In business, nothing is for free. Sorry to hear about your experience. Keep in mind, there are some reputable timeshare operations available nationwide. Just do your homework.

01/29/2008 11:54 AM

by Ken Rivera - Turlock (American Pacific Mortgage)

---

Hi John,

Welcome to Active Rain and congrats on your first post! The opportunities to learn and network are incredible here. Best of luck to ya!

-Keith

01/29/2008 01:17 PM

by Keith Elliott Jr -"Prince William County Real Estate Expert" (RE/MAX Olympic Realty)

---

Hey, I just "won" that same tour! Kinda thought something was up when I got my information today, and even that is different from what I was told on the phone. Thanks for the heads up...looks like I'm saving myself a trip to southern Ohio next weekend!

01/30/2008 09:50 PM

by Chris Legg

---

hey John

glad to here that you got out in time. I'm going to court to try to get out of this sham. See I bought into this. I paid there many fees thinking it woud get better but it didn't. I tried to get (rent) a boat no boats.tried to go horse back riding and the tralis are down. when we did finnally get a boat (that I had to pay a fee of $1000 added to my plan ) it was a piece of $%^&**! and I was afraid to put my family on it.can't get a cabin when you want or need to . I can go on and on. I just hope more people can see through this and can be saved from all the crap and lies.

02/06/2008 10:48 AM

by Dan

---

WOW!  How frustrating.

Don't give up on resort property in Ohio though.  Hide-A-Way Hills in Southern Ohio is MEMBER owned and operated so no developer with tons of broken promises. 

Good luck in getting out of your current resort property situation.

02/12/2008 05:08 PM

by Belinda Augustus, Realtor®, ABR®, e-PRO (Real Living HER)

---

To All:

I had a feeling this might be something to check into. I too recieved a call that I was chosen at randon to recieve 2 free gifts and a chance at a new car or $25,000! Glad I decided to do some research before I drove 2 hours from Columbus. Sorry to hear about what you guys are going through. Im cancelling, Good Luck to you guys.

 

02/12/2008 07:51 PM

by Neal

---

To All:

I had a feeling this might be something to check into. I too recieved a call that I was chosen at randon to recieve 2 free gifts and a chance at a new car or $25,000! Glad I decided to do some research before I drove 2 hours from Columbus. Sorry to hear about what you guys are going through. Im cancelling, Good Luck to you guys.

 

02/12/2008 07:51 PM

by Neal

---

Thank you everyone!  I too signed up for one of those cars in the Polaris Mall in Columbus... thinking why not?  I am glad I was skeptical enough to look and see if it was a scam.  Thanks, and sorry for your loss.

02/16/2008 03:14 PM

by Elliot

---

I to recieved the same deal my wife and I were to go today now that I read all the comments about this place I am not going thank you very much. This saved me a wasted trip 

02/22/2008 11:14 AM

by Ken

---

They really make it seem appealing. My wife and I just joined yesterday and got the basic membership. It "appears" like a good place to bring the kids and relax. There are a lot of activities to do and the cabins are nice. But now I feel liek I got tricked after reading these comments and my gut just did a big turn.I guess I won't really know untill I actually go back and stay at the resort. One of the thinsg people are not mentioning in this post is that becoming a meneber of Grand Haven Resort gives you access to The Coast to Coast resorts all over the US. There are like 20 in Ohio 20 in Michigan and on and on and on.... You can stay at any of the resorts and pay the same rate as thier members do. If you travel alot and liek to take your family to different place and have access to the ammentities it is not a bad option at all.

 Think.. you pay 50-75 for a hotel room or camp site.. You can pay 10-30 for a cabin with 2 full ammentities and all the extras.....

 

Reamins to be seen ... I am in for 5000 now but I am EXTREMELY worried about the Extra fees.. I was planning on bringing my family, sisters, nephews... They are going to charge us for that?

02/25/2008 07:29 AM

by Rob B

---

Thanks for the information.  I thought it sounded too good to be true!   You said me gas money and the wasted time!!!!  We were supposed to go to on Sunday!    Thanks so much!

03/07/2008 05:56 PM

by

---

Sorry about the bad taste in your mouth. I am a member at grand haven . I have never heard of extra fees for family members coming to stay. They pay a little more for a cabin  than  members but not much more (5- 7 dollars). We have family members out all the time and if they stay with you it's free. Grand Haven is a great place for  your family. We have been to many campgrounds none compare to Grand haven.  WE are going on our 6 year of membership and have never  once  regretted  joining.  Don't be scared off. 

