Thinking of buying RIV direct, help me decide!

[dvc lover 1970]

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.

I think GF and Poly are now MK resorts. I think the walkway is now open from GF. Can anyone confirm this?

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Where can I find the excluded pool list?

Here: https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/discounts-perks-offers/recreation-relaxation/pools/

It also includes blockout dates, another consideration.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

I think GF and Poly are now MK resorts. I think the walkway is now open from GF. Can anyone confirm this?

I think they have always been MK resorts! And WL and Fort Wilderness too.

 

[zakdavid]

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 say it because of the skyliner. Straight shot from Riviera

 

[davidl81]

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.

I have always considered OKW and SSR the equivalent of moderate resorts. There is nothing wrong with them of course, but there is also nothing deluxe about them either. AKV I am fine calling deluxe because of the animals and the overall feel of the resort.
RIV to me appears to be a deluxe quality resort with a slightly less than deluxe location. But the skyliner mostly makes up for this.
I personally am currently debating adding on about 200 points and it’s either going to be RIV direct or a SSR resale. But this is just for extra points, so I’m leaning SSR.

 

[zakdavid]

I think GF and Poly are now MK resorts. I think the walkway is now open from GF. Can anyone confirm this?

Still a work in progress

 

[RivShore]

So I could buy 200 direct RVA points and split them up into smaller contracts and still get the lower price point? Did not know that, but that is something to consider! Thanks!

My UY at GCV is Feb, and we usually go WDW the same week in Feb each year, so I am partial to the Feb UY, but that is something to consider with the 2019 points.

Also another reason to split them, if you have more than one kid to pass them on to, split the contracts evenly so it will be easier to transfer them.

 

[sethschroeder]

I'm curious, do people consider BRV/CCV, AKL, SSR and OKW to be the "location of a moderate resort"

AKL is by itself, is argued to have terrible location, but is made up exclusively by the savanna.

BRV/CCV is on property with a deluxe resort and had a whole abandoned water park between it and Fort Wilderness which is a campground not a moderate.

SSR is constantly ragged on for its location, be spread out, and huge number of people that use it only for sleep around points, somewhat same with OKW.

By the way every resort you named has a drastically lower point chart.

Oh and almost forgot they leveled a part not even all of a moderate resort to build RIV. You literally are surrounded by a moderate (albeit one of people's favorites) plus you are directly connected to value resorts.

 

[ChipNdale8887]

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.

I agree. Honestly if they built a DVC resort off of Port Orleans i would be all over there. We love Riverside.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

You literally are surrounded by a moderate (albeit one of people's favorites) plus you are directly connected to value resorts.

Oh the horror?

 

[sethschroeder]

Oh the horror?

Correct when you are paying deluxe prices for a moderate then yes I think its relevant.

I love all the RIV location defenders that try to act like somehow pointing that out is me saying I am better than others. No its called stating a fact otherwise why is Gran Destino not more expensive than many of the Deluxe resorts? By all accounts (and the NBA) its on of the top 4-5 resorts on property it would seem.

To clarify the hotel itself seems like it would be nice I was there and briefly saw it back in December. I am specifically calling out the location which I think is factual to state is subpar to park adjacent resorts (again specific to location).

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

I love all the RIV location defenders that try to act like somehow pointing that out is me saying I am better than others

No, that's not quite it. I just don't understand why the proximity to value and moderate resorts is a such negative for RIV.

its called stating a fact otherwise why is Gran Destino not more expensive than many of the Deluxe resorts

Gran Destino doesn't have Skyliner access to Epcot/Hollywood Studios. Also, it is not a fact that any DVC resort is deluxe or moderate, etc. Those terms come from Disney's tier system for hotels, but Disney doesn't make such distinctions for DVC. It's us, the fans, who are making these distinctions, which just vary by opinion and preference. But the categories don't translate well to the larger diversity of DVC resorts--I say just take each for what they offer instead of fitting them into the hotel tier system.

To clarify the hotel itself seems like it would be nice I was there and briefly saw it back in December. I am specifically calling out the location which I think is factual to state is subpar to park adjacent resorts (again specific to location).

Right, so it seems that leaving aside the tier-system terms, our difference of opinion comes down to our views on the location. I think that RIV is comparable in this regard to VGF and PVR: the Skyliner acts like the monorail for the MK resorts. In this sense, how's RIV location regarding park proximity different than VGF and PVR?

