2 free tickets for survery is this for real?

[d4est]

It sounded like a pretty good deal...you could get 4 nights in Orlando & 4 nights in Daytona, a weeks rental car from alamo and two 2 day star passes to Universal Studios for 398 total--not per person. You choose your hotel from their selection (Radisson, mainstay, Best western, rosen, travelodge etc...) and you have to attend the timeshare presentation for Vacation Villas at Fantasyworld II 4999 Kyng's Heath Rd. Kissimmee, Florida 34746

You get to pick your travel dates (18 months to do so) and they are guaranteed. You can change them if need be, the arrangements are transferable and you have a money back guarantee should you change your mind.

I would have jumped on it but have already purchased our tickets and we want to stay onsite for FOTL.

After I told him "no thanks" (he took it fairly well) he gave me a confirmation # for printout vouchers redeemable at their offices for two 2 day star passes to UO---but you still have to sit thru the timeshare presentation.

Not a bad deal for someone on a tight budget!

 

[bjakmom]

Please read all the fine print and investigate these 'deals' very carefully before giving them your CC #. My friend jumped at a deal like this thru SOHO Travel - what they originally led her to believe was not what the fine print said - basically she was not staying at the timeshare resort they were trying to sell - red flag # 1 !! There was a list of hotels that they could place her at (nowhere did it say that she could choose - it implied that, but turns out the final choice was theirs!!) - they were all hotels that normally rent pretty low - people reported always being sent to the one on the bottom of the list - this hotel is only worth $25-50 per night at best. The tickets given out with her package turn out to be only good for one day - the same day as your presentation - so you are loosing your whole morning at the time share presentation. (this deal also offered 4 days in Daytona- I think the last hotel on the list was a Howard Johnsons!!- and a "bermuda cruise") She has not been able to get her $600.-back - and she works for a lawyer - so be careful and don't be pressured into a good 'deal' until you read every word !

 

[jiggerj]

I am the original poster and I just want to say that I am sorry for sending everyone on what seems to be a "wild goose chase". Thought I might have found "a find" I should have known better... so I do apologize. I received my phone call too although the fellow was nice it did appear to be a timeshare presentation deal that I declined. Sorry everyone !

 

[StarWarsMan]

At least some people that got calls actually got vouchers...My DW (photobearSam) only got a rude comment and a hang up and she was being super nice to the guy.

She sent a really good email to Universal about this. I can't wait to see the response.

 

[Teris]

heh,, good for her, let us know how Universal responds. I am really disappointed they would sanction these type of pop ups on their site. It can't be that they need the extra revenue.

 

[djm99]

Like I said, I've gone to Orlando a couple of times using inexpensive packages. But just like bjakmom said, not staying on property where you are going to tour sometimes is bad news but not all. Here are a few sites that I personally know are legimate timeshare packages/promotions. I've personally used the following for cheap trip all over the US.

Here is the site that Universal Studios "sponsors" as off site timeshare promotions - they have really nice hotels including Wyndham in Downtown Disney.

http://themeparks.universalstudios....owner.html?__dest=resort_hotels_hotel_map.MID

In the above site, I've personally stayed at Westgate Lakes and I loved it. Its a high pressure Timeshare presentation, but I'll list some helpful hints if you choose them.

The Tempus Resorts packages I have not personally used, but I would because they are with the Wyndham group and they usually have some really nice hotels and resorts. The DTD one is nice and the Wyndham Palms Resorts and Country Club is extremely nice. I've personally toured that one. Its not nearly as high pressure and I even had fun. We almost bought that day too.

The fairfield resorts I just used in April for Brandson, MO. We had a really nice time. So the sites above I personally feel comfortable with. Here are a few others I feel comfortable with too.

This site I personally used and cancelled and got all my monies back less $10 cancellation fee (I was aware of this before I made the reservations). So I trust this company completely - the refund was within 48 hours.

http://www.discounthotels.cc/

All of these promotions are not timeshare presentations but some are. They do have a best rate guarantee too.

At the Silver Lake Resorts 2 bedroom condo for $65 a night is a excellent price. Involves Timeshare Presentation.

