We wouldn't mind going the snowbird route, but finances won't let that happen. I have a daughter with her family in Melbourne, so being in that general neck of the woods would be a bonus for us. I do enjoy the mountains here in southwest VA during the late spring to mid-fall timeframe; however, it's those intervening months that cause the issue.
I went ahead and changed the color scheme on the room maps...more Wilderness Lodge green, but I didn't toss Kathy's yellow altogether!
I also put the color key into a more logical order.
@sleepydog25 ... I think these are ready for posting:
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I did resist the temptation to put an asterisk on all the even numbered villas with the note "these are reserved for @KAT4DISNEY "
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Adding my prayers as well - stay strong Brian
Where did you see the rooms? Was really curious if they added the rumored ‘couples only’ rooms?
Yes, the "couples" rooms exist. The description reminds me of camping in a pop up trailer: Pull down the bunk, fold up the table, open that closet to get to the sink. It's as though they thought adding a pseudo-chandelier to the ceiling would make us not notice.
That's good. Poor marketing decision to add a pic without showing it.
(Hmmm. Take a breath. Go into your zen relaxation mode. Breathe out. Good, boy.)
Okay, I don't mind the artist's rendering of the exterior if that's how it winds up looking. There is something rather. . .European looking about it. A nod to the Continent.
Now, random thoughts.
a. Is there a new Disney princess about to be unleashed since I don't get the whole Riviera concept? When I hear the word Riviera, my thoughts automatically go to a casino and Vegas or to the coastline of France or Italy so named. Disney? Not so much.
b. These are the first photos I've seen of the rooms--they call them models, so I assume these are actual shots vice renderings?
c. Anyone else think the layout of the 1BR and 2BR kitchen/living area looks an awful lot like those at Copper Creek? Same shotgun kitchen, same entry foyer, and we can assume for the 1BRs, the actual room is off the foyer to the left as you walk in. Given the door location near the balcony, that also looks like the entry to a lockoff or the second bedroom for a 2BR. Wonder if the square footabe will be the same?
d. Beyond Disney characters imposed on the TVs, are there any Disney touches and theming I'm missing? Maybe on the bench seating in the kitchen? Perhaps on the light fixtures?
e. "Hey, self?" Yes? "Is this a Disney resort or is it located over at Universal?" Disney? "Hmm. Okay, but I don't see anything that says Disney. Wait, maybe this is Miami?" Could be, could be.
f. So, this is the resort that may very well start right at $200 per point, and if you wind up having to unload it resale due to unforeseen circumstances, the resale buyer is stuck here?
g. "Hey, self?" Yes. "I wonder if Mickey plays blackjack?" I don't think Mickey plays blackjack. "Think Minnie will be singing La Vie en rose down in the lounge after hours?" Sigh.
h. Wonder if Topolino's will feature Frollo, Esmeralda, Phoebus, and Quasimodo? A large bell rings, and the latter could climb in through the windows with Esmeralda on his shoulders.
I surely love my WL, in general, and VWL, in particular. Especially before the refurb a few years ago (and even still with it), it has a certain transformative nature about it. By that, I mean it puts me in a place of imagination, of lovely, meaningful architecture that hearkened to some of the earlier days of Disney lore. It has a theme, and not just any theme, but one with a story to tell and that keeps on telling through the architecture, music, smells, and sounds. Despite breaking my heart with AP, despite dumbing down RF, despite closing my nature trail, and despite denuding much of the wilderness in Wilderness Lodge, I still find myself longing to sit in a rocker in front of the fire place, to walk down the wooden walkway and hear the rollers on my luggage go chunkachunkachunka, to see the lanterns flickering while Copland majestically plays in the background. All that to say, I don't get Riviera. Perhaps once it opens the plan will be more evident, but I don't hold out much hope. While VWL got an upgrade during the last renovation (four years ago now?), it was less thematic and more homogeneous with other resorts after said refurb. Copper Creek, while pretty and new, was another indication that the rich tapestry of theming Disney was once known for had taken another step back. Yes, there were some nods to be sure, and at least the cabins are wilderness like in their concept and execution. However, I'm just not seeing it with this resort. If that's truly what the rooms look like, then I'm afraid I'd miss Disney there. Where's the magic? Where's the concept that involves Disney lore? If this is the next step in the evolution of Disney and DVC, then count me out. I hope I'm wrong. I'm afraid I'm not.
On a less critical note, it looks like we're in for round #9 (I've actually lost count at this point) with Ol' Man Winter. Winter weather advisory tonight for our area for icing. Sure makes our March trip a lot more enticing.
(Hmmm. Take a breath. Go into your zen relaxation mode. Breathe out. Good, boy.)
Okay, I don't mind the artist's rendering of the exterior if that's how it winds up looking. There is something rather. . .European looking about it. A nod to the Continent.
