My wife and I (both in our 40's with kids gone) found that this resort hit all the buttons for us. We liked the location as Epcot is her favorite park and the skyliner was a big plus to get around. The big, new rooms (we go for 1 BDs) and the details were really a selling point for us. I'm sure we'll look at other resorts to stay at (Copper Creek was also high on our list) but Riviera will be great for us for a long time coming.
Hmmm. I had serious post-transaction-anguish when we purchased SSR, pre-opening, in early 2004. It was rather difficult admitting, here on this site, my decision to switch from "BWV resale" to the unknown "SSR direct." Eventually I was swayed by the added 12 years but I wasn't sold on the resort and didn't visit that property until 2009, 5 years from our purchase.
Its 100% personal preference on what is an issue and not an issue.
I’ve read all of the threads. I’ve listened to all of the shows. I’ve seen all of the concerns. Even still, I bought into Riviera. First time owner and I feel good about the decision. I know on this board there are people who wonder why would anyone buy Riviera?? Here were my reasons (in no particular order)
1) 50 years of value - I’m buying in at the lowest direct price it will ever be and will have the full 50 years of value (either for my family now or for my grandkids down the line)
2) I rode the skyliner and I loved it. The convenience to Epcot, the ease of access to DHS really sold me here. I think it is an experience to ride and I will be using it. (This is coming from someone who swears by driving everywhere and parking preferred)
3) It’s not on the MK loop. What’s that you say? I said it. We prefer Epcot and DHS. My son is 4 and MK is already his least favorite park. Plus I can always just drive to contemporary and park.
4) The model room. My wife loved it, I love it. Nearly everyone who tours it loves it.
5) Proximity to Caribbean Beach. We didn’t buy enough (yet) to host the whole extended family. Already for our first trip they are looking at Caribbean beach for their stay while we are at the Riviera. Easy enough!
6) I think in 20 years this will be worth a LOT more than you think. The landscape as it is now with so many resorts as part of resale will change as original properties roll off. Disney isn’t going to stop doing ROFR so there is a price floor. And I believe that the resort is going to deliver. People are going to actually want to stay here. And that, my friends, above all else is what drives the resale price. Slap the same restrictions on VGF and it’ll still hold a lot of value because of the simple reason that people want to stay there above many other resorts.
7) I wanted to be a full member. I wanted the membership card. Sure the perks can change but being out of state, right now if I renew my AP and convert to gold it will save me ~$1500/family over renewing normally. Even if this goes away, just knowing I have this for likely a few years is worth it. Other perks that seem a bit more permanent like access to TOTWL were also a factor. Most of all though is that I will want access to future resorts that we haven’t even dreamed of yet. I’m in this for the future 50 years of magic.
How many points did I buy you may ask? 155 pts
In a few years maybe we will consider the add on itis
Bought on Monday. First trip is booked for Memorial Day week in a Preferred Studio (5 nights). Also waitlisting on a prayer for MLK weekend, but probably just going to save those points for the Fall or bank them for 2021.
And in 15 years when all you naysayers are looking for Riviera, I’ll wave to you as I soar over in the skyliner
Hope it’s not summer. Because you’ll be soaring in a toasty little oven. LolI’ve read all of the threads. I’ve listened to all of the shows. I’ve seen all of the concerns. Even still, I bought into Riviera. First time owner and I feel good about the decision. I know on this board there are people who wonder why would anyone buy Riviera?? Here were my reasons (in no particular order)
1) 50 years of value - I’m buying in at the lowest direct price it will ever be and will have the full 50 years of value (either for my family now or for my grandkids down the line)
2) I rode the skyliner and I loved it. The convenience to Epcot, the ease of access to DHS really sold me here. I think it is an experience to ride and I will be using it. (This is coming from someone who swears by driving everywhere and parking preferred)
3) It’s not on the MK loop. What’s that you say? I said it. We prefer Epcot and DHS. My son is 4 and MK is already his least favorite park. Plus I can always just drive to contemporary and park.
4) The model room. My wife loved it, I love it. Nearly everyone who tours it loves it.
5) Proximity to Caribbean Beach. We didn’t buy enough (yet) to host the whole extended family. Already for our first trip they are looking at Caribbean beach for their stay while we are at the Riviera. Easy enough!
6) I think in 20 years this will be worth a LOT more than you think. The landscape as it is now with so many resorts as part of resale will change as original properties roll off. Disney isn’t going to stop doing ROFR so there is a price floor. And I believe that the resort is going to deliver. People are going to actually want to stay here. And that, my friends, above all else is what drives the resale price. Slap the same restrictions on VGF and it’ll still hold a lot of value because of the simple reason that people want to stay there above many other resorts.
7) I wanted to be a full member. I wanted the membership card. Sure the perks can change but being out of state, right now if I renew my AP and convert to gold it will save me ~$1500/family over renewing normally. Even if this goes away, just knowing I have this for likely a few years is worth it. Other perks that seem a bit more permanent like access to TOTWL were also a factor. Most of all though is that I will want access to future resorts that we haven’t even dreamed of yet. I’m in this for the future 50 years of magic.
How many points did I buy you may ask? 155 pts
In a few years maybe we will consider the add on itis
Bought on Monday. First trip is booked for Memorial Day week in a Preferred Studio (5 nights). Also waitlisting on a prayer for MLK weekend, but probably just going to save those points for the Fall or bank them for 2021.
And in 15 years when all you naysayers are looking for Riviera, I’ll wave to you as I soar over in the skyliner
Saw 325 points for sale at $135pp come out yesterday from Fidelity. So not quite $50 yet
