Riviera v. Boardwalk

[vacay77]

Between the 2 resorts, which would you choose and why? My family and I are DVC members but we'd be renting points to stay at either of these two resorts. Boardwalk is about $1,000 cheaper than Riviera. I love the location of Beach Club but it looks like it's not available for when we want to visit.

 

[Jelly563]

Boardwalk +$1000 sounds like the right choice

 

[Skywalker3]

We own at BWV, and pick it most of the time. DH just stayed at Riviera and LOVED that resort, and hopes to stay there again, but w being able to walk to HS or Epcot, we would choose BWV over RIV, unless we were doing a split stay. Depends too on what the goals are. Like if you're rope dropping or whatever. He had good transportation experiences at RIV

 

[vacay77]

We own at BWV, and pick it most of the time. DH just stayed at Riviera and LOVED that resort, and hopes to stay there again, but w being able to walk to HS or Epcot, we would choose BWV over RIV, unless we were doing a split stay. Depends too on what the goals are. Like if you're rope dropping or whatever. He had good transportation experiences at RIV

We would likely be at the parks at rope drop. One of our reasons for visiting is the new Ratatouille ride (hopefully we get to ride it, I know that it's not always guaranteed) so that's why we want to be close to Epcot.

 

[CarolMN]

BWV. Walking to the parks is more reliable and faster than the Skyliner. It's also easy to walk to the IG if you want to visit Riviera or just enjoy the ride.

Riviera is a beautiful resort and we hope to give Topolinos a try on our next trip. But BWV is a better location and costs less, too!

 

[vacay77]

BWV. Walking to the parks is more reliable and faster than the Skyliner. It's also easy to walk to the IG if you want to visit Riviera or just enjoy the ride.

Riviera is a beautiful resort and we hope to give Topolinos a try on our next trip. But BWV is a better location and costs less, too!

Thank you! BWV it is, lol!

 

[Tigger's ally]

I prefer the Riv. Skyliner> walking. Do like the boats option at BWI though if it is running.

 

[bbn1122]

I vote for Rivera. I will be there for the second time this summer. You can always take the Skyliner over to Boardwalk area for dinner or a stroll.

Rivera feel is luxurious. The pool areas and lakefront are so nice, so much seating. Le Petit Cafe Yummy. You can walk over to CB. And Skyliner takes you to HS too. If you can swaying the extra points. Or do a spilt stay.
I did that last November and will be doing it again this summer.

 

[CarolMN]

I vote for Rivera. I will be there for the second time this summer. You can always take the Skyliner over to Boardwalk area for dinner or a stroll.

Rivera feel is luxurious. The pool areas and lakefront are so nice, so much seating. Le Petit Cafe Yummy. You can walk over to CB. And Skyliner takes you to HS too. If you can swaying the extra points. Or do a spilt stay.
I did that last November and will be doing it again this summer.

Agree with pretty much everything you posted.

However, if being at EPCOT or DHS for rope drop is important, BWV wins. IMO, you just can't rely on the Skyliner to get you there on time. It usually doesn't start early enough, lines can be long and you have to hope the CB station sends enough empty gondolas to handle the Riviera demand if you are going to EPCOT. For DHS, you have to transfer at CB and get in that line, already full of CB guests also going there. I'd rather walk and be in control.

 

[snappy]

Another option: split stay between the two.

 

[snappy]

Rivera has nice rooms I am sure, but it is hard to beat the location of the Epcot resorts. I also like the theme better.

 

[kdm31091]

I prefer Boardwalk. If you still want to use the Skyliner it's not like it's a long walk - the international station is still definitely walkable to the Boardwalk anyway, so you don't give up much vs the Riviera, and you can walk to Epcot and HS.

 

[sethschroeder]

Boardwalk with $1k in the pocket.

I would say personally RIV is a nicer resort but the location of BWV is top notch. The extra $1k in your pocket will go a ways.

 

[Nabas]

Normally, I would pick BWV over RIV. $1000 goes a long way to paying for meals. BWV has a better location. BWV has more character.

The thing is...

I'd be influenced by where I have stayed before.

If you have stayed at BWV more than a couple of times but had never stayed at RIV, I suggest you give RIV a try.

Who knows, you might love RIV so much that you want to buy there!

 

[Brett Wyman]

We literally just made this same choice with the same dilemma. Nicer rooms or walk into two parks? We went with the Riviera as we really love an updated room and we also enjoy the Skyliner, in non-rush hour times. Plus with prefer the Riviera pools.

 

[nlenguyen]

Between the 2 resorts, which would you choose and why? My family and I are DVC members but we'd be renting points to stay at either of these two resorts. Boardwalk is about $1,000 cheaper than Riviera. I love the location of Beach Club but it looks like it's not available for when we want to visit.

I would personally do the Boardwalk. Save the extra money and spend it on a nice dinner

 

[vacay77]

Normally, I would pick BWV over RIV. $1000 goes a long way to paying for meals. BWV has a better location. BWV has more character.

The things is...

I'd be influenced by where I have stayed before.

If you have stayed at BWV more than a couple of times but had never stayed at RIV, I suggest you give RIV a try.

Who knows, you might love RIV so much that you want to buy there!

That’s what I’m afraid of . We’ve never stayed at either resort, though.

 

[Nabas]

We literally just made this same choice with the same dilemma. Nicer rooms or walk into two parks? We went with the Riviera as we really love an updated room and we also enjoy the Skyliner, in non-rush hour times. Plus with prefer the Riviera pools.

Really? The pools?

To me, the RIV pools feel more exposed and more generic. Sort of remind me of the Contemporary pool in terms of feel.

 

[havoc315]

These 2 resorts are so different... Easy to make lots of objective comparisons, but then it become a subjective question of priorities.And then there are some purely subjective factors:
Cost -- Boardwalk is cheaper.
Room size: Across all categories: Riviera rooms are significantly better
Room quality: somewhat subjective, though most would agree that the Riviera rooms are higher quality
Dining: Subjective, but depending when you visit -- If they re-open more Boardwalk area restaurants, then Boardwalk gives you more close options.
Location: Boardwalk is "closer" to Epcot for sure. If you don't mind walking, it's also a bit closer to DHS.
Pools: Somewhat subjective, but I'd say Riviera has nicer and less crowded pools.

There are other factors as well. But mostly, cheaper and better location: Boardwalk.
Nicer bigger rooms, more upscale resort: Riviera.

 

[Minniemoo15]

I would do Boardwalk if you are rope dropping...I love love the Skyliner but it's a zoo first thing in the morning and waiting in one line at RIV to then go wait in another line at CBR while watching the clock tick is not my idea fun.