Riviera or Grand Floridian

[JonT36]

Hello

deciding between the 2, a family of 4 with a 3 and 2 year old. Any pros and cons other than if wanting more magic kingdom days stay at GF?

 

[TCRAIG]

I like the kids splash area at GF…

 

[jbreen2010]

The walk to MK is pretty clutch. The resale restriction on Riviera had me concerned when considering a direct buy…not sure what it would do to pricing in the future. I agree splash area at GF was really enjoyed by my 2-year old. Also he liked the walk over to Poly too…it’s a quick walk over there for dining and all as well so that proximity was cool. Also he enjoyed the water light pagent that is on the lake at night (I know not a guarantee that will be there but kind of cool). I chose GF.

 

[CSLucas]

We bought at GF and have two kids a bit older than yours (4 and 6). Both kids love the splash pad area and there is a good variety of dining. I like the fact that it isn't difficult to get a reservation at the Grand Floridian Cafe so we don't ever have to worry about not getting a sit-down breakfast (unlike trying to get in at Topolino's- yikes!), and I also feel like there isn't as much competition for quick service meals since people aren't coming in as much from other resorts to eat. Riviera just felt really busy all the time to us.
And yes, as others mentioned, being able to walk to a park is SO NICE with kids this age.

 

[chicagodisneyguy]

If you are looking at just a one time trip, I think the proximity to MK makes the GF a no-brainer. With kids that age it makes taking mid-day naps or pool breaks so much easier. And that splash area is really fantastic for kids with a good amount of lounge chairs for parents to sit.

If you are deciding which resort to purchase, it becomes a bit tougher and is more a toss up for your personal tastes.

 

[paults]

I would go with VGF if you want MK

 

[bakerworld]

Personally think the location of the Rivera makes it a non-choice for a park driven vacation. The transpo is going to be all bus with maybe a gondola ride or two thrown in for diversion.

 

[kboo]

Agreed! for a one-time trip with very young kids who really want MK, VGF >> RIV. BUT - if you are considering purchasing for at least a few years of trips ... My kids (10, 6) still say MK is their favorite park, but their favorite single rides are now at HS, hands down (RnRC, ToT, ROTR, MFSR, SDD), with some EP (Soarin, TT, Remy, Frozen); also now FOP and Everest at AK. They do love MK because of so many rides so close together, and because MK is still magical, even if it's loud and crowded and the adults need some quiet time and a drink after a whole day at MK...

(This is why we own at both, and do split stays between the 2. That said we haven't stayed at VGF since Dec 2019, so on our upcoming trip we may decide we love VGF better after all.)

 

[Sandisw]

Even though RIV is my favorite resort, for a trip with little ones, in which MK will probably be a big part of the trip, I would go with VGF. I do love the splash area there better than the one at RIV!!

 

[Ssplashhmtn]

Hello

deciding between the 2, a family of 4 with a 3 and 2 year old. Any pros and cons other than if wanting more magic kingdom days stay at GF?

With 2 and 3 year old children, all things revolve around the stroller. Rolling the stroller directly onto the monorail for a 3 minute trip to MK, and if you want, on over to Epcot from TTC, Grand Floridian is a no-brainer. Or you can stay at Riviera and fold up strollers, after waiting impatiently for a bus to MK. At Riviera, the Gondola is nice over to World Showcase and HS, if it doesn’t rain.

GF lobby is so great for kids too - they love the pianist.