03/08/2008 08:24 AM

by kent

---

I was just reading john's blog and needed to clarify a couple of things .  cabins run about $38.00 to$43.00 per night.  They are running a special on certain weekends buy 1 night  get 2 night's free on any cabin.  There are no extre fees for pets, they have cabins specifically for pet owners.  There is no  extra fees for guests except  they pay a little more for renting a cabin   I'm not sure what john is talking about we have been going there for years and never experienced these extra fees!  It just bothers me when someone says stuff thats not true.  Obviously, he totally misunderstood the whole tour and info. presented to him.  All I can say is that my family and I love it out there and would recommend it highly- if you enjoy camping and relaxation.  It is very well kept up for the most part- the grounds are always kept up very nicely.  Sincerely we think that it is the best camp ground out there. 

03/08/2008 04:31 PM

by

---

I agree I love Grand Haven!

03/09/2008 08:23 AM

by

---

 My wife and I went on a tour today. We knew going in what prizes we would win. The junk camera and the trip. We traded in the junk 35 mm camera and trip for a junk digital camera and some pictures that my boys can use as targets.My wife wouldn't let me throw the camera out the car window on the way home. They lead you to believe that you actually have a chance at all of these prizes, but no one there today won a darn thing worth a nickel. Glad I didn't sign up. What a bunch of scammers.

03/10/2008 11:38 PM

by Pat

---

My husband and I have had our Grand Haven membership for quite some time. I agree that some things were pretty hyped up in the sales pitch. My hubby and I kind of laughed after we purchased our membership at ALL we were going to receive!

That being said, we have had fun everytime we have went to Grand Haven. We enjoy the setting and how close it is to Salt Fork. We find the facilites clean and the staff very helpful. There are all kinds of scheduled events for the kids.

Unfortunately we aren't able to go anymore due to all the kid's activities and are thinking about selling our membership. If there is anyone who might be interested please contact me at soccermom_1963@yahoo.com .

03/14/2008 05:16 PM

by Laura

---

Gald I found this before I went up there. I got the same thing in the mail and figured it was to good to be true.

03/15/2008 03:55 PM

by Robyn

---

My husband and I were really excited about the prospect of having a place close enough to home and far enough away to feel like we were vacationing!!! We went on the tour and then we were hit with the $13,000.+ membership fees that would cover rooms between such a price and such a price (CHEAP), boat rental and a few other silly things but they refused to show us the pricing in writting and would not let us take any contract with us. This place is a real joke!!!!!!!!!!!!  DO NOT BUY.. It is looking very run down too.

04/15/2008 06:46 PM

by Judy

---

I have also " won " and was going to go next weekend...Good thing I looked into it and was lucky enough to come across your blog..............Thanks..........scodicam@comcast.net

04/19/2008 01:42 PM

by Scott Zelechowski

---

Looks like the blank responses above are from the damage control team!

I did not buy into this, but I thought I would give everyone a heads up since the prizes and scenario that John listed in the original post mirror my own experience. 

I just got the same exact type of contest deal from a NE Ohio outfit called Wagon Trails Resorts that is affiliated with Conjac, Inc. I got a phone call last week from a guy saying that I filled out a card over the holidays to win a car (I never do that and neither would my wife or anyone in my family!) and he told me I was qualified for 2 prizes of valued at $500.00 - He emphasized the Toshiba 27" Flat Screen TV first, then the "Sea, Ski & Sightsee" package, both valued at $400 and the Argus 3-In-1 Digital Camera, with an alleged value of $100.00. I did a Google search for the camera and it's lowest sale price was $16.00 and the highest was $30.00. To top it off, the camera is being sold by companies like "PrestoMart" and "Dealz4Real". No Best Buy in sight.

I got the confirmation package in the mail yesterday and read the fine print and did some research. There are NO reviews on Wagon Trails Resorts and Conjac Inc. is a company that provides sales & marketing for resorts but offers little information about it's businesses. I did a Google search for all of the head honchos and found nothing. The most disheartening search I did was at the Better Business Bureau... No Conjac, Inc. and no Wagon Trails Resorts were listed.

I called twice tonight to find out what my odds were of winning the TV and car, but I had to leave a message on what sounded to be an old analog answering machine! Normal business hours at the W.T.R. Awards Notification Center are from 3PM to 9PM EST Sunday through Saturday but apparently "all representatives are busy helping other customers". I'm sure they just don't want to answer questions.

So adding all this up, I would spend $30.00 on gas driving out there, about 2 hours driving and god knows how long on the tour and end up with a $16 dollar piece of junk camera and a "vacation" package that doesn't include "meals, gratuity and transportation" and pay a "fully refundable $30.00 deposit" (!?)... No thanks.

