News Disney Riviera Resort announced

[ImperfectPixie]

Square footage of the different rooms at Riviera:

Tower Studio: 255 sf
Deluxe Studio: 423 sf
1 BR: 813 sf
2 BR: 1246 sf
GV: 2530 sf

The Deluxe Studios are significantly larger than the standard DVC Deluxe Studio, which hover around 350 sf. A moderate resort room is around 315 sf. A Deluxe resort room is around 340 - 440 sf (smaller AKL and WL to Epcot in the middle to MK on the larger side).

I think some non-DVC people are confusing the Tower Studios for Deluxe Studios. This is the first resort to have two different kinds of studios. The Tower Studio is indeed on the Tiny House concept (but is still larger than a stateroom on the Magic or Fantasy).

Thanks for that...I'm pretty sure the videos I saw were for the tower studio and deluxe studios. Perhaps it's the layout of both that are leaving me feeling like they're tiny as well? The larger of the two felt almost like a wide hallway, while the smaller felt like a walk-in closet.

 

[carolina_yankee]

Thanks for that...I'm pretty sure the videos I saw were for the tower studio and deluxe studios. Perhaps it's the layout of both that are leaving me feeling like they're tiny as well? The larger of the two felt almost like a wide hallway, while the smaller felt like a walk-in closet.

You can see virtual tours of most a Riviera rooms here and floor plans of all room here:

Rooms & Points | Disney's Riviera Resort at Walt Disney World | Disney Vacation Club

Learn about the many room types and in-room amenities offered at Disney’s Riviera Resort, a new Disney Vacation Club Resort projected to open in fall 2019 at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Room options include spacious Villas with private bedrooms, a washer and dryer, and full kitchen.

disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com

The Deluxe Studio is the same standard floor plan as all DVC Studios except for OKW, but a little larger and a split bath offering two shower options. It’s essentially a Deluxe hotel room with a longer entry to account for the kitchenette so it does have that “long hall” feeling.

The Tower Studio only gets a floor plan. Maybe there wasn’t enough room for the videographer and the camera at the same time.

Disney’s never done an economy Studio. There are only a few Tower Studios (I want to say around 20). Time will tell if they are popular. I think they’re creative but I would never stay in one except as a solo.

I really agree with most criticisms of the resort’s exterior as blah, but I find the grounds and decor to be quite nice from pics and video reviews. The room layouts are some of DVC’s best. I’ll see it in person in 22 days and will know more then!

 

[nickys]

The Tower Studio only gets a floor plan. Maybe there wasn’t enough room for the videographer and the camera at the same time.

 

[Ravenclaw78]

The Tower Studio only gets a floor plan. Maybe there wasn’t enough room for the videographer and the camera at the same time.

They built a model unit of a 2-bedroom lock-off (which is adjoining Deluxe studio and 1-bedroom units) at the DVC Preview Center. The virtual tours were taken in the model, which is why they're not available for the Tower studio or the dedicated 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom villas.

 

[Missing20K]

The Tower Studio is indeed on the Tiny House concept (but is still larger than a stateroom on the Magic or Fantasy).

The fact you're comparing them to a stateroom on a cruise ship speaks volumes.

 

[Ravenclaw78]

The fact you're comparing them to a stateroom on a cruise ship speaks volumes.

Yes, but it's intentionally tiny. The Tower studios are intended for 1-2 DVC members who intend to spend very little time in their room and want to conserve their points while still taking advantage of the Riviera's fireworks views and Skyliner access.

 

[xdan0920]

Yes, but it's intentionally tiny. The Tower studios are intended for 1-2 DVC members who intend to spend very little time in their room and want to conserve their points while still taking advantage of the Riviera's fireworks views and Skyliner access.

lol

 

[easyrowrdw]

Yes, but it's intentionally tiny. The Tower studios are intended for 1-2 DVC members who intend to spend very little time in their room and want to conserve their points while still taking advantage of the Riviera's fireworks views and Skyliner access.

What's crazy to me is that the Tower Studios are still more points than Standard studios at Boardwalk and Animal Kingdom (plus Value too obviously). I get the idea behind it, but the points seem too high for what you get.

