Thinking of buying RIV direct, help me decide!

[JoshF]

If you really love Riviera, you should go ahead and buy there. Might a good idea to wait a few months as I expect they’ll start releasing better incentives when direct sales don’t pick up.

I spoke to a DVC rep yesterday. He says sales are really good now with this promo. I wonder who can verify this.

 

[Eric Smith]

I spoke to a DVC rep yesterday. He says sales are really good now with this promo. I wonder who can verify this.

I’m sure they said that. I’m also very skeptical that that is actually true.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

maybe they are peculiar particular about geography ...
View attachment 511271

Lol, I guess that's it.

But you can see the Polynesian from the Grand Floridian and walk from one to the other...

The argument that RIV is built on land for a moderate feels a little bit classist to me.

 

[CastAStone]

Thanks for all your input! I am in my mid-30s so I don't think I will plan to sell anytime soon. I am a life-long Disney fan, having gone to Disneyland almost every year for my entire life, with many visits to WDW and Aulani as well. Even when my kids are grown, I suspect I would still want to go to WDW, or I could let my kids use the contract. I like that Riviera offers the smaller 2 person Tower rooms, which would work great for if my Mom comes on the trip, or when my kids are grown.

My opinion on Riviera is that it’s a terrible resale buy but a reasonable direct purchase IF:

1. You love the resort. Like isn’t good enough with the point chart, dues, and likely lower resale value
2. You are good with the MFs and Point Chart
3. You will mostly use the points at Riviera
4. You are pretty darn confident you won’t sell in the next 20 years.

If all of that is true, your plan makes sense! Enjoy!

 

[Starport Seven-Five]

Oh, I agree with a lot of these assessments. The high point chart and MF worried me more than resale restrictions, though the resale restrictions do worry me about value should I decide to resell later on (though, yes, some of the monorail resorts have higher point charts; Poly's standard studios are more than Riv's standard studios). I was specifically asking around the comments of "moderate location" and "shares skyliner with value resorts," though, as I've seen that mentioned very frequently. Like, I hear the location of AKL mentioned a lot, but SSR actually has some longer bus times than AKL does. Is what makes RIV a "moderate location" its proximity to CBR, or is that it doesn't have direct access to a park? Do those who think of Riv as a moderate location, think similarly of the locations of CCV/BRV, AKL, SSR, OKW? If not, why not? Sorry, I just get super fascinated sometimes with the distinctions people make, and why or what matters to different people.

Personally, I see SSR/OKW as moderates. AKL and CCV/BRV have touches that make them feel more deluxe to me (a grand lobby and line of sight themeing) than Riviera. Yes, I know many of the deluxe resorts do not have line of sight themeing but with that you gain proximity to 1 or more parks... which Riviera also doesn't have. My opinion might shift some after the Skyliner is more established and trusted but for now I view it as a bonus instead of reliable transportation.

I think the root of the issue is that we're talking about resorts that are shades of grey apart and trying to put labels on them. I think we can all agree that Beach Club is more desirable than OKW.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I spoke to a DVC rep yesterday. He says sales are really good now with this promo. I wonder who can verify this.

And the sales reps kept saying that BLT was going to sell out during it's member only opening of sales.

They were closed down for sales for quite a long time so there's probably some pent up demand but other than that take info from guides on how sales are doing as being worth a grain of salt. They have tons of points so it's really neither here nor there anyway.

 

[The Jackal]

So I've heard this "location of a moderate resort" a few times. I'm curious, do people consider BRV/CCV, AKL, SSR and OKW to be the "location of a moderate resort" as well, given FW, All Stars, and POR/POFQ located in similar spots, and none of them are walk-in to parks or primarily rely on buses (though BRV/CCV has the ferry to MK)? And while the Gondola is shared with a moderate and value resorts, does that really impact the gondola's service to the parks for Riviera? I respect that for some folks those are deal breakers, but I curious how some rank the resorts in terms of location and transportation.

