Riviera and VGF split stay no park trip advice

[mouseclick1]

We cancelled our big family July trip but still have some points that we need to use up. DH and I decided to take a no park trip with just the two of us in August instead. The only two resorts that we haven't yet stayed in are Riviera and VGF, so I thought we would combine those during our four day stay to complete the circuit. I currently have us at Riviera the first night, and VGF for the remaining three nights. Having never stayed at either resort, I am wondering if this is the best combination, or if I should do two at each instead. I'm thinking more about things to do around the resort or very nearby because we don't plan to do much else. For example, at the Grand Floridian, I don't mind walking over to the Polynesian for dinner, but wouldn't want to head down to the Boardwalk. We are mid-50s, not foodies but enjoy a good meal, like walking and exploring, been DVC members for 20 years. Any input on the combination of nights and things to do would be appreciated!

 

[NoTime42]

To me, 2 nights is too short in any location (unpack the 1st night and repack to leave/move the 2nd night and never fully relax) so from that standpoint I almost prefer your current plan to have 1 de ent leg at GFV.

If the Skyliner was guaranteed to be working and resort dining hooping allowed, Riviera would have easy access to PoP/AoA, CBR and Epcot area resorts and you might want more Riviera...but that is also an unknown so that also favors your initial plan.

 

[Keetchino]

Since you haven't stayed at either before I'd probably do 2 nights at each. Figure by the time you check in to Riviera it's 4 pm (possibly earlier if you get lucky and your room is ready early), then check out is 11 am..... that's only 19 hrs, not including 8 hrs of sleep. Not enough time to really take in the resort in my opinion, especially if the skyliner is open and you can travel around.

 

[Shellyred8]

If you were interested in going to the Boardwalk, I would say go for 2 and 2. However, you didn't seem interested in that, so I would stick with your current plan.

 

[Donna M]

I would change the reservations to 2 nights at each place. Only 1 night doesn't give you enough time to enjoy the resort.

 

[RoseGold]

None of the dining at Riviera interests me at all except the character meal, which you probably don't care about as adults, and may not even exist when you go.

The rest of the gondola destinations also aren't my view of a good meal, except maybe Caribbean Beach? I haven't been there since they revamped it all.

But for walking and exploring, the gondolas would be a real winner, so yea, I'd go with 2 nights each.

 

[mouseclick1]

Thank you for your opinions!

After all that, I dropped VGF altogether and will do 3 nights at Riviera. With only one pool open, and Narcoossee's and Citricos both being closed, I decided to save VGF for another time when I can fully appreciate it. Hard to justify that many points for a non-park trip without the full experience.