The Official Riviera Owners & Info Thread

[TinkB278]

I’ve only stayed in a standard view, so I can’t really compare, but I had a few thoughts related to yours. We were on the 7th floor and I didn’t notice any road noise, I’m sure it was there but I guess not enough to be prominent to me when on the balcony. The fireworks view is nice, and seeing spaceship earth lit up from bed is amazing, making the SV something special. However, since the Epcot show isn’t all in the air and you don’t have the music, and there is the parking lot below, I think the SV is appropriate, it just gives a super nice bonus to staying standard. However, I have to argue with your “a few additional points” lol. We have 250 points and will go every other yr in a 2 BR. In July 2021 we had a enough points for 9 nights in a 2 BR SV (we have 4 kids) and one night in a BCV 2 BR. We would have only had enough points for (IIRC) 7 nights (total) in a PV. I find the price difference quite a bit, and it isn’t like at the Poly or BLT where you at least see the MK with the better view. So I guess my point is- I do think the PVs are better, but given the points difference and the actual benefits the RR has in SV (fireworks, SE) I think the SV is a gem. We also love the RR!

now I have to say that there do seem to be some lousy PVs you could get and then it would really sting to have used so many more points. It also isn’t guaranteed you get a high floor looking toward Epcot in a SV, but I guess when/if we get that ground floor room facing the entrance walkway I can at least be happy I’m staying more night in my SV than I could In a PV!

I agree with you! I think the point difference between the two is really large. We are staying in a 1 br sv in May but originally had pv booked. We got one extra night in the sv and it was still less points.

I love the pv so much, I think it is so relaxing, but for such a big difference I’d rather just stay in a sv.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

now I have to say that there do seem to be some lousy PVs you could get and then it would really sting to have used so many more points.

I think you mean the rooms that don't look at either the lake or the skyliner... the part of the East wing that kust looks at grounds on the walk between CBR and RVA. I think they ought to reassess those rooms, maybe call them garden view if that's a possibility. Or make them standard but then they would have to raise how much standard costs overall to make up for the loss.

 

[JoeDisney247365]

I would settle for the PV first as well.

In retrospect the word "settle" here is misused haha. The point difference between views to me is substantial enough to notice especially in a 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom with the low end being 57 and the high end being 103 points for a week. I would find enjoyment in either situation though and just be happy to be on vacation! Don't give me a reason to buy more points either

 

[Sandisw]

Thanks! I travel solo so I’m always afraid of somebody taking my stuff, and I don’t want to lose my spot

I am alone a lot too and other than taking my wallet and phone with me, I leave rest and never had an issue walking up to get something from the bar.

Just leave my pool bag and towels for the 5 to 10 minutes I am gone!

 

[Sandisw]

I’ve only stayed in a standard view, so I can’t really compare, but I had a few thoughts related to yours. We were on the 7th floor and I didn’t notice any road noise, I’m sure it was there but I guess not enough to be prominent to me when on the balcony. The fireworks view is nice, and seeing spaceship earth lit up from bed is amazing, making the SV something special. However, since the Epcot show isn’t all in the air and you don’t have the music, and there is the parking lot below, I think the SV is appropriate, it just gives a super nice bonus to staying standard. However, I have to argue with your “a few additional points” lol. We have 250 points and will go every other yr in a 2 BR. In July 2021 we had a enough points for 9 nights in a 2 BR SV (we have 4 kids) and one night in a BCV 2 BR. We would have only had enough points for (IIRC) 7 nights (total) in a PV. I find the price difference quite a bit, and it isn’t like at the Poly or BLT where you at least see the MK with the better view. So I guess my point is- I do think the PVs are better, but given the points difference and the actual benefits the RR has in SV (fireworks, SE) I think the SV is a gem. We also love the RR!

now I have to say that there do seem to be some lousy PVs you could get and then it would really sting to have used so many more points. It also isn’t guaranteed you get a high floor looking toward Epcot in a SV, but I guess when/if we get that ground floor room facing the entrance walkway I can at least be happy I’m staying more night in my SV than I could In a PV!

I got one of those first floor PV rooms that stung to have to spend the points. I don’t think it should be PV.

I did send a message to DVC but specifically said I was not looking for any points back because it was facing the pool/lake just more bushes.

Rather I wanted them to have the data so changes might be made down the line.

However, SV is my go to and always will be!

 

[ninafeliz]

I think you mean the rooms that don't look at either the lake or the skyliner... the part of the East wing that kust looks at grounds on the walk between CBR and RVA. I think they ought to reassess those rooms, maybe call them garden view if that's a possibility. Or make them standard but then they would have to raise how much standard costs overall to make up for the loss.

Yes, I think those in particular, and especially the lower floor ones facing that way! However, to some degree I think some of the rooms on the very lowest floors would also be not as good- that’s a bit more hit or miss depending on the room. I do almost think there should be PV (most rooms facing the pools and CBR) standard view (lower floors facing the parking lot), and medium view lol (that side view facing between the 2 resorts, some of the lowest floors facing the CBR, and the highest floors directly facing Epcot). The side facing the retention lake and skyliner is harder, because it does face fireworks without parking lot so some people actually want it, but others think it’s a bad PV since you don’t see the pools/main lake/CBR. But then there would still be unhappy people defending on what they prioritize, so in reality they can’t win. You could almost have 5 categories lol, and that’s crazy - particularly since it’s not like there’s a MK view or something!

 

[ninafeliz]

I got one of those first floor PV rooms that stung to have to spend the points. I don’t think it should be PV.

