Sundance Vacations

It starts with a phone call saying you won a cruise and you need to go to the office to listen to a seminater to get your prize. Then when are there it is a sales pitch where you are broken down and coerced to make a decision right then and there, pressured into buying a package. The cruise you win is a scam as well.
This company is a total scam, they dont follow the laws and do not inform people of the actual cost of their vaction packages. All they do is take your money and give nothing to show for it. On top of the package price of 15,000−17,000 for roughly 30 weeks, you have to pay additional fees to book a vacation. That is if the week is available. Then after you pick a week it depends on what time of the year it is for addition «peak» fees. Oh and the exclusive hotel lists that are available are a joke as well. They say the are a vail but they are not and then you have to pay more fees on top of the «special» price. All this company does is take youir money. A complete SCAM BEWARE and keep your money. I have filed a claim with the attorney generals office in PA.

Part 1 — Attending the presentation and getting the mostly-​paid-​for certificate.
Firstly, those who did not actually go to the presentation should not be reviewing the location because the experience you are basing off is on other’s reviews and not your personal one.
I received a phone call from Sundance for filling out a sweepstake at the mall to win a car. The lady on the phone told me I was selected to come in for a presentation where I will receive a certificate for 4 days, 3 night + flight for two to the Caribbean. She did tell me that I would need to pay a $ 122-​$ 196 max per person taxes and fees for booking depending on where and when I choose to go. Of course I went online and Googled and Unilocal them. And when scam is the first thing that comes up on many many pages of search results, it’s a little discouraging. I even called to cancel my reservation. However, I decided to give them a chance. What is the worst that can happen? I don’t get a mostly-​free trip but I will know for next time.
That Saturday, I arrived at their building even sending my friend and location in case this was a scam gone really wrong. I was greeted by Amanda (our presenter) and the receptionist who asked for two forms of ID. This may be there way to making sure you bring a credit card but I brought my school ID and driver’s license instead.
I was asked to fill out two forms: a consent form and a survey about my traveling style. A couple minutes later, Amanda asked everyone into a room where she presented their promotion to us. It was pretty convincing, especially because I plan to do a lot of traveling, but it was not something I am currently going to invest in.
When Amanda was done with the group presentation, her colleagues came in the back of the room right on cue. Each one of us visitors were assigned a person to speak further about the promotion with. I got to talk to Roger.
Roger was really friendly and fun to talk to. We talked about our own travel experiences and his coming move to the islands before we talked about the promotion. When I explained to Roger that I am not able to make the purchase today, he was very understanding and his attitude towards me did not change at all. A manger was asked to come to the table to sign for my mostly-​paid trip certificate and offered me a trail for the promotion. When I told him I could not purchase the trail either, he was also understanding.
I was then brought to the person who would give out the trip certificates. He explained a couple of fine prints — that were actually written in big bold, underlined prints — like how many days I had to register the certificate and how much the deposit would cost.
After about two hours, I walked out of there without purchasing anything and with a certificate for this mostly-​paid for trip and a good chat with Roger.
For this first part of getting the trip, I would say it was easily a 5 star. As of booking the trip. I will update about that soon.
Part 2 — Booking the mostly-​paid-​for trip. To be continued.

So thankful to read these reviews. Just received a call from a very excited woman telling me that I’ve been selected for a free cruise. We had signed up at Monster Jam in Philly but didn’t «win» but were «selected» by Sundance Vacations which was apparently a sponsor. She said that we needed to come to their office at King of Prussia ASAP to claim the prize. After reading the reviews here I just cancelled that appointment. It sounded like a scam from the get go and now I’m so irritated that I voluntarily gave them my email and address. Errr!

STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY.
This is a SCAM.
I was fresh out of college when I signed up and way to naïve to understand that I was being duped. I received a call saying that I won a free cruise and that all I had to do was attend a presentation for Sundance/​TAN. After the presentation you are paired with a salesman to try and sell you the «Vacation Package». I kept saying no but it was an extremely high pressure/​stressful environment and after the 3^rd person came to our table to try get us to sign — I caved. Seemed like a decent idea at the time after I did want to travel. Then I got home and started looking at the properties and instantly regretted my decision. Not only are the properties a disappointment but their Prime Time Fees applies to virtually every vacation and I was told they had properties globally and that is false. I called a few days later and was told that I was not allowed to cancel. Which, technically is illegal with DC material representation laws. I have paid almost 2 thousand dollars into this terrible company and I have not used any of their services nor have I wanted to — this includes the free cruise… If I was fully aware of what I was getting into I would have NEVER signed. Not to mention I was told by management that I signed away my «Right-​to– Recession» in the contract. If a company was truly selling a good service they wouldn’t try to take away your rights to get out of it.
If you have been a victim I suggest that you contact the attorney general’s office — Why dont we all band together here?

