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Kaleidoscope Adventures

603 South Main Street Suite 110, Winter Garden, Florida, United States, 34787

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Reviews Tour Operators, Travel Agency, Sightseeing Tours Kaleidoscope Adventures

Kaleidoscope Adventures Reviews (%countItem)

The best one yet!
Mrs Linda was the sweetest lady we were able to work with! We came on a choir and band trip and she was amazing the whole way through! She made the most of this trip with us and did it with ease. The greatest tour guide I’ve ever had and she deserves the best, we love you mrs Linda! Love, Shelby County❤️

Three months later, we have received zero services and zero refunds. Why would anyone rebook a trip for a future date after the poor service of KA and its affliates? Comparable companies have already fully refunded their customers.

Kaleidoscope Adventures Response • Jun 23, 2020

We are sorry that your group leader has not been in contact with you regarding your refund. Since the teacher responsible for the trip is no longer with the school, the information we sent earlier might not have gotten to you. Thank you for reaching out to inquire. Refunds from our suppliers have taken extra time due to suppliers being closed. In many cases the suppliers have furloughed staff, and no one is there to process a refund. Even with things opening many suppliers have been slow to reopen and bring back staff. Since we must wait for the suppliers to send funds to us before we refund you this has delayed the process. We cannot send monies we do not have. The good news is that we were able to secure the remaining refunds for your group recently and the refund is on the way to your booster group. Please check with them regarding your refund as they will disperse the funds. We appreciate your patience during this difficult time.

Customer Response • Jul 01, 2020

Your response is disingenuous. As of July 1, our organization has still not received a check from KA. The coordinating teacher is still working with the school and sharing updates with members. The implication that it is the teacher's fault is inappropriate.

Kaleidoscope Adventures Response • Jul 08, 2020

Our apologies as that was never our intent. Based upon your initial post it appeared you were unaware of why the delays occurred. It is good to hear that you were receiving regular updates. This process has taken extra time and as we stated before we could only send your refund when the suppliers who had your monies returned them to us. Every trip is different and we can't "borrow" monies from another school to pay a refund to you nor would you want us to "borrow" monies from your group to pay another school's refund. The good news is that we did connect with your group leaders the same week you initially posted and they instructed us how and where to send the refund monies. Your refund was sent immediately via US Mail that same week we received the information needed. We appreciate your patience and again apologies for the communication issues. It is always our goal to provide great service for all our guests.

I have had the pleasure of working with the wonderful team at Kaleidoscope Adventures for well over a decade. I am completely committed to this outstanding company for their ability to arrange and orchestrate exceptional tours each spring for my chorus. The attention to detail, the years of experience, the wise office staff, and the personable tour guides are a well-rounded force that take the stress out of travel with students.

Our tour was cancelled this spring due to COVID-19, as many other group trips were. Kaleidoscope Adventures has been clear and direct on their policies in relationship to this unfortunate cancelation. They are working very hard with venders to reclaim monies and refund our families. I trust them completely in their efforts to do so.

I will travel with Kaleidoscope Adventures again in the future and every time that I take a choir tour. They have earned my respect and loyalty. This is a quality company ran by quality people who care deeply about their clients.

Kaleidoscope Adventures Response • Apr 21, 2020

Thank you so much for your support and loyalty. We will continue to work diligently to maintain your trust and faith in us. We look forward to many more adventures together in the future.

Kaleidoscope Adventures has handled our school music trips since 1999 and has NEVER let us down! They have assisted us with trips including 150+ students to Virginia Beach, Washington DC, Toronto, Orlando, and even Hawaii. Their superior knowledge of the needs of student group travel has made every trip run smoothly, and the friendliness and quick response of their staff is unequaled. Our trip this year was cancelled due to Covid-19, and the Kaleidoscope staff has diligently assisted us with filing our insurance claims and is working to secure as many direct refunds as possible. There is no other company I would trust with my student group travel!

Kaleidoscope Adventures Response • Apr 17, 2020

Kristine, Thank you so much for your years of support and kind words. We love working with you and your school and look forward to our next adventure together!

A school trip was cancelled due to the Coronavirus. US Govt. issued a shutdown and they are not looking to refund the parents their money.
A school trip was cancelled due to the U.S. Government mandatorily issuing shutdowns of any gatherings, field trips, etc. All schools are closed until further notice. Since this trip was within 35 days of the date of the trip, this travel agency is refusing to issue refunds IN FULL. I understand their policies regarding cancellations prior to departure, but we were FORCED to cancel due to the government shutdown mandatory and in these particular circumstances, this policy should NOT apply. I paid a total of $1,500 for my child and myself as I was a scheduled chaperone. They have issued a rescheduling of the trip to a later date in May, but students will not be able to attend during this time as they will be making up time lost from school with state exams, etc. Their excuse is that it is up to their vendors to issue the refunds. Being forced to be in lockdown issued by our U.S. Government should not render them the rights to not refund monies for a nationwide epidemic that was out of our control. Due to this pandemic is costing millions of people financial stress and keeping $1,500 of an individual's money for a trip that was cancelled by our state governor and U.S. Government is absolutely absurd and downright unethical. I understand this is a huge impact to the travel industry, but it is more impactful to the American consumer who needs that money refunded. I understand this is all in the beginning stages, but their explanation of a "possible" and "partial" reimbursement would take anywhere from 12 - 16 weeks to be refunded and would be refunded to the teacher/school that set up the trip. At such a crucial time as this, I find it unethical they are going to apply their policies in such a terrible time as this going on in our country.