Now, random thoughts.
a. Is there a new Disney princess about to be unleashed since I don't get the whole Riviera concept? When I hear the word Riviera, my thoughts automatically go to a casino and Vegas or to the coastline of France or Italy so named. Disney? Not so much.
b. These are the first photos I've seen of the rooms--they call them models, so I assume these are actual shots vice renderings?
c. Anyone else think the layout of the 1BR and 2BR kitchen/living area looks an awful lot like those at Copper Creek? Same shotgun kitchen, same entry foyer, and we can assume for the 1BRs, the actual room is off the foyer to the left as you walk in. Given the door location near the balcony, that also looks like the entry to a lockoff or the second bedroom for a 2BR. Wonder if the square footabe will be the same?
d. Beyond Disney characters imposed on the TVs, are there any Disney touches and theming I'm missing? Maybe on the bench seating in the kitchen? Perhaps on the light fixtures?
e. "Hey, self?" Yes? "Is this a Disney resort or is it located over at Universal?" Disney? "Hmm. Okay, but I don't see anything that says Disney. Wait, maybe this is Miami?" Could be, could be.
f. So, this is the resort that may very well start right at $200 per point, and if you wind up having to unload it resale due to unforeseen circumstances, the resale buyer is stuck here?
g. "Hey, self?" Yes. "I wonder if Mickey plays blackjack?" I don't think Mickey plays blackjack. "Think Minnie will be singing La Vie en rose down in the lounge after hours?" Sigh.
h. Wonder if Topolino's will feature Frollo, Esmeralda, Phoebus, and Quasimodo? A large bell rings, and the latter could climb in through the windows with Esmeralda on his shoulders.
I surely love my WL, in general, and VWL, in particular. Especially before the refurb a few years ago (and even still with it), it has a certain transformative nature about it. By that, I mean it puts me in a place of imagination, of lovely, meaningful architecture that hearkened to some of the earlier days of Disney lore. It has a theme, and not just any theme, but one with a story to tell and that keeps on telling through the architecture, music, smells, and sounds. Despite breaking my heart with AP, despite dumbing down RF, despite closing my nature trail, and despite denuding much of the wilderness in Wilderness Lodge, I still find myself longing to sit in a rocker in front of the fire place, to walk down the wooden walkway and hear the rollers on my luggage go chunkachunkachunka, to see the lanterns flickering while Copland majestically plays in the background. All that to say, I don't get Riviera. Perhaps once it opens the plan will be more evident, but I don't hold out much hope. While VWL got an upgrade during the last renovation (four years ago now?), it was less thematic and more homogeneous with other resorts after said refurb. Copper Creek, while pretty and new, was another indication that the rich tapestry of theming Disney was once known for had taken another step back. Yes, there were some nods to be sure, and at least the cabins are wilderness like in their concept and execution. However, I'm just not seeing it with this resort. If that's truly what the rooms look like, then I'm afraid I'd miss Disney there. Where's the magic? Where's the concept that involves Disney lore? If this is the next step in the evolution of Disney and DVC, then count me out. I hope I'm wrong. I'm afraid I'm not.
On a less critical note, it looks like we're in for round #9 (I've actually lost count at this point) with Ol' Man Winter. Winter weather advisory tonight for our area for icing. Sure makes our March trip a lot more enticing.
I'm guessing they made the studio and living room areas larger since they are able to fit a twin murphy bed in there that doesn't fit into CCV. Also I think the twin murphy bed will be a true twin size mattress (since it says single size pull down bed as opposed to giving the slightly smaller dimensions). Essentially the rooms are probably a bit wider but not a whole lot longer than CCV. Personally sleep surface wise I think Riviera is actually the best since it has all real mattress rather than pull out chairs or sofas. A shame the other nasty surprise about resale.
I agree, and though I'm not privy to all the surveys and algorithms that Disney must use to make their bonehea--umm, recent--decisions, I truly have this nagging voice inside of me about Disney's long-term vision. What built the House of the Mouse to the juggernaut it is today was getting our generation to buy into the Disney mystique. They created worlds of imagination, and sometimes those were corny and naive--but that's what we loved. That's what our kids loved. I don't see that sort of "buy-in" with the Disney brand anymore. Disney seems slicker somehow, more jaded. And while many say, "well, that's just a large corporation doing what it's supposed to to stay solvent and make money," I am genuinely curious if this obsession with the bottom line and new-found devotion to industry standards won't wind up being counterintuitive to what won them fans in the first place. We're not talking just fans, but devoted followers who wanted that little extra Disney promised and largely delivered. Frankly, I don't know that Disney is continuing to build that core foundation anymore. They build bigger and spashier venues, but they forget that what people adored about the Mouse was attention to small details that felt. . .special, homey, comforting. Yeah, Riviera looks kinda pretty in a gaudy way, but compared to, say, POFQ's intimacy and uniqueness, well, there is no comparison, and it's a moderate. I've just been feeling the past couple of years that Disney has embarked on a path that is netting them money but losing them the kind of elated wanderers who found Disney charming. I just don't see the next generation of kids saying, "Oh, wow, do I remember those lovely generic rooms at Riviera and Reflections! I can't wait for my grandkids to walk on those faux Venetian carpets and that kitchen with the white cabinets? Man, oh, man those were special." I am forever a cynic.