The fact that CBR is next door or that POP and AoA are also on the Skyliner system don't detract from how easy it is for RIV guests to get to EPCOT (1 stop) or HS (2 stops)--and in my opinion, it's quite nice to have integration between these different hotels and resorts, it's great for exploring, dining, going for a jog, etc. And these four are connected to the Boardwalk area, even better! Now BWV, BCR, RIV, CBR, and yes, POP and AoA guests can all benefit from the Skyliner connections.

 

[sethschroeder]

No, that's not quite it. I just don't understand why the proximity to value and moderate resorts is a such negative for RIV.

It's a moderate resort location and still has the old resort sirounding it. Not sure what's not to get?

how's RIV location regarding park proximity different than VGF and PVR?

Boat and monorail, BLT is hands down better access (until they can walk) but guess what GF and Poly have a lake view of MK. If GF and Poly were staring at a moderate resort they would be detracted on location more so than they are now.

Dont forget rumors and hope of an eventual walking path which is now a thing.

-I say just take each for what they offer instead of fitting them into the hotel tier system.

Which is why people bring up the location and that you are surround by a moderate and connected directly to a Value resort. It's the same way people don't look at Gran Destino the same way since its connected to a moderate resort.

To be clear I never said RIV was a moderate. I stated it's on the torn down section of a moderate resort. RIV is a great hotel from what I saw back in December doesn't impact the outline of location being subpar.

Oh and if you can't understand the difference between looking across a lake at MK or looking across a lake at CBR I cant help there. It's why my rankings for location go BWV/BCV/BLT > VGF/POLY > RIV/CCV/BRV > AKV/SSR/OKW

 

[CastAStone]

It's a moderate resort location and still has the old resort sirounding it. Not sure what's not to get?

I think is point is, so what? How does that matter at all?

Clearly it matters to you. I think that's probably unusual.

 

[sethschroeder]

I think is point is, so what? How does that matter at all?

Clearly it matters to you. I think that's probably unusual.

Why does anything matter? I mean location is why Disney hotels cost so much.

Disney labeling and people paying for moderate level accommodation points to the location being subpar. The pricing then is higher because of finishes or other aspects.

I didn't even bring it up on this thread someone else tried to act like location was never brought up for other resorts (when it is).

If you don't mind the location that's fine but that doesn't invalidate pointing out what it is.

 

[Lorana]

I didn't even bring it up on this thread someone else tried to act like location was never brought up for other resorts (when it is).

As the person who asked the question, what I actually asked is why it is said often that RIV is “a moderate location” and why it’s a negative to share the skyline with value resorts when the skyline gives direct access to Epcot & Hollywood Studios. I didn’t say no one brings up location with the other resorts, but I’ve never heard people say “AKL/SSR/OKW is a moderate location.” Instead what they often complain about is “it only has bus access to parks” or “it’s a long bus ride to MK” or “it doesn’t have direct access to a park other than by bus.” By those standards, Riviera is superior to all three of those resorts: it has direct access to two parks via the Skyliner, Skyliner access to the Boardwalk, and a transportation method other than buses. This, I was trying to figure out why it seemed in discussing RIV those facts weren’t given higher weight, and why it was a negative that it was near CBR and that the Skyliner also connected to Pop and AoA. Though it does seem from the personal rankings you shared that you see it as equal to CCV/BRV.

I personally love AKL, CCV and BRV, and own style all three. I’ve wanted to own at BCV but the pricing has caused me to hold off, and I was initially intrigued with Riviera precisely because of the Skyliner. The high dues and point chart has given me pause (add in the resale restriction...) though admittedly the point chart is better than Poly, which is another resort we’d consider.

But that’s part of why I asked my question as I noted earlier — I was curious as to what different things people valued because we all do value different things

 

[sethschroeder]

I was trying to figure out why it seemed in discussing RIV those facts weren’t given higher weight

Because

I’ve never heard people say “AKL/SSR/OKW is a moderate location.” Instead what they often complain about is “it only has bus access to parks” or “it’s a long bus ride to MK” or “it doesn’t have direct access to a park other than by bus.”

Location issues are brought up. The location issue for RIV is that its on the property of a torn down section of a Moderate resort (ie less prime real estate) and directly attached to very large moderate/value resorts.

