Riviera has beautiful grounds, great food options, and unique artwork throughout the resort. Being on the Skyliner route is convenient, but can be tricky when there's bad weather or it's a popular time of day.

PROS

• Gondola ride to Epcot and Hollywood Studios (The Skyliner is fun, and sort of its own ride. The short ride to Epcot is great when the Skyliner is running smoothly and it's not around park open/close when the line gets long.)
• Beautiful grounds, and additional dining and walking space at the neighboring Carribean Beach Resort
• Short gondola ride to additional resort dining options at Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Swan/Dolphin
• The rooms have a comfortable murphy bed instead of the traditional soft bed found in most other DVC villas
• Great dining options (Bar Riva, Le Petit Cafe, Primo PIatto, and Topolinos are all amazing)
• Cool artwork throughout the resort 
• Pools are nice with a kids water play area
• Has a Community Hall (crafts, games, DVDs, and other activities)
• Has the unique 2-person Tower Studio rooms with a lower point chart (although hard to book)

CONS

• High point chart for a resort where you can't walk to any parks
• The Skyliner can be tricky: 1) the line can be long at Epcot open/close because the gonodolas arrive at Riviera already full with guests from other resorts, 2) taking the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios requires a transfer at the Carribean Beach Resort station (although you could walk from Riviera and then take a direct gonodola)