Whether it's your first Bonnaroo or you’re a music festival veteran, we welcome you to Inforoo.
Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
So this was my 3rd VIP, others were 2005-2006. First thing I noticed was how much bigger it was! Holy shit have they added onto this thing. In 2005 in seemed way more special? But we were still able to get a nice sized space and we were really close to the bathrooms and VIP entrance to Centeroo. So walking was at a minimum which is key of course. First my positive thoughts:
- Nice camping spaces, nice field area, clean. - Bathrooms were kept in good condition overall. Never had a problem. - The showers were always in good working order and never had a temp problem. - The VIP party Thursday was awesome! I loved the VIP commons area. That was a major upgrade over 05-06. Plus they got some great VIP bands. Although we only watched Chairlift (who were amazing) I was impressed with the other two as far as name goes. - We finally strolled over to the Mound and saw the lawn chairs and VIP tent. That was awesome! We never used it because we were hanging with friends who were GA, but I wish we did!
The negative, and this is a big one. - What the hell was the deal with the "security" staff searching the living f@!k out of us???? If I pay $1,300 I expect to be able to safely sneak a couple of beers and whatever else, (within reason) into Centeroo or the main field. In 05-06 I can't recall ever being as much as patted down! These a-holes were taking off hats, opening cig pack or dip cans, and god forbid you had a bag of any kind because it was getting emptied. Nonetheless, I managed to get around this a few times, but there were times when I just didn't bring in a beer or two becasue of who was working the entrance. It seemed to be worse at the entrance to Centeroo. This set a bad tone for the weekend in my opinion. Totally out of line IMO. - The check in on Thursday morning sucked. Offered no info, had to track down the map booklet, the t-shirt thing was weird. I liked the old hotel check in. This one was a clusterfuck. - Overall it seemed nobody was around to be of any help for VIP peeps if they had a question, and they people I found didn't know anything. - Never found the Centeroo VIP tent??? Nobody seemed to know anything about it. On Sunday someone finally explained it was behind the Which stage bleachers. Again, that info never found it's way to me somehow.
Overall, for the raise in price, and the no food plan, VIP took a dip in my eyes. Not as hands on, and the searches were outrageous. But sadly, I will still bite next time I go back. It's still too much fun!
I had the same experiences you had....last year. This year was much better for me involving security. I agree about the people who worked VIP didn't seem to know much, which is why I stopped asking people and just tried to figure stuff out myself or asked other VIPers. The price goes up and the amenities go down, but I'll do it again next year! No way I can miss The Roo
We had no problems with searches. I brought my DSLR camera into Centeroo every day without an issues. On the last two days we were bringing in beers by the dozen. No one cared by then.
bennyc - just an average looking guy. i can assure you, thursday thru sunday at the VIP entrance that lead to Centeroo, the searches were off the hook. I wasn't speaking of cameras as a concern.
The VIP tent in Centeroo was underneath the bleachers/VIP viewing area of the Which stage. It was nice and air conditioned and there was always fresh fruit provided. I was really impressed with the VIP treatment overall.
Post by hailboognish on Jun 16, 2009 9:06:09 GMT -5
I thought the VIP experience as a whole was pretty good this year. Check-in was very painless, much better than 2 years ago at the hotel. We were wrist-banded and on our way to the venue by 10:15. I did think they searched a little more than in years past, but other than feeling my pockets, nobody ever asked me to take anything out.
Now, I will say that I found it odd that we were searched on our way INTO VIP on Sunday around 3ish. My wife even made comment to the security person, who just looked at her and asked if she had any druqks in her purse.
Other than that, no complaints, we'll be back again next year.
I found security to be extremely lax. At the arch they never figured out my pack had two sections, so I just opened one and left the one with beer closed. No problem! I did get checked going back into VIP on Saturday and when I asked the guy said they caught someone trying to bring in a tank of nitrous. Sunday I strolled right through with my SLR and telephoto lens and the bored chicks just smiled. Overall I thought it was incredibly lax. This was my 3rd VIP and really liked the layout this year. Thursday night was excellent and I for one did not miss the food option. We had great neighbors and maybe we were lucky but for us it was a hassle free weekend. I want to go back! Now!
