Disney's Riviera Resort, which welcomed its first guests in December 2019, introduced a significant change to the DVC resale landscape: deed restrictions that limit booking rights for resale buyers. Understanding these restrictions is essential for anyone considering a Riviera resale purchase, as they fundamentally change the value proposition compared to other DVC resorts.
What Are the Riviera Resale Restrictions?
Unlike contracts at older DVC resorts, Riviera Resort resale contracts come with substantial limitations on how owners can use their points. These restrictions were written into the property documents from the resort's inception and apply to all resale transactions.
Key Restriction Summary
Resale buyers at Riviera can ONLY book at Disney's Riviera Resort. They cannot use the standard 7-month booking window to reserve rooms at other DVC resorts, which is one of the primary benefits of DVC membership.
Comparing Direct vs. Resale Rights
The table below illustrates the significant differences between purchasing Riviera direct from Disney versus buying on the resale market:
| Benefit | Direct Purchase | Resale Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Book at Riviera (11-month) | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Book at Other DVC Resorts (7-month) | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
| Member Discounts and Perks | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
| Disney Collection (Cruises, etc.) | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
| Annual Pass Discounts | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
Impact on Pricing
These restrictions have created a substantial price gap between Riviera resale and direct purchases. While direct pricing from Disney runs approximately $207 per point, resale contracts typically trade in the $95-$115 range - a discount of over 50%.
Why the Price Gap Matters
The reduced price reflects the limited flexibility of resale ownership. Buyers are essentially paying only for the right to stay at Riviera Resort, without the broader DVC ecosystem access that older resort contracts provide.
Price Comparison
Direct from Disney: ~$207/point ($31,050 for 150 points)
Resale Market: ~$105/point ($15,750 for 150 points)
Savings: $15,300 (49% off direct price)
Who Should Consider Riviera Resale?
Despite the restrictions, Riviera resale can be an excellent choice for certain buyers:
- Riviera Loyalists: If you love the resort and plan to stay there exclusively, resale offers tremendous savings
- Add-On Buyers: Owners who already have unrestricted contracts at other resorts can add Riviera points for variety
- Epcot Enthusiasts: The resort's Skyliner access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios is unmatched
- European Theme Lovers: The resort's Riviera-inspired design is unlike any other DVC property
Future Implications
Disney has applied these same restrictions to all resorts that opened after Riviera, including upcoming developments. This makes older, unrestricted resort contracts potentially more valuable for their booking flexibility.
Making an Informed Decision
Before purchasing Riviera resale, honestly assess your vacation preferences. If you are content staying at this single resort for the life of your contract, the savings are substantial. However, if variety and flexibility are important to you, consider an unrestricted resort or factor in the cost of purchasing direct.
Our team can help you understand all the implications and find the right fit for your family's Disney vacation needs.