 

[nickys]

What's crazy to me is that the Tower Studios are still more points than Standard studios at Boardwalk and Animal Kingdom (plus Value too obviously). I get the idea behind it, but the points seem too high for what you get.

Ah but they’re “what members wanted”.

In reality, the actual feedback was that people wanted a studio that didn’t have the sofa bed, so that it seemed more like a studio apartment. I doubt anyone specified that they wanted a cupboard to live in.

 

[Ravenclaw78]

What's crazy to me is that the Tower Studios are still more points than Standard studios at Boardwalk and Animal Kingdom (plus Value too obviously). I get the idea behind it, but the points seem too high for what you get.

Location, location, location. I can't say whether the Skyliner is as big a draw as they thought it would be, but the high point cost for all the Riviera villas is similar to the Monorail resorts.

Ah but they’re “what members wanted”.

In reality, the actual feedback was that people wanted a studio that didn’t have the sofa bed, so that it seemed more like a studio apartment. I doubt anyone specified that they wanted a cupboard to live in.

Yup. I do think they misunderstood the feedback to some extent.

 

[Nunu]

Ah but they’re “what members wanted”.

In reality, the actual feedback was that people wanted a studio that didn’t have the sofa bed, so that it seemed more like a studio apartment. I doubt anyone specified that they wanted a cupboard to live in.

Agreed. When we first heard about these "rooms", we thought it was a good idea, since it's almost always just the two of us.

The points needed to stay there are too darn many and the idea of a pull down bed didn't appeal to us either.

But hey! these rooms, er, closets, are just like most hotels in Paris: tiny and overpriced. French experience achieved!

 

[nickys]

Location, location, location. I can't say whether the Skyliner is as big a draw as they thought it would be, but the high point cost for all the Riviera villas is similar to the Monorail resorts.


Yup. I do think they misunderstood the feedback to some extent.

Misunderstood? Or just manipulated it?

 

[easyrowrdw]

Location, location, location. I can't say whether the Skyliner is as big a draw as they thought it would be, but the high point cost for all the Riviera villas is similar to the Monorail resorts.

I looked at them when they first came out. I thought they would be comparable to Bay Lake Tower, but they wound up being higher - particularly for the bigger rooms. That seems hard to justify compared to a resort that's walking distance to Magic Kingdom. I guess I think the Monorail resorts still just hold higher appeal for more people.

I will say that I've seen a number of people saying they had good views of fireworks from their standard view rooms at Riviera. If that's consistent, then the standard studios could wind up as a good deal. That could be a good reason to own there.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Disney's Riviera Resort.
"It's better than staying at an All Star Resort!"

But people “experience” it

I would expect to see a "resort" style pool. Have you ever seen a pool shaped like this in your life? It makes no sense. The pool slide is a joke; two turns and it's done. A pool at a Disney resort should be the main attraction. I don't see where this wows anybody. Not much you can do about it now, so it is what it is. A missed opportunity.

It is sverything I feared it would be

Have you looked at the shapes of most pools on Disney property. Tell me where you’ve seen them before.

I agree the pool area is disappointing but I don’t consider it the worst on property. Closer to middle of the road.

Not even close

French Quarter’s slide is one turn. Wilderness Lodge is hardly incredible. Same for AKL. It’s not always jaw-dropping. They have water parks. I wonder what children think of the pool complex.

French quarter was built as a $49 moto lodge...wilderness $90 and has lakeside hot tubs, a geyser and waterfalls next to its pool

Who cares what kids think? It’s their moron parents paying more and more for this kinda stuff

And about Riviera's pool:
Only guests staying there, will be allowed to use it. No pool hopping.

why would they?

Sure you can.

just like people make judgements about a ride from a video.

I can tell you from having been to the riviera that it is much nicer than I had hoped. I was not overly excited about it until I got to see it in person.

I had the same experience at Destino. I had no expectations for being highly impressed.

Having been...that means stopping by for an hour...not staying there, right?

A breath taking resort. And a steal at only $195 a point.

No offense to anyone who bought points here, but I simply can not understand the thinking. DVC clearly cheaped out big time here. And you(royal) are willing to pay a humongous premium to stay here regularly?

