We’ve stayed in this room twice. It was a little challenging with five people and only the one bathroom. A powder room would have been a nice addition. Also that barn door doesn’t latch closed so if someone is sleeping still and someone else is trying to get ready the door slides open slightly. It allows light into the bedroom
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! Yeah, I definitely agree. It gets a little tight in the 1BR Villas when you've got a full house and only 1 bathroom. Great point about the bark doors as well!
I am glad to hear you enjoyed this room and think they are gorgeous. I have seen some of your other videos where you discuss the different reasons why the Riviera is not your favorite. But as you have seen, the Riviera has some of the best rooms on property, along with some of the best food. My family and I love it for those reasons and more, but understand why not everyone does.
It's definitely a beautiful room and we did very much like the layout as compared to ther 1BR Villas. You know, I've got my feelings about this resort and that is what it is. . . but everyone has different priorities when it comes to what they're looking for in a home resort. For me, location is at the top of that list. This one just isn't for me. The food though. . . . 😋!!!
@@2foolishmortals Oh and believe me, I hear you and though I don’t agree with all your critiques, you do make many fair points. I do also agree that DVC in the more recent years has cut corners and have done some things with their properties that I do not like and believe that these poor choices have cheapened this great product. I will say, although I do understand why people hate smaller lobbies like the one at the Riviera, however some people don’t consider why that choice was made in the first place. The Riviera is technically the 3rd stand alone DVC property at WDW (Along with OKW and SS). Both those resorts have relatively small lobbies as well. In fact, so does BR and Kidani V. The only DVC properties at WDW with big grand lobbies are the ones that already existed as hotels, in period of time where the Disney difference was still highly valued and incorporated throughout the entire company. At any rate, I believe people don’t think about these things or even consider that smaller lobbies at DVC resorts means less maintenance and upkeep which means lower dues for its members. Just a thought. Thanks for your videos and honest opinions!
25:08 I would have to be super careful when checking out of a room like this if using the Murphy bed. I’m really good about doing complete walkthroughs of hotel rooms looking for items left behind when checking out, but I could easily see myself leaving items in the wall cubby spaces and forgetting them if the bed was put up when checking out.
@@jenniferrundle6870 At resorts like Riviera, which are DVC Resorts, sleeping 5 is standard for this room type, which is great! Especially for bigger families! Keeping the rooms cool at night does the job, when it's not a motion sensor thermostat, but we still prefer the air movement. Especially when we've got a full room. As someone mentioned, you can request a fan to be brought in, but that's based on availability.
I own at Riviera and simply love everything about the resort. We've already moved up from Tower Studios to Deluxe Studios since buying. We are holding off on moving up to 1 bedroom villas as long as possible as it would mean adding on and that is just not in the cards any time soon.
Yeah, it's quite the jump up to a 1BR and that can eat away at your points really quick. 😅 That's not to say there isn't a good amount of convenience that comes with the 1BR, but it can be hard to justify when you can manage in a DS. . . at least in our opinion.
I know a lot of people think the Riviera is a fake Rolex, but I think the rooms are the nicest, especially the preferred view rooms. We bought DVC at the Riviera and have recently stayed at several others to compare to the Riv (AKL Kidani, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs), and so far the Riviera tops the list for our preferences.
After seeing this room, I’m going to have to check out more videos to see where the “fake Rolex” label keeps coming from! One question. So the Riviera and CBR are on the Skyliner route which orovides direct access to Epcot and HS. What is the easiest transportation option to get to Magic Kingdom without a car?
@fbueller From the Riviera, the bus is the only free method to the Magic Kingdom unless you want to use the 'Mini'van Lyft service which will drop you off really close to the gate at the Magic Kingdom. I think the "fake rolex" idea comes from the fact that the Riviera is not park facing or in walking distance to any of the parks. Some people do not feel like the immersion is the same, but my family and I think the resort is much nicer :)
@fbueller The "fake Rolex" thing comes from a comment I got some time ago that I ended up discussing in a video called "DVC Reality Check". It was about DVC in general, not specifically the Riviera Resort, though the Riviera came up as a "fake Rolex" example because it was the newest resort [at the time] and the first example of such a major shift in DVC. In a nutshell, DVC has always been advertised as "Deluxe Accommodations" and that has meant something rather specific at WDW. Among other things, having a prime location near an attraction [theme park, Disney Springs, golf course, safari] was one of the defining factors of a Deluxe Resort. Riviera doesn't have that. [It also lacks in some other areas, but that's a bigger discussion than can fit in this particular nutshell.] That said, like a fake Rolex, Riviera might be beautiful in many ways and it may get the job done, but is it a "Rolex" and is it worth the "Rolex" price? This was also part of a bigger conversation in regards to the direction of DVC. Essentially, my position was [and continues to be] that the enthusiasm for Riviera [especially post 2020] gives DVC the permission they need to lessen the quality of DVC with future properties. Of course, the next property to open would be The Cabins; a moderate accommodation turned DVC.