I'm not trying to slander this company, but since they lied about me entering a contest to win a car and then said one of my family members did it makes me think they might not be on the up-and-up.

 If anyone gets a call from these folks, call them back and see what happens!!!

 

04/29/2008 06:28 PM

by Ken

---

Update!!!

I called again and actually spoke to a woman at the W.T.R. Notification Center and I found out this...

 She said the odds of winning the car are 1 in 25,000. She also said the contest has been running for over a year.

She had no idea what the odds were of winning the TV.

She confirmed that they do not belong to the Better Business Bureau.

She denied affiliation with the Wagon Trails Resorts website (http://www.gomillbrook.com/page/page/3310983.htm) that clearly states the same address (4051 State Route 46 South, Jefferson, Ohio 44047) as the W.T.R. Notification Center. 

She told me I was wrong about the Argus 3-in-1 Digital Camera and asked if I was looking on ebay. I told her "No, I am looking at 83 different results on Google Shopping and the highest is priced at $52.50 and the lowest was $12.98". She then quipped that they would have to look into it so they could save money and I suggested "...Or you could offer a camera that's actually worth $100.00" to which sher replied "That too."

The real zinger... I have to mail back the car key so they don't call me anymore. 

Overall, this has been a really shady experience that I will be better prepared for in the future.

I just hope I don't get any retaliation from angry employees. If anything comes of it, I'll be sure to post it here. 

04/29/2008 06:51 PM

by Ken

---

I got a call yesterday from Grand Haven saying I was a semifinalist to win a car plus the camera.  Glad I found this website before I drove all the way out there.  I had a feeling it something was a little off about the whole thing.  Came across another site w/ a msg board that had A LOT of people trying to get rid of their Grand Haven memberships.

Thanks everyone - this saves me time, gas & paying a sitter (apparently kids can't come on the tour). 

 

05/06/2008 01:22 PM

by Sue

---

I just got the call from these people minutes ago.  I immediately googled it and came up with this site.  A week or two earlier I got a call from a place called Sunshine Travel.  I googled them too and they have a very similar reputation to Grand Haven.  So look out for them too!

05/06/2008 03:33 PM

by

---

To Ken:

I went on this "tour" with my boyfriend; they told him he'd get a $50 gas rebate, so he figured he didn't have anything to lose. Well, we laughed through the entire presentation--neither of us camp, and we told our tourguide (? is that what they call them?) that right away--yet she still tried to pitch their "rodeo" and expansive camping sites to us.

Anyway, two things:
1) The $50 gas rebate works like this: They give you a coupon book and you send in your gas receipts, and they will reimburse you $5 per month, over the next 10 months. LOL what a joke!

2) At the very end, they ask you to write down names of friends, family, etc. who may be interested in touring--THIS is most likely where they got your number (if you didn't put in into a contest box). The referrals are in exchange for an entry into whatever fancy contest they have going on--just 5 names will get you 10 chances to win. Oh--and they promise that they won't tell the person where they got their name. Now THAT spells shady.

The bottom line: if you are looking for a good laugh and don't have anything to do, it's a good way to get a cheapo digital camera for your favorite kid. Also, if you tell the "director" no, he leaves you alone. They don't pester you, or try to hard sell you, as I've seen many other sales people try to do.

05/13/2008 11:23 PM

by

---

Thanks figured it was a scam.... I would bet that the few who say the place is great work there!!!! And I love the Hide A Way Hills person throwing the sales pitch in there....nice...haha. The best has to be soccermom 1963 trying to unload her membership!!! After the list of people saying how s!@ty the place is. Not the best place to try and sell anything that has to do with Grand Haven lady.....

05/20/2008 04:59 PM

by Nic

---

OK so they get a little crazy with the sales pitch. But don't shoot it down if you are totally interested in becoming a member of a private camping facility like this. We have had our membership for many years. Passed down from my mom. And we spend about every other weekend there in the summer. If you have your own camper, then you are basically staying there for free except for the annual maintenance fee, which is I think about $275 or so now.

We have camped a lot of place in Ohio, and have never found a place with so much to do and so many kids activities, etc. Heck, we have a hard time even finding a place with a heated indoor pool. The kids love that they can go up there in the winter, sled for a while, then go jump in the warm pool.

Bash the sales tactics all you want. But if you are looking for a fun place to spedn your summers in the outdoors, you should still check it out. If you find something else similar within a couple hours of Ohio, let me know. I would be interested to see how it compares.