I did think I was searched a little more this year than last, but my bag was only searched thoroughly once, just like last year. The rest of the time they just kinda felt it up.
My major problem was getting out Monday morning. They had blocked off the exit going onto Woodland and Grosch, and at the other one, they wouldn't let me turn right to get to it. They made me and Druid go get in line to the temp I-24 exit with GA traffic. I waited in line for almost two hours in a complete clusterfuck before I just took off across the farm to go to Bushy Branch, which was moving a lot better. One, I paid a premium for easy entrance AND exit. Two, I wasn't even going to 24! What the hell?
Edit: Last year I was able to leave the way we came in, and I think I left at a similar time.
My first Roo and we both loved it. Didn't discover the fresh fruit under the bleachers until the last day but we had full days anyway so not much time for lounging.
A review of the VIP food follows: It was well run, no crowds and reasonably good. Was it worth the price? Not if you were considering what it would cost you at a diner. But if you enjoy sitting down in a nice AC tent with clean tables and people it was. We both said to one another not worth the price but worth not having to find shade under a tree to eat etc.. We're old and lazy and it worked for us. Food quality was overall good to adequate.
Exiting on Sunday SUCKED!!!! We had to drive through GA and find someone that could point us in the right direction to exit. I want to know why we weren't allowed to exit the way we came in. I was pissed to say the least that it took us 90 minutes at 8PM to get out.
Overall: After seeing the way GA looked I could no way live that way at my ripe old age. If we do Roo next year we will again do the VIP +food. It was an amazing experience....
One other thing about the food. One person commented to us about not having had a salad all weekend and was craving fresh veggies. We did have a very good fresh salad bar everyday. Being a pseudo vegetarian, I was able to have that need fulfilled. I looked at everything Centroo had to offer and found mostly fried and grilled in oil foods that would have not say well with me for 4 days of meals.
There were a couple of things lacking...fresh berries and juice would have been nice.
If you think it sucked Sunday, you should have seen Monday. WHAT A CF! Me and daear were calling each other back and forth bitching. Only good thing about my 3 hour wait to get out, I got stuck by some porto potties twice and used them.
my second VIP. The Good = 1. We left at 7:00am Monday. Drove out no problems. Apparently early start was the key. 2. Cooked our own food. Saved some $ and had great eats. 3. good music / good friends / good times as usual 4. Brought a good pair of mud boots - wore them all weekend
The Bad = 1. Did not open checkin till 9. We drove all night to get there early. Granted they said not to come early but last year they said the same thing. Also, we could not park RV's near the main stage wall this year. Last year first was come, first serve. Sitting on top of RV to watch shows was the best. I guess they did not want folks on the tops of RV when they could be inside buying beer. 2. Security - the lady in the morning at the main entrance was nice and looked in bags but no big hassles. The guys in the afternoon were over the top. Pat down, search everything. To top it off, they were bragging about all the stuff they confiscated. (Which apparently the got to keep). I was standing next to off duty security guy during second phish show who shared with me some of his confiscated materials. Un-freaking-believable. Apparently there is no record of what they take, so if they decide your camera is too "professional" or you get caught with a banned material it becomes the property of the security guard. Thats a pretty big incentive to seach the crap out of everyone. 3. One of my buddies left his backpack outside the RV sunday night. It was stolen and credit cards used until he got home monday and went through everything to be sure it was not packed away somewhere. So much for the friendly neighbors. 4. Watched a neighbor get taken out in handcuffs, and his new RV and Harley which was mounted on the back confiscated by the cops for selling nitrous from the roof. This might need to be in the good section as it was really interesting. (how did he get a harley in the gate?) 5. Weather - Had a 50' flag pole with rope lights all the way up it. We were sweating bullets during the lighting storm. 6.Watched a water truck wetting down the roads sunday morning just as the mud was drying up. Don't think dust was a real big concern after 6 inches of rain two days before. 7.Parking guys would not let you take any extra space. We had 8 people together thats 4 parking passes. Why limit you to one space. If we had all driven separatly we could have gotten 4 spaces. How about encouraging carpooling to save the earth and letting folks spread out a little.
