The Official Riviera Owners & Info Thread

[CarolynFH]

Thanks! And these are part of what i calculated as the annual dues, correct?

Dues = Member Fees. Just alternate terms for the same thing.

As others have mentioned, the value in DVC is in long term ownership and use, as hotel prices rise. That 30% savings you’re calculating against current prices is not a bad discount now and will be an even better discount ten years from now. For example, we took our family December 21-26, 2020, six nights in 2 BR BWV preferred view, for around $433 per night counting dues plus our buy-in cost amortized over 45 years of expected ownership (we bought in 1997). Since our buy-in is long completed and out of the monthly budget, it was only $365/night looking at dues only. I have no idea what the cash price for those rooms was, but I’m pretty sure it was more than $365-433 per night.

 

[Uh_Oa]

I looked at what a room at Wilderness Lodge is for our stay at CCV from 2/21-2/26. Priced out at Courtyard View room and it would cost me $3548 compared to 93 points for a deluxe studio. My MFs for that contract are $1400 a year. My DVC purchase runs me $615 a year over the life of the contract. That contract is for PVB which we bought resale in 2020. I'm also taking 2-3 trips of varying length on those points so the cost compared to a hotel stay is even greater. I'm also comparing this to a deluxe resort. You may not necessarily be staying at a deluxe resort if it weren't for DVC. I factored the costs of moderate (PO resorts) and POP Century when we were deciding on DVC. The math made sense in the end.

 

[Sydnerella]

Yes a decade or more from now when resort prices kept increasing but you are only paying MF increases.

DVC is about locking in Disney profit at today's rate and never paying it again.

Thank you. This is the most succinct explanation of the financial benefit I have seen or heard in my off and on research since falling in love with Riviera on our Thanksgiving 2020 trip. As you saw my math never went to the step of future room rates and likely inflation. I have been hung up on the annual MF plus purchase cost calc being closer to rack and more even with discount/sale prices than I would desire for such an investment. Meaning it wasn’t appearing to be a huge 50% savings.

And knowing room or package discounts are never a given makes the savings more certain over gambling on that.

That first year staying at Riviera in 2020 we got a 25% discount but this year we paid rack rate for the exact same trip/dates: nine nights in a PV one bedroom over Thanksgiving. It was not inexpensive.

 

[Sydnerella]

My husband and I have our first WDW Trip without kids (yay) in a couple weeks as he’s staying at Coronado for a conference. We will arrive Thursday and he doesn’t work until Monday.

How do I book a tour of a Riviera Grand Villa? Do they take Walk ups? We are dining at Topolino’s on a Sunday morning and was hoping to go after with DH or on my own Monday while he’s at his conference. Do I also have to meet with a guide? I’ve already talked to one from a cruise ship so prefer not to spend time on that again.

I’m interested in the tour for two reasons: We’ve been debating a Riv DVC purchase for a while and are interested in possibly staying in the GV. We have been trying to plan a HS graduation trip for our son this summer end of June/2nd week of July and struggling with an international one just yet due to uncertainties with Covid - so other options are:
- Riviera Grand Villa with some cousins to change WDW up a bit and be more teen/him focused at his happy place (he has wanted to be an imagineer for a while);
- Aulani with just the four of us and side tours
- Disney cruise just the four of us and excursions

I know the first option is expensive due to other family flights/etc, not to mention GV prices!!! But I don’t know exactly how expensive because I can’t even see pricing for hotel side booking the weeks we can go, so they may be booked already. I wanted to ask if we toured about availability and cost on both sides. Or maybe we could rent pts. But anyway those are my ideas.

So hard to believe out of his four years in high school he will graduate with only his Freshman year being a complete in-person and “normal” year…

 

[Akck]

They have 2 options for viewing rooms. You can of course go

My husband and I have our first WDW Trip without kids (yay) in a couple weeks as he’s staying at Coronado for a conference. We will arrive Thursday and he doesn’t work until Monday.

How do I book a tour of a Riviera Grand Villa? Do they take Walk ups? We are dining at Topolino’s on a Sunday morning and was hoping to go after with DH or on my own Monday while he’s at his conference. Do I also have to meet with a guide? I’ve already talked to one from a cruise ship so prefer not to spend time on that again.

I’m interested in the tour for two reasons: We’ve been debating a Riv DVC purchase for a while and are interested in possibly staying in the GV. We have been trying to plan a HS graduation trip for our son this summer end of June/2nd week of July and struggling with an international one just yet due to uncertainties with Covid - so other options are:
- Riviera Grand Villa with some cousins to change WDW up a bit and be more teen/him focused at his happy place (he has wanted to be an imagineer for a while);
- Aulani with just the four of us and side tours
- Disney cruise just the four of us and excursions

I know the first option is expensive due to other family flights/etc, not to mention GV prices!!! But I don’t know exactly how expensive because I can’t even see pricing for hotel side booking the weeks we can go, so they may be booked already. I wanted to ask if we toured about availability and cost on both sides. Or maybe we could rent pts. But anyway those are my ideas.