Embassy Grand Beach Vacation Resort's 3 bedroom Condo (2 miles for Disney) for only $99 , 2 bedroom $79, and 1 bedroom $35. Involves Timeshare Presentation.

http://www.discounthotels.cc/Hotels/embassygrandbeach.php

Days Inn Maingate West 7980 W. US Highway 192 - 2 miles from Disney $36.95 - if you can find it higher on Days Inn website - email them (Days Inn) they will give you that price less 10% - plus a free night. NO timeshare involved!!!

Sheraton Vistana Villages - Here is one I'd try!!! - it I could convince DH . Major hotel/resort chains are usually not high pressure (like Marriott). 1 bedroom villas $49 per night first 3 nights; additional nights $85 per night 2 bedroom villas $99 per night, first 3 nights; additional nights $130 per night Minimum stay 2 nights. Maximum stay 7 nights. Timeshare is involved!!!

http://www.discounthotels.cc/Hotels/sheraton-vistana.php


Club Sunterra at the Polynesian Isles Resort - 2 Bedroom Luxury Condo for $65 - Timeshare Involved

Homewood Suites Hotel - Lake Buena Vista Disney Area
During summer months June - Aug prices range from $70 - $85 a night - Great Continental breakfast here definately saves money. NO timeshare involved!!!
http://www.discounthotels.cc/Hotels/homewoodsuites.php

Here is 2 free Disney 4 - day hopper passes along with
5 Days /4 Nights in a 2 bedroom for $349 per adult or a 1 bedroom for $299 per adult. Last time I checked you stay in Silver Lake Resorts which is really nice. Up to 3 kids stay free. Extra nights are $99. If you have children I would buy the extra hopper tickets from hotwiresavings club (free for 30 days $7.50 thereafter) The childs 4 day hopper PLUS is $167.75 each (includes shipping and taxes)


http://www.orlandomagicalvacations.com/disneyarea.html

This is my favorite right now which does NOT REQUIRE A TIMESHARE from travelzoo.com. If you can afford $69 a night want to stay in DTD and have early access in the Disney parks (only outside hotel that allows this to my knowledge) and you get a free tower upgrade, check out the Hotel Royal Plaza this summer: http://dir.travelzoo.com/lodging.asp?intCategory=28&id=150177

I hope this helps. I'm a junky for good deals and we are renting a house this year!!!!!

 

[Aryn]

I just got a call from E tour and Travel and the woman was very nice. I told her all I was interested in was the tickets and she put me on hold for a minute. When she came back she gave me a website and a pin # I went there and printed out my vouchers. Very easy, I guess the hard part is the timeshare. The voucher says that I have to go to a 90 minute presentation w/ my husband. He will not be happy. I wonder if I can go without him. We will have our DD5 and DS2 with us. They make and easy out for us at these timeshare presentation.


Does anyone who goes to timeshares know how they work the presention with kids?

Thanks
Aryn

Also the tickets are 2 star tickets for two days each plus 2 city walk passes plus some kind of priority seating at 3 different shows. Not a bad deal if you ask me. you do have to use the tickets on 2 consecutive days.

 

[JoniGirl]

Originally posted by Aryn
Does anyone who goes to timeshares know how they work the presention with kids?

I have done a TON of these timeshares. Most of them will tell you up front that no kids are allowed - but some will accomodate your kids. In Las Vegas, we did a timeshare for $120 cash, and they bought our two kids a pizza - AND we got to ride the strip in a limo!

I have a tip for anyone attending a timeshare presentation. Just say NO. They are trained with a counter response to any excuse you give, except no. They will ask why - and we tell them that we are not giving a reason, the answer is no. It works - we have gotten right out every time we used it.

 

[djm99]

Here are my tips that get us in out within and sometimes under 90 minutes:

1. NEVER EAT THEIR BREAKFAST/lLUNCH/DINNER!!!! Almost always they offer SOME KIND of meal. Your presentation time does not begin until AFTER you finish your meal/coffee, etc. So while you eat, or drink that time DOES NOT COUNT!!!!