By those standards, Riviera is superior to all three of those resorts: it has direct access to two parks via the Skyliner, Skyliner access to the Boardwalk, and a transportation method other than buses.

The transportation is superior to those resorts and I do view it as better than those resorts for the location. So there is zero argument there.

trying to figure out why it seemed in discussing RIV those facts weren’t given higher weight

Because people are not comparing RIV to AKV (everyone would hate it if it didn't have the savanna). They are also not comparing to OKW/SSR which for many is simply a resort you buy at when you want sleep around points and are rated likely in last place for WDW resorts.

Instead when talking about RIV (with its price point, point charts, and MFs) you are comparing it to VGF, POLY, BCV, BWV.

AKV/OKW/SSR are all less expensive (before MFs), are cheaper resale, have lower point charts, and have lower MFs (although OKW is getting close and may pass it soon).

why it was a negative that it was near CBR and that the Skyliner also connected to Pop and AoA.

The location negative is that you are in a location that was undervalued by Disney because it was not park adjacent. It is not on the same level as those resorts you can walk from and does not have the views to make up for not being able to walk like VGF/POLY. They thus had to try and find a way to connect it to make it seem like its next to the park (same as the boat for WL/CCV/BRV).

Also for me the negative to being attached to CBR/AOA/POP is you are attached to 5200 rooms at resorts with lesser quality food and shopping options (IMO Deluxe vs Moderate vs Value). You also are a small resort (small footprint and less than 500 rooms) which when you see a influx of guests will be more noticed and possibly have an impact on your food locations.

All of that sums up the though its attached to a Moderate resort without multiple paragraphs discussed on various RIV threads.

 

[ChipNdale8887]

Because



Location issues are brought up. The location issue for RIV is that its on the property of a torn down section of a Moderate resort (ie less prime real estate) and directly attached to very large moderate/value resorts.



The transportation is superior to those resorts and I do view it as better than those resorts for the location. So there is zero argument there.



Because people are not comparing RIV to AKV (everyone would hate it if it didn't have the savanna). They are also not comparing to OKW/SSR which for many is simply a resort you buy at when you want sleep around points and are rated likely in last place for WDW resorts.

Instead when talking about RIV (with its price point, point charts, and MFs) you are comparing it to VGF, POLY, BCV, BWV.

AKV/OKW/SSR are all less expensive (before MFs), are cheaper resale, have lower point charts, and have lower MFs (although OKW is getting close and may pass it soon).



The location negative is that you are in a location that was undervalued by Disney because it was not park adjacent. It is not on the same level as those resorts you can walk from and does not have the views to make up for not being able to walk like VGF/POLY. They thus had to try and find a way to connect it to make it seem like its next to the park (same as the boat for WL/CCV/BRV).

Also for me the negative to being attached to CBR/AOA/POP is you are attached to 5200 rooms at resorts with lesser quality food and shopping options (IMO Deluxe vs Moderate vs Value). You also are a small resort (small footprint and less than 500 rooms) which when you see a influx of guests will be more noticed and possibly have an impact on your food locations.

All of that sums up the though its attached to a Moderate resort without multiple paragraphs discussed on various RIV threads.

How did you like the skyliner when you rode it? Curious your thoughts.

 

[sethschroeder]

How did you like the skyliner when you rode it? Curious your thoughts.

I liked it but really think there should not be a stop to RIV from HS and the gondola should automatically be routed to the other line (it is already taken off the line).

At the time I wanted to see how it would hold up during summer and if they would start running it through thunderstorms.

It's unlikely to happen now but would have really liked to see the Skyliner expanded to places like AK/AKV.

 

[CastAStone]

I liked it but really think there should not be a stop to RIV from HS and the gondola should automatically be routed to the other line (it is already taken off the line).

At the time I wanted to see how it would hold up during summer and if they would start running it through thunderstorms.

It's unlikely to happen now but would have really liked to see the Skyliner expanded to places like AK/AKV.

I think the Skyliner saves Disney money, encourages onsite stays, and allows them to charge more for connected resorts. Therefore even with all of this, I anticipate it will be expanded sooner rather than later. Not like a groundbreaking in the next 12 months, because again, hell year, but come 2026 I’d be shocked if there’s not a completed skyliner somewhere else.