So hard to believe out of his four years in high school he will graduate with only his Freshman year being a complete in-person and “normal” year… ☹

They have 2 options for touring rooms. You can of course go with a Guide, who will be able to answer any questions you might have. They also have CMs who will take you on a tour of the rooms. Walk ups are welcome, but you might have to wait 10-15 minutes or longer depending on how busy they are. While the CMs can answer some basic questions, Guides are needed to answer anything more detailed. From our experience, Guides will follow your lead on how detailed you want the tour to be. We went in just to add on points, so we went directly to “paperwork” once he realized why we were there. Paperwork is in quotation marks because all we did is ask a few questions, give some personal info and hand over our credit card. We signed papers electronically a few days later when we got back home.

 

[purpliequeen]

Hi all - just wanted to send a quick post. Here at the riviera right now - sitting by the “quieter pool” and wanted to share that we love, love, love this resort. From check in till now, we remain so impressed with the resort, the product and quality, the food, the cast members, etc. Our room is gorgeous. Got exactly what we requested - high floor, by elevator, skyliner view.

We absolutely love the skyliner and think it’s the best transportation option on property. Knock on wood we haven’t experienced a thunderstorm yet, but have traveled in cold, at night, and in windy conditions and still love it. The best “free” ride with little to no waits on property! Bus service has also been great.

It’s so nice to return to this resort after the stress and crowds in the parks. What a relaxing retreat. Will share more upon return, but wanted to say thank you to all who answered my questions prior to my trip.

Let me know if you have any questions while I’m here and I can answer them. In response to my earlier questions - Epcot skyliner opens two hours prior to early entry (so 7:30am) for breakfast adrs. The resort shop sure is small and of course - no Riviera mugs, ears, nor loungedly backpacks. In fact, Merch throughout the World is terribly sparse.

 

[gregskellington]

Are there rooms available to tour right now for members? If so, can you just show up? Going to be at WDW in two weeks and wanted to see some before adding on at Riv, if possible.

 

[Akck]

Are there rooms available to tour right now for members? If so, can you just show up? Going to be at WDW in two weeks and wanted to see some before adding on at Riv, if possible.

Yes, you can just show up and tour the rooms. You may have to wait a bit until a CM is available. I believe you can view all room types.

 

[evr25160]

We’ll be staying here in October for our wedding I’m wondering are we allowed to sit out on the terrace or is that only for guests dining at Topolinos. We’re going to try and get reservations of course but wanted to know if this area was open to guests. I know there is a lounge would we be able to just purchase drinks and take them out there.

 

[sethschroeder]

one bedroom

I will say 1br is the least cost effective option for DVC. It's closer to cash. Doesn't mean you don't save money long term though.

Also what you might find is that you might opt for a 2BR instead.

If I were planning on going to Disney yearly or every 18 months at least then DVC is a great choice if you would stay Deluxe anyways.

I will outline though that when I bought my RIV points I got them at $155/point with discounts for my add on.

 

[kandlsutton]

We’ll be staying here in October for our wedding I’m wondering are we allowed to sit out on the terrace or is that only for guests dining at Topolinos. We’re going to try and get reservations of course but wanted to know if this area was open to guests. I know there is a lounge would we be able to just purchase drinks and take them out there.

When we were there in December, the terrace was limited to guests with Topolino’s reservations. You actually have to walk through the restaurant to get to the terrace. But the views are spectacular.

 

[purpliequeen]

Yes limited to guests of Topolinos (you have to walk through the restaurant to get out onto the terrace). Closed during bad weather. Great sunset views and Epcot fireworks. Does not pipe in music like over at CA Grill.

Yes, we’ve seen many many groups come through the resort. Definitely make a ressie if you can. However, there always seems like there are many DVC CMs in the lobby so I’m sure you wouldn’t have to wait too long if you showed up.

 

[evr25160]

RIVIERA'S BE OUR GUEST LIST
Will you be joining us at the Riviera? Comment on this thread with your dates to be added below!