I'm shocked about hearing the searches were bad. I have a bag with two compartments and I would just open up the top one and let them look in that - never even tried to go in the second one. Same for all my friends.
Post by harrisonford on Jun 16, 2009 17:53:58 GMT -5
Neocon, we were right next to you in the dilapidated pop-up camper (The trailer survived the drive home, by the way, against all odds. It might live to see another B'roo). We also drove all night and got to check-in early in hopes of grabbing a good spot, only to wait in line for almost two hours. I wasn't too upset about it because they were up-front about the 9am opening, but I was hoping for an earlier start given the line of cars/RVs all the way down the street.
Our search on the way in was cursory, but slightly more than last year. My experience with security was that the arch entrance was tight (pat downs, bags emptied, etc.), but the What Stage entrance was loose.
Fortunately no theft for us, even though we left (non-valuable) stuff out on our table all weekend. Not the smartest move, but we felt safe given the frequent presence of neighbors. After the Phish show Sunday it seemed like there were more people than usual walking around in VIP, so I'm not sure that security was as tight re: checking wristbands or badges. I even saw two guys climb over the fence about 50 feet in front of the gate guard to run around the crowded street back to their campsite in GA.
We left around 9am on Monday and it took us about 90 min. to get out. I thought we had an easier "VIP" exit route last year, but could be wrong.
Overall, we had a blast in our second year and think the VIP value is undeniable. It's a no-brainer based on convenience and toilets/showers alone, and the new A/C tent behind Which was a nice add.
A friend brought me a box of Glowies on Sunday from VIP. It was a 2x3 foot box, they could not have been searching that hard. I did VIP last year, and every time they went to search me, I told them I payed way too much for my ticket to put up with that crap.
VIP was actually smaller this year than last. Last year it had jumped over a road of tent only, this time it went back to where it was in 07.
Exiting was bad, but not as bad as last year for me (last year it was strangely even longer... no idea why).
The searches were hit and miss going into Centeroo entrance, but What Stage was totally lax (basically they would look in your bag but not pat you down). At the arch I saw a lady search a guys bag coming BACK into VIP-- but she was an anomaly, most of the time they weren't bad for me. And the fact that chairs aren't even a concern anymore (way back in the day they would be strict) I feel like it's probably leveled out for the most part. I snuck in many cans of beer.
I LOVED the new hospitality tent - used it a couple of times to charge a phone, get out of the heat and grab some free fruit.
Check in was packed-- but let's not forget that check in started an hour earlier this year, and everyone tried to take advantage of it. I heard that those coming later didn't have nearly the wait. Now that Thursday is a full day of music, this was bound to happen (back in the day of only Thursday night stuff, VIP check in was more sporadic-- except for the 07 debacle).
I found the VIP people helpful with the two questions I had-- and considering one was, "I didn't get a voucher" and they let me get my shirt/poster anyway, they get good marks from me. The organization of the center VIP area was much nicer too, they finally figured that out (took them long enough) with a real stage that later could be used for hangout.
It's worth pointing out that I really appreciated having our own food vendor too (the pizza/breakfast/salad people) for those not on the meal plan.
My biggest gripe would be not letting us exit the way we came, and removing the food as part of the package... I had one of the most positive VIP experiences yet tho.
