Riviera is the nicest resort I've stayed at so far

[RickNJane]

Yep, I think you said those things already in a previous post here. That’s why I mentioned that plenty of people love BLT. I really enjoy the WDW transportation so for me, it’s part of the whole experience and I already walk enough in the parks, so walkability is nice but not the most important thing for us. I know I’m in the minority for that one, but as everyone has said at some point, it’s a great thing there’s so many options. The variety is what makes DVC so appealing; What feels like paradise to one, feels a bit like a sterile hospital to another.

Also as a fun little fact for anyone interested in RIV, the studios at RIV have a very comparable point chart to BLT and are huge compared to the size. Though the villas compare better to PV at BLT but again, I wouldn’t ever want to stay at BLT so the point chart is irrelevant to me in this case. If I want a cheaper room I’d just go with CCV (I know it only sleeps 4 in a studio, we’re never more than 2-3 in a studio luckily but I get it’s different for bigger families who would need to jump to a 2bdrm)

Also random hot take: I think prime locations can mean different things and I kind of think the MK resorts have an overhyped (borderline bad?) location. The MK resorts have amazing access to 1 park and a long journey to the other 3. But RIV has pretty quick access to 3 resorts and only a hike to MK. I say this owning 3 MK resorts lol. BWV and BCV are obviously fantastic too, I just wish 3 resorts didn’t share buses- it’s my one small gripe as a BCV owner. OKW also has a decent location but its internal loop knocks some points. All things we’ve noticed the longer we’ve owned and worked out what works best for us. I’m sure others have different experiences.

Yup I do repeat myself. I suppose it's because I have a great memory, but it is short!

I do agree with you about prime location being in the eyes of the beholder. As a BWV owner I agree with the bus situation. Has always been that way. We have also stayed at many different DVC Resorts and always had a great time! Besides having a lot of different types of resorts makes it great for resort hopping!

 

[crazycatlady]

It's funny that some say the studios feel small as that is the exact opposite of our view. We always do split stays and when RIV is after one of the 2042 resorts, it feels huge. Don't get me wrong; I absolutely love BWV/BCV/BR, which are the only 2042s that I have stayed at, but there definitely is a size difference.

The reason we do split stays is because we love the opportunity to experience a few different themes each trip. As others have said, RIV is based on a part of the world that doesn't scream "different", but it is most definitely themed well. I love the upscale, bougie, European feel of the resort especially the French/Italian versions of Disney music that play in the common areas and the elegant Disney art all over the resort.

And as a response to those who find it "fugly", I understand that everyone's opinion is different, but I have framed prints of three of our home resorts hanging in our house and the RIV is the one that easily gets the most love from guests.

 

[R2DWho]

Also random hot take: I think prime locations can mean different things and I kind of think the MK resorts have an overhyped (borderline bad?) location. The MK resorts have amazing access to 1 park and a long journey to the other 3. But RIV has pretty quick access to 3 resorts and only a hike to MK. I say this owning 3 MK resorts lol. BWV and BCV are obviously fantastic too, I just wish 3 resorts didn’t share buses- it’s my one small gripe as a BCV owner. OKW also has a decent location but its internal loop knocks some points. All things we’ve noticed the longer we’ve owned and worked out what works best for us. I’m sure others have different experiences.

I don't disagree with your points here, but what's the 3 resorts sharing a bus? I stayed at BWV once, and I don't remember having multiple stops on the way to MK. I do remember there being a bit of a line in the morning and having to wait for a second bus which caused a little delay.

 

[RickNJane]

I don't disagree with your points here, but what's the 3 resorts sharing a bus? I stayed at BWV once, and I don't remember having multiple stops on the way to MK. I do remember there being a bit of a line in the morning and having to wait for a second bus which caused a little delay.

At times the BWV bus also serves BCV and YCI BW is always the last on the line. Makes for some crowded bus rides.

 

[john7994]

I am very impressed with the Riviera. It's by far the nicest resort. Everything feels so clean and new. The cast members are so friendly and helpful. Very impressed.

Absolutely my favorite now, but I couldn’t stand it when it was built.

 

[R2DWho]

At times the BWV bus also serves BCV and YCI BW is always the last on the line. Makes for some crowded bus rides.

Got it, thanks.

 

[Girlstar30]

It's funny that some say the studios feel small as that is the exact opposite of our view. We always do split stays and when RIV is after one of the 2042 resorts, it feels huge. Don't get me wrong; I absolutely love BWV/BCV/BR, which are the only 2042s that I have stayed at, but there definitely is a size difference.

The reason we do split stays is because we love the opportunity to experience a few different themes each trip. As others have said, RIV is based on a part of the world that doesn't scream "different", but it is most definitely themed well. I love the upscale, bougie, European feel of the resort especially the French/Italian versions of Disney music that play in the common areas and the elegant Disney art all over the resort.

And as a response to those who find it "fugly", I understand that everyone's opinion is different, but I have framed prints of three of our home resorts hanging in our house and the RIV is the one that easily gets the most love from guests.

I agree with this completely, to me the themeing was on point, but then again I also feel that way about BLT. They both are very Disney themed i dont understand when people say they're not.

 

[Brian Noble]

I don't either. I think "it's not themed" usually means "I didn't like the vibe."

And I get that. I don't particularly like the vibe of some very popular DVC resorts.

 

[walt34]

I don't either. I think "it's not themed" usually means "I didn't like the vibe."

