The Official Riviera Owners & Info Thread

[jamesweikamp]

What has everyone's experiences been like with the Bus Transportation to MK or AK?

I echo what everyone said about it being good. Would also note that you can easily leverage the CBR bus if it arrives before RIV.

 

[jamesweikamp]

Hi, all. Sorry I've been MIA. I decided to get a divorce and went back to work full time from part time. I think I've got my feet under me now. If anything needs to be updated, please call it out. I'll be doing my own review but you are all so helpful and knowledgeable. Thank you for keeping up how helpful this thread is. And all the beautiful pics are making me sad my next trip isn't until New Year's!! Summer

Glad to have you back. Sorry life has gone a little sideways lately.

 

[Flash_Sloth]

I echo what everyone said about it being good. Would also note that you can easily leverage the CBR bus if it arrives before RIV.

I've done the same thing when returning to Riv. On my most recent trip, I did it 2 times. Coming from different places, the bus routes loop around CBR with a different starting point.

I was at Disney Springs, Riv bus wasn't there but CBR was, and I took the CBR bus and got off at the first CBR bus stop Martinique & walked.

I was at DAK, Riv bus wasn't there but CBR was, so I took the CBR bus and got off at the second CBR bus stop Aruba & walked.

I like having another option with the bus routes.

 

[Canchaser143]

I've done the same thing when returning to Riv. On my most recent trip, I did it 2 times. Coming from different places, the bus routes loop around CBR with a different starting point.

I was at Disney Springs, Riv bus wasn't there but CBR was, and I took the CBR bus and got off at the first CBR bus stop Martinique & walked.

I was at DAK, Riv bus wasn't there but CBR was, so I took the CBR bus and got off at the second CBR bus stop Aruba & walked.

I like having another option with the bus routes.

This is so smart! Something I have not thought of!

 

[Nivarm09]

So my wife and I are thinking about buying a 50 point add-on contract at Riviera but were planning on seeing how our trip in July at VGF goes in case we rather buy there. After listening to the DVC Fan live stream last week, we're worried about the prospect of a Riviera price per point increase due to DLT going on sale. Is anyone else thinking this price increase could happen? BTW - We want to buy direct as we would use these points with our existing 150pt SSR contract on other DVC resorts

 

[mz-s]

So my wife and I are thinking about buying a 50 point add-on contract at Riviera but were planning on seeing how our trip in July at VGF goes in case we rather buy there. After listening to the DVC Fan live stream last week, we're worried about the prospect of a Riviera price per point increase due to DLT going on sale. Is anyone else thinking this price increase could happen? BTW - We want to buy direct as we would use these points with our existing 150pt SSR contract on other DVC resorts

They just increased the price in December and direct sales seem to be fairly soft right now. I wouldn't expect another increase so soon but you never know.

 

[Nursemanit]

So my wife and I are thinking about buying a 50 point add-on contract at Riviera but were planning on seeing how our trip in July at VGF goes in case we rather buy there. After listening to the DVC Fan live stream last week, we're worried about the prospect of a Riviera price per point increase due to DLT going on sale. Is anyone else thinking this price increase could happen? BTW - We want to buy direct as we would use these points with our existing 150pt SSR contract on other DVC resorts

For 50 points any incentives don't kick in, so now will always beat later price wise.

 

[UofMGuy423]

We're staying in a 2BR Standard view room this June, past trips we've had Preferred so didn't have a fireworks view. Is music available for the Epcot fireworks show on the TV?

 

[Nursemanit]

We're staying in a 2BR Standard view room this June, past trips we've had Preferred so didn't have a fireworks view. Is music available for the Epcot fireworks show on the TV?

No and it is a very distant view of the fireworks- better to go to Epcot

 

[Sandisw]

We're staying in a 2BR Standard view room this June, past trips we've had Preferred so didn't have a fireworks view. Is music available for the Epcot fireworks show on the TV?

No, but they are awesome! We don’t stay at the parks until they close so seeing both the MK and Epcot ones are such a nice way to end our night!!

 

[kimmar067]

I felt kind of meh on Riviera when I first arrived there, but after like a day or so, the resort totally grew on me and now I adore it. It has a kind of quiet appeal that just feel good. The intimate size, the ambience, music. It’s lovely.

ITA!

 

[BridgetR3]

Help me remember - the soda machines at Riviera have Pibb Extra correct? Thanks!

 

[jamesweikamp]

Help me remember - the soda machines at Riviera have Pibb Extra correct? Thanks!

Yes. There are several coke freestyle machines.

 

[MarkNC2Disney]

Yes. There are several coke freestyle machines.

Those things are the best

 

[arich35]

Wife and I toured today and love it. We are thinking about getting a 60 point contract for now so we can go 4-5 nights a year (we typically do May or early December).

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Wife and I toured today and love it. We are thinking about getting a 60 point contract for now so we can go 4-5 nights a year (we typically do May or early December).

How nice! If it's just the two of you and you want tower studios, owning is a must for the 11 month advantage! And the standard studios are a decent savings compared to preferred... though I do love that view of the lake and the skyliner

 

[arich35]

How nice! If it's just the two of you and you want tower studios, owning is a must for the 11 month advantage! And the standard studios are a decent savings compared to preferred... though I do love that view of the lake and the skyliner

I am a little worried how hard it would be to get the tower studio. We usually travel just the two of us the first week of May or first week of December

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

I am a little worried how hard it would be to get the tower studio. We usually travel just the two of us the first week of May or first week of December

The first week of May should be ok if you're booking at 11 months. Even at 10 months it might be fine based on what in seeing. First two weeks of December are the busiest for DVC, so that can be tough. You'll have a fighting chance, though, being an owner.

 

[mz-s]

I am a little worried how hard it would be to get the tower studio. We usually travel just the two of us the first week of May or first week of December

People don't seem to be walking tower studios, at least not to the extent of the value studios at Jambo, so at least for now you're in good shape. As more and more people buy, maybe that will change. Time will tell.

 

[Flash_Sloth]

Wife and I toured today and love it. We are thinking about getting a 60 point contract for now so we can go 4-5 nights a year (we typically do May or early December).

I am a little worried how hard it would be to get the tower studio. We usually travel just the two of us the first week of May or first week of December

Glad you loved it. If you do buy, welcome home, and maybe we'll see each other. We have a guaranteed week contract for early December.

As others have mentioned, December is very popular for DVC, so it may be difficult to book the room you want. Lower point rooms like the Tower Studios and the standard view Deluxe Studios tend to go quickly.

Also remember that they adjust the points charts every year to try to even out demand throughout the year. Over the past couple of years, they have increased the points per night in December & reduced it at other times. If you're counting on 60 points to get you exactly X nights during a particular season, it might be a little more or less in future years.