Thank you. For me, Riviera is the juxtaposition to VWL. The two seem to stand in stark contrast, near metaphors for the new vision of Disney vice the old. I'm also occasionally a cranky pants--just ask my youngest.
Again, my sincere thanks for the compliment.This.
You and me both, KAT. I still miss that old border on the VWL walls!
Yeah, I think they look marginally larger, too. Same design, though. I, too, thought the Copper Creek design was driven by the actual footprints of the supports and structure of the old Lodge building. Apparently, they liked that design, or why pay extra money when you have a style that has essentially been vetted and paid for?
As usual, the voice of reason you are, Granny, and you are entirely correct. Who knows? Perhaps I'll like it better in person than what I see here. Perhaps. As for the point schedule, I think a 33% "discount" is a bit high. If a regular studio is 16 points on any given night, I think the mini-studios will run 13-14. After all, they're on the top floor. Actually, I don't think those are a bad idea, either. Now, if the theming was only noteworthy. And what of those round sections at the junctions of wings? I'm guessing GVs will go there?I'll withhold judgement on room theming until I see it in person...I've seen room pictures of resorts that I didn't like but then ended up liking it when I saw it in person. And the opposite has also been true.
But what I really, really want to see is the point schedule for this resort. I'm thinking something in the CCV/BRV range for the various accommodations? And maybe a 33% "discount" for the mini-studio vs regular studio?
The best thing Riviera has going for it that I can see is that Star Wars land will be opening right about the same time as Riviera...and that may generate enough excitement for new potential buyers that the resort sells pretty well? I also think the Sky Liner will be a huge hit...sort of a monorail for the new generation. It will be interesting, to be sure.
(Hmmm. Take a breath. Go into your zen relaxation mode. Breathe out. Good, boy.)
Okay, I don't mind the artist's rendering of the exterior if that's how it winds up looking. There is something rather. . .European looking about it. A nod to the Continent.
Now, random thoughts.
a. Is there a new Disney princess about to be unleashed since I don't get the whole Riviera concept? When I hear the word Riviera, my thoughts automatically go to a casino and Vegas or to the coastline of France or Italy so named. Disney? Not so much.
b. These are the first photos I've seen of the rooms--they call them models, so I assume these are actual shots vice renderings?
c. Anyone else think the layout of the 1BR and 2BR kitchen/living area looks an awful lot like those at Copper Creek? Same shotgun kitchen, same entry foyer, and we can assume for the 1BRs, the actual room is off the foyer to the left as you walk in. Given the door location near the balcony, that also looks like the entry to a lockoff or the second bedroom for a 2BR. Wonder if the square footage will be the same?
d. Beyond Disney characters imposed on the TVs, are there any Disney touches and theming I'm missing? Maybe on the bench seating in the kitchen? Perhaps on the light fixtures?
e. "Hey, self?" Yes? "Is this a Disney resort or is it located over at Universal?" Disney? "Hmm. Okay, but I don't see anything that says Disney. Wait, maybe this is Miami?" Could be, could be.
f. So, this is the resort that may very well start right at $200 per point, and if you wind up having to unload it resale due to unforeseen circumstances, the resale buyer is stuck here?
g. "Hey, self?" Yes. "I wonder if Mickey plays blackjack?" I don't think Mickey plays blackjack. "Think Minnie will be singing La Vie en rose down in the lounge after hours?" Sigh.
h. Wonder if Topolino's will feature Frollo, Esmeralda, Phoebus, and Quasimodo? A large bell rings, and the latter could climb in through the windows with Esmeralda on his shoulders.
I surely love my WL, in general, and VWL, in particular. Especially before the refurb a few years ago (and even still with it), it has a certain transformative nature about it. By that, I mean it puts me in a place of imagination, of lovely, meaningful architecture that hearkened to some of the earlier days of Disney lore. It has a theme, and not just any theme, but one with a story to tell and that keeps on resonating through the architecture, music, smells, and sounds. Despite breaking my heart with AP, despite dumbing down RF, despite closing my nature trail, and despite denuding much of the wilderness in Wilderness Lodge, I still find myself longing to sit in a rocker in front of the fire place, to walk down the wooden walkway and hear the rollers on my luggage go chunkachunkachunka, to see the lanterns flickering while Copland majestically plays in the background. All that to say, I don't get Riviera. Perhaps once it opens the plan will be more evident, but I don't hold out much hope. While VWL got an upgrade during the last renovation (four years ago now?), it was less thematic and more homogeneous with other resorts after said refurb. Copper Creek, while pretty and new, was another indication that the rich tapestry of theming Disney was once known for had taken another step back. Yes, there were some nods to be sure, and at least the cabins are wilderness like in their concept and execution. However, I'm just not seeing it with this resort. If that's truly what the rooms look like, then I'm afraid I'd miss Disney there. Where's the magic? Where's the concept that involves Disney lore? If this is the next step in the evolution of Disney and DVC, then count me out. I hope I'm wrong. I'm afraid I'm not.
On a less critical note, it looks like we're in for round #9 (I've actually lost count at this point) with Ol' Man Winter. Winter weather advisory tonight for our area for icing. Sure makes our March trip a lot more enticing.