I got a call from a overly excited woman saying I’ve won a free vacation I just needed to come to KOP to claim it. I went there and it’s just a scheme on trying to get you to buy like 70 vacations a year as if anybody has time for them and nobody has to work. I kept saying I’m just here to claim the free vacation. The guy kept ignoring me and trying to sell me these vacations and saying the fee upfront is only $ 100. I told him I have no money I am just here to claim my free vacation, he had the nerve to ask me if I had an emergency credit card. I told him this wasn’t an emergency. These people are so thirsty. After 2 hours I got the free vacation which was a piece of paper, I ended up throwing it out after reading these reviews that say it’s not really free. I’ll never get those 2 hours of my life back.
Not to mention the guy cursed at us saying the F word twice. He was saying something about the disaster in Haiti how the other vacation spots didn’t give a F about their people and left them to die but Sundance saved all of the people that were staying in their vacation spots. Which sounds like a bunch of BS. Very unprofessional

I got a call to come in for an information session (I had filled out a sweepstakes form at a hockey game). The phone call made sure to let me know that it was a promotion, not a gift. There were minimal taxes involved for my free promotional trip (4 days, 3 nights to Mexico or Puerto Rico or Jamaica). My initial thought was that it was a scam, and then I just thought it was a timeshare thing. But after the detailed info session (took about an hour, then another 30 minutes talking to different people) I learned it was about wholesale vacations. Really, it was a good deal when you break it down, but I’m sure a lot of people don’t have the kind of money (or vacation time) to commit to something like that.
The initial cost is pretty scary. But ultimately, the process was harmless and the people were very nice. Sundance is persistent in trying to give you the best deal that makes the most sense for you at the current stage in your life. I didn’t end up buying any vacations, but I’ve already begun the process in taking my free trip to Puerto Rico. I’ve submitted possible dates that work for me and am waiting to hear back about the resort accommodations.
It’s not a scam, but they do want to have the chance to pitch you their business model and in exchange for your time they give you a free trip to one of their many locations.
The office in King of Prussia was very nice. John Large and other gentlemen I spoke with were very polite, informative, and understanding.
Looking forward to taking my trip!
UPDATE: I received the email to call in and reserve my trip, but the dates I initially selected didn’t work for me anymore (2 out of 3) and the 3^rd date didn’t work with flights out of multiple airports. So they gave me the option of a refund of my reservation fee or to submit new dates. I submitted new dates.
UPDATE 4÷1÷15: Got my second date review, and unfortunately these dates didn’t end up working out, even though they were able to secure the airfare and hotel for one of the 3 dates. I did get the whole explanation of things that weren’t included in the package (transportation to/​from the airport, hotel parking, wifi — if the hotel charges, basically anything the hotel would charge you for is not included outside of the overnight stay). The Reservations Rep was very helpful and pleasant even when I had to request my refund. (Which I will receive within 14 business days from today).
All in all, if you don’t have a busy schedule, I say it’s worth the time to get a mostly-​free trip… but if you are busy like my sister and I, it may not work out.

I just got a call from these people. The women was super excited and kept saying I won a free «anniversary» cruise. Well anyway she was giving me her whole spiel, free 4 day 3 night cruise to Bahamas, all inclusive except for alcohol and gambling, free airfare to and from Miami, etc. etc. Then it changed to, you haven’t won this, we are giving this to you for coming in and watching a media package, no cost to you and no pressure to buy. Thank god as soon as I started talking to the women I came online and found these reviews. The more she was saying, I got a worse and worse feeling that it wasn’t legitimate, but thank god for these reviews! I ended up making an appointment for tomorrow night just so I can get her off the phone, but needless to say, we won’t be going.

OMG thank goodness I read these reviews! I got a call from them and this one guy named jay or jason I forgot his name was trying to pitch me a supposedly «won cruise trip.» He kept on saying I «won» the trip. But after a few questions I finally figured out that they simply stole a mass amount of information from an unknown source specifically concert goers and call them up to sell them a cruise sales pitch which is totally a scam! The guy was asking me weird questions like you filled out a «form» that states I had a significant other and that I make over $ 30,000. I have NEVER in my life filled out a form that revealed that much info about myself. This is automatically a red flag but I played along because the guy would not let me off the phone. He kept on saying that everything was «free» and that I would only pay the «tax.» Scam!!!
I’m not sure how this company is getting concert goers’ information but however they have been getting them is illegal and unlawful. Scamming other people is appalling! So this guy wouldn’t let off the phone without making an appointment with him so I simply made one and then I called back later to cancel it. Waste of my time.
Scam, scam, scam!!!

