Splurge for one night at Grand Floridian or Riviera?

[lisset005]

Hubby and I are cruising on DCL this fall to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary and thinking of splurging one night after disembarking at either GF or Riviera. We will be using DVC rentals points so its about $175/difference between the two. They are both on my bucklist or resorts to visit at some point so would love any input from those who have stayed before! Thanks in advance!

 

[We’reAllMadHere]

I assume you’re not planning on hitting a park.

They’re both wonderful resorts. With only one day/night there, I would see which has dining you would prefer and go with that.

Personally I prefer GFV and would eat at Citricos followed by fireworks viewing. I prefer the ambiance of GFV, and the pools are way nicer than the Riv. If you drink, perhaps a drink at the Enchanted Rose.

Riv would be fun if you want to take the Skyliner and walk around the Boardwalk for a while. I’ve not eaten at Topolinos but it’s supposed to be pretty tasty and lovely.

 

[lisset005]

We will be hitting a park Saturday, we havent decided which (will be doing some before the cruise also) I thought it would be nice to enjoy the pool and GF the day we disembark and resort hop on the monorail. Plus, we could see the fireworks which would be fun!

 

[Peaseblossom36]

I would do the Grand. We just rented points and stayed 3 nights before a DCL cruise and it was so nice. We had a standard view room and could see some fireworks. We also watched happily ever after down by gaspirillas and it was amazing (none of us had ever seen it).

 

[lisset005]

I would do the Grand. We just rented points and stayed 3 nights before a DCL cruise and it was so nice. We had a standard view room and could see some fireworks. We also watched happily ever after down by gaspirillas and it was amazing (none of us had ever seen it).

Dream of staying of there one day! We’re actually now looking at the island tower at the Poly and doing a split stay.

 

[LoveDaisy]

Unless you are doing MK I would pick Riv but I am not a GF fan. It was a bucket list for me and I didn’t enjoy that the hotel was a tourist attraction, for what you pay I found it chaotic. Lots of people love it, so it was probably me, but I’m not a crowd person.

 

[Marthasor]

Both beautiful resorts, but I think for a one night stay I would pick GF as there is so much more to do in that area, IMHO.

 

[ktink]

This is a hard one! Riviera is on my bucket list! We stayed a few years ago at GF. It wasn't my favorite but it was mainly due to our room location more than anything. We had gone from a BWI waterview right on the boardwalk to a sad little room with a monorail view, lol. I love Enchanted Rose & being able to watch the fireworks from GF. Can't wait to hear what you decide to do!

 

[Anthony1971]

Dream of staying of there one day! We’re actually now looking at the island tower at the Poly and doing a split stay.

Poly will have the best FW view of all 3 from the main pool or the Beach.
Was noy a fan of the fireworks from GF although decent not nearly as good as the Poly.
CR/Bay lack well if you can go to CG or Top of the world but have a very unique view as well. But paid.

 

[teamsamant]

Riviera doesn't hold a candle to Grand Floridian. Splurge on the right place. Grand Flo book dinner at Narcooses. Have fun!

 

[BibbidiBobbidiUK]

The Riviera is beautiful. It’s compact so doesn’t take an age to walk around.

One vote for Riv!

 

[DVCjj]

Stayed at both several times.

For a wonderful stay, I'd choose Riviera.
For a special wonderful stay, I'd choose Grand Floridian.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Riviera has better quick service options and is super convenient to either Epcot or Hollywood Studios. Topolinos is fine but not earth shattering. I’d also argue that there is more to do in the Boardwalk area than there is to do around GF, and as an adult I love wandering around the World Showcase at night.

Grand Floridian has better “fancy” options and is super convenient to Magic Kingdom. If going to Epcot I’d probably Lyft or Uber there and take the monorail back. I’m not a huge fan of the monorail.

If you really want a MK fireworks view you should really put BLT in the mix as well.

We own at both. You aren’t going to go wrong with either, so I’d pick the one near the park you decide to go to or a particular restaurant you want to try.

 

[Eeyore daily]

If it's between Grand Floridian Resort Studio or Riviera Deluxe Studio, I'd pick the Riviera. The bathroom doors of the resort studio were slightly uncomfortable for me and my husband. If it's between both deluxe studios then I'd pick Grand Floridian because watching the Electric Water Pageant is a highlight.

 

[DizneyFamof4]

GF gets my vote. It is a great resort with much better views than RR. Our family actually liked the view of the fireworks from GF better than POLY, more areas to see them and more places to sit.

 

[Wendysofftoneverland]

GF, unless you are going to Epcot that day. I haven't stayed at Riviera yet, but I like the monorail resort area better. The resort studio building was pretty quiet and didn't seem as chaotic as the main building.

 

[kylenne]

GF for sure. It's such a wonderful resort to do a non park day and wind down after a cruise. Lots to do on site and there is Poly next door as well. Have drinks and apps at Enchanted Rose then head to Citricos or Narcoosee's for dinner and watch the fireworks and EWP. That would be a great way to cap off a special cruise.

 

[TCRAIG]

I’ve stayed at both multiple times - I’m team Grand all the way!

 

[Mazz519]

GF for sure, the overall resort is beautiful, We have stayed at both and GF is our top choice, cant beat just hanging in the lobby