2. If you already know what resort your touring, do some research on it!!!! Find out how much "resale" prices are - off of different websites. And most importantly BRING IT WITH YOU!!! Nothing gets under their skin more than an "educated" buyer. Some will say not to buy from other resellers because you loose the resort "star" treatment!!! I simple say, "I wouldn't want to buy from a company who does not treat ALL its owner with the FULL respect they deserve"!!!!! Just because SOME buyers have since enough not to end up paying 17% in interest and pay 50%-70% less they should be punished!!!

3. DON'T BE AFRAID OF BEING RUDE!!!!! Some people are afraid to be rude to people who have no problems being RUDE to them!!! I have gone so far as to bring materials to read!!! A friend of mine laid her head down and went to sleep (AFTER A FEW HOURS OF BEGGING from the Salesman)!!!!!! Our first presentation lasted well over 4 hours!!! TRUST ME BE RUDE!!!!!

4. If you know for sure that your not interested in buying (obsolutely sure) and you didn't eat their food - make it CLEAR from the beginning that you have to pick up your family or friend at the airport within 2 hours!!!! - Stretch the truth maybe

5. If you have been thru a presentation before tell them you have!!! That way you don't have to go thru that speech of how good of an investment the timeshare is, and how much money you'll be saving. BLAH BLAH BLAH!!

6. If you have ANY complaints about the property (particularly if you are staying on that site). Bring a list of every reason why you would not buy from that property.)

7. Show your disinterest in your face. These people are trained to "pick up" on those interested. Let me give you an example. My first tour was at Westgate (VERY HARD SELL - if you can survive a Westgate presentation you can survive any of them), anyway, A friend of mine (who had their presentation before ours) bought a Timeshare there ( a 2-bedroom) for around $13,000. The next day, when we had our presentation, the same 2 bedroom lock out was offered to us at $7500. Because we really were not interested and the price kept getting lower. Last year we were offered a 2 bedroom at Westgate Tower for $5000 (we were almost tempted!!!) If you look on ebay right now I'm sure someone is selling a 2 bedroom (at Westgate Lakes) for every bit of $3000. You do the math!!!!

8. If you are doing a timeshare at a world wide chain like Marriot or Starwood, they are usually low pressured but still do your research!!!! - HIGHER end Timeshares are extremely expensive - more expensive than Disney DVC.

9. Let them know that you are maxxed out financially (including credit cards) and have NO means for a down payment!!! NO ONE will let you leave without some kind of down payment.

10. If they get you to buy and you immediately realize (after leaving the parking lot) that you don't want it or can't afford it. Immediately send your letter to the resort within I believe 3-4 days (it could be more or less) to cancel because after that grace period - ITS GOING ON YOUR CREDIT REPORT!!!!

11. If you don't own a home yet you have to perfect excuse, Why would I buy vacation property before a home, I must prioritize and right now its not even a option!!!

12. If you have children, BRING them!!!! Children especially impatient ones (that includes about 99.9% of them)!!!! Let them cry, encourage temper tantrums, and most importantly let the toddler future track star (you know the one that keeps running away from ya) Let them do their thing!!!! 99% of timeshare let you bring your children (they are usually on vacation in orlando right) so they provide a place for them to play. Don't let them go!!! Let them bug the heck out of you, and the presenter. It rushes the presentation - Trust me!!!!

Sounds like a lot, I know - but still it can be worth it, if the stay is nice. I have a friend and her husband who get a kick out of getting something for "nothing" (if time is nothing). While in Orlando last year they bragged about their $200 cash in 3 hours ($66.66 an hour doesn't sound so bad now does it!!) Their presentations NEVER went over 90 minutes. They did Tip #4 and said they had to pick up her mother at the Airport. Each time leaving with $100 bills. Another friend of mine did a presentation recently for (4) 4 day disney hoppers for $125 a piece!!!! Hope this helps !!!! - Also, you can only do so many presentations in so many days - your name goes a register and you'll be locked out of presentations - JUST A THOUGHT!!!!


:space:

BEAM ME UP SCOTTY!!!


I could use one of these right now!!!!!