This is one hundred percent a scam! I went to their presentation to get my free cruise. I knew they would try to get me to purchase a vacation but finally gave up. Trying to book the cruise is a total nightmare! No one answers phone calls if you have questions and dates and pricing is not free (cruise taxes are only 200) — they tries to charge 700.
I wish I could get my hour back because this is such a scam and a company that has not business ethics! The company they use to redeem the cruise isn’t even bbb approved because they don’t response to complaints. Why would you be in business with a company like that???
STAY AWAY!!!

Sundance Vacations is a total scam out to hustle people for a lot of money. If this company were truly in the business of offering discount vacations, they would not pressure customers to pay so much money without being up front about it when inviting them to a seminar. As I stated in an email to the president of the company, when people are making a very large purchase, they are usually prepared for that. Like buying a car or furniture, they have preplanned and are already prepared to make a large downpayment, But Sundance Vacations totally springs this large amount on you when you aren’t ready to make a large purchase. This company is barely operating above the law and the high pressure sales tactics and the mumbo jumbo about the best offer only being available on the day of the seminar is a bunch of crap and lies.
Stop hustling people for their hard earned dollars and offer discount vacations that are affordable to people without being so greedy.
And as for the free vacation they’re offering — don’t believe the hype. You’re better off planning your own cruise and paying for it. All the hidden charges begin to add up after they’ve committed you by paying the taxes.
Do yourself a favor. Stay away from these scam artists.

Just like all the other reviews absolutely horribe! When we didn’t bite after their 2 hr presentation and and hour of grueling salesmen ship techniques they got very rude with us. They’re interest rates were ridiculous and they made you feel like you couldn’t afford it so we’ll give you better financing options — nope its just a crappy deal.
When we went to go about the «free» cruise trip turned out all these conditions started to apply. They purposely put you on the cheapest level of the cruise so your forced to make changes which there’s a price for at least $ 100 for each upgrade — wasn’t even worth it we ended up just canceling and taking our money back.

If ever in my life I wish I would have Unilocaled something it is Sundance. My husband «won» a free cruise at a Flyers Game and we were told to claim our prize in King of Prussia. After hours of bull discussing how affordable the vacation program was they delivered the news: $ 15k for 30 weeks of vacation. I couldn’t believe we were there, wasting time, energy.
When I asked where the condos were — can we look them up online? Not sure they said. No thank you we said, but another hour passed, and we were taken into another room to receive our prize. But this guy was the ultimate. THe price went down to no commitment unlimited wholesale weeks from $ 15,000 to $ 1,600 for 30 weeks of vacation.
Caution. Even when you go on their website they don’t list the actual condos you can go to … sorry but this is a total disaster. Don’t go. Especially with kids in tow.

I’d give zero stars if I could! I went to a Philadelphia Wings game and was approached by a guy that said I could win tix to upcoming Wings games, all he needed was my name and number. I specifically asked if my number would be shared with anyone and he said no. Now, Sundance keeps calling me about this «free» cruise I won. Well I knew that wasn’t possible, especially since my friend also got the same call. Gee what a coincidence! I called back and demanding that they delete all of my information since they mislead me in getting my number and that their company is a scam. I told them I would report them to the Better Business Bureau if they call again. The guy said «This is not a scam, we told you «you could win 4 tickets of your choice.» It’s a shame this company exists and I have no idea how any of those people can go to this job on a daily basis.

Wow I can’t believe there’s not more on here about this ! People beware before going to this «quick» one hour pitch to get a cruise!
I am now trying to cancel my «vacation package». Please keep reading if you aren’t as smart as I am and are about to go get this cruise.
First off there is nothing free about the cruise. You put a deposit then have to pay the remainder of taxes and port fees at time of booking which is several weeks after you mail a check get an email and pick 3 choice dates. Shouldve told me something then with all that run around but i never win anything nor do i have good luck so i was excited. You find out the remaining fees are double what you were quoted and you have to not only fly to florida but the day before (so you have to book a hotel) then at the end of the cruise have a 10 hour period to wait for your plane home! Plus i live in philly and they only had flights in baltimore! Overall it ended up i would be paying dam near the same amount to book a cruise myself! Of course theres always some catch but they imply its only the taxes and port fees and tell you they average to $ 400 per couple.
Now for the bad part. i know right that whole cruise thing wasn’t the bad part? We got persuaded to buy the vacation package. Last July We had just gotten back from a wonderful $ 1400 all inclusive trip to Aruba when we got this call abut winning a cruise so already we were excited that we may be able to take another great vacation so soon! Well after the cruise speech you get pressured into this wholesale vacation package that you have to listen about before getting your cruise voucher. It’s a bunch of bs. Your led to believe your financing 12 weeks (or more if you really got suckered in) of vacation and that you only pay a small amount when booking and get to stay in great condos all over the world! Sounds great right? Until you go to book one 8 months later like me and find out that you end up paying more then twice the amount with all the added fees plus airfare and such. Our salesperson told us about some of the fees but made it all somehow seem to still come out to such an affordable vacation. I am furious that we were so ignorant to the fact we were being scammed and am awaiting a call back from customer relations at this point in time to see about canceling and getting a refund for the $ 700 ive already given to them. Don’t wait 8 months like I did to find out you were scammed !!! If you already made the mistake of signing contracts cancel it immediately!!! Also I found a great resource on Facebook. There’s a boycott sundance vacations page that will get you the info you need to convince them to cancel it and refund you of any money you already gave to them. Hopefully you read this before you get to the position I’m in now !