2022
January
Jimmy Mouse: January 2-8
Sandisw: January 10-12, 1-Bedroom SV
Transferteck: Jan 13-17, Tower Studio
IceSkatingPrincess: January 14-19, 1-Bedroom SV
MamaJessie: January 17-22, Studio
Akck: January 17-21, Deluxe Studio

February
BradW: February 1-5, 1-Bedroom PV, Welcome Home Trip
Sandisw: February 8-10, 1-Bedroom SV
Evita_W: February 8-17
Transferteck: February 13-15, Tower Studio
havoc315: February 18-22, 2-Bedroom LO SV
Lorana: February 18-22, 2-Bedroom LO SV
brazzledazzler: February 19-22, Deluxe Studio SV, Welcome Home Trip
jdd: February 19-22, Deluxe Studio SV, Welcome Home Trip
jamesweikamp: February 28 - March 6, Tower Studio

March
Sandisw: March 7, Deluxe Studio SV

April
SoCalDCLfan: April 6-9, Tower Studio
Sandisw: April 23-26, Deluxe Studio SV

May
brazzledazzler: May 22-26, Deluxe Studio SV

June
eeyoreme: June 3-9, -Bedroom Lock off SV
summerw: June 5-9, 2-Bedroom SV


July

August
b00kbug: August 24 - September 4, 2-Bedroom, SV, Welcome Home Trip

September
McFlame: September 07-20, 1-Bedroom SV

October

November

December
J-Dog: December 4-12, Grand Villa

PAST TRIPS
2021
April
summerw: April 24-28, Deluxe Studio SV
Akck: April 24-27, Tower Studio

May
TinkB278: May 15-20, 1-Bedroom SV
kanerf: May 16-18, Deluxe Studio
DISguyDennis: May 22-27, Deluxe Studio SV
Doberge: May 22-27, Deluxe Studio PV

June
happenin2you: June 14-18, 1 Bedroom PV
Dicentras: June 19-23, 2-Bedroom LO SV
PixiePlns: June 19-26 1-Bedroom

July
nataliz: July 7-14, 2-Bedroom PV
ninafeliz: July 9-17, 2-Bedroom LO SV
UrsulaWantsYourSoul & javaduck: July 18&19, Tower Studio + 20&21, Deluxe Studio + 22-27, 2-Bedroom

August
Diane Kompan: August 13-22
MomOTwins: August 14-18, Welcome Home Trip
havoc315: August 14-22, Welcome Home Trip, 2-Bedroom LO PV
Pills: August 14-25, Deluxe Studio SV
jasonplusliz: August 22-28, 1-Bedroom SV
Thegoatfeeder: August 30-September 8
Turn the Page: August 30-September 6, 1-Bedroom SV

September
transferteck: September 1-3, Tower Studio
bigAWL: September 8-11, 1-Bedroom PV
IceSkatingPrincess: September 9-14, Welcome Home Trip, Deluxe Studio SV (9-11), 1-Bedroom SV (11-14)
csmommy: September 12-14, Tower Studio
tdonnell56: September 14-17, 1 & 2 Bedroom
Anthony Vito: September 30-October 3, Deluxe Studio SV

October
Jimmy Mouse: October 3-9
Sandisw (DD): October 15-19, Deluxe Studio SV
Sandisw: October 26-28, 2-Bedroom SV
Turn the Page: October 27-30, Deluxe Studio SV

November
ForWhomTheMouseTolls: November 4 -11
LSchrow: November 7-9, 1-Bedroom SV
princessophiali: November 12-19, Deluxe Studio
Sydnerella: November 19-28, 1-Bedroom PV

December
jamesweikamp: December 4-11, 2-Bedroom PV
Thegoatfeeder: December 5-10
Dmvoight: December 10-19, 1-Bedroom PV
kandlsutton: December 11-18, 2-Bedroom PV
disneydreamer781: December 14-16, Deluxe Studio SV
Mike9865: December 17-24, 1-Bedroom PV
kboo: December 19-23, Deluxe Studio SV
summerw: December 26-31, 1-Bedroom SV

Please add us for October 28- Nov 3rd, 1 bedroom PV

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

RIVIERA'S BE OUR GUEST LIST
Will you be joining us at the Riviera? Comment on this thread with your dates to be added below!

