Travel Day and MAJOR Upgrade at The Riviera|DVC Member Cruise 2023

It's travel day for the DVC Member Cruise and we are starting out with the BEST upgraded I have EVER received at Walt Disney World! We were met with the best surprise when we checked into Disney's Riviera Resort and I can't wait to share it with you! Then we are off to Epcot for some great dinner and a little Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind. So glad you're here!
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[@Imaginary.Lemons]

I am absolutely drooling over that room - and telling Aadam we have to book it! And I've never seen the closet with a curtain, but that was pretty interesting and love that they had the rings. Excellent room tour and thank you for showing the accessible features! Your upgrade was beneficial to us too! -Brooke 💜💜💜

[@JenLefforge]

Hurray! I’m so glad it was helpful! And now if Adam ever wants to cook a casserole at Disney you know he can 🤣🥰🥰🥰

[@Imaginary.Lemons]

@@JenLefforge I wouldn’t put it past him!

[@showtimesynergy87]

what an amazing resort! I'm staying there for the first time in January and can't wait. Your view was amazing!!!!! And what a special treat to be upgraded!

[@mrsmagicalmonica]

This room is breathtaking!! I stayed at the Riviera this summer and cannot wait to return.

[@JenLefforge]

It's just such a special and beautiful place!

[@hollyk1226]

What a wonderful upgrade. The room is amazing. I think it's bigger than my first apartment. How wonderful to have a good friend to travel with.

[@JenLefforge]

Honestly I am SO grateful for her!

[@IRunThings]

I am so jealous! ❤ can't wait to watch all the other ones 😊

[@jennyvanburen8496]

Those are the kinds of rooms that I don’t want to leave. Like ever.

[@sarairvine9622]

When we suddenly found ourselves at Contemporary with a teenager named n a wheelchair, it was hard to navigate. Now I realize we should have asked to transfer to an accessible room to finish out our trip. Bathrooms were particularly hard and this would have been a perfect set-up, if available.

[@LightSparkDaniel]

Oh you lived my dream stay. Someday I will stay at Rivera on a trip.

[@stacylgh]

Abby Cox did an excellent video "How hot are Victorian Corsets and Clothes" where they measure how hot various fabrics are. Spoiler that the wool fabric was the coolest. I'm a knitter and love all the love that wool is getting lately.

[@JenLefforge]

Honestly it’s a game changer especially at Disney!

[@TheMKgal]

Hi Jen! We just recently became DVC members, and I wanted to let you know that your DVC vlogs were a big part of my research (I think I watched all your DVC vlogs), then led me to looking at resale contracts! I had no idea resale contract was a thing until during the pandemic when I found your channel. You were very honest about how you felt about DVC at the time with all the uncertainty. When you sold your contract, that's when I learned about the ROFR monster...then I was even more intrigued and continued to dig more. I have said it before and will say it again, I like your honest opinion but without ruining the magic! So THANK YOU JEN for being you, for providing your followers/viewers with great information and honest opinion! (and fun vlogs! 😄Love the ones with you and Adam!) We can't wait for our first stay as members! We didn't buy direct, so I called us 2nd class citizen members...since we don't get all the perks! But hey that's okay because we are still staying at the same resorts that we love! We saved tens and thousands of dollars! I would have to buy a few thousand spirit jerseys to make that merch discount worth it! LOL! And that upgrade...LOVE! 😍

[@JenLefforge]

I love this so much!! I’m honored to have been part of your process! And yes I love the perks but I also love resale because you get the MAIN reason why you’re buying! Congratulations and you are full first class members all the way!

[@BecomingVT]

Yasss! I’m living for this series with Sara! So lovely to see the two of you together! Can I just say first, vavavoom with that upgraded room??? Holy moly Batman! And then off to margs at Epcot followed by adventures in space? I can’t even hold it together! There’s so much I haven’t seen in WDW! Love living through the two of you!! ❤❤❤

[@JenLefforge]

Right?! Ridiculous! And I can’t wait until November!!

[@Jessealvarez450]

Wow ! We there in room 8634 from the 31 to the 4th. And went to the member cruise.

[@chevonnewallace8370]

I have ADORED all your videos this year featuring Japan and your European cruise but I eeee'd to myself about this one. Epcot, room upgrade, great co-hosts, etc. So much fun!

[@JenLefforge]

So glad you liked it!

