If you like Riviera now, what changed your mind?

[Donna M]

I have walked around the resort a couple of times when I was down there and it doesn´t impress me. I toured the rooms and was impressed with them, but still, I don´t know if I want to spend the points to stay there. My concern was how public the pools were. I am reading how some people have come to love the resort. What impressed you to change your mind?

 

[disneydreamer1980]

I agree with you, very unimpressive. Lobby is small and underwhelming, just not nearly as nice a resort as the other DVC properties imo. I truly don’t get why so many love it.

 

[Her Dotness]

I'm with you, haven't yet.

We loved Topolino's, definitely will return.

I thought I'd love the atmosphere of the resort more than I did, walking around it.

Sat for about 30 minutes in the lobby until ADR time and didn't feel cozy. There's something a bit stark about it to me, as if they tried too hard to make it elegant, maybe.

And no more shops than that chintzy little gift shop with a bunch of Riviera-is-gorgeous artworks? Weird.

Just not to my tastes, perhaps, although we may try a night there eventually to see if I feel otherwise.

 

[DVCsloth]

I liked it right away. The only thing that bothered me were the resale restrictions.

 

[UrsulaWantsYourSoul]

different strokes. That’s why it’s nice there’s such variety. The lobby and gift shop at Riviera are much better than BLT for my tastes. And no, for me Contemporary doesn’t count.

 

[DVCsloth]

I was also a little skeptical of the Skyliner, but after a couple stays there, we love it. We ended up buying CCV for our 2nd home, but it was close between the 2. I have always loved Wilderness Lodge, but we will try to book Riviera once in a while when/if we can.

 

[Marionnette]

I agree with you, very unimpressive. Lobby is small and underwhelming, just not nearly as nice a resort as the other DVC properties imo. I truly don’t get why so many love it.

I think most DVC resorts have underwhelming lobbies with the exception of those attached to a hotel. But I agree that RIV's lobby is not as impressive as I had expected.

I didn't think that I would like the Skyliner as much as I do. I very much prefer it to the monorail.

I think that restaurants are all above most DVC restaurants with the exception of those at VGF and BLT.

I was not impressed with the small footprint of the property or the odd placement of a Mediterranean-inspired resort in the edge of (and in full view of) a Caribbean-themed resort. But pictures that I've seen of the nighttime views from even the standard rooms is quite impressive.

I like it enough to want to stay there at least once. I don't like it enough to own there.

 

[UrsulaWantsYourSoul]

I think most DVC resorts have underwhelming lobbies with the exception of those attached to a hotel. But I agree that RIV's lobby is not as impressive as I had expected.

I didn't think that I would like the Skyliner as much as I do. I very much prefer it to the monorail.

I think that restaurants are all above most DVC restaurants with the exception of those at VGF and BLT.

I was not impressed with the small footprint of the property or the odd placement of a Mediterranean-inspired resort in the edge of (and in full view of) a Caribbean-themed resort. But pictures that I've seen of the nighttime views from even the standard rooms is quite impressive.

I like it enough to want to stay there at least once. I don't like it enough to own there.

Yes this! People who usually talk about unimpressive lobbies have ones that are attached to non-dvc hotels in mind. Though Kidani’s own is nice.
Some people prefer a more sprawling resort while some prefer the small enclosed and A/C of a tower. The quick access everywhere around the resort without having to leave A/C and the room size and variety are some of my fav aspects. I do wish it was walkable to at least one park though.

 

[Sandisw]

I didn’t think I would like it but really just fell in love when I walked around. It is my style. I love the lobby and the areas around it…though we don’t spend time in it, it is just quaint.

I love being able to sit at waters edge in the morning drinking coffee or enjoying an evening cocktail there at night. I love both pools and don’t find them to be out in the open. The rooms and the all in one building are also my style and I find the QS to be one of the best. I do love looking out at CBR and the walk around the lake in the morning is really peaceful. I find I like the Skyliner more than I thought I would and have visited HS more since staying there..which I do ever trip as part of my split stays.. I actually just gave up BLT for RIV for my first night next week so I am there all 3 nights.

It is why different people like different things. I do not like AKV at all and while I have stayed a few times, I can’t bring myself to stay there again, even for CL. But so many love it.

I think it’s the plus of DVC…there is really something for everyone.