2022
January
Jimmy Mouse: January 2-8
Sandisw: January 10-12, 1-Bedroom SV
Transferteck: Jan 13-17, Tower Studio
IceSkatingPrincess: January 14-19, 1-Bedroom SV
MamaJessie: January 17-22, Studio
Akck: January 17-21, Deluxe Studio

February
BradW: February 1-5, 1-Bedroom PV, Welcome Home Trip
Sandisw: February 8-10, 1-Bedroom SV
Evita_W: February 8-17
Transferteck: February 13-15, Tower Studio
havoc315: February 18-22, 2-Bedroom LO SV
Lorana: February 18-22, 2-Bedroom LO SV
brazzledazzler: February 19-22, Deluxe Studio SV, Welcome Home Trip
jdd: February 19-22, Deluxe Studio SV, Welcome Home Trip
jamesweikamp: February 28 - March 6, Tower Studio

March
Sandisw: March 7, Deluxe Studio SV

April
SoCalDCLfan: April 6-9, Tower Studio
Sandisw: April 23-26, Deluxe Studio SV

May
brazzledazzler: May 22-26, Deluxe Studio SV

June
eeyoreme: June 3-9, -Bedroom Lock off SV
summerw: June 5-9, 2-Bedroom SV


July

August
b00kbug: August 24 - September 4, 2-Bedroom, SV, Welcome Home Trip

September
McFlame: September 07-20, 1-Bedroom SV

October

November

December
J-Dog: December 4-12, Grand Villa

PAST TRIPS
2021
April
summerw: April 24-28, Deluxe Studio SV
Akck: April 24-27, Tower Studio

May
TinkB278: May 15-20, 1-Bedroom SV
kanerf: May 16-18, Deluxe Studio
DISguyDennis: May 22-27, Deluxe Studio SV
Doberge: May 22-27, Deluxe Studio PV

June
happenin2you: June 14-18, 1 Bedroom PV
Dicentras: June 19-23, 2-Bedroom LO SV
PixiePlns: June 19-26 1-Bedroom

July
nataliz: July 7-14, 2-Bedroom PV
ninafeliz: July 9-17, 2-Bedroom LO SV
UrsulaWantsYourSoul & javaduck: July 18&19, Tower Studio + 20&21, Deluxe Studio + 22-27, 2-Bedroom

August
Diane Kompan: August 13-22
MomOTwins: August 14-18, Welcome Home Trip
havoc315: August 14-22, Welcome Home Trip, 2-Bedroom LO PV
Pills: August 14-25, Deluxe Studio SV
jasonplusliz: August 22-28, 1-Bedroom SV
Thegoatfeeder: August 30-September 8
Turn the Page: August 30-September 6, 1-Bedroom SV

September
transferteck: September 1-3, Tower Studio
bigAWL: September 8-11, 1-Bedroom PV
IceSkatingPrincess: September 9-14, Welcome Home Trip, Deluxe Studio SV (9-11), 1-Bedroom SV (11-14)
csmommy: September 12-14, Tower Studio
tdonnell56: September 14-17, 1 & 2 Bedroom
Anthony Vito: September 30-October 3, Deluxe Studio SV

October
Jimmy Mouse: October 3-9
Sandisw (DD): October 15-19, Deluxe Studio SV
Sandisw: October 26-28, 2-Bedroom SV
Turn the Page: October 27-30, Deluxe Studio SV

November
ForWhomTheMouseTolls: November 4 -11
LSchrow: November 7-9, 1-Bedroom SV
princessophiali: November 12-19, Deluxe Studio
Sydnerella: November 19-28, 1-Bedroom PV

December
jamesweikamp: December 4-11, 2-Bedroom PV
Thegoatfeeder: December 5-10
Dmvoight: December 10-19, 1-Bedroom PV
kandlsutton: December 11-18, 2-Bedroom PV
disneydreamer781: December 14-16, Deluxe Studio SV
Mike9865: December 17-24, 1-Bedroom PV
kboo: December 19-23, Deluxe Studio SV
summerw: December 26-31, 1-Bedroom SV

We're headed back this December! Still feels weird to go from Feb-December without a visit this year, but we are taking some time to do other (Hawaii and Alaska!) things. Still excited to head back "home" though for Christmas decorations and festival of the arts!

December 9-15 2022: preferred studio
January 13-17 2023: standard studio

 

[Frogman88]

Does anyone that’s at the resort know if they still have the loungefly pink riviera backpacks ?

 

[evr25160]

Does anyone that’s at the resort know if they still have the loungefly pink riviera backpacks ?

They restocked I think Friday or Saturday and they were flying off the shelves they were out by mid day Sunday.

 

[TinkB278]

Does anyone that’s at the resort know if they still have the loungefly pink riviera backpacks ?

They came out with a pink riviera backpack?? Does anyone have a picture they could share?!

 

[Frogman88]

They restocked I think Friday or Saturday and they were flying off the shelves they were out by mid day Sunday.

I believe you it sucks because I know they will be gone and I’m not planning to go soon.
I found some re sellers totally abusing of this.

 

[Frogman88]

They came out with a pink riviera backpack?? Does anyone have a picture they could share?!

Yes it matches the loungefly riviera ears !!

 

[jdd]

We're headed there on Saturday If I see any, I'll snap a picture.