What if…

[airjay75]

Consider this though. If blue card status is what you’re after as well as some points that can be used at RIV, a 150 RIV points might make a lot more sense.

Current incentive for 150 RIV points with magical beginnings, $1,000 anniversary credit, $1,000 Disney Visa credit works out to about $190/point.

Resale RIV goes for about $120. That’s a $70/point depreciation hit (or about 37%).

Real SSR goes for about $90/point. That’s a $60 depreciation hit (which is actually a higher 40%).

But, owning at RIV ensures you will have a much better chance securing resort view rooms, which will require less points. Those direct SSR points will likely end up resulting in preferred view rooms at RIV.

Also, $150x200=$30,000.00
$190x150=$28,500.00

So, actually less money up front to buy 150 RIV points than SSR points.

And RIV has 16 more years left on the contract (which, I know you don’t plan to use it for all those years, but that means even when you decide to stop using it and sell it, there will be more years of value left on the contract).

 

[melissa70]

Still hard No with the AKV selling. If keep the AKV, then sure $150 for 200 direct add on..go for it! (You were pondering PVB direct..held off..now this opportunity for that price on a 2054 direct for solid points, good price, and extras…figured would have signed 30 minutes ago.

It is so tempting I’m losing my mind lol

 

[juliebee]

If I recall correctly, AKV was your first contract and just purchased in the fall of 2025. That would be quite the financial hit to sell so quickly. Can you add-on instead of selling?

 

[Wedgeout]

No extra processing resale fee add on either. Click here, click there…stare at your new dashboard by lunch time.

 

[melissa70]

Consider this though. If blue card status is what you’re after as well as some points that can be used at RIV, a 150 RIV points might make a lot more sense.

Current incentive for 150 RIV points with magical beginnings, $1,000 anniversary credit, $1,000 Disney Visa credit works out to about $190/point.

Resale RIV goes for about $120. That’s a $70/point depreciation hit (or about 37%).

Real SSR goes for about $90/point. That’s a $60 depreciation hit (which is actually a higher 40%).

But, owning at RIV ensures you will have a much better chance securing resort view rooms, which will require less points. Those direct SSR points will likely end up resulting in preferred view rooms at RIV.

Also, $150x200=$30,000.00
$190x150=$28,500.00

So, actually less money up front to buy 150 RIV points than SSR points.

And RIV has 16 more years left on the contract (which, I know you don’t plan to use it for all those years, but that means even when you decide to stop using it and sell it, there will be more years of value left on the contract).

What if I may have to sell someday and riviera is restricted to Riviera?

 

[melissa70]

No extra processing resale fee add on either. Click here, click there…stare at your new dashboard by lunch time.

 

[Wedgeout]

What if I may have to sell someday and riviera is restricted to Riviera?

Won’t be your worry. Just might push down the resale price a little.

 

[melissa70]

If I recall correctly, AKV was your first contract and just purchased in the fall of 2025. That would be quite the financial hit to sell so quickly. Can you add-on instead of selling?

Maybe…

 

[melissa70]

Won’t be your worry. Just might push down the resale price a little.

Do you think Riviera is the better deal?

 

[Wedgeout]

Do you think Riviera is the better deal?

If the price is better or close, Yes. Get more years on it. It’s similar on a VDH purchase. Have the same resale issues.

 

[Wedgeout]

Now I’m going to get you all twisted more…I’d like to own Riviera for their Tower! Most of our travels now are as a couple.

 

[airjay75]

What if I may have to sell someday and riviera is restricted to Riviera?

Yep, not your problem. Keep in mind in 2042, resale at other resorts lose quite a few options. So, in 2042, selling direct SSR points will also take quite the hit on the resale market. Arguably, that effect is already priced in to resale RIV points. In other words, I’d be worried more about SSR points losing more of their resale value than I would be RIV points. Although some people are convinced that RIV resale points will also further fall. Of course, none of us have a crystal ball.

 

[Disney.dad]

Do you think Riviera is the better deal?

I am an advocate of buy where you want to stay. Resort view studios you are not going to get without 11 month priority nor will you get tower studios. Rooms in general (resort view 1 and 2 bedrooms a preferred studios) you may not get at high demand times without priority either, think New Year’s Eve, run Disney, etc. I think that in 15 years you will be looking at a large difference in resale price between Riviera and Saratoga as it will be getting down to what only 13 years left and if you resell it, it will be restricted to the original resorts as well which are limited. Personally I would do 150-200 at Riviera if that is where you are wanting to use points frequently at over Saratoga.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I would only make that change if I were better off with less points and if I had a compelling reason to buy direct. It needs to be a realistic compelling reason. For example, I need direct because I go to Disneyland regularly and I cannot use resale at VDH. That's my reason for direct. I wouldn't switch to direct if I just thought it sounded good.

 

[melissa70]

I would only make that change if I were better off with less points and if I had a compelling reason to buy direct. It needs to be a realistic compelling reason. For example, I need direct because I go to Disneyland regularly and I cannot use resale at VDH. That's my reason for direct. I wouldn't switch to direct if I just thought it sounded good.

It’s not about sounding good..it’s about restrictions. I’ve struggled with this from day one..I can’t figure out if I’m just annoyed by the restrictions or will I get good use out of Riviera, LSL, etc. I only pondered selling AKV because I have realized I don’t need to own there as they have a lot of availability in the rooms that I would want almost any time of year.

 

[muppets3d]

What blue card benefits are so appealing to you that you're willing to lose a substantial amount of money (and end up with less points) to gain the benefits?

You can buy a lot of sodas before you end up coming out ahead vs. the coke freestyle machines in the DVC lounges.

 

[melissa70]

What blue card benefits are so appealing to you that you're willing to lose a substantial amount of money (and end up with less points) to gain the benefits?

You can buy a lot of sodas before you end up coming out ahead vs. the coke freestyle machines in the DVC lounges.

Ha no I don’t even drink soda..it’s about the restrictions. And maybe the access to the lounges especially the one at Bay Lake where I own but can’t go to the lounge

 

[Patmcpsu]

If I was buying direct right now, I would limit my options to:

1. Polynesian - Last chance to buy an O14 resort during active sales (limited financial hit, if I ever sell). 2066 expiration date is nearly as good as O14 gets.
2. Lakeshore Lodge - The best promotions tend to be when a resort first goes on sale. 2078 expiration.

Riviera's 2070 expiration combined with resale restrictions turn me off. I am occasionally tempted by buying it resale though (already a blue card holder).

 

[muppets3d]

Ha no I don’t even drink soda..it’s about the restrictions. And maybe the access to the lounges especially the one at Bay Lake where I own but can’t go to the lounge

That lounge could close tomorrow and we would have no recourse, just keep that in mind.

 

[Disney.dad]

Ha no I don’t even drink soda..it’s about the restrictions. And maybe the access to the lounges especially the one at Bay Lake where I own but can’t go to the lounge

The biggest benefit is the ability to buy the sorcerers pass which is way cheaper than the incredipass if you would be buying that otherwise, especially for a family of 4 or larger and the access to the restricted resorts. The lounges while nice are not as big of a deal at World as they are at Disneyland (Disneyland has restrooms and is large with indoor and outdoor seating) and not worth buying over just for that. The discounts are similar to what you would get with the AP or free tier Disney credit card. The moonlight magic events are tough to coincide with when you actually want to go and then you have to get in. Owning where you want to stay especially if trying for a lower cost view room is highly important to us.