Desired Outcome

I am looking to be refunded in FULL my entire balance of monies paid for a trip that was mandatorily cancelled by our U.S. Government and State Officials due to a virus epidemic that was out of our control.

Kaleidoscope Adventures Response • Mar 18, 2020

Contact Name and Title: Keith S, C.O.O.
Contact Phone: 407-345-4899
Contact Email: [email protected]
The group referenced notified us they were cancelling their trip on Monday, March 16, 2020. This is 11 days prior to departure. Our standard cancellation policy is that all monies paid are non-refundable if you cancel within 35 days of departure.

Due to the unprecedented situation that we are all in we have changed our 35-day policy to provide groups more flexibility to cancel. We are currently working with the school to recover as much money as possible for each traveler. Since your group was close to your departure date, as you would expect, payments pertaining to your trip had already been made on your behalf. These include hotels, restaurants, attractions, guides and supplies. We cannot refund money that we don't have. It's already been applied to the expenses of your trip.

Kaleidoscope Adventures is being proactive by working with our suppliers to provide each group the best financial outcome possible, no matter when they postpone or cancel their travel plans. As you mentioned in your complaint, many of these businesses are now closed in compliance with local, state and federal mandates which is making it very difficult to reach people to process a refund. As a result, this process may take 12 weeks or more. We simply ask for your patience as we move forward.

I urge your patience as we work through this process. We will continue to work and when we know we have exhausted all options for the maximum refund possible, we will process that refund immediately. Thank you.

Customer Response • Mar 25, 2020

(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
As I understand the current circumstance, this money must be returned IN FULL. Your original statement to the teacher of the school that he submitted to all the parents via email stated there would POSSIBLY be a refund. And IF a refund could be issued it would not be the full amount paid. Since then, mandatory lockdowns have occurred which should deem your policy in this nature null and void. As I understand that monies were dispersed to the vendors, that is not the problem of the parents who worked hard to save and pay for this trip. And due to the nature of this lockdown, many families are without work and this money we forwarded for a trip that was mandatorily cancelled due to a mandatory governmental lockdown should be returned in FULL. Waiting for 12 weeks or more is unacceptable. I understand things are closed down right now and am willing to wait until things reopen, but 12 weeks or more is unacceptable.

Kaleidoscope Adventures Response • Mar 26, 2020

Thank you for your response. Let me clearly address the specifics points you mention:

Contract
As you noted in your original email, this trip was cancelled within 35 days of departure as a result of circumstances beyond anyone's control. While our contract states that no refunds will be issued within that timeframe, this situation is unprecedented.

As an act of good faith, we changed that particular contract obligation and have been working to secure refunds for money already paid to vendors. Nothing in the current situation deems it null and void. We simply are trying to do the right thing by our customers.

Vendors
As you also noted, most of the vendors with whom we work are now closed. The money you paid toward your trip is currently in the hands of these vendors. We do not have it. As we try to process refunds on behalf of our clients, we are waiting just as you are. We cannot complete our business with vendors until they reopen.

Refund
Once businesses (ours included) have the "stay at home" order lifted, we will continue to work in good faith to recover as much of your investment as we possibly can. We can only return what vendors return to us. We hope that refunds will be full and not partial, but vendors have their own refund policies which we must follow. Once all refunds have been recovered, we will get them back to you as quickly as possible. However, for obvious reasons, this may take considerable time.

Your financial commitment
As a small business, we certainly empathize with your situation. We know families like yours work hard to save for what should be a once in a lifetime experience. Just like you, we suddenly find ourselves in a state of financial upheaval. We are trying to maintain our relationships and ensure that everyone who is requesting a refund is provided the largest one possible. We ask your patience as we sort through solutions.

As previously stated, Kaleidoscope Adventures is being proactive by working with our suppliers to provide each group the best financial outcome possible, no matter when they postpone or cancel their travel plans. I hope this addresses your concerns and provides more clarity for your specific circumstances. If we work together, we can achieve a reasonable solution for all parties.