@MikeOnTheHomestead I definitely agree that this 1BR is a lovely room. We'll get into more about the room in the review, but I really liked the layout compared to the "standard" DVC 1BR Villas. I wish I could say the same for the Tower Studio, but that room was a TERRIBLE example of a room at this resort. Not due to size, but overall quality. NIght and day compared to this!
@@2foolishmortals really looking forward to your review and 100% agree about the Tower Studios. They are 💩. The one and two bedroom villas are truly amazing though.
even though riviera is the deluxe property, you get the leftovers on the skyliner going to epcot speaking of skyliner, you also have to wait + commute to CB to get on the skyliner to get to HS. definitely not deluxe, even though it's priced like it.
Yeah, I'm of the opinion that Riviera lacks in a numner of ways. Don't get me wrong. . . this is a beautiful room. . . but a beautiful room does not a deluxe property make. At least not in my opinion. Of course, we'll get more into that here shortly in the review.
@@disneymom5571 Yes! Ira a lovely lighting fixtures, but the room would definitely be better serves with a ceiling fan. They even make ceiling fans nowadays that look similar to these light fixtures and could have kept with the theme. . . . I wish they would have gone with an option like that.
Disney has installed motion sensor to control the HVAC so it’s off when no one is in the room. Ceiling fans were removed to not trigger that motion sensor. Greedy Disney at its best
I have stayed in a one bedroom but opted for standard view as I could watch the fireworks from Epcot and save some points. The family really did have a blast at this resort. We tried all the food options both Topolinos and Bar Riva were excellent. Skyliner Access to get to both Epcot and HW was very convenient and the ability to walk to Caribbean Beach and enjoy that resort really stood out to us. We ran into the characters daily in the lobby or near the courtyard. I can’t say enough about this place the only downside for me is the lobby is underwhelming.
@@georgemartinez9693 Topolono's is still on our list! We've heard such great things, so we look forward to giving it a try. . . . just have to stop getting sidetracked by Primo Piatto! [What can I say? It's a fantastic! 😆] We were upgraded to the preferred view, which was nice, but I definitely don't think it's worth the upcharge at this particular resort. I also agree, the lobby is lacking quite a bit. Thabks for sharing your thoughts! 😄
@@fbueller The lobby overall is underwhelming. It's very small and lacks in almost every way you can think of [from size of the space to theme and decor].
This is a really nice property! One thing I’ve noticed is that you rarely mention the nightly cost of resorts where you stay in terms of either dollar value or points. Do prices fluctuate so much throughout the year it would be too hard to make cost estimates based on your specific stays? You mentioned this villa had a preferred view so it would be expected to be more costly than a standard view.
Prices do, in fact, fluctuate quite a bit throughout the year as well as throughout the week. The price also varies depending on the location and/or view of the room as well. This is one of the reasons that we don't focus too much on the price of our specific stays, because it can vary so widely depending on when someone else might want to visit. We do bring it up when it's relevant though; discussing the price of the resort in comparison to other similar resorts. [This is something that will ultimately come up in our discussion of the Riviera when we do our review.]
Every single room tour on every channel feels the need to open every single cabinet and drawer. Guess what? No one cares. Just say the cabinets and drawers have cooking things in them. It’s not unique or special to show every fork. In fact it’s draining and generic
We’ve stayed in this room twice. It was a little challenging with five people and only the one bathroom. A powder room would have been a nice addition. Also that barn door doesn’t latch closed so if someone is sleeping still and someone else is trying to get ready the door slides open slightly. It allows light into the bedroom
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! Yeah, I definitely agree. It gets a little tight in the 1BR Villas when you've got a full house and only 1 bathroom. Great point about the bark doors as well!
I am glad to hear you enjoyed this room and think they are gorgeous. I have seen some of your other videos where you discuss the different reasons why the Riviera is not your favorite. But as you have seen, the Riviera has some of the best rooms on property, along with some of the best food. My family and I love it for those reasons and more, but understand why not everyone does.