Post by sandmantend13 on Jun 16, 2009 20:20:25 GMT -5
It was my first 'roo and so my dad wanted to VIP because he didn't want to do tents and wait in the long lines to get in. He also wanted to do the RV and so we did and it was great and fine. I do have some thoughts as well
-I also didn't like it how we couldn't exit the way we came in, I thought it was really stupid for us to leave through the entire camp ground -I too did not like the whole security check thing, the lady with the hat was very nice the whole weekend and she remembered us very well. But I do agree the guys who were searching were rediculous, I mean I had a bandana and he goes "What is that?!" and pull it out of my pocket and like makes sure it was nothing, and then I had a key and he goes is that a switchblade or a knife? I thought it was really lame -The VIP tents were not noticeable at all -Check in was rediculous I felt like, there was no information givin on what was going on -I felt like some of the people were very rude to us in the VIP camp area. We thought the line to get food was the line was actually the line to get shirts and posters on thursday. These ladys were telling us no ticket then go but they were not telling us what it was. Hard to explain but we felt like some of the people were just very rude. Good -VIP dinner, bathrooms and showers, and the entrance was great
but other than that VIP is very cool, lots of space and its nice to go in and out with no long waits
Post by makisupamerican on Jun 16, 2009 21:46:30 GMT -5
Second year in a row in VIP Good: The Hill was larger, flatter like a mesa, good views, loved the high top tables- dragged them out from under the tent at night. Showers were all warm unlike last year. Didn't miss the food. Although they did step up the searching, I always had my bag open with a few waters on top my beers and such, they never stuck a hand in. The entrance to the What Stage area was far easier for us, all sunday my group ferried in beers, (like that douche BennyC) we saved a lot of money on brining in our own brews. This year's VIP crowd was more fun than last year, maybe it was phish? Good times all around, even the slight wait at the highschool wasn't that bad, as soon as we got our wristbands we went right in with no wait. Next Year.
Only thing I didn't like was how on Monday morning, a bunch of the bathroom were shut down and no one was cleaning them - which showed how good of a job those guys and gals cleaning the bathrooms were doing during the week. It was ugly trying to poo before leaving the campgrounds.
yeah, that one dude on spunday at the centeroo entrance - wow, didnt see him coming. he was all up in my pockets, checking out my wipes. asking if i had any NO NO WORD!!!...
wtf? there was more "searching" thing year - but like everyone said, the what stage entrance was far more respectful.
also, there should be a VIP checkin on wed night for those staying in the area that want to avoid the line. no need to open the campgrounds yet, but that would be nice. also, the bathrooms really need to be maintained until about noon on monday. wow, they went downhill quick.
and last year, we drove out in about 10 minutes. took 2 hours this year. my time is valuable - thats why i spend the dosh on VIP tickets. it was not cool to lose two hours of drive time that day.
Last Edit: Jun 17, 2009 14:04:35 GMT -5 by idio - Back to Top
Well here we go... Check in: Making RV's with trailers go through the lawn at the school was not a good idea The school truck trailer that was in the way was a pain when driving a camper/RV Question from Gene, "What is the delay? Answer "We ran out of wrist bands, we didn't expect this many people to show up on Thursday", I then asked the guy with the radio if I should return on Saturday, I thought he was going to punch me in the face. Oh well..... Not enough knowledgeable staffing with directing traffic
VIP Grounds: Vehicle search, I understand, I'm sure VIP with it's past limited to non-existent vehicle search has been a avenue for getting items into the festival, it was minimal, although I thought the girl doing the search was going to take the pickles out of the refrigerator. Parking RV's: Attendant "Pull right in", Gene "I can't be blocked in, I might leave on Sunday night", Attendant "huh? Cricket, Cricket", they need to visit a NASCAR event to see how to park RV's and campers. Not enough room where we were to pull out of a spot. We liked the area of where the Thursday night party took place. Food, music, drink....very nice.