 

[djm99]

Here are my tips that get us in out within and sometimes under 90 minutes:

1. NEVER EAT THEIR BREAKFAST/lLUNCH/DINNER!!!! Almost always they offer SOME KIND of meal. Your presentation time does not begin until AFTER you finish your meal/coffee, etc. So while you eat, or drink that time DOES NOT COUNT!!!!

2. If you already know what resort your touring, do some research on it!!!! Find out how much "resale" prices are - off of different websites. And most importantly BRING IT WITH YOU!!! Nothing gets under their skin more than an "educated" buyer. Some will say not to buy from other resellers because you loose the resort "star" treatment!!! I simple say, "I wouldn't want to buy from a company who does not treat ALL its owner with the FULL respect they deserve"!!!!! Just because SOME buyers have since enough not to end up paying 17% in interest and pay 50%-70% less they should be punished!!!

3. DON'T BE AFRAID OF BEING RUDE!!!!! Some people are afraid to be rude to people who have no problems being RUDE to them!!! I have gone so far as to bring materials to read!!! A friend of mine laid her head down and went to sleep (AFTER A FEW HOURS OF BEGGING from the Salesman)!!!!!! Our first presentation lasted well over 4 hours!!! TRUST ME BE RUDE!!!!!

4. If you know for sure that your not interested in buying (obsolutely sure) and you didn't eat their food - make it CLEAR from the beginning that you have to pick up your family or friend at the airport within 2 hours!!!! - Stretch the truth maybe

5. If you have been thru a presentation before tell them you have!!! That way you don't have to go thru that speech of how good of an investment the timeshare is, and how much money you'll be saving. BLAH BLAH BLAH!!

6. If you have ANY complaints about the property (particularly if you are staying on that site). Bring a list of every reason why you would not buy from that property.)

7. Show your disinterest in your face. These people are trained to "pick up" on those interested. Let me give you an example. My first tour was at Westgate (VERY HARD SELL - if you can survive a Westgate presentation you can survive any of them), anyway, A friend of mine (who had their presentation before ours) bought a Timeshare there ( a 2-bedroom) for around $13,000. The next day, when we had our presentation, the same 2 bedroom lock out was offered to us at $7500. Because we really were not interested and the price kept getting lower. Last year we were offered a 2 bedroom at Westgate Tower for $5000 (we were almost tempted!!!) If you look on ebay right now I'm sure someone is selling a 2 bedroom (at Westgate Lakes) for every bit of $3000. You do the math!!!!

8. If you are doing a timeshare at a world wide chain like Marriot or Starwood, they are usually low pressured but still do your research!!!! - HIGHER end Timeshares are extremely expensive - more expensive than Disney DVC.

9. Let them know that you are maxxed out financially (including credit cards) and have NO means for a down payment!!! NO ONE will let you leave without some kind of down payment.

10. If they get you to buy and you immediately realize (after leaving the parking lot) that you don't want it or can't afford it. Immediately send your letter to the resort within I believe 3-4 days (it could be more or less) to cancel because after that grace period - ITS GOING ON YOUR CREDIT REPORT!!!!

11. If you don't own a home yet you have to perfect excuse, Why would I buy vacation property before a home, I must prioritize and right now its not even a option!!!

12. If you have children, BRING them!!!! Children especially impatient ones (that includes about 99.9% of them)!!!! Let them cry, encourage temper tantrums, and most importantly let the toddler future track star (you know the one that keeps running away from ya) Let them do their thing!!!! 99% of timeshare let you bring your children (they are usually on vacation in orlando right) so they provide a place for them to play. Don't let them go!!! Let them bug the heck out of you, and the presenter. It rushes the presentation - Trust me!!!!

Sounds like a lot, I know - but still it can be worth it, if the stay is nice. I have a friend and her husband who get a kick out of getting something for "nothing" (if time is nothing). While in Orlando last year they bragged about their $200 cash in 3 hours ($66.66 an hour doesn't sound so bad now does it!!) Their presentations NEVER went over 90 minutes. They did Tip #4 and said they had to pick up her mother at the Airport. Each time leaving with $100 bills. Another friend of mine did a presentation recently for (4) 4 day disney hoppers for $125 a piece!!!! Hope this helps !!!! - Also, you can only do so many presentations in so many days - your name goes a register and you'll be locked out of presentations - JUST A THOUGHT!!!!