[@jenniferrundle6870]

Love the Riviera so much! I think I probably preferred that view over even our theme park view at Bay Lake. But a free upgrade too!?! Got it once at AKL and thought I'd gone to heaven!😆

[@JenLefforge]

Yeah I know upgrades are more common when it’s a one night stay but dang I would have loved some more time in that room!!

[@sarahcooley104]

Yay! Disney travel/arrival days are so tiring but so much fun! The Riviera is so beautiful! I count 7 hidden Mickeys that I could find. You and Sara are so fun! Wish, here you come!

[@JenLefforge]

Fun and tiring for sure!

[@liliwa5727]

Going October 20th …. 3 bedroom grand Villa !!!!! So excited 😆 😊

[@JenLefforge]

Enjoy!

[@kaylaandmarkalan]

What an upgrade for your first time using your contract here! Those rooms seriously are stunning in person. Can we just talk about that fact of how special is is that Disney gave an accessible room such a gorgeous view?!

[@sumiller833]

I thought that you couldn’t get upgraded if you use your DVC points. Riviera is our home resort too and we love it. Love your vlogs!

[@JenLefforge]

You can! It doesn't happen often but it definitely happens.

[@Benasboysandgirl]

Well that was a magical start to this trip! That room was absolutely gorgeous. And that view! What a “Welcome Home!”

[@JenLefforge]

Right?! Love it so much!

[@sarahe5400]

Love seeing these room tours. Thank you for pointing out all the accessible features!

[@JenLefforge]

Thanks for watching, Sarah!

[@Lifeandtimeswithcyndi]

You are right about the view!! It’s beautiful. Can’t wait to see the rest of your trip!

[@pamdalesio1751]

That room was amazing congratulations on the upgrade! Can’t wait for your Wish vlogs!

[@bronniepaterson4694]

Wow! Room is awesome.. Love your travels with Sarah.. So looking forward to seeing the rest of your Disney cruise….. Loving it so far….👍🇬🇧

[@JenLefforge]

Thanks so much!!

[@shirleydunn8050]

I love how happy this made you! Such gorgeous well thought out accommodation.

[@JenLefforge]

Yes, well thought out is the perfection description! Also shows that universal design can be beautiful!!

[@tulinfirenze1990]

Couldn't happen to a lovelier Disney vlogger.

[@JenLefforge]

What a kind comment. Thank you!

[@CarissaHelmer88]

Awww this was lovely. Happy welcome home stay! My Murphy bed light didn't work this last time at riveria either....are they all broken? Love seeing you and Dr. Merrill travel together, thought you met on youtube, but obviously was wrong...10 years....what a wonderful friendship!

[@kdash7]

Look how cute your outfit is! I love the blue with the white jacket. The room is just beautiful. My husband is a quadriplegic so we would need the roll in shower. Thanks for showing the room! Looks like the bed in the accessible room is lower. Sometimes the beds are very high so it’s nice to see the lower beds at the Riviera.

[@JenLefforge]

Yes it was definitely lower. Thanks for watching!!

[@sarahskillin8436]

🙌

[@carriemartellWDW]

Amazing upgrade! Such a beautiful hotel! Love when you two travel together… your banter is hilarious! Looking forward to the WISH videos!😊

[@gordonwchas]

Thank you for recommending Imaginary Lemons. The have some great info in their vids.

[@marjielalonde3875]

The Riviera always seems to be a gorgeous resort and it certainly didn`t disappoint today! Looking forward to the cruise vlogs! Love from western Canada.❤🍁

[@ilsehunt6338]

I’m at the riviera right now and I’m absolutely in love with our one bedroom , first time staying here ! Great pool as well ! Shame I couldn’t get reservation at topolino for breakfast !

[@JenLefforge]

Try doing a walk up! They usually save a few reservations for people who are staying there.

[@QueenRiviera]

Also try looking for a reservation the night before. I’ve gotten lucky with that a couple times. Get the waffle or steak. The French toast is not good. It’s a compiled mix of the old bread pail. Luckily they brought me waffles after I tried the French toast and didn’t like it.

[@ilsehunt6338]

@@QueenRiviera we were lucky we managed to get a walk up this morning , my husband had the steak I had the quiche and omg they were great 👍!

[@QueenRiviera]

@@ilsehunt6338 So happy you made it in. I haven’t had the quiche yet. It looks good.