Probably. I suppose there's always a personal frame of reference involved. I think it's nice, but I find it a bit bland compared to the hotels on the actual French and Italian Riviera. The modern concrete structure is especially apparent up close, and I feel they could have gone much further with the marquees and shutters. The inside is very nice for a Disney hotel, though.

But I suppose this is mostly because I can't stop comparing it to the real thing. I assume that people more familiar with Polynesian architecture find similar reasons to dislike the Poly, and people from New England might find the Yacht and Beach Club a bit cheap compared to well-kept structures in the area.

 

[Girlstar30]

I don't either. I think "it's not themed" usually means "I didn't like the vibe."

And I get that. I don't particularly like the vibe of some very popular DVC resorts.

Agree

 

[tidefan]

So, dissenting opinion here (but, again, only my opinion). We stayed once at RIV (in a GV no less) and I just didn't get what the fuss was about. Yes, the room was nice, but quite honestly, we stayed in a refurbed SSR GV last year, and for the point cost, I would choose SSR every time (as a side note, I think SSR was majorly upgraded in the last refurb, but I digress...)

I just don't get the theming either. Nothing about it makes me think "Europe". I know that some say it's perfect, but FOR ME, it just didn't click. That said, I am the person who notices little details about things that make my families head shake, like when I showed them a picture of Pop Century with the half height walkway railings and noted that "hey, this looks like Alcatraz". My family laughed at me until I showed them a picture of a cell block at Alcatraz, and now no one can get it out of their mind. Similarly, my first impression walking up to RIV was the Orange and Blue awnings and I mentioned that it reminded me of Howard Johnsons. Now no one can get that out of their minds

Honestly, though, it just does nothing for me. First, one complaint I have is that like CCV, the 1/2 Bedrooms have the galley style kitchen. Don't know why, but I hate that. Second is the point chart when compared to other options (this goes for Poly too). Also, as one who drives to WDW every time, it's not exactly convenient to the car (but, better than BWV, that's the worst). And maybe the biggest thing for me is that I didn't feel "Disney" when I stayed there. I know that is a complete personal opinion, but it's what I felt.

On a positive note, we all love different things, so I totally get why a lot of people do love it. It's just not for me, and that's OK. The best thing about DVC is that there is so much variety to choose from (if you can actually book a room anymore). And, this can even be within resorts, for instance, I am a big fan of the OG VGF building, but not of BPK...

 

[Mouseforward]

(as a side note, I think SSR was majorly upgraded in the last refurb, but I digress...)

I agree SSR had a really nice studio but to me Riviera is the same style as SSR on the interior. They just swapped the horse theme with a Disney art theme. The real difference being the Riviera studio has more space.

And I do like staying at SSR - but if it’s the hot months, the exterior hallways are kind of a negative- as is the outside walk to get any food.

Personally, I have no objection to the buses, even the bus loop at SSR is compensated with all the extra buses. Riviera at this time does have the nicest buses since every single place you go it’s a direct bus ( other than the water parks)

 

[SugarSweetLee]

Riviera at this time does have the nicest buses since every single place you go it’s a direct bus ( other than the water parks)

On our last stay at Riviera in May, we were using our check-in day water park benefit. We boarded the bus to Disney Springs along with a handful of other folks, and the driver asked if anyone was headed to the water park. We said we were...and were shocked when just a little while later we pulled up to Typhoon Lagoon! We fully expected to have to transfer at DS.

It's the little things

 

[Mouseforward]

On our last stay at Riviera in May, we were using our check-in day water park benefit. We boarded the bus to Disney Springs along with a handful of other folks, and the driver asked if anyone was headed to the water park. We said we were...and were shocked when just a little while later we pulled up to Typhoon Lagoon! We fully expected to have to transfer at DS.

It's the little things

I am guilty of splurging on Minnie Vans to and from the water parks - money well spent.I never though of bribing the bus driver, maybe thats how people get all the good park info from bus drivers on the forum .

 

[NVDISFamily]

And I get that. I don't particularly like the vibe of some very popular DVC resorts.

My very non-scientific observation when doing our first stay at a monorail resort this spring was that I made the good choice to buy RVA in place of VGF given that I own a ton of Disney Branded and Disney/RSVLTS shirts but no Disney Golf shirts. I would say 80+ percent of the dads/uncles/etc. who got off at the GF had the golf shirt/shorts look going and although I don’t hate it, it’s not my vibe

 

[NVDISFamily]

If anyone wants the true inside knowledge reason to “hate” RVA, and this from someone who rather loves the resort, it’s that they don’t have any Dijon mustard at the quick service. That ham and cheese sandwich thing is delicious but it’s even better with Dijon! I just go ahead and buy a small bottle at target or Publix when we are in town to enjoy with it, but every time I’m there I give them the suggestion that given their theme, get me some Dijon packets please!!!

 

[muppets3d]

If anyone wants the true inside knowledge reason to “hate” RVA, and this from someone who rather loves the resort, it’s that they don’t have any Dijon mustard at the quick service. That ham and cheese sandwich thing is delicious but it’s even better with Dijon! I just go ahead and buy a small bottle at target or Publix when we are in town to enjoy with it, but every time I’m there I give them the suggestion that given their theme, get me some Dijon packets please!!!

Yes some hot mustard would really set the croque monsieur on fire. I love hot mustard.