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Re: Global Access thru Orange Lake Resorts (by Lisa B.):

I also have converted to the points system. I bought into the weeks program back in 2000 and have gone virtually every year since. 2 years ago we were brought in with the founders club meeting. They even called us and told us that we had to go since we were on the property and we were owners, so we did. We heard they were going to do construction and thought that's what the meeting was all about. When we got there, we were given all kinds of reasons on why GA is better than RCI but they work together. Well, for those of you who have been looking into it, here's some things they DON'T tell you. 1. Your points are equivalent to being 3rd in line for other resorts. Its owners, then RCI people then us. 2. After 2 years, your points expire. You must travel in those 2 years. I have my 2007 points and I need to use them by the end of 2008. I tried booking into many RCI resorts but all of them were booked. Here's the irony of it. I didn't give a specific city, I asked for anywhere from LA to San Diego, anywhere from DC to SC and even weekends in the Poconos. Nothing is available. I already know, I'm going to loose 88000 points. I can't give them to anyone because everyone has already booked their vacations and I know that if I can't get anything in my search, chances are, no one will so why waste time. 3. RCI will allow you to make your points rollover an additional year for a $26 fee. 4. Point Partners- You can sell off your points for a discount. Consider this, I waited over 30 mins. for someone to come on the phone so I can use my points to get discounted hotels (instead of the trade!) and a rental care. I actually would lose almost all of my points to save $200. It's not worth it. I have a better chance of selling my points to someone with young children who aren't in school who will have a better chance of getting a place. 5. When you are in RCI, you have the ability to purchase last call vacations which are approx. $250 for a week. With GA-you're not. 6. When I spoke with an RCI rep, she told me that there is a clause in the contract (which I need to dig up mine) that states that if you are not happy with the points program, on the 3rd year, you can go back to week. FYI- and I don't know if its true-the salesperson, assuming still employed with RCI, will lose the commission for the sale, even though it happened years ago so they probably won't tell you if it's true. Check your contracts for those who did buy.

My suggestion to everyone reading this, think hard and get all of the facts in writing before you agree to this program Good Luck to All