As we approach the end of 2023, one thing remains a constant in DVC sales: Riviera is still an actively selling resort. The resort began sales in March 2019. However, with a total of about 6.7 million points at Riviera, there are still about 2 million points left to sell. At first glance, you might think that Disney should add better incentives to increase sales of Riviera contracts, but the current holiday incentives have actually decreased compared to the previous quarter’s offers. Why? Well, in some ways, there is no rush to sell Riviera.
It’s Now the Only Walt Disney World DVC Resort Actively Selling
Once the Grand Floridian sold out as of this past October, this left Aulani, the Villas at Disneyland Hotel, and Riviera as the only actively selling resorts. More importantly, Riviera is the only Disney World resort actively selling. Since many guests become DVC members to primarily visit Disney World, it’s in DVC’s best interest to always have at least one Disney World property for sale. With the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Polynesian tower not yet for sale, Riviera has to hold down the fort (no pun intended) for the time being.
It Will Be the Only EPCOT DVC Resort for the Foreseeable Future
By mid-2024, Riviera will likely no longer be the only Disney World resort on sale. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Polynesian tower are set to open next year, and sales for both resorts will begin even before they open. Despite these additional options at Disney World, Riviera will remain the only actively selling EPCOT area DVC resort.
Unless there is merit to the long-rumored EPCOT front entrance resort, or my wish for the Yacht Club Villas comes true, there hasn’t been any mention of another EPCOT DVC resort in the pipeline. With the expiration of the 2042 DVC resorts less than 20 years away, you have to wonder what may be coming for the EPCOT area in the more immediate future. (Riviera sales may be taking a few years, but I definitely don’t mean to imply that it will still be for sale in 2042!)
All in all, DVC appears to be content with the pace at which Riviera is selling, and there is no need for aggressive incentives. After all, in comparison to Aulani which has been on sale since July 2010, what’s a mere 4 years of sales for Riviera?
EMERY L CHEN
November 29, 2023Hi Lauren, I liked your article. Over at the Disboards forums, there is a theory that Disney is not bothered by the “slow sales” of Aulani. The theory is that DVC is seen as a lever to maintain full occupancy at their deluxe resorts. Aulani revenue is maximized, and whether it achieves that through cash sales of rooms, or sold-out DVC points, it makes no difference to Disney. This theory is supported by the recent conversion of a wing of Grand Floridian into DVC “resort studios” when it was reported that Disney was having trouble keeping full occupancy at that resort. Many now believe that there aren’t better incentives for Riviera (and VDH for that matter) because Disney is fine with the “Aulani Model”. Having points for sale over an extended period of time is now a feature rather than a bug in the eyes of Disney, as long as the resort is at or near full occupancy year-round.
Lauren De La Cruz
November 29, 2023Thanks, Emery! That theory is certainly plausible too.