This place is AWEFUL. In my opinion, It is entirely a scam. Even the vacations you «win» — after you add in all the fees — are more expensive than one you just buy. STAY CLEAR. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THEM.

I wish there was an options for no stars. I just lost an hour and a half of my life and I’m resentful that I’ll never get that back. I have no idea why I even went to the presentation. They really reel you in with the promise of a «free» cruise. It’s not free, they try to hard sell you on vacation packages. It’s exactly like a timeshare set up. If timeshares are your thing then this might be for you but I personally don’t like people harassing me on the phone, lying to me about the product, and then insulting my intelligence during and after a presentation that is a half an hour longer than promised.
We left after the promotion with no voucher for a cruise and no restaurant gift card, as promised, because we did not stay to get pushed around by the sales guy’s manager which was apparently a stipulation that was not mentioned on the phone.
If you value your time at ALL, do not get sucked into this scheme. You are not being sent on a free cruise and you may wind up throwing $ 15,000 into a company that had it’s accreditation pulled by the Better Business Bureau. Do your homework and read the reviews prior to going to the presentation. Stay home and watch paint dry, it’s a better use of your time.

I was totally scammed by these people — told me they had places in Greece (they don’t), and sent me a credit card after I specifically asked if it was a loan or a credit card (they said it was a «line of credit»). I’d love to find a class action lawsuit against them. Don’t get taken!

This organization is terrible. We sat through a 3 hr sales pitch so we could get the cruise vouchers. But, surprise surprise there is a hitch «Please submit a check, money order or cashiers check in U.S. dollars for $ 100.00 reservation deposit made payable to Spirit Incentives along with the remittance coupon below within 30 days of the date of this letter.» Yep, they want a deposit so that you can book your grand prize. Screw it, its not worth the trouble. I’ve already wasted 3 hrs of my life on the sales pitch there’s no way im going to reward them with $ 100. Worst ever.
BEWARE…if it sounds to good to be true… im the idiot for thinking I «won» a prize.

Watch out now if someone approaches you at a Phillies game, Flyers game or other such public event asking you to enter win a grand prize like a spring-​training getaway with the Philies or a new hummer. It’s probably Sundance travel working on their customer recruitment scam.
Cons
–The whole banana — my hackles should have been raised when my wife got the call announcing we’d won an all expenses paid cruise to the Bahamas, but would have to meet in person at Sundance Travel’s KOP office at 6:30 this past Tuesday to claim our prize. Like most folks, we never win anything, so it was tempting to be optimistic about this.
This prize-​winning approach isn’t a scam so much as it is a bait and switch to get you into their office for a hard, hard sell on ‘wholesale vacations’: 30 of them for a modest up front investment of $ 20,000 which they’ll happily finance at loanshark-​like rates north of 16%. Yikes! Further Internets research yields varying accounts of the quality of the actual product, which seems to swell somewhat in price and underwhelm in the vacation experience.
Needless to say, we didn’t bite but it took a lot of perseverance as we weathered the gauntlet of escalating, heavy hard closes. You start in the group pitch which takes an hour, then your personal sales rep escorts you to a little table in a large sales floor among other tables, reps and marks and pump-​up vacation music playing. If you don’t buy, the rep calls in his boss, a sales manager, who attempts to sweeten the deal and close you again with some fancy math. If you make it past him, congratulations you can claim your prize, but you have to do so at the VP of Sales office. We were lead from the table to a couch outside his office and the level of anxiety I felt literally transported me back to first-​grade visits to the principal’s office. One last, lame attempt to close was made by the big shot behind the desk and he signed our vouchers for the cruise.
It was the toughest two hours of my whole week.
In the end we did get our ‘prize,’ but on examination of the fine print it looks like it’s not so free after all (up front booking fees and port fees will cost about $ 500) and may be very difficult to redeem considering all the red-​taped contingencies that must be met including black out dates, advanced notice, etc.
All I’d really like now is to warn others about this experience, and maybe my two hours back. Think I could redeem the voucher for that?