I think we should probably be a bit more fair in our comparisons. Riviera is a DVC resort in totality and doesn’t have a Disney Hotel component associated with it to give it more grandeur. The only other resorts like that are OKW and SSR, which are simpler in theming and style. But DVC in general keeps it simpler, likely to do with budget.
And if we’re being totally fair, the actual VGF building, though lovely, is no better than Riviera, but it’s elevated by the work Disney did for the hotel, I can’t deny that. Same thing with BRV (though that lobby is still pretty nice, I’ll give it that lol) and PVB. And the new tower will be the same. We talk about how boring and small the lobby is for Riviera but it just feels that way compared to Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel, not Disney Vacation Club Villas at Grand Floridian. The size of the lobby fits the size of the DVC resort and unfortunately for RIV, it doesn’t have a bigger Disney hotel for it to assume its vibes and grandiosity. The only exception to all this is Kidani which is incredible on its own, and again, even that is not as grand as Jambo House.
Not liking the theming is fair enough, it’s all subjective really. BLT is not my cup of tea, so I don’t stay there, but I get it’s utility and location are great. I think it’s silly to deny that Riviera is a beautiful building built with great function, size and some of the best food on Disney property because it’s not as special as the Grand Floridian Hotel or the Great Ceremonial House. The rooms are fresh and airy and classic, like the French Riviera. The artwork around property is so cool and understated but still so well thought out. The grounds and lake/skyliner view are stunning. And although I would have loved if they added more pop and color, maybe slightly taller ceilings in the lobby to add a bigger Christmas tree (maybe they can put a giant tree in the courtyard next year like they do in front of the Contemporary!) But I’m sure if they did do that many would complain about how kiddish and unrealistic it is.
I personally think the new Poly renderings look amazing and can’t wait to see what the rooms look like but there are clearly a lot of people who hate it and want more. And the more I think about it, the more nervous I get about how small the new pool is and that 1 restaurant is not enough. Three medium-sized pools for more than 1000 rooms seems incredibly disproportionate. I really hope I’m wrong but I have a feeling they’ve skimped on dining. I think DVD is assuming that most patrons will treat the tower as an extension of the Polynesian Village (and Grand Floridian, given it’s proximity) instead of making it a fully functioning building on its own, adding more strain to an already busy resort. The Island Tower and Riviera are basically the same size and Riviera has a signature restaurant and 3 other QS/dining locations and 2 pools. As a DVC resort, I think Riviera is an amazing addition to the gamut, but there’s never pleasing everyone, we like what we like…or don’t like