That’s the question. Has anyone bought riviera resale? The cash rooms for 4 are usually more expensive than anywhere else when I’m booking (and I’m staying grand Floridian and WL this year!). But I’m wondering with the restrictions if they are blocked on desired dates 11 months out…I wouldn’t want to not be able to travel when I want! But the points are on the low end of resale…I’m tempted.
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I personally would never buy there on resale. Part of the joy of DVC is the opportunity to experience all of the different resorts. I would only end up frustrated and bitter and on my ever being able to stay there. And while it will take some time to get to the challenge you mention, I definitely think it’s a big issue for future stays.
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I usually do 2 trips per year and was thinking of just buying enough for 5-6 nights. I LOVE all the restaurants there and the location and the SL. So I was thinking one trip per year riviera and one at another resort where I can find a good deal! Or I could just pay the cash price even though it’s $$$$
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I do love all of this. Riviera is a quiet retreat and yet offers so much you’d never have to leave.
If it’s not your only contract it might suit your needs. I might keep in mind that in the future last minute stays could be challenging because of the limitations on resale buyers compounding over time
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So true. Ugh.
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I should just rent points for riviera
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As more and more Direct Riviera owners sell, there will be an abundance of Riviera resale owners who can only rent at Riviera. I am afraid it will become a Hunger Games type of situation at the 11 month mark as people are desperate to use up their points in there desired week.
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Curious what you ended up doing?
Personally I would never buy Riviera resale either, but that resort, while lovely, doesn’t “speak to me” like some of the others.
But if it’s a resort you love and know you will want to stay at for at least 3-4 stays before selling your contract, you will probably break even if not come out ahead. And if you keep it long term, all the better!
Unless you have a specific room type or a high-demand week you like to travel, I don’t think you will have trouble booking at 11 months. While resale owners will only be able to book Riviera, their points are limited to the number of points available for booking annually at the resort as an absolute maximum, so by definition there are enough rooms to go around.
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I didn’t buy. I go back and forth constantly about whether buying is the right choice for me BUT, I have decided if I do buy, it would be resale SSR for the price and flexibility. Husband has said he’s fine with me buying, but I’m just not there yet as far as going through with it. I feel like when I’m an enthusiastic buyer and not on the fence anymore…that’s when I’ll go for it.
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This is what I did! I think my first contract was purchased in 2022 and we got another one in 2024. It has been awesome and we’ve stayed at like 6 resorts, including Aulani without too much stress at 7 months. But it helps that we always get 2 BRVs.
#noregerts lol
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I am still strongly considering buying SSR resale!!! The only thing holding me back currently is that it’s a sellers market (half normal inventory for sale) and the fact that we just bought a lake house haha. When inventory reaches normal levels, I’m thinking of looking for a 150-160 pt contract.
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Ok, I’m so new to all things DVC. You mention staying at many different resorts, BUT one of my biggest vacation stays would be the week after Thanksgiving, probably 3-5 nights, and I’ve heard that’s the hardest week of the year to book at 7 months. Would I most likely remain “stuck” at SSR that week? I wouldn’t necessarily mind that… but I do love options. Not worried about booking for May or other summer months. I’ve heard it’s possible to get other resorts those months.
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If that is the only week a year you ever go, then you might want to buy direct at a resort you’d be more happy with.
However, it that week is one among multiple weeks, you could use points for the other weeks and then rent for the popular week, or book cash.
There are definite trade offs to buying cheaper points so it’s not 100% failsafe.
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I also end up traveling at the busy times and would give people in that situation to buy where you would be happy staying. The wait list is an amazing thing, but having a reservation you would be happy with at 11 months is important.
I have a 120 AKL contract that I have used to stay in every resort except the restricted ones, SSR and Vero. But I have also had timea where that I what I booked at 11 months, and nothing else opened up.
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Starting after Thanksgiving I have had a hard time booking at my home resort at 8am at 11 months. I bought a small second contract at BWV hoping that I would be able to get a studio at exactly 11 months (pool/garden) and this year was the first year I could not get that. I had to change my dates to the next weekend. I expect that with my CCV contract, but recently BWV has been the same. Buy where you want to stay, resale or direct.
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This is nuts because you couldn’t even stay where you bought! I’ve been toying with a BRV contract for years but I feel like maybe I’m better off renting or paying cash if I ever want something in Dec!
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Why are those restricted for you?
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They aren’t. They are just the two not-restricted resorts I haven’t stayew at yet (just remembered CCV too).
I meant more to say that the good news is that I have been able to stay almost everywhere with my points, but the bad news is, not in the high season. I should also caveat that I’ve been able to do that because of short or split stays. But waitlists are also better great if you place it right at 7 months, but never to count on that.
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Ohhhhh! I read that completely wrong 
You’ve done HH? I keep thinking about it. Was it a good one?
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HH is my son’s and DIL’s “special place”. They were engaged there and went on a mini honeymoon there last November after the refurb. They absolutely love everything about the resort and area.
They have flown SW out of MHT. It is not direct but it is easy. There might be direct some months?
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