[@WDWMax]

Hi Jen! Thanks so much for sharing the Disney adventures! The Riviera is an amazing resort. So glad you got there safely! That Riviera room was HUGE! Enjoy your stay!

[@sonyastodghill8328]

That view! Magnificent!

[@JenLefforge]

Right?! So amazing!

[@packyourpixiedust]

You could live there!

[@JenLefforge]

Oh, easily and happily!

[@bethifoody]

Looks like it was a fabulous first day! Loved the upgrade!!!

[@JenLefforge]

Thanks so much, Beth!

[@ashlynneeley7302]

What a beautiful room and nice upgrade.😊

[@JenLefforge]

Thank you! 🤗

[@nycp1969]

I stayed in a Riv 2-bedroom a few weeks ago. It was beautiful! Every detail is perfect, from the Disney style toile de jouy banquette, the verre eglomise mirrors and the intricate scrollwork. You're so lucky to not only get an upgrade, but to get a high floor. I got ground level, but it turned out to be convenient for unloading my car and very close to the Beau Soleil pool. Riviera is one of my home resorts and my favorite overall. Glad you had a great time.

[@JenLefforge]

Yes the details! Exquisite!

[@ThisIsStacy2791]

Woo hoo! Can’t wait for another round of your Disney cruise vlogs! You always have the best!🎉🙌🏻

[@JenLefforge]

Well thank you, Stacy!!

[@stacylgh]

Wow! That's an amazing upgrade!

[@JenLefforge]

Yeah we were seriously pixie dusted!!

[@caroledowney6908]

Very nice 2BR. Have not tried out Riviera yet. Usually do Saratoga Springs or Old Key West!

[@debraboland7660]

We stayed 2 nights at the Riviera recently and that wasn’t enough! Even our 1 bedroom was big.

[@joannewilliams41]

So very excited to watch😃 we visited Riviera recently and love it so much 🥰🥰🥰ps amazing upgrade 🥰🥰🥰xxx

[@JenLefforge]

right?! We felt so lucky!

[@joannewilliams41]

@@JenLefforge I would literally cry 😃❤️xx

[@kathryncashner3294]

Thank you for your comments about not taking the room from someone who needed it. We have a family member who needs an accessible hotel room, cabin on ship, etc. Disney overall does a good job with accessibility, but with all hotels, we have learned to be VERY specific about our needs. For instance, on one WDW trip, I stated "fully accessible, must have walk in shower when I made the reservation." On check in, the room was not ready, and the CM at the desk said it had a "roll in bathroom." I asked what exactly that was, and she didn't know. We went about our day, then returned to find that the bathroom door was wide enough to admit a wheelchair, but the only shower was inside the tub....and that won't work for us. Back to the desk where a lovely college program CM spent about an hour on the phone locating a room with a walk in shower in another resort, arranging to have us moved over there, etc. We did laugh as when we arrived at the new, much nicer resort, the carpet was wet as if it had just been shampooed. No worries, it all worked out. Bottom line, they never know when they will need an accessible room....in this case due to their own mistake. Hope you enjoy things.

[@JenLefforge]

My understanding (from Disney) is until all guests that have requested ANY kind of accessible room have been accommodated, Disney won't release ANY of the rooms to cover exactly the situation you experienced.

[@Imaginary.Lemons]

I'm sorry you had that experience on your last trip, but I'm so glad to hear they made it right. Disney has four types of accessible rooms. Next time you might want to ask for "Wheelchair accessible with a roll-in shower." That's the terminology they use, and that's what would be familiar with the cast members. Of course, we'd be happy to help you prep for your next trip. But Disney does there best to make sure that people are taken care of, even if it means upgrading the type of room booked. But when they have rooms empty, they will often assign them to small parties, with one or two travelers, since that's less disruptive then reassigning a family with kids. That's why someone like Jen who travels alone or with one other person is so much more likely to end up reassigned to an accessible room.

[@kathryncashner3294]

@@Imaginary.Lemons Thanks....and you are right that each place has their own terminology. That's why I always specify exactly what she needs when I make a reservation. Small hotels are actually the most difficult as the ADA requirements are based on size of the facility and when it was last remodeled.

[@bevie_dnice]

Jen!!! I found you through Adam Hattan and I am so glad I did. I think we could be besties lol. Your video content is so entertaining and you have the best personality.