Other: Gene "Excuse me, where is the VIP tent in centerroo?", Answer "There is not a tent for VIP", Gene " No? I read it's new for this year" Answer "Look man, I have been here eight years and there is NO TENT", Gene "Thanks you &*%%$#@^&^%$@$%^*" Oh, I found it. VIP bleachers by Which Stage, are always filled with general admission people. They need to have better way with policing the people sitting in the bleachers. Searches going in and OUT of the VIP area. So I'm sure we all experienced the kid picking through every inch of you pack, pockets and asking if you have any ..... and ....... and .......I asked him if he ever thought of career as a TSA police officer. No response. I liked the one time we were getting searched and the decided to let General Admission just walk through the gates. Searched going back into VIP....wow... Water bottle filling stations. I liked this very much. We did not have any problems as other posters stated. Sure there were some lines but nothing major. Access for people with disabilities, not that we need it but it looks like they are making huge improvements with this. Nice to see. Wristbands, go back to the ones like in 06 & 07
All in all it was more then a excellent time, with not going in 08 we were both happy to attend this year. We made sure to take a two hour walk around the general admission campground. This makes you really appreciate VIP. Mostly for its close proximity to the stages. Such N Such, we made a point to watch the entire show...very interesting, it makes me want to go to Burning Man.
Post by ChiefPemperToadWigginsky on Jun 17, 2009 22:25:34 GMT -5
I saw the VIP searches but never got patted down. I always open every pocket and take (everything) out of my pockets and raise my hands like i'm totally ready for an intense search but everytime was waived through. It also helps to chat with em and see how long they are working before going in. I had a bag of (berries and cashews) and told the VIP security guy that "I'll be coming back and forth all day, oh yeah and here you go!" problem solved. But i relaize not everyone can afford to give away free snacks(?) to several different people over a weekend. It helps when you are 6'7 - 6'8. I'm sorry some folks had bad expiriences, that sucks. I fell in the mud if it makes anyone feel any better (everyone laughed too).
Bummer to hear about problems getting in and out. Took us about 5 minutes to check in at the school. No problem leaving but that's only because we had to drag ourselves out at 5:00 AM. Not fun at all!
I left somewhat later than many of y'all and was able to get out the same way we came in. It wasn't marked but there was a gap in the fence I found that was ( just barely) big enough to drive through. Took maybe five minutes to get out.
The only real complaint I had was the woman by the arch doing the searches coming into VIP from Centeroo . WTF?
I left somewhat later than many of y'all and was able to get out the same way we came in. It wasn't marked but there was a gap in the fence I found that was ( just barely) big enough to drive through. Took maybe five minutes to get out.
I tried doing that, but a dude jumped in front of my car and started yelling at me. I would have hated for him to have a myocardial infarction, so I did as he asked...or screamed.
Post by avocadolady on Jun 19, 2009 16:35:32 GMT -5
I was pleased with VIP overall, but the more I think about it it was really expensive for what we got.
I did like the easy access in and out of Centeroo. I'm not sure it's worth $500, but it was nice.
I was annoyed that even though they specifically asked us for our t-shirt sizes in advance, they were out of both my and my friend's sizes by the time we found the t-shirt pickup point on Friday morning.
Also, someone upthread noted that you could charge your phone in one of the VIP tents? Where was this? I ended up charging mine in one of the bathrooms.
Also, someone upthread noted that you could charge your phone in one of the VIP tents? Where was this? I ended up charging mine in one of the bathrooms.
The stage used for the VIP party had a dozen plugs all around it- I just pulled them up and used them.
Also, the VIP tent behind the Which Stage bleachers had several outlets all along the inside.
I didn't stay in VIP, but I did do traffic for VIP check-in. It was a serious CF. The thing I hated was the volunteers weren't really told what to do. They were kinda put out there and that was it. Once more people showed up the "supervisor" came over to tell us how to put cars and was a total tool. He told us to start putting cars on the lawn which was a horrible idea, which I told him and he said "you will do what I f-in tell you to do." I was told the wait was because they didn't expect as many people to show up at the same time, but who knows. They definitely need to do some better planning next year. Also they need to actually tell us volunteers more instead of just putting us somewhere and letting us figuring it out on our own.