 

[Dizzydizney]

I have walked around the resort a couple of times when I was down there and it doesn´t impress me. I toured the rooms and was impressed with them, but still, I don´t know if I want to spend the points to stay there. My concern was how public the pools were. I am reading how some people have come to love the resort. What impressed you to change your mind?

What do you mean “concern was how public the pools are”. Both pools are fenced in and you cannot get in without a wristband. Many DVC pools can been seen. GF’s from the monorail, storm along from the walkway around crescent lake, Boardwalks from the walkway to Hollywood Studios. There is plenty of foot traffic around Polynesian and Bay Lake. The quiet pool is mostly surrounded by plantings.
I agree it is very pointy to stay there, but so is VGF (yes I know it’s a monorail/MK resort). The tower rooms are a big plus for short trips or for bookending a trip. The standard view studios are low points for a really great room. The one bedrooms are really spacious....but they really missed the mark there with only one toilet. I much prefer the set up of the one bedrooms at BLT.
I love the atmosphere there. Love the small footprint and two elevator banks. Easy access from your car to your room. Love walking around the lake .
Very convenient to Epcot and HS. And no bus sharing for MK, AK and Disney Springs.
That’s the great thing about DVC. There is something for everyone. I’ve stayed at every resort (except VGF) and there are many that I don’t ever want to stay at again.
I do wish they had gas grills there though.
Edited to add: I think that as with any resort you actually need to stay a couple of nights to experience what it has to offer.

 

[kanerf]

Lobby does not matter to me as I am never there. I do on-line check-in and go direct to the room. The only time I am in the lobby is to pick something up from bell services. The other facilities at RIV are very nice. The rooms are what really attracts me, especially the split bathroom and the fantastic showers (even in the tower studios). BTW I am an owner.

 

[Wedgeout]

In my opinion, the change occurs for those after personally touring it. A walk about, taking the on site room tour, or after a dining reservation. I’m one of those still on the fence (or skyliner), haven’t switched to like yet.

 

[TinkB278]

I feel like I am in Europe when I am there and I absolutely love that.

 

[Donna M]

What do you mean “concern was how public the pools are”. Both pools are fenced in and you cannot get in without a wristband. Many DVC pools can been seen. GF’s from the monorail, storm along from the walkway around crescent lake, Boardwalks from the walkway to Hollywood Studios. There is plenty of foot traffic around Polynesian and Bay Lake. The quiet pool is mostly surrounded by plantings.
I agree it is very pointy to stay there, but so is VGF (yes I know it’s a monorail/MK resort). The tower rooms are a big plus for short trips or for bookending a trip. The standard view studios are low points for a really great room. The one bedrooms are really spacious....but they really missed the mark there with only one toilet. I much prefer the set up of the one bedrooms at BLT.
I love the atmosphere there. Love the small footprint and two elevator banks. Easy access from your car to your room. Love walking around the lake .
Very convenient to Epcot and HS. And no bus sharing for MK, AK and Disney Springs.
That’s the great thing about DVC. There is something for everyone. I’ve stayed at every resort (except VGF) and there are many that I don’t ever want to stay at again.
I do wish they had gas grills there though.
Edited to add: I think that as with any resort you actually need to stay a couple of nights to experience what it has to offer.

I didn’t think I would like it but really just fell in love when I walked around. It is my style. I love the lobby and the areas around it…though we don’t spend time in it, it is just quaint.

I love being able to sit at waters edge in the morning drinking coffee or enjoying an evening cocktail there at night. I love both pools and don’t find them to be out in the open. The rooms and the all in one building are also my style and I find the QS to be one of the best. I do love looking out at CBR and the walk around the lake in the morning is really peaceful. I find I like the Skyliner more than I thought I would and have visited HS more since staying there..which I do ever trip as part of my split stays.. I actually just gave up BLT for RIV for my first night next week so I am there all 3 nights.

It is why different people like different things. I do not like AKV at all and while I have stayed a few times, I can’t bring myself to stay there again, even for CL. But so many love it.

I think it’s the plus of DVC…there is really something for everyone.

Thanks, those are some comments I am looking for. I really liked the inside of the units; they have some nice features.

I felt the pools were public in the sense that we were walking all around and not staying there along with the skyliner going overhead. I never thought about it when staying at VGF or the other places.

 

[Grumpy by Birth]

In my opinion, the change occurs for those after personally touring it. A walk about, taking the on site room tour, or after a dining reservation.