[@JenLefforge]

Oh thank you! I’m so glad you’re here 😊

[@TerriR1818]

Wow ! You are lucky with that upgrade but so well deserved. And Thank you for showing the room with the toilet seat covers down. Ha ha! It makes me crazy when other KZbinrs give room tours and the toilet cover is up especially when the seat is all the way up like they just possibly used it - so gross. 💖

[@JenLefforge]

Thanks for watching!

[@majorhollingshead5906]

Great video. 😘❤️

[@JenLefforge]

Thank you, Major!

[@colleenm6662]

This is our home resort. It’s gorgeous. ❤

[@JenLefforge]

Hey, Neighbor! 😎

[@lukedmeier19]

So fun getting to see y’all this day! Also not Jen saying the WDW bedding is…beautiful??

[@JenLefforge]

Luke to be clear: the bedding is still awful it just looks pretty.😝🤣🥰

[@lilylily575]

You are my spirit animal

[@JenLefforge]

Love it!

[@dchin3055]

OMG !!!!!! Why did I not see you on the cruise!!! Hubby and I were there !!! We came in a day early too but hung out at Disney Springs….

[@JenLefforge]

To be fair there was A LOT going on! SO MUCH! But such a great cruise. I hope you had fun! We absolutely did.

[@dchin3055]

Yes, it was a really great cruise with a lot of entertainment to choose from. First time on the Wish and will need to travel on it again as we didn’t get to try The Rose or Palo or the spa. Hubby and I enjoyed watching you and Adam in Greece… that is a place to visit on my bucket list!😊

[@janinesavage5659]

Thank you, Jen! I found you through Adam Hattan ❤️ Would you share the “selfie stick” you use? I’m looking for one to take videos for my business. Thank you!

[@JenLefforge]

Hello and I’m so glad you found my channel! All of my links can actually be found on my website www.JenLefforge.com

[@dndrusso]

What a great way to kick off your girls trip. Nothing better than upgrade surprises. Love your blue ears. Any chance they might still be for sale somewhere?

[@JenLefforge]

They are from shopbbbrooke.com 😍

[@DsnyLuv]

Congratulations, would love a video of how many points and when you add it the new points. Are you keeping your Old Key West points?

[@JenLefforge]

I purchased the points awhile ago now so the "sniney new" part wasn't accurate (I did a video about that at the time should be in my DVC playlist?) And yes, we still also own at OKW. Just haven't actually used them until now!

[@FLOWERSANDSLOTS]

Thanks Jen!! BTW, I heard there was "spinning" (like.... tea cup spinning) on Guardians. Can you confirm or explain ride a bit? Thanks again!!

[@JenLefforge]

I’m not good at explaining that sort of thing but yes you do rotate some but nothing like the teacups

[@colleenbarsin725]

Great vlog, so glad you were upgraded. Love the ears that you wore to EPCOT, are they available for purchase somewhere? Thanks, cruising Concierge on the Wish September 18.

[@JenLefforge]

You will LOVE concierge!!! I’ll show some of the lounge and things in this video. Have you done it before? It was our first time.

[@colleenbarsin725]

First time on the Wish, twice on the Dream, I am very spoiled 😬 also looking forward to Halloween on the High Seas for the first time.

[@vickiemendoza9252]

Wow! So sad it was only for 1 night. That room is gorgeous! I’m not familiar with the Rivera. In your opinion which rooms are closest to the Skyliner?

[@JenLefforge]

I'd look at a map online - but if you book there I would just request "close to skyliner"

[@vickiemendoza9252]

@@JenLefforge thank you ☺️

[@dawnturpin]

1246 sq feet! Wow, that’s bigger than my house 🤣

[@JenLefforge]

Yeah, it was stunning AND GYNORMOUS

[@liamjoshuamunn]

funny how lefforge is capitalised and Merrill isn't .....

[@JenLefforge]

TM

[@liamjoshuamunn]

you're a monster.. TM@@JenLefforge

[@Chelle99]

Hold on. The 2ndary bath has a tub & freestanding shower. What? 🤯

[@JenLefforge]

YUP. Incredible, right?

[@Chelle99]

@@JenLefforge mom of 2 girls looking to the future here. Most impressive.

[@liamjoshuamunn]

hi jen. BIG FAN OF U until you said you liek GAY? big prayer 4 u. also dirnk H20. xo LIMA

[@JenLefforge]

Oh my gawd…..