It's definitely a beautiful room and we did very much like the layout as compared to ther 1BR Villas. You know, I've got my feelings about this resort and that is what it is. . . but everyone has different priorities when it comes to what they're looking for in a home resort. For me, location is at the top of that list. This one just isn't for me. The food though. . . . 😋!!!
@@2foolishmortals Oh and believe me, I hear you and though I don’t agree with all your critiques, you do make many fair points. I do also agree that DVC in the more recent years has cut corners and have done some things with their properties that I do not like and believe that these poor choices have cheapened this great product.
I will say, although I do understand why people hate smaller lobbies like the one at the Riviera, however some people don’t consider why that choice was made in the first place. The Riviera is technically the 3rd stand alone DVC property at WDW (Along with OKW and SS). Both those resorts have relatively small lobbies as well. In fact, so does BR and Kidani V. The only DVC properties at WDW with big grand lobbies are the ones that already existed as hotels, in period of time where the Disney difference was still highly valued and incorporated throughout the entire company. At any rate, I believe people don’t think about these things or even consider that smaller lobbies at DVC resorts means less maintenance and upkeep which means lower dues for its members. Just a thought. Thanks for your videos and honest opinions!
Looks good. Planning to stay in one of these in 2025. Nice review!
Thanks. Hope you have a great trip!
25:08 I would have to be super careful when checking out of a room like this if using the Murphy bed. I’m really good about doing complete walkthroughs of hotel rooms looking for items left behind when checking out, but I could easily see myself leaving items in the wall cubby spaces and forgetting them if the bed was put up when checking out.
Love it! It's pretty unusual that it sleeps 5 too! I guess I wouldn't need the fan as long as I can make the thermostat cooler than 70°.
You should also be able to request a fan and if they have one available you would be all set.
@@jenniferrundle6870 At resorts like Riviera, which are DVC Resorts, sleeping 5 is standard for this room type, which is great! Especially for bigger families!
Keeping the rooms cool at night does the job, when it's not a motion sensor thermostat, but we still prefer the air movement. Especially when we've got a full room. As someone mentioned, you can request a fan to be brought in, but that's based on availability.
Great video! It’s the only DVC resort we haven’t stayed at as members. This is most helpful in choosing room amenities vs location.
I own at Riviera and simply love everything about the resort. We've already moved up from Tower Studios to Deluxe Studios since buying. We are holding off on moving up to 1 bedroom villas as long as possible as it would mean adding on and that is just not in the cards any time soon.
Yeah, it's quite the jump up to a 1BR and that can eat away at your points really quick. 😅 That's not to say there isn't a good amount of convenience that comes with the 1BR, but it can be hard to justify when you can manage in a DS. . . at least in our opinion.
@@2foolishmortals We can manage in a deluxe studio but a 1 bedroom would be so much better, especially for longer trips.
I know a lot of people think the Riviera is a fake Rolex, but I think the rooms are the nicest, especially the preferred view rooms.
We bought DVC at the Riviera and have recently stayed at several others to compare to the Riv (AKL Kidani, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs), and so far the Riviera tops the list for our preferences.
After seeing this room, I’m going to have to check out more videos to see where the “fake Rolex” label keeps coming from!
One question. So the Riviera and CBR are on the Skyliner route which orovides direct access to Epcot and HS. What is the easiest transportation option to get to Magic Kingdom without a car?
@fbueller From the Riviera, the bus is the only free method to the Magic Kingdom unless you want to use the 'Mini'van Lyft service which will drop you off really close to the gate at the Magic Kingdom.
I think the "fake rolex" idea comes from the fact that the Riviera is not park facing or in walking distance to any of the parks. Some people do not feel like the immersion is the same, but my family and I think the resort is much nicer :)
@fbueller The "fake Rolex" thing comes from a comment I got some time ago that I ended up discussing in a video called "DVC Reality Check". It was about DVC in general, not specifically the Riviera Resort, though the Riviera came up as a "fake Rolex" example because it was the newest resort [at the time] and the first example of such a major shift in DVC. In a nutshell, DVC has always been advertised as "Deluxe Accommodations" and that has meant something rather specific at WDW. Among other things, having a prime location near an attraction [theme park, Disney Springs, golf course, safari] was one of the defining factors of a Deluxe Resort. Riviera doesn't have that. [It also lacks in some other areas, but that's a bigger discussion than can fit in this particular nutshell.] That said, like a fake Rolex, Riviera might be beautiful in many ways and it may get the job done, but is it a "Rolex" and is it worth the "Rolex" price?