Customer Response • Apr 02, 2020

(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
Again, I am FULLY aware of the circumstances, policies and procedures, BUT your statement in this case is not rendering a resolution. Only a hypothetical. In these dire times, money we invested should be returned period. It's money that some families need who have been furloughed and such and keeping such monies is unethical. Since the filing of this complaint, things have changed as of yesterday, April 1, 2020, with Governor *** order of stay-at-home to stay in effect until April 30, 2020. You claim your vendors are closed hence the reason you cannot fulfill a refund at this time, and that may well be very true, but in the event given the circumstances your vendors will not accommodate myself and other parents in refunding our investment due to a mandatory shutdown, we the parents will continue to file complaints, as well as, seek the state attorney general against such parties. My hope is your organization follows through thoroughly to get these refunds to myself and the other parents as soon as you possibly can.

School trip was booked with this facility. Their systems stayed messed up from the start. Which made paying online not an option. Calling to pay directly. And then they would sah they were going to do things, such as check on credits etc and get back to me. No info was ever given. Then when I call to ask about it everyone is confused and lost.now w Covid they have rescheduled our trip for a year out with no option for refund even though disney has told me they give 100% refund during this time even without trip insurance. This company is all a scam. And is going to hoard almost 2k per family without even knowing what our future may hold after all the shut downs. Their compassion for the people who NEED this money is disgusting . This company needs to be shut down all the way around. They are definitely not pro doing the right thing . They tried to blame it on the school which I've been informed is 100% not on the school, it is on the company directly. So not only are they a virus but liars on top of it all. I DO NOT recommend doing business with these people.

Kaleidoscope Adventures Response • Apr 10, 2020

We are sorry there is some confusion in what is going on with your trip. First, Kaleidoscope Adventures did not reschedule your trip, the group leaders at your school made this difficult decision in the best interest of the whole group. This decision allows most participants to still take part in an amazing travel experience and safeguard their investment. Again, this was not an easy decision nor undertaken lightly. We worked diligently with your group leaders to help them find the best possible solution.

Please understand that these circumstances are unprecedented for all of us. COVID-19 has launched us into uncharted territory, and we are all working together to navigate the best we can. Since your group rescheduled less than 35 days prior to your departure date as you would expect, most payments pertaining to your trip had already been made on your behalf. These include hotels, restaurants, attractions, guides and supplies. We cannot refund money that we don't have. It's already been applied to the expenses of your trip. The payments that were already made have been moved to the future reservation. Furthermore, since your group is not cancelled, our reservations are made as a group which ensures the best value for travelers. Think of it as buying in bulk. We can't refund an individual traveler because we don't make payments for individual travelers.

We did offer you the option to purchase travel protection with a Cancel For Any Reason clause (CFAR) when you registered for your trip. If you purchased the protection, please file a claim with the insurance company. They will review your situation and determine if a refund is possible. If you need the contact information for the insurance company, we can provide that for you.

If you did not purchase travel protection with CFAR, you group leaders have made it clear that they will help sell your spot on the rescheduled trip so you can potentially recoup your investment. Please contact your group leaders if you are interested in this option and they will explain how it works. They are handling this option at the school.

Again, your school made a very difficult decision with only the best interests of the whole group in mind. We are aware that any decision in these difficult times affects everyone differently. Please let us know if you have further questions and thank you again for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented situation.

Customer Response • Apr 10, 2020

As I let you and everyone else know. We spoke with disney directly and they assured us that all money had been refunded to you guys. So to say yall dont have the money is a lie. We had paid for the following week with them for a personal family trip which was also less than 35 days and they refunded us in full. You guys are thieves with 0 consideration for anyone else and their well being. Not someone I would ever do business with again.

Kaleidoscope Adventures Response • Apr 13, 2020

Thank you for your message. It is true that D has refunded travelers who purchased tickets and vacations for individual and family travel. This is similar to the process many other travel businesses, like airlines and hotels, are following. This process does not apply to group bookings. At D, as well as most other travel businesses, group travel bookings are handled through an entirely separate department, often with more stringent terms and conditions and payments/refunds are processed differently.

As stated previously your group did not cancel, they rescheduled. Therefore none of the suppliers, including D, are processing refunds for your group. They are applying those funds to the future trip your group has chosen to take. We are not holding funds for your group in any way as the suppliers from your trip have the monies as payment for the rescheduled trip.

We encourage you to take advantage of the option to sell your trip to a new traveler as mentioned previously. Your group leader can provide information on how they are handling that process. If you did purchase the travel protection plan please file a claim using that information. Thank you for your patience during this difficult time for all of us.

Customer Response • Apr 14, 2020

D*** told me otherwise. Their customer service said individuals could be refunded out if groups. That it is entirely up to the travel agency who booked through to handle that on an individual basis. Regardless this is NOT a company I would do business with again. Please stay away from these scammers!!!

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Address: 603 South Main Street Suite 110, Winter Garden, Florida, United States, 34787

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