05/22/2008 11:02 PM

by Bob P.

---

I am one of those people that work for cardida corp. and I must say with all honesty there is no "scam" going on.the names we call really do come from entry forms that are filled out at the malls,shopping centers,car shows etc. we don't buy or sell names.we send out letters that state the actual odds of winning each award.if people would actually take the time to read the entry form,they would see where it states that by filling out this form you will recieve a call from cardida corp. about taking a tour of a resort.it also states that by signing this entry form out,you are giving us permission to call you even if you are on the Do Not Call list.and people really do win.

05/23/2008 04:35 PM

by alan t.

---

good thing i read up on this. I just got my call this weekend and am supposed to be getting another call this coming weekend.

Now I know it would be not worth my time or the time it takes to listen to the bride they give you.

Thanks for the heads up

 

06/17/2008 07:49 PM

by gina

---

This blog is a life saver, or more like a gas saver! My fiance' filled out an entry form at Polaris and just received a call today. It sounded a little too good to be true and thank goodness he was smart enough to google the company first.

When he spoke with the rep, she was not willing to answer questions regarding how many semi-finalists are picked each year and a few other random questions. Lots of prizes were promised and he was very clear that we were not interested in any high pressured sales.

You have saved us a lot of money in gas and four hours of our life that we'll never get back!

Thanks for the warning!

06/23/2008 03:08 PM

by Jess

---

My fiance and I went to the Wagon Trails Resort this afternoon after receiving a key in the mail for a chance to win a car.  We fully expected to get a presentation trying to sell us something, and that's exactly what we got.  The package looked interesting enough, basically it was like a Sam's Club for vacationers.  They can help you save money by booking vacation reservations through them, that kind of thing.  The price was outrageous and they wanted 20% down ($900) and told us we had to give them a "yes" or "no" before we walked out the door.

We didn't buy the package from them, but we did receive a few "gifts" for coming out to hear the presentation.  We got an Argus 3-in-1 digital camera, nothing special there.  We also got a 2-night, 3-day vacation trip without travel or meals included.  Also, we were told we had a $1000 online shopping spree, which turns out was a scam to buy overpriced, non-name brand items with incredibly high shipping prices.

All in all, we were disappointed in the experience as a whole.  The way we look at it, at least we had a nice drive through the country and learned what these giveaways are all about.  We bought nothing and walked away spending only gas money.  And hey, we got to eat at the Waffle House on the way home, good food there.

If you get one of these in the mail or a call saying you won something similar, don't get your hopes up.  Again, we didn't purchase anything so we can't speak to the validity of the whole package, but one thing we can say.  As soon as we told the man "no," his demeanor immediately changed and he wanted us out the door as quickly as possible.  That in itself should tell you all you need to know.

06/23/2008 05:57 PM

by Lucy

---

I think if you have a family and enjoy the outdoors you should check out grand haven.  If you are hoping for a car or tv and dont camp dont go!   But don't let the sales tatics give you a bad impression of the resort.  it is a very nice resort.  We have been members for years and i know there is no better campground in ohio!  

06/28/2008 01:56 PM

by bill

---

My friend and I just went to the Pymatuning Valley Resort sales pitch.  My friend was the one who got the call.  I just came along for the ride. Well on the 2 hour ride up there we were talking about marriage.  I told him we should get married because we were both single and almost 40.  But we joked about how he would have to get rid of all his Lady Friends. Well when we first arrived we were taken into a room with the other people.  Our sales lady was Judy.  Judy started to ask us questions on if we were engaged or if we were dating.  I started laughing because my friend and I just had this conversation.  Well I asked my friend if he was engaged or not? He said to me I don't know, are we engaged?  And I told him no because you have to many girlfriend.  I was only joking with him.  He doesn't have a girlfriend but he does have a few Lady Friends. Well we quickly found out through our giggles and sideline humor, that Judy are sales lady told us that he had to bring his fiance or girlfriend up to finish the tour. We tried to explain that we were just joking around and we really wanted to go on the tour. But they still would not let us finish the tour.  What a rip off.  Two highly successful friends that could of easily afford the price of the resort....he a stock exchange broker and I'm in finance.  I couldn't believe they would not let us take the tour!!  They kicked us out.