This was also part of a bigger conversation in regards to the direction of DVC. Essentially, my position was [and continues to be] that the enthusiasm for Riviera [especially post 2020] gives DVC the permission they need to lessen the quality of DVC with future properties. Of course, the next property to open would be The Cabins; a moderate accommodation turned DVC.
@MikeOnTheHomestead I definitely agree that this 1BR is a lovely room. We'll get into more about the room in the review, but I really liked the layout compared to the "standard" DVC 1BR Villas. I wish I could say the same for the Tower Studio, but that room was a TERRIBLE example of a room at this resort. Not due to size, but overall quality. NIght and day compared to this!
@@2foolishmortals really looking forward to your review and 100% agree about the Tower Studios. They are 💩. The one and two bedroom villas are truly amazing though.
even though riviera is the deluxe property, you get the leftovers on the skyliner going to epcot
speaking of skyliner, you also have to wait + commute to CB to get on the skyliner to get to HS.
definitely not deluxe, even though it's priced like it.
Yeah, I'm of the opinion that Riviera lacks in a numner of ways. Don't get me wrong. . . this is a beautiful room. . . but a beautiful room does not a deluxe property make. At least not in my opinion. Of course, we'll get more into that here shortly in the review.
A ceiling fan would be good
I love the chandelier in the master but I said the same thing when I stayed in a 1 bedroom 2 weeks ago!
@@disneymom5571 Yes! Ira a lovely lighting fixtures, but the room would definitely be better serves with a ceiling fan. They even make ceiling fans nowadays that look similar to these light fixtures and could have kept with the theme. . . . I wish they would have gone with an option like that.
Disney has installed motion sensor to control the HVAC so it’s off when no one is in the room. Ceiling fans were removed to not trigger that motion sensor. Greedy Disney at its best
@@BrianJJT When was this
I was at the Carrabean in April
I have stayed in a one bedroom but opted for standard view as I could watch the fireworks from Epcot and save some points. The family really did have a blast at this resort. We tried all the food options both Topolinos and Bar Riva were excellent. Skyliner Access to get to both Epcot and HW was very convenient and the ability to walk to Caribbean Beach and enjoy that resort really stood out to us. We ran into the characters daily in the lobby or near the courtyard. I can’t say enough about this place the only downside for me is the lobby is underwhelming.
What were the drawbacks of the lobby? Was it just small or did you feel the decor was underwhelming?
@@georgemartinez9693 Topolono's is still on our list! We've heard such great things, so we look forward to giving it a try. . . . just have to stop getting sidetracked by Primo Piatto! [What can I say? It's a fantastic! 😆]
We were upgraded to the preferred view, which was nice, but I definitely don't think it's worth the upcharge at this particular resort. I also agree, the lobby is lacking quite a bit. Thabks for sharing your thoughts! 😄
@@fbueller The lobby overall is underwhelming. It's very small and lacks in almost every way you can think of [from size of the space to theme and decor].
This is a really nice property!
One thing I’ve noticed is that you rarely mention the nightly cost of resorts where you stay in terms of either dollar value or points. Do prices fluctuate so much throughout the year it would be too hard to make cost estimates based on your specific stays? You mentioned this villa had a preferred view so it would be expected to be more costly than a standard view.
Prices do, in fact, fluctuate quite a bit throughout the year as well as throughout the week. The price also varies depending on the location and/or view of the room as well. This is one of the reasons that we don't focus too much on the price of our specific stays, because it can vary so widely depending on when someone else might want to visit. We do bring it up when it's relevant though; discussing the price of the resort in comparison to other similar resorts. [This is something that will ultimately come up in our discussion of the Riviera when we do our review.]
Where are all the pillows for the extra beds?
@@melissafloyd3341 The extra pillows are on the main bed. There is also another pillow and blanket in the closet.
I own at Riviera and AKL. rooms are nicer at Riviera. AKL needs updated. Points are better at AKL.
How many points will you be getting?
@@jcbnyc2009 None. . . a DVC Resort needs much more than a nice room for us to consider buying a contract.
too bad you cannot live there. I would bring my cats
Every single room tour on every channel feels the need to open every single cabinet and drawer. Guess what? No one cares. Just say the cabinets and drawers have cooking things in them. It’s not unique or special to show every fork. In fact it’s draining and generic