I have been getting bombarded with Riveria sales materials, and we just laugh and laugh every time.

I said...not here...that a moderate DVC was a Waterloo moment and don’t support this...I was shouted down as typical when I logically present the reasons why...

Nobody cares...all about “experiencing the magic” at whatever the cost.

It will be better when they dig that trench to connect the waterways to the back of the new Brazil pavilion...of course. Get the housekeepers on it!

 

[Ravenclaw78]

I said...not here...that a moderate DVC was a Waterloo moment and don’t support this...I was shouted down as typical when I logically present the reasons why...

There is absolutely nothing (especially not the price, but not dining or amenities either, with the possible exception of the pool) that is in any way "moderate". I can't understand why, even now that the resort is built and we know all the details about it, some people still can't get past the land that the resort sits on having formerly been part of a moderate resort. The theming may not be to everyone's taste and I get that many feel that Disney didn't try hard enough to make it distinct (I think it's a bit bland, but still far more imaginative than Bay Lake Tower), but theming or lack thereof is not indicative of the category of resort. There's a pretty wide range within each of the categories.

For the record, if it were actually a moderate resort, I'd agree with your position.

 

[xdan0920]

There is absolutely nothing (especially not the price, but not dining or amenities either, with the possible exception of the pool) that is in any way "moderate". I can't understand why, even now that the resort is built and we know all the details about it, some people still can't get past the land that the resort sits on having formerly been part of a moderate resort. The theming may not be to everyone's taste and I get that many feel that Disney didn't try hard enough to make it distinct (I think it's a bit bland, but still far more imaginative than Bay Lake Tower), but theming or lack thereof is not indicative of the category of resort. There's a pretty wide range within each of the categories.

For the record, if it were actually a moderate resort, I'd agree with your position.

The only people saying it's not a moderate resort are folks who....

A. Work for Disney

B. Bought an "ownership" interest in the resort.

Every other normal person can see what was done here.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

There is absolutely nothing (especially not the price, but not dining or amenities either, with the possible exception of the pool) that is in any way "moderate". I can't understand why, even now that the resort is built and we know all the details about it, some people still can't get past the land that the resort sits on having formerly been part of a moderate resort. The theming may not be to everyone's taste and I get that many feel that Disney didn't try hard enough to make it distinct (I think it's a bit bland, but still far more imaginative than Bay Lake Tower), but theming or lack thereof is not indicative of the category of resort. There's a pretty wide range within each of the categories.

For the record, if it were actually a moderate resort, I'd agree with your position.

Oh...I don’t know....

Bland design...small rooms...unimpressive food options...stripped down theming around the recreation elements...on a grounds that was not meant to require a $25,000 buy in and $1500 yearly fee...

All those complaints have been brought up about this “amazing experience”

I’ll be on this hill if you need me.

Agree to disagree

 

[Ravenclaw78]

The only people saying it's not a moderate resort are folks who....

A. Work for Disney

B. Bought an "ownership" interest in the resort.

Every other normal person can see what was done here.

I neither work for Disney nor own at Riviera.

 

[xdan0920]

I neither work for Disney nor own at Riviera.

Do you own DVC?

If so are you considering and add-on at Riviera?

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I neither work for Disney nor own at Riviera.

Then what’s your angle, dangle?

Have you stayed here?

I’ll admit I have not (the point chart combined with the obvious approach to this...and lack of appeal of the Star Wars land that prompted it make it highly unlikely I ever will...) but I did ride said skyliner and spent some time poking around prior to opening when I was in town for work around 10/31...

...I was frankly appalled. I expected a nondescript punt on theming and marriott/Hyatt look from everything they said prior to construction...but I thought it was even worse...it looks like a concrete monster of a Hyatt.

I expect Crockett and tubbs to walk out of this place wearing wicker shoes.

But this looks cheap from all reports. Squeezed rooms...huge price tag.

What’s this one in the no man’s land near the campground gonna be?

Think they’ll go “all out” now? Is that what they’ve been doing? Spending the extra dollar and going the extra mile?

Ehhh...I can’t shut my brain down and laud Disney for bad approaches because I spend a couple weeks there a year. I can have fun without wearing a patch or doing a salute...like hydra.