06/30/2008 05:34 PM

by Sharon

---

Re:  Wagon Trails Resort

I got the same phone call a couple months ago. My husband & I filled out an entry form at the mall as well and got a call from the WTR Notification Center. They explained that we filled out an entry form and told us that we were selected as finalist. I was excited because they explained to me that in addition to being a finalist that I not only was going to get a key in the mail but I also was going to recieve two prizes if I took a tour while I was there. My husband was alittle skeptical at first but I talked in him into going  plus they said that the facilities were great for children (which we have two) so I figured what the heck.. and so we scheduled an appointment and went out that same weekend. Our salesman was nice and he showed us around the resort. I was shocked because it seemed like a great place to go. They had I think an indoor pool, putt putt, game room etc. It seems like it would be a great place to take the kids and they enjoyed the tour. When it came down to us joining the resort.. unfortunately it wasn't something that we could afford right now especially with gas prices..lol. So we went and tried our key, least to say we didn't win the $25,000 but we did get the digital camera and the vacation package as well as the $500 online shopping spree. I wish we would have been the people infront of us because I'm pretty sure they won the $1000 prize which we would have enjoyed but none the less the camera was a decent camera but we already had one so I gave it to my daughter. She loves the thing. What she loved most is that it had a web cam so she gets online to talk to her cousins in Indiana, it's funny how much kids enjoy something so little. We did use the vacation package once so far. We went down to Orlando to take the kids to Disney and we didn't spend a dime in accomodations which was nice. The resort we stayed at was a four star resort and we enjoyed it. I did use the shopping spree and I think I spent maybe $100 on shipping but I got the full $500 worth of stuff (mostly for the kids). Overall my experience was good. I wish we would have one the grand prize ($25,000 cash) cause my kids are still bugging me to go back. I hope this helps for someones future experience.

07/01/2008 10:56 PM

by Stacy

---

Wagons Trail Resort out of Jefferson, OH must be the same thing.  Thanks to blogs on the internet we won't be going to see if our key is the winner of 20K or a new car (we also would have to do a tour of the resorts the company offers.)  Why did they ask us to bring a credit car or a check book anyway?  Sounds like a scam. 

 

Should we go?  maybe maybenot

07/12/2008 08:16 AM

by Ranchview

---

Gald I found this before I went up there.!!!!!!!!!!

07/12/2008 08:25 AM

by Ranchview

---

My husband and I have been members for many years.  It was only Buckett Hill when when we stupidly first bought into it.  We have a deed to it, which is recorded at the Guernsey County Courthouse, but we don't own anything.  It was OK when we first bought it.  Our youngest son was a young teenager and we would take him and his friend.  They enjoyed the swimming pool, and paintball and talking to girls, but that all.  My son is 28 now and does not want to go there with us.  Well, he isn't allowed to go there with us since he is an adult.  We haven't been there for years until recently I took my granddaughter there to swim.  We never have time to go (my husband works six days a week) even though we live close.  We also have a membership to the Yaught Club and Coast to Coast.  But you have to keep paying membership dues to all three every year.  And we have tried and tried to get out of this, but you are stuck with it for life, then you children inherit it.  They don't want it.  We have tried to sell it, but can't find any sucker to buy it.  We are spending thousands of dollars for something we can't even use anymore.  It has really been a very costly mistake.

 

07/12/2008 04:36 PM

by Faye Whiteley

---

In response to Faye-

I have a membership there as well. You can blame the resort all you want but if you would have read your contracts wisely on the date of the purchase you would have read that it is a LIFETIME membership. Your children don't have to take it if they don't want to. Look through your contracts a little more. They can't make them take something they don't want. You don't have to pay your coast fee if you aren't using it. That would save ya some money. If people would read the paper work before they buy then ten years down the road maybe you wouldn't have been sooo confused. This website is a joke really because you can say what you want about " the resort stole my money" WAKE UP!! YOU GAVE THEM YOUR MONEY. If you don't use the resort it is your own fault. Not theirs! The whole point is to MAKE THE TIME to spend with your husband, your family, etc. That's why you bought it in the first place right? I know thats why I did. Yeah- Some years I use it more then others but that's my fault not the resort- If you want out of your membership that bad- then give it away! Other then that yeah you are stuck with it. I'm sorry this website gives Cardida resorts such a bad name. Didn't you ever think by posting these ignorant comments that only the resort will suffer which means so will you! Without new members buying memberships guess what guys???  The resort turns into a dump and then you will never be able to sell it! Not trying to start trouble but don't complain about something you consider a mistake- embrace it and make it into something positive. Hope this helps cause I love Grand Haven!

07/12/2008 07:22 PM

by ILOVETOTRAVEL

---

I've been to Wagon Trails Resort and I loved it. It's really nice for the price. Didn't win the car but my tour guide was really nice.