:space:

BEAM ME UP SCOTTY!!!


I could use one of these right now!!!!!

 

[lawgs]

if you read the voucher carefully, ( at least on the one i printed off ) it does not say you have to take a timeshare tour...

first, the email they send you says"you have been selected to receive 2 complimentary Universal Studios tickets.....contacting you soon with instructions on how to print your ticket vouchers online. You may redeem this voucher for actual tickets upon arrival at our reception center in Kissimmee, Florida"

( this whole section above is separate from their "offering" you a vacation package put together by etourandtravel a subsidiary of Kosmas Group International which owns "timeshares" in the three locations that they offer the package Orlando, New Smyrna Beach and Key West )

even if you do not accept their 398$ offer ( which by the way another company is offering also with all the same perks BUT with the addition of 2 - $100 air checks, whatever that means)

you should be able to get them to give you a "confirmation PIN" number that you can then use along with your email address to access the "voucher" print off page on their website ( www.etoursandtravel.com/tickets )

if the pin is not given, you can still get it since it seems to be encoded on your email at the bottom where it says REMOVE-UNSUBSCRIBE

it will be the first "seven" digits of the number at the end of the

click here to remove

on my email it says

"http://www.etourandtravel.com/optout/Lxxxxxxx18107645126"

the xxxxxxxx here were my PIN number used to retrieve the "voucher"

Now, to the voucher we printed off as "aryn" states it is a voucher for Universal Studios Star Ticket Voucher

two days each plus 2 city walk passes plus some kind of priority seating at 3 different shows ( the days must be consecutive and are good for one or the other parks NOT for both )

***an interesting note here, one of the shows they offer priority seating for "The Wild West Stunt Show" is no longer operating at Universal unless i am mistaken since last time we were at universal the show was "boarded" up

The Voucher

expires one (1) year from Issue date ( the date you put in your pin # and email )

is valid for two adults

identification required ( non transferable)
must be 25 years of age
if married, spouse must accompany


the fine print, but, not really fine on the voucher we have

This voucher entitles the above to two (2) Star Tickets to be picked up at our Orlando/Kissimmee Reception Center. You will be invited ( my empahsis ) to schedule a 90 minute presentation on the benefits of vacation ownership at Vacation Villas at Fantasyworld II, sponsored by the developer. Orlando Resort Development Group, Inc.


just in looking at both the email and the voucher, it does not seem that you have to actually "sit through a presentation"

email......redeem voucher for actual tickets upon arrival at our reception center, arrival would suggest you just have to show up ( smirking here )

voucher ... they are inviting you to schedule a presentation, what happens if you decline the "invitation" extended ( there does not seem to be anything that says you have to do a tour )

anyhow, we are in Orlando this weekend and will be "arriving" at the reception center to see if our "tickets" are ready upon arrival and will politely decline their "invitation" if they offer one

will post back what happens, already have the website for the Florida Attorney General bookmarked

doing a searc on google for the KOSMAS GROUP INTERNATIONAL provided these links....

http://www.travelthenet.com/columns/dog.htm

http://twiki.cageyconsumer.com/CapeCanaveralTourAndTravel

http://www.travelthenet.com/columns/borne.htm

this is the Florida Attorney General's website

http://myfloridalegal.com/

 

[Aryn]

Wow! thanks for the tips!

I have no way of doing anything with my kids except to bring them with me. They, my son in particular, has no patience. He will run, yell, and generally make a mess if we don't watch him VERY carefully. I guess we will let him do his thing, and hope they get sick of us and let us out.

I have also planned on having my parents call us at exactly 90 minutes to give us a way out, if it's too high pressure.

We have no interest in actually buying a timeshare so I hope they see that. The tip about the food is great! I never would have known that. Thanks!!

Aryn

edited to add: I just read the post above me, and when I looked at my voucher it says I can get my tickets "after attending a 90 minute presentation" not that I am invited to attend.
I wonder why they are different.

