Riviera vs. AKL

[westie55]

Assuming price is not a factor, which resort would you choose AKL or Riviera? We are a family of 4 with a 3 year old and a 5 year old. I have stayed at AKL and enjoyed it but found an affordable rate at Riviera. I like the idea of being on the skyliner for easy access to HS. Does the skyliner operate if storms are in the area? We are not planning on going to Epcot this trip. Only MK and HS. The rooms at Riviera look quite nice. I like the bigger bathroom and that there are 3 sleeping surfaces compared to 2 at AKL, where I would get a standard view. Mostly I am worried about the Riviera seeming bland compared to the robust theming of AKL. What would you pick and why?

 

[Ross Kratter]

The Skyliner doesn't operate during storms or high winds.
Riviera's a beautiful resort and has my current favorite restaurant on property, Topolino's Terrace.
They're really both great choices, but Riviera places you quite a bit closer to MK and HS than AKL does. Why not give it a try if you've already stayed at AKL?

 

[clayfolks]

We own at both AKV and RIV. Since you have stayed at AKL already, I’d totally go with the RIV. It is a lovely resort. The three sleeping surfaces are excellent. My husband and I slept on the drop down bed and were really surprised with its comfort and the ease with which it can be lifted back into the wall. We had a standard view with a great fireworks view of Epcot/Spaceship Earth. The quick serve restaurant was a real treat. The food was excellent.

 

[Mainsail Minnie]

I would stay at AKL. It's beautiful, and you might get animals outside your balcony even with a standard view. You're allowed to use two feature pools, the one at Jambo and the one at Kidani. The dining is stellar and the mood at the resort is relaxed.

 

[Scubadaddy32]

I was debating this just this morning as we have to change our May 10th reservations today. We can stay CL SV for about $200.00 more, that sealed the deal for us on AKL.
We don't consider saving 10-15 minutes per day in a 10 to 12 hour day as huge of a factor as most people. When people say a resort is closer, the furthest bus ride is 17 minutes from AKL to MK. The rest of the parks from AKL are as followed less than 5 minutes to AK and less than 10 minutes to EP and HS. (I literally timed the bus trips the last time, because closeness to the parks is the most used narrative.)
We just feel you get more bang for your buck at AKL than any other resort. It has the best overall food. It's a zoo, the rooms are newly refurbished and the lobby is grand.

 

[Once.Upon.A.Time]

I'd try the Riviera.

 

[Sue M]

It depends on how much time you’ll spend at the resort. It sounds like a short trip so I’m thinking you won’t be spending too much time at the resort.
I‘d try Riviera and see how you like the Skyliner.

 

[Sarahslay]

I've stayed at AKL several times now, and have only visited Riviera once on my most recent trip, and I would totally choose Riviera over AKL. While having animals to look at is nice, especially with a savannah view room, I found that not many animals were out when I was actually at the resort. While it's nice for a resort day I personally never find that it's worth the cost. Riviera has some great dining, is a gorgeous resort, and is closer to Epcot and HS. I was skeptical of taking the skyliner, but I love it now, and it was easy to zip over there in the middle of the day from both Epcot and HS when I wanted to take a break (I wasn't staying there, but wanted to look at the resort since I'm planning to book a room there for our 2021 family trip)

 

[loves to dive]

Normally I'd say AKL because while I liked Riviera when we ate there it was sort of same same looking to me. However, since you've already stayed at AKL and Riviera would be less, I'd say go for it. The skyliner isn't a big deal for us since my son doesn't like heights and is claustrophobic so we will never ride it, but it is slightly closer to HS. Sounds like it's going to be a short trip and AKL is more of a enjoy the resort sort of place for us.

 

[westie55]

Thanks everyone! It will be 5 or 6 nights, but we do spend a bit of time at the resort since my small kids (actually more so my husband ) can't last all day at the parks. We are doing 3 days at MK and 2 days at HS. Leaning towards Riviera at this point.

 

[Donna M]

Go for it, you already stayed at AKV and you might not have an opportunity to stay at RR again.

 

[MomOTwins]

I might feel differently if you were in a savannah room at AKL, which I found to be a really special experience, but with a standard view, I would definitely switch to Riviera.