07/14/2008 11:25 PM

by Sarah

---

These bastards are nothing more than salesman. My girlfriend and I attended a barbeque cookoff in Cleveland for memorial day. I signed up to win a new Porsche. Over one month later i got a phone call saying i was a finalist. i took the tour of their trashy facility located in Jefferson, OH- in the middle of fuckin nowhere.... and they wanted me to pay $7,900 plus yearly dues to belong to this BS.

 

Of course, being a policeman, i said NO. In conclusion, my prize was a piece of crap digital camera and some more marketing scams for "free vacations" Lesson learned... nothing is FOR FREE! Wagon Trail Resorts is a trashy place for trashy people, what a waste of time.

 

 

07/15/2008 07:35 AM

by Adam from Cleveland

---

Wow! That guy has anger issues.. wouldn't want him to pull me over..lol. Anyways only got on this website to let people know that I have been going to Wagon Trails Resort for almost 5 years now. I'm actually affended that he said " of course, being a policeman, I said no". Well my husband & I make way more money then you do sir, and let me tell you we are not trashy people! We go there to spend time with our family and take our children to a safe place. There they can run off the extra energy that they can't from being cooped up in the TRASHY city. It's a safe place and that is hard to find. Just because it's not the Hilton- which we have stayed at MANY TIMES - our children prefer to go to Wagon Trails. That's sad that you didn't have a wonderful experience but did you really think they weren't going to try to get you to buy anything? Most people that leave there angry are simply upset that they couldn't afford it. I'm sorry you had a bad experience but telling people that it's " Trashy" simply isn't true. Not only is it a great place for families but it's also a great place for couples just to kick back and relax. We love it!

07/17/2008 08:58 AM

by Christine from Cleveland

---

Wow ,WE have been members of this fantastic resort for over 6 years. We just came from there today,it is very clean. Construction is always improving and updating things.We have now rented over 13 times and have never had a bad experiment there,Cardida employees are fantastic and always go out of there way to assist any way they can....vicki

07/17/2008 06:26 PM

by vicki

---

Grand Haven is AWESOME!!!  There are clean facilities, safe atmosphere and simply fun!  My husband and I love to go out and rent the cabins or pitch a tent..give it a shot--it is worth is so far!!

07/18/2008 09:42 PM

by kristin

---

We just got back from Grandhaven.  It is a very nice place and my grown kids love to come with us and take in the free activities and stay in clean cabins.  We take our dogs.  The cabins were clean airconditioned.  We had a cabin for 8 and cabin for 6 for a night and the cabin for 6 for the second night with linens and it was 140.00.  There are indoor and outdoor pools.  Hot tubs.  Put Put.  Outdoor movie.  many other things to enjoy besides the quiet time by the fire together which is priceless.  We bought this years ago and some years we did not get away much because of the kids schedule but over the long run I believe it has been worth it. 

07/19/2008 04:03 PM

by julia

---

We love it!!! Grand haven is a good family time..I'M ACTUALLY LOOKING FOR A DEED FOR MY FRIEND . ANYONE HAVE ONE FOR SALE? WTSSHAW@AOL.COM

07/20/2008 07:47 PM

by Shawna

---

MY FAMILY AND I HAVE BEEN A MEMBER SINCE 2002 AND WE LOVE IT. MANY ACTIVITIES FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. THERE ARE NO HIDDEN CHARGES. EVERYTHING IS EXPLAINED YO YOU FROM THE GET GO. YOU ARE MISSING OUT ON ALOT OF FUN.

07/21/2008 09:57 AM

by AMY

---

MY FAMILY AND I HAVE BEEN A MEMBER SINCE 2002 AND WE LOVE IT. MANY ACTIVITIES FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. THERE ARE NO HIDDEN CHARGES. EVERYTHING IS EXPLAINED YO YOU FROM THE GET GO. YOU ARE MISSING OUT ON ALOT OF FUN.

07/21/2008 09:57 AM

by AMY

---

Hello-Similar to Faye from Whiteley.  Financial difficulty, had to sell.  Verbal agreement via telephone with the same salesman who sold us, he would sell our membership deed and "not to worry about a thing".  So, we didn't.  Didn't hear from anyone for years, no bills in the mail; assumed it was taken care of.  Surprise! We are now being sued for $3000 plus 18.5% interest since 2001 (Buckett Hills then).  Found out the salesman no longer worked there, and we were under the impression that he was fired.  Whatever you do, take a legal standpoint -- get an agreement in writing.  We will be fighting this company, which have many different names, but is under the primary name of Cardida Corp.

Please post any info. on how to fairly get out of this unscrupolus business's grip.

