worse and the depreciation hit is also worse.

I suspect Poly could be in my future eventually. We have a stay coming up there this summer in the older studios, so I’ll have a better idea about preferences after that.

The cost curve can definitely drop at the 150 point level. It will be interesting to see how long they can hold the line on minimal Poly incentives.

Based on the earnings call, hotel reservations seem to be robust for 2025…. possibly because people also want to check out Epic.
I’m sure a lot of people will be wondering over to the new Poly T to check out the lobby and new restaurant/bar. That could keep sales at a decent level without needing to increase incentives.