The land that RIV is built on, used to be part of CBR. They demolished all the buildings and built RIV on that land. When you look out towards the lake all you see is CBR. At AKV/ SSR/ OKW and BRV/CCV you cannot see a moderate resort. The Skyliner station at RIV is the closest one for approximately 1/3 of CBR. This why some people say it’s a location of a moderate resort.

 

[CastAStone]

Personally, I see SSR/OKW as moderates. AKL and CCV/BRV have touches that make them feel more deluxe to me (a grand lobby and line of sight themeing) than Riviera. Yes, I know many of the deluxe resorts do not have line of sight themeing but with that you gain proximity to 1 or more parks... which Riviera also doesn't have. My opinion might shift some after the Skyliner is more established and trusted but for now I view it as a bonus instead of reliable transportation.

I think the root of the issue is that we're talking about resorts that are shades of grey apart and trying to put labels on them. I think we can all agree that Beach Club is more desirable than OKW.

The land that RIV is built on, used to be part of CBR. They demolished all the buildings and built RIV on that land. When you look out towards the lake all you see is CBR. At AKV/ SSR/ OKW and BRV/CCV you cannot see a moderate resort. The Skyliner station at RIV is the closest one for approximately 1/3 of CBR. This why some people say it’s a location of a moderate resort.

What is a Moderate? As best as I can tell the only consistent different between Disney’s Moderate resorts and Deluxe resorts is room square footage. There are moderates with better pools than some deluxes, better restaurants than some deluxes, better transportation to the parks than some deluxes, with workout facilities, with interior hallways, with multiple table service restaurants, with specially themed rooms, and every moderate has queen beds now (except the Pirate rooms).

The differences have become quite blurred.

I can’t see OKW or SSR as moderates when I have a kitchen and in room laundry staying there. But it’s pretty easy to disagree because I’m not sure even Disney knows what the difference is anymore.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

What is a Moderate? As best as I can tell the only consistent different between Disney’s Moderate resorts and Deluxe resorts is room square footage. There are moderates with better pools than some deluxes, better restaurants than some deluxes, better transportation to the parks than some deluxes, with workout facilities, with interior hallways, with multiple table service restaurants, with specially themed rooms, and every moderate has queen beds now (except the Pirate rooms).

The differences have become quite blurred.

I can’t see OKW or SSR as moderates when I have a kitchen and in room laundry staying there. But it’s pretty easy to disagree because I’m not sure even Disney knows what the difference is anymore.

I totally agree, these distinctions are rather meaningless. If Reflections gets built by some miracle, I predict it will get dissed for being on the site of a former waterpark somehow.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I can’t see OKW or SSR as moderates when I have a kitchen and in room laundry staying there. But it’s pretty easy to disagree because I’m not sure even Disney knows what the difference is anymore.

I think that is what Disney is trying to do - blur the lines so much and remove the categorizations. Then they can feel free to not be stuck to certain pricing either. There's a decent difference in rooms between moderates and deluxes though. Balconies/patios or something that gives you a window on the end of the room vs one by the door like a motel. They've stepped up the game in the moderates decor but they still remind me of traditional motel vs hotel.

However I don't consider Riviera a moderate in anyway and don't think that looking out over one means it's a moderate nor does the fact that the land it was built on used to be part of the moderate resort. It's one DVC timeshare in a variety of DVC timeshare resorts.

 

[Lorana]

I totally agree, these distinctions are rather meaningless. If Reflections gets built by some miracle, I predict it will get dissed for being on the site of a former waterpark somehow.

Or because it’s adjacent to FW Campgrounds.

I for one really want them to build Reflections and intend to buy there. The theming, location, different types of accommodations, and the lazy river of the current plans are all exactly what I want in a DVC.

okay, yes, I’d rather more like WL and AKL from that “lodge” feeling rather than “modern with hints of nature” but it’s close enough that I’m excited for it.

 

[i<3riviera]

͏

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Or because it’s adjacent to FW Campgrounds.