P.S. The company(s) know exactly what they are doing -- making money the unfair and deceptive way.  They continue to be a member of The Better Business Bureau, but has had 37 complaints in the last 36 months. The Attorney Generals office had 6 other complaints on the same company the day I phone them; the Federal Trade Commission has the info. in their database also.  The more complaints filed with the FTC, the faster this/these companies will be investigated.  Please file!

07/21/2008 02:06 PM

by Got scammed, Marietta

---

First in response to the tools of Grand Haven Resort that have been posting here saying "how great Grand Haven is..." how about this, one of us who wasted their time to drive out there (sadly my wife and I being two of them), how about we take pictures (or better video tape it) of your "GREAT RESORT" and post a link of what this dump looks like.

 

PLEASE, all the tools who have been preaching for "Grand DUMP Resort" or the other Cardida Corp things, PLEASE I beg you, tell me if the pictures of "Grand DUMP Resort" will match up with your descriptions. The Salesman told us about boating and kayaking on the resort, there is a mud puddle of a brown pond. It looked like they had just dug a small pond sized hole in the ground filled with muddy water with no animal and plant life in it. The miniature golf was a sad little cheap putt-putt course that was the size of a small soft ball diamond.

 

Let me put it this way... I could do more hiking, baseball, golf, swimming, horse back riding, boating, camping, fishing, ect, at Hocking Hills, or even my In-Laws back yard most either cheaper or no cost, and closer, and MUCH MORE CLASS!

 

Speaking of Hocking Hills (no this ain't a sales plug for them and I don't work for them) our Salesman asked where we took our last vacation, it was Hocking Hills. He made it clear that "Grand DUMP Resort" is better and cheaper. We payed about $395.00 for 5 days and 4 nights for a cabin that was off away from everyone else that had 2 full sized bedrooms with King sized beds (not full sized beds like this dump), a much larger bathroom, linens free, TV free, private outdoor hot tub, large fire pit, large kitchen, large living room ect

 

Too say the least "Grand DUMP Resort" doesn't hold up as the Salesman claimed. Long story short "Grand DUMP Resort" gives you a cheap trailer park style "cabin" which is nothing more than a mobile home with fake wood siding (I dare one of you tools to lie about the mobile homes thing). Granted the "A-line" cabins were a bit better, but the stairs to the loft was more of a ladder then stairs and very hard for my wife to get up and down (again I dare you tools to say that I'm lying).

 

To quote John "...buyer beware..."

 

Arlen

07/27/2008 09:44 PM

by

---

sketptal my husband and i drove to Grand haven resort, we drove there. took 2 hrs to find the place out the middle of bfe. we were expecting some big fancy hotel, drove past the horse back riding and rodeo ring, the captains store, wi fi ava. please how is it going to work out in the middle of no wear, we were quoted a bunch of prices for a cabin night stay, camping night stay, pony ride, this in that, but the funny thing was we never saw this price list, we were quote that there we no pet fees. funny thing was also how safe it is there, where the hell is the security? we drove right in, never ask where we were going, what are business was there. the place did look like a dump. we said no twice but took the bait "to try for a yr" i hope that the access thing to go to other condo's around the world are worth it. after reading these comments, i am not sure what we got into... has any one tried the one yr plan and simply walk away? the camera is a piece of junk. we gave it to a friend.....

concerned from columbus

aubrey

 

07/28/2008 01:58 AM

by aubrey

---

Thanks so much for the advice!  My husband and I were going to go up to Pymatuming Valley resort tomorrow for our "big chance".  Glad to see that this is just a scam and not worth the 2 hour drive! 

08/02/2008 04:12 PM

by Jen

---

HA HA .... I just got the call about the car , camera , and the trip .... Thought it was a scam ... Thx ppl !

08/10/2008 03:15 PM

by IceMerc

---

So, after reading all this should I conclude that it's not worth the money?  Set aside the sales pitch, cheap camera, etc.. Is this worth your time/money? I've read all the responses and some are very humorous, but is it worth the $$$?

I guess I wouldn't like the lifetime mandatory maintenance fees unless I felt it's worth the true cost.  What's the ceiling of the maintenance fees?

Again for those folks who bought into this, will it be worth your money down the road? Was/is it a wise investment?

 Thanks and happy camping.

08/10/2008 08:18 PM

by Jeff

---

I am sorry so many or you had a bad experiance.  I have been a member of Cardida for almost 20 years and my wife and I have used the Camp Coast to Coast for several vacations including our honeymoon trip.  We have never tried the boats but have enjoyed the hiking and horse back riding and cabin useage.  If you are into cabin useage you might want to check out the Pymatuning resort.  Their cabins are much nicer, newer and bigger.  Grand Haven is much older and their cabins look like it.

