Riviera Dues

[Sheriff1]

I had a VGF contract taken in ROFR and I just can’t make my mind up between these two resorts - I think I like them both equally, I have accepted the resale restrictions and the high points charts are a non-issue as they are both high.
I am in the process of buying 150 points direct at Rivera as 3x50pt contacts (thanks to the advice on here about splitting!) working out at $187 a point including no closing costs. I could maybe get a VGF contract for approx $164-165 a point including closing costs in that figure. So for $25ish a point more I could get direct benefits including future resorts (hopefully) which is a figure I am happy with. The thing that pulls me back to VGF are the dues at Rivera, but then I swing back because they could also increase at VGF. Has anyone got any views on this area to help me out? It would be much appreciated!

 

[Sandisw]

Sometimes it takes a few years for the increases at the new resorts to keep pace with old resorts,

For RIV, they really have no data yet to know if the estimated dues were over or under, The shut down certainly didn’t help.

IMO, if you are going to find the benefits of blue card, and being able to stay at RIV or new resorts, a plus, I’d stay with your purchase,

I have had pretty good luck getting VGF and I don’t own there but it does take work most times as well as being flexible with dates.

So, what could happen for 2021, is that VGF goes up at a larger % than RIV and shrinks the different.

 

[davidl81]

Yeah at only a $25 a point difference (and you get a fully loaded contract since it is direct versus who knows what resale) I think your RIV deal makes sense. Plus you don’t have to it another 2 months just to lose out on ROFR again potentially.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

This thread has information about dues that you might find useful: https://www.disboards.com/threads/annual-dues-deviation-from-average.3807594/#post-62140213

I also think that RVA makes sense, if you don't have a strong preference for VGF.

 

[TinkB278]

I was told word on the street is riviera MFs will go down in 2021 but other information I was given from this person didn’t turn out to be true so take that rumor for what it’s worth.

 

[Ruttangel]

I think VGF is much more likely to hold its value and Ive seen deals on VGF lower than $150 if you can be patient

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

I think VGF is much more likely to hold its value and I've seen deals on VGF lower than $150 if you can be patient

We don't know how RVA resale will look, though VGF has already proven it can hold its value so it has that going for it. Something to consider, of course. Likewise, being able to stay at future resorts is a nice bonus.

But if there is no preference between these two resorts, I think it's a question of how much the direct benefits, especially AP discounts, are worth to your family. That and how much work you want to put into getting the right resale contract.

 

[Ruttangel]

We don't know how RVA resale will look like

exactly, that’s why it’s too risky

 

[Jack_Sparrow_NJ]

Ultimately you have to ask yourself where do I want the 11 month window? Which resort do I like better? Will I use the benefits of the blue card. For me, it was a tough decision so I own both.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

exactly, that’s why it’s too risky

Absolutely there is risk. "Too risky," well, that is in the eye of the beholder.

 

[EM Lawrence]

I tend to think once the shiny, it-girl factor of RIV has worn off, it will not be considered comparable to VGF. (Other than the rooms, I do think the rooms at RIV compare very favorably to the rooms at VGF.) VGF just offers more as a resort, and it is also less expensive to purchase as resale, and has lower dues. Add to that the known long term resale value, and I think it is a better choice. Unless you want blue card benefits, in which case I agree with the others and say go for RIV.

 

[poofyo101]

VGF>RIV
I own both

 

[davidl81]

VGF>RIV
I own both

I also think VGF is the top tier resort. But that being said I think it’s fine to pay a tad more for RIV on a first contract to get blue card benefits and just not to have to wait for ROFR after the OP already had one taken. And let’s be honest, in all likely hood if the OP ends up really liking DVC they will eventually buy a VGF contract resale to go with their RIV contract in a few years anyway and have the best of both worlds.

 

[TinkB278]

VGF>RIV
I own both

Have you gotten to stay at RIV yet? I’m curious on what people think when they stay.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I had a VGF contract taken in ROFR and I just can’t make my mind up between these two resorts - I think I like them both equally, I have accepted the resale restrictions and the high points charts are a non-issue as they are both high.
I am in the process of buying 150 points direct at Rivera as 3x50pt contacts (thanks to the advice on here about splitting!) working out at $187 a point including no closing costs. I could maybe get a VGF contract for approx $164-165 a point including closing costs in that figure. So for $25ish a point more I could get direct benefits including future resorts (hopefully) which is a figure I am happy with. The thing that pulls me back to VGF are the dues at Rivera, but then I swing back because they could also increase at VGF. Has anyone got any views on this area to help me out? It would be much appreciated!

I find the no closing costs interesting. When they started including them several years ago they stated it was because they were required to and it likely had been illegal to not do so.

 

[Lva5]

I find the no closing costs interesting. When they started including them several years ago they stated it was because they were required to and it likely had been illegal to not do so.

Was that really their reasoning?

That is almost laughable... closing costs have been a negotiable part of real estate transactions for a long time. There is certainly no broad legal precedent that says the buyer must pay - and I doubt there is one for fractional stakes such as these.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Was that really their reasoning?

That is almost laughable... closing costs have been a negotiable part of real estate transactions for a long time. There is certainly no broad legal precedent that says the buyer must pay - and I doubt there is one for fractional stakes such as these.

Yes, it really was. They said that legal had reviewed and said they shouldn't/couldn't be including it. It was a nice quick way to add a few dollars to each transaction of course.

 

[Ruttangel]

Absolutely there is risk. "Too risky," well, that is in the eye of the beholder.

Of course, just my opinion....

I would say in 5 years a 150pt contract
RIV resale $125
VGF resale $190

so, the initial spread has moved further apart and you’ve probably paid $200 a year less in dues.

The walkway to MK is going to add to the allure too

 

[poofyo101]

Have you gotten to stay at RIV yet? I’m curious on what people think when they stay.

Not yet I just bought in direct last week prior to the incentives. I have stayed at VGF and its by favorite resort.

 

[jennypenny]

VGF wins for amenities since it has the spa and many more restaurants including a casual sit-down one. But ... it also depends on your aesthetic and park preferences. We prefer the more modern look at RR. We also prefer EP and HS to MK (which we rarely go to anymore unless someone new is traveling with us).

RR doesn't need a lot of restaurants since the skyliner drops you at the international gateway in 10 minutes. The MK resorts understandably offer better dining since the MK restaurants, while fun, aren't as good overall as the ones in Epcot.

I get why people love VGF and on paper there's no comparison to RR except for the rooms themselves. Still, that victorian vibe is not for everyone so I'm glad there's a comparable resort now that adopted a more modern flavor.