 

[rlduvall]

Or, you could just not try to get something for free and pay for your own tickets, lol. Sorry, couldn't resist. I wouldn't put myself through that kind of torture and stress unless I really thought I might buy. Please, no flaming, just being honest.

 

[Aryn]

Nothing is for "free" especially a timeshare presentation. I am putting in my 90 minutes and they are paying me for my time. Those of us that are watching our pennies might think that 90 minutes is a small price to pay, others obviously do not think so.

Just my 2 cents

Aryn

 

[lawgs]

aryn

well i guess we got different vouchers printing out

mine definately say....invited

maybe it has something to do with location ( we are from canada )

but really do not think that should make a difference

the top of our voucher says

Print this voucher and take it to our Orlando/Kissimmee Reception Center at :

Vacation Villas at Fantasyworld II on and on


what about your email....did it say "upon arrival" redeem for actual tickets?

in reading the websites i posted, it does seem this company goes by many names and has been involved in deceptive practices before =(

 

[Aryn]

I think the difference here is that you got an email and I got a phone call.

I wish I had gotten an email instead.

mine sounds exactly like yours except for those all important words "invited" vs. "after attending"

I hope that this is the real deal, I was not planning to go to Universal because it would add a couple hundred to an already tight budget. these tickets would be a great help.

Aryn

I guess you are the guinea pig LOL, let us know how it goes.

 

[lawgs]

aryn

we got both....

an email on tuesday night

then a phone call yesterday afternoot


the email was from Universal Studios Florida Vacation Offer ( travel@etourandtravel.com )

almost trashed it, but kept it

i did fill out a survey form from the OP url listing though


will definately post what happens when we get back on Monday

 

[lawgs]

just out of curiosity, went back to the OP url posting to see what was there...

Get Two Free Universal Studios® Tickets
for Completing Our Travel Survey Below!

We want to hear from you! This survey is for the people and families who visit Florida each year to express their opinions about vacationing in Florida. What are your favorite attractions, destinations, beaches, cities, and rides? In order to promote travel and tourism to the state of Florida, and to provide you with the best vacation experience possible, we need your input!

To thank you, we're offering a limited promotion of two (2) free tickets to Universal Studios®! Each ticket is good for one day adult admission to Universal Studios Florida® in Orlando. Your tickets are valid for 12 months, with no black-out dates, and have a $100 retail value. This is not a contest or lottery, and is open to US and CAN residents (void in FL), and you must be age 25 or older to participate in the survey. Thank you, and we look forward to your arrival!


the fine print:

*The form must be filled out completely to qualify. You must be 25, and a US or CAN resident (void in FL). One offer per household. This is not a contest or lottery, void where prohibited by law or registration requirements not met. Some restrictions may apply. By submitting your information, you request immediate notification by phone and email if you qualify. This promotion is offered by eTourandTravel, Inc. through special arrangement with Universal Studios®


completion of suvery asks you to click ON...

Get My Free Star Tickets Now


The ticket described above is ONE day adult admission ( left and right hand not knowing what is happening here if they are giving you a voucher for "two day " ticket )

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

What a nightmare!

Like the poster above they called up and gave my dad the speech (9 nights ... car rental) . They wouldn't give us any time to decide and the guy never gave a code to get the tickets! Luckily from the post above I was able to log in and get the paper ...hopefully we will be able to go and not have to sit through a presentation!

I will keep checking this post to see what people went through to get their tickets!

 

[d4est]

my voucher said:

This Voucher entitles the above to two (2) Star Tickets to be picked up at our Orlando/Kissimmee Reception Center after attending a 90 minute presentation on the benefits of vacation ownership at Vacation Villas at Fantasyworld II, sponsored by the developer, Orlando Resort Development Group, Inc.

Note that it says "after attending" not invited to attend...

Strange....

I didn't get anything by email...

Seems this is false advertising. The pop up says

Get Two Free Universal Studios® Tickets

for Completing Our Travel Survey Below!

Well, I took the danged survey, even listened to the telemarketer's speech....the tickets shouldn't require any more than that UNLESS they say so up front. The "UPFRONT" promise was free tickets for filling out a survey....