08/11/2008 07:27 PM

by Bob

---

I bought the plan and never able to use it.  I have left multiple messages stating that I want to cancel the membership.  Does anyone know of a loop hole to get out of the membership!!!?

08/14/2008 08:04 AM

by Help from Columbus

---

man, i wanted to win....................sigh..........

 

08/21/2008 06:16 PM

by m.y.

---

Thanks all for this expose, and for saving me the gas money to the Grand Haven resort in Ashtabula County. and thank god for the internet so we can check out fishy offers like these. Power to the people! How can we keep scam artists who try to dupe innocent people, out of our malls in suburbia--maybe just don't go to malls in suburbia?

08/21/2008 07:59 PM

by marilyn

---

THANK YOU FOR THIS SITE!!!  THESE PEOPLE JUST CALLED ME AND TOLD ME I WAS A SEMI-FINALIST FOR A CAR AND $25,000.  ALSO, I COULD WIN SEVERAL OTHER ITEMS.  I AM SO GLAD I DID MY HOMEWORK.  I GUESS I WILL NOT BE WASTING MY GAS TO GO ANYWHERE ON THE 19TH.  I CAN'T AFFORD THIS KIND OF STUFF RIGHT NOW ANYWAY.  I HATE THAT PEOPLE WILL TRY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PEOPLE WHO ARE TRYING TO MAKE SOMETHING OF THEIRSELVES. 

09/08/2008 05:49 PM

by ALMOST GOT SCAMMED GARFIELD HEIGHTS, OHIO

---

I AM SO GLAD THAT I JUST GOOGLED THIS GRAND HAVEN RESORT WHILE I WAS ON THE PHONE WITH THE INFAMOUS CALLER"YOU R A SEMI-FINALIST!!" I WAS SO EXCITED (FOR A MINUTE) I NEVER WIN ANYTHING!!!THEN REALITY SET IN AS I READ ALL THE COMMENTS.....I CAN'T WAIT FOR HER TO CALL ME BACK TOMARROW SO I CAN TELL HER TO SHOVE THE JUNK CAMERA AND BOGIS TRIP UP HER !*# TO ALL YOU THAT SAVED ME THE TRIP AND GAS...THANKS!!!!!

09/09/2008 08:20 PM

by BY: DAWN

---

I just got this call. I was sure it was a scam and here we have it. I was thinking about driving down to get a tv and the $500. However, as everyone has pointed out you don't get to pick your prizes, so thanks for saving me the trip.

09/11/2008 02:31 PM

by Bobbie

---

i got the sameee call today about a car & $40,000 lol i was obviously skeptical, but at the same time excited since i have one a grand prize before in the past.. but after i read this, i called and had to "cancel" my visit since im in college...thanks soo much everyone for these posts! definitely saved me a lot =)

09/12/2008 04:09 PM

by ashley

---

I got a call yesterday about this as well. Thank you sooo very much for posting this. I would've taken time off work, driven an hour away, and I don't even camp! I was hoping that maybe I could get the $500 - they told me on the phone I could pick the two prizes! They lied - I am so happy I won't get involved with them at all. 

I'm very sorry to those of you who DID get involved with those people - thanks again for saving me time and money!!!

09/18/2008 03:38 PM

by sarah

---

Thanks for all the comments about the Grand Haven Resort BIG award scam---it saved me canceling a class and my husband canceling a golf day and saved us a lot of regrets for almost falling for such a scam-- I will NEVER drop my name in a free give away box again-no matter what the prize. Thank God for the internet and all of your comments...

09/20/2008 11:31 AM

by dot in Columbus

---

a scam indeed, what a wasted day that would have been, they called me, skeptical, i repeatedly asked the guy, if i drive to cambidge ohio, i will get $500.00? i must have asked him 6 times.  how do these people sleep at night?  i would have been super pissed had i driven out there.

phewwwww.

09/22/2008 09:34 AM

by wow

---

My parents are members of PVR - it's like parking your RV in Walmart's parking lot.  It's extremely crowded on weekends.  They have so many members now, if you want to rent a cabin, you have to use your 90-day in advance (which you are only allowed to use once a year) booking.  Unless you do not work, you can usually rent a cabin Tuesday through Thursday with no problem, unless you want what they call a Park Model (which again is like camping at Walmart's parking lot.  We rented a cabin in August and there were so many people there - there were kids from a neighboring camp playing foot