I did send a message to DVC but specifically said I was not looking for any points back because it was facing the pool/lake just more bushes.

Rather I wanted them to have the data so changes might be made down the line.

However, SV is my go to and always will be!

Yes, those rooms! It’s one thing to spend a lot more points and have an amazing view. It’s another to get a view of bushes, or the smoking area lol. At least when you pay for SV and get a straight up SV instead of one of the better ones you know you got what you signed up for!

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Yes, I think those in particular, and especially the lower floor ones facing that way! However, to some degree I think some of the rooms on the very lowest floors would also be not as good- that’s a bit more hit or miss depending on the room. I do almost think there should be PV (most rooms facing the pools and CBR) standard view (lower floors facing the parking lot), and medium view lol (that side view facing between the 2 resorts, some of the lowest floors facing the CBR, and the highest floors directly facing Epcot). The side facing the retention lake and skyliner is harder, because it does face fireworks without parking lot so some people actually want it, but others think it’s a bad PV since you don’t see the pools/main lake/CBR. But then there would still be unhappy people defending on what they prioritize, so in reality they can’t win. You could almost have 5 categories lol, and that’s crazy - particularly since it’s not like there’s a MK view or something!

Hahaha, it can get so convoluted. Do the PV rooms on the first floor have open patios? If so, some people might prefer that in order to access the pools even faster.
I happen to like the Skyliner side and it's what we requested on our first trip in 2020. DH loves the Skyliner, and there's water and grounds and no parking lot. So I think that should stay PV.

 

[PJ271]

Yes, those rooms! It’s one thing to spend a lot more points and have an amazing view. It’s another to get a view of bushes, or the smoking area lol. At least when you pay for SV and get a straight up SV instead of one of the better ones you know you got what you signed up for!

I agree with this. I would be so upset if I spent the premium for PV and got one of those rooms on the 1st or 2nd floor unable to see most of the resort but have a wonderful view of either the bushes or smoking area. I imagine it is impossible for them to reclassify these rooms without making adjustments to the points chart for the entire resort, but something needs to be done for them. It isn't many rooms, but there are a few PV rooms that just very clearly are not a PV.

 

[TinkB278]

I’m sorry, I’m sure this has been discussed a million times before. Does anyone know if there are more preferred or standard view studios? I’m trying to piece together a last minute trip and want to waitlist whichever of the two would give me greater chances. Thank you!

 

[ninafeliz]

I’m sorry, I’m sure this has been discussed a million times before. Does anyone know if there are more preferred or standard view studios? I’m trying to piece together a last minute trip and want to waitlist whichever of the two would give me greater chances. Thank you!

I don’t know the percentages off the top of my head, but there are a lot more preferred than standard. Like 70/30 I think. So if you are going for statistics and not low points, waitlist a preferred view!

 

[Akck]

I’m sorry, I’m sure this has been discussed a million times before. Does anyone know if there are more preferred or standard view studios? I’m trying to piece together a last minute trip and want to waitlist whichever of the two would give me greater chances. Thank you!

Based on the building layout, there are more preferred studios. Also, with standard being less points, they are harder to get. I will say that for a stay in September, I did get a waitlist filled but not processed for a standard studio room. I had waitlisted 1 day for a 2 day stay, when a preferred studio became open for both days. After I booked it, I canceled the waitlist and for some reason, I checked availability and a standard studio was now available. I quickly changed my preferred to a standard.

 

[TinkB278]

I don’t know the percentages off the top of my head, but there are a lot more preferred than standard. Like 70/30 I think. So if you are going for statistics and not low points, waitlist a preferred view!

i was thinking I remembered there being way more preferred but didn’t know if I was imagining it! Thank you so much!

 

[LMO429]

Does anyone have the fax number for room requests we are not dvc members paying regular rates thank you

 

[sethschroeder]

Does anyone have the fax number for room requests we are not dvc members paying regular rates thank you

Dont think they tax faxes. Even touring plans went away from faxes pretty sure to a system Disney worked with them on.

I would call Disney and ask your request be noted or use something like TouringPlans.

 

[CarolynFH]

Does anyone have the fax number for room requests we are not dvc members paying regular rates thank you

As above, since you’re booked via cash from Disney reservations, you need to call them to submit your requests, or use any other method you would use for a Disney resort reservation.

 

[samantha3590]

Just put in a request with David’s for next year 2/26-3/4 for a standard view 2 bedroom!! Are the chances good that I get this request 11 months out?

 

[Pyotr]

I did a Riviera room tour yesterday and told them I was looking to add on some points. The Grand Villa is absolutely stunning.

My guide was quick to email me all the current incentives. It’s so tempting….

My friend and I had a very good lunch at Bar Riva. The service was painfully slow but the food was really good. Does anyone know the flavor of the chicken wings? They were different but I really liked them.

 

[JavaDuck]

My friend and I had a very good lunch at Bar Riva. The service was painfully slow but the food was really good. Does anyone know the flavor of the chicken wings? They were different but I really liked them.

According to the menu the wings are made with Calabrian Chili Agrodolcetalian agrodolce,. After a quick search on google, I found this: Calabrian agrodolce is a sticky, tart-sweet condiment made by reducing sugar or honey, vinegar, and sometimes fruit and/or vegetables.

Yes, they are delicious. We also love the wings over at Cabana Banana at the Caribbean Beach Resort. We like to do a wing crawl.

 

[LMO429]

random question are the stairs easy to access at riviera. couple of years ago we stayed at the grand and I was able to take the stairs to my room instead was curious about Riviera as well.