The Official Riviera Owners & Info Thread

[sethschroeder]

I appreciate the thought you put into your posts - it definitely shows. I'm new to the boards, although I started lurking last summer before jumping onto the DVC bandwagon. These boards definitely helped with our decision to join.

Which got me to thinking about the contract we purchased - which is a RIV FW. Isn't that kind of like a mini version of paying extra to guarantee a particular outcome (standard studio for week 39)? I understand it's not the same as picking a specific room, but every year I use the FW, I use more points than is required by the points chart* to guarantee my week. So while not necessarily a "fee", it certainly costs more. (*I know point allocations can change over time by room type/time of year).

Having said that, you bring up excellent points re: logistics. I'm in your camp; just not sure DVC wouldn't be able to pull it off if it wanted to.

The FW is very limited and was defined when the resort was legally created. Its why you dont see FW on other resorts that already didn't have them.

I could be wrong but its my understanding on how and why they can/do exist specific locations.

They could like with RIV starting resale restrictions though possibly create new resorts with the ability to pay more to book specific rooms.

Instead something I think they can do though would be no charge pick your room (like that of Hilton and other major hotel brands) in an app a day or two out.

 

[Orbiter_Fan]

The FW is very limited and was defined when the resort was legally created. Its why you dont see FW on other resorts that already didn't have them.

I could be wrong but its my understanding on how and why they can/do exist specific locations.

They could like with RIV starting resale restrictions though possibly create new resorts with the ability to pay more to book specific rooms.

Instead something I think they can do though would be no charge pick your room (like that of Hilton and other major hotel brands) in an app a day or two out.

Good points. I was thinking along the lines of DVC adding that feature to new resorts. But then, how would you know which room you'd prefer? Take PIT - I wouldn't have the slightest idea which room I'd prefer, since I haven't stayed there.

The main reason we bought a FW was to avoid having to plan/stalk/waitlist/walk reservations over the years. All I really need is a functioning room - I care not where it is on the resort (we're mainly a park family) -for now.

 

[OneOftheB's]

I would complain about that and I essentially rarely complain about anything.

We did the next morning. It was one of several issues we had that trip, and while we were not able to move, we were refunded the points. Which didn't really help, as it was a trip that was planned to burn banked points after our Hawaii trip was cancelled. Our friends who were able to stay at the Poly for free on us were happy though.

I will say every other stay at the Riviera has been outstanding, and we've stayed there at least once a year since the resort opened.

 

[Sandisw]

I appreciate the thought you put into your posts - it definitely shows. I'm new to the boards, although I started lurking last summer before jumping onto the DVC bandwagon. These boards definitely helped with our decision to join.

Which got me to thinking about the contract we purchased - which is a RIV FW. Isn't that kind of like a mini version of paying extra to guarantee a particular outcome (standard studio for week 39)? I understand it's not the same as picking a specific room, but every year I use the FW, I use more points than is required by the points chart* to guarantee my week. So while not necessarily a "fee", it certainly costs more. (*I know point allocations can change over time by room type/time of year).

Having said that, you bring up excellent points re: logistics. I'm in your camp; just not sure DVC wouldn't be able to pull it off if it wanted to.

That is the one exception as you are paying for priority to have a FW

But that also comes with limits. You can’t shorten it or change the start date…must be Sunday to Sunday.

If you use the points for it it won’t be booked. If you cancel it one year and bank the points, the banked points can’t be used to book it.

Outside of that, though, the contract details out the booking and charging for a specific room is simply not something I think they can do expect maybe as part of membership extras when room assignments are being done, after all rooms have been booked for that date.

 

[mac_tlc]

If I moved the camera a few feet to the left, you would see the walkway. The main walkway from the lobby and the East side of the resort to the Skyliner. Plenty of traffic, as would be expected.

I have been a member since 1992 and I do disagree with many of the thoughts on this thread such as no differentiation, paying extra for a specific room number, etc. All I ask is the the view classification be accurate, no more no less. Say what you will but if you asked 100 people, I don't many would "prefer" that view.


mac_tlc

 

[jennypenny]

I agree, the system works fine as long as the rooms are categorized correctly. RR really needs to recategorize some preferred rooms to resort view, even if it means increasing the points required per night across the entire resort view category. I'd be ok with them adding a third category for the worst views like at BLT.

I think people would be more willing to pay the point premium for preferred view if they knew they were getting a courtyard view. I know we would.

 

[Girlstar30]

Just thought I'd post this for all the Riviera foodies!

Two new desserts just dropped at Riv's Le Petit Cafe!

The Poached Pear Entremet and the Orange Cream Eclair!

They replaced the Honey Pistachio Entremet and the Lemon Profiterole! Hopefully these weren't anyone's favorite!

Found these photos online, the pear one looks loaded!

 

[Brian Noble]

That eclair looks like a giant Cheeto.

 

[Girlstar30]

That eclair looks like a giant Cheeto.

It really does!

 

[sethschroeder]

That eclair looks like a giant Cheeto.

Disney outsourced to Frito-Lay and its what the intern came up with. haha