This describes us pretty well. When Riviera was first announced, I was apathetic about the concept art, theme, location, etc. But when it opened, we decided to ride the skyliner over and visit the resort. We had lunch at Primo Piatta (as well as some pastries for dessert from the cafe in the lobby), and took the room tour with the DVC guide.

The artwork throughout the resort and the gorgeous rooms caused me to do a 180 and now we look forward to staying at the Riviera from time to time in the future. We don't need more points right now, but considering the possibility of buying at Riviera if we do add on.

 

[Dizzydizney]

Thanks, those are some comments I am looking for. I really liked the inside of the units; they have some nice features.

I felt the pools were public in the sense that we were walking all around and not staying there along with the skyliner going overhead. I never thought about it when staying at VGF or the other places.

Okay, I see what you meant. Next time I’m on the skyliner I’m going to see if the pools are viewable. I like watching them from the quiet pool, but never really thought about someone watching me back! AKL probably has the most private pools, along with Wilderness. And OKW. Saratoga is kind of close to DS. At BWV quiet pool I’ve seen people walking from HS that come inside the gate and use the bathroom. Which is fine as long as they don’t stay and use the pool. Beach Club quiet pool is also very private.

It does consume a lot of points to stay. Since I own there it’s easy for me to get a standard view one bedroom in the lower point seasons. I’ll get a Tower for a Friday or Saturday. That usually eats up 184 points! I have plenty of points at two other resorts, so it works out fine.

 

[Bjaiken77]

A lot of people dislike RIV because of the small lobby. I like it because it is a compact resort. I can get everywhere without going outside and in quick time. Plus, Topolinos. Again, go down the hall and up to the top floor. Finally, we are Epcot and HS fans, so it’s great because of the skyliner.

 

[lowlight]

I love Riviera, I think it’s the best Epcot resort. It isn’t the best at anything, but as a whole, it’s got no disqualifying negatives in my opinion.
It has subtle theming. Of course it isn’t the Poly, but the Poly doesn’t have 1/2 brs. It has great restaurants. Not as many good options as VGF, but Topolino’s and Primo are the best in the bubble for TS/QS. It isn’t walkable to HS or Epcot, but the Skyliner is almost as good. It’s not as sprawling as some resorts, but I don’t have to get rained on or walk 10 minutes to get food or coffee. The rooms are the nicest appointed rooms on property, even people who don’t like the resort can’t deny that. Lobbies are nice, and it does have a rather unimpressive one, but not the worst.
In my eyes it scores a solid 7-8 in every category, maybe a 9 in food, so it’s not the best in any particular but the best Epcot overall and 2nd of all overall in my opinion. Opinions differ.

 

[RivShore]

Long time fan of Riviera here, so my mind never changed. Sandisw have been down this road more than a few times pre-Covid.

But to add in my two cents, I agree with lowlight that it is solid in every category, with a best in rooms and I think a near best in food - food because, in addition to what Riv has, it is walking distance to all that CBR has to offer too. As someone said way back when Riv first opened, being close to CBR is a feature not a bug - their QS is very good with lots of different choices and you have a completly different TS available. Also love that it's a fully enclosed resort - no heat or rain when heading to the lobby for coffee or whatever. No never-ending winding halways, I'm looking at you AK and CC.

And as for the small lobby, that seems to be the way it is for all DVC only resorts. The truly grand lobbies are shared properties, no?

 

[EYL]

What do you mean “concern was how public the pools are”. Both pools are fenced in and you cannot get in without a wristband.

I do wish that they controlled the access to the main pool better, though. When I was at RIV this past August, a party of 8 was getting very rowdy while drinking. As some went to Bar Riva for their "refills", I noticed that there was always at least one person left behind to open the gate for the others to reenter. When they finally said their goodbyes and was letting each other know where their rooms are, I heard Aruba and Jamaica and how taking the Skyliner back would be quicker than walking... On another day, a couple wearing Magicbands was stalking the entrance and piggybacked into the pool after someone scanned in.

We hesitated due to the resale restrictions, but changed our minds on RIV when we realized how convenient the resort can be with everything (restaurant, coffee, quick serve, pool, the view) practically under one roof. Forgot our refillable mugs while at the pool? "I'll go back to the room and grab it." 10 minutes (tops) to get back! Can't say that at most other DVC resorts...I usually dread it if we forgot something in the room. It just makes for a nice resort-only stay, if we choose, and if we want to go to a Park, the Skyliner is right there!