I for one really want them to build Reflections and intend to buy there. The theming, location, different types of accommodations, and the lazy river of the current plans are all exactly what I want in a DVC.

okay, yes, I’d rather more like WL and AKL from that “lodge” feeling rather than “modern with hints of nature” but it’s close enough that I’m excited for it.

I hope they build it too and would consider it. I thought the concept art looked cool and actually like the modern/nature design

 

[EM Lawrence]

I'm always puzzled to hear RIV described as an Epcot resort. Is this because of the skyliner? Because by that logic, POP, CBR, and AOA are Epcot resorts too. I only consider BWV and BCV Epcot resorts.

FWIW, the proximity to CBR would not bother me at all if I wanted to purchase RIV. I actually think having access to another resort's amenities and being able to pool hop to CBR would be perks. I have not been to RIV yet, but the pool does not look like anything super special just from the pictures. Perhaps it is better in person. The CBR pool is fantastic!

 

[CastAStone]

ambiguity around moderate / deluxe and grey areas aside, I think we can all agree the All-Star Resorts are the premier hotel accommodations at Walt Disney World, only potentially rivaled by the Four Seasons; I'm reluctant to even refer to the All-Star Resorts as hotels being they are more of a spiritual experience

• fine dining: Cinnamon Bun Burger (on a secret menu no less!)
• open floor plan: no doors / separate rooms for bathrooms / closets
• enormous shared balconies: albeit shared with all other rooms on your floor
• mid-century motel chic styling

post script
I do love All-Stars Resorts, staying at them frequently with extended family on reunion trips! the above is meant as light-hearted humor

And the new renovation includes those Murphy beds everyone is so excited about!

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

I'm always puzzled to hear RIV described as an Epcot resort. Is this because of the skyliner? Because by that logic, POP, CBR, and AOA are Epcot resorts too. I only consider BWV and BCV Epcot resorts.

I believe CBR is considered an Epcot area resort on DME yellow tags, and maybe on the ambiguous purple road signs on WDW property. I'm not sure about POP and AOA, but I do know all three share Magical Express buses.

 

[RhodyKP]

I'm always puzzled to hear RIV described as an Epcot resort. Is this because of the skyliner? Because by that logic, POP, CBR, and AOA are Epcot resorts too. I only consider BWV and BCV Epcot resorts.

FWIW, the proximity to CBR would not bother me at all if I wanted to purchase RIV. I actually think having access to another resort's amenities and being able to pool hop to CBR would be perks. I have not been to RIV yet, but the pool does not look like anything super special just from the pictures. Perhaps it is better in person. The CBR pool is fantastic!

Are you allowed to pool hop to CBR if you're staying at RIV? Why did I think pool hopping was no longer allowed?

 

[EM Lawrence]

Are you allowed to pool hop to CBR if you're staying at RIV? Why did I think pool hopping was no longer allowed?

Pool hopping is still a perk for DVC members, but not for cash guests at RIV. It may be temporarily suspended due to Covid, but the perk has not gone away. There’s just a long list of pools that are excluded now.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

I'm always puzzled to hear RIV described as an Epcot resort. Is this because of the skyliner? Because by that logic, POP, CBR, and AOA are Epcot resorts too. I only consider BWV and BCV Epcot resorts.

FWIW, the proximity to CBR would not bother me at all if I wanted to purchase RIV. I actually think having access to another resort's amenities and being able to pool hop to CBR would be perks. I have not been to RIV yet, but the pool does not look like anything super special just from the pictures. Perhaps it is better in person. The CBR pool is fantastic!

I think it depends on how you want to look at it. Disney considers both RIV and CBR as Epcot Area Resorts, according to their respective websites. AoA and POP are listed as Wide World of Sports Resort Area. I think their logic is general proximity. If you only consider BWV and BCV Epcot resorts because you can walk, then BLT is currently the only Magic Kingdom resort, and AKL is not an Animal Kingdom resort.

 

[JoshF]

Pool hopping is still a perk for DVC members, but not for cash guests at RIV. It may be temporarily suspended due to Covid, but the perk has not gone away. There’s just a long list of pools that are excluded now.

Where can I find the excluded pool list?