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I went in 08, and was never really sold on it. I know we had a bunch of first timers this year, what did you guys think? Was it worth more than double a GA ticket?
Last Edit: Jun 14, 2011 13:24:51 GMT -5 by Deleted - Back to Top
JHOinTN
Bleary-Eyed Bonnawook Resident Prince Licker
Dearly Beloved, We are Gathered Here Today to Get Through This Thing Called Life
Nope. I mean, it was nice to know what VIP is all about now, but I doubt I'll be doing it again. So many of my friends were in GA and that made it hard to enjoy the "amenities" when I knew they couldn't watch shows from the special viewing areas or go in the lounges with me.
If I go back next year, I'll be going back to Tent Only. I really missed it... hence the visits to Camp Inforoo.
I didn't think it was worth it. There were some things that were nice about it (no wait to get into Centeroo, VIP hill at What, and the bleachers at Which if it wasn't a packed show), but to make the most of the perks you had to really work at it. So, if you just wanted to go with the flow you probably weren't going to get your money's worth. Plus, we had friends camping in GA RV that couldn't come to our camp so there was this weird division. I've done GA RV before and it definitely is worth it rather than tenting it (AC is a godsend in the morning), but I probably won't spring for VIP again. My brother made an awesome analogy when we were there this year (backstory: we grew up in Alaska and worked in fish canneries during the summer)...it doesn't matter if you're staying in a tent near the boat yard or living in a nice house up the road, everyone's still working at the cannery and getting slimed with fish guts everyday. We're all still doing the same Bonnaroo thing, your feet won't be any less dirty and you just may miss some amazing things while you're back at camp while others are in Centeroo because they don't want to make the long trip home. GA RV...that's all I need
Post by klimfactor on Jun 14, 2011 13:55:27 GMT -5
Absolutely worth it for us: As with our previous VIP experiences, enjoyed the short time it took to get in, the proximity to Centeroo and Thursday's VIP blow-out party. Also, for the first time, I thought they turned the large VIP tent in the camping area into a neat place to hang out and rest/relax. We played a ton of Ping Pong and pop-a-shot, grabbed some shut eye in the heat of the day and grabbed plenty of free fruit. Also, they thankfully improved the VIP area near Which, making it more of a compound, complete with bathrooms. Those bathrooms were a lifesaver a few times, as was the air conditioning, which worked much better than at the compound behind the Which bleachers last year.
My third Roo and first solo and VIP. To me definitely worth the money. I did the shuttle from airport as well so had to bring all I needed. The closeness to centeroo, the showers, the AC bathrooms, the chill tent beside Which stage, first night meal were lifesavers. When you add up that all up you are not spending as much as you think. Plus I felt really safe. I would do it again hands down only thing stopping me would be if my friend can't afford it. I met some great VIP folks!
Why it was worth it: I didnt use a port-a-john the entire weekend, showered every morning and sometimes at night, only slept in my tent one night (slept on the couches in the AC every other night), drank at least $80 worth of beer during Thurs for free, watched numerous sets from the AC lounge that I wouldve otherwise missed because of the heat, didnt have to worry bout being robbed, was in line, set up and beer in hand in 1.5 hours, was searched a couple times on the way in but never had more then 2 people in front of me in line (usually when I walked to the VIP entrance away from the arch that merged with GA), could hear and see the screens of the mainstage without leaving the VIP area, left in between sets to drink beers at camp and could make it back before the next.
First time in VIP and generally agreed that it was worth the money. We met some great people, enjoyed the short lines and absolutely loved the hill by the What stage. Very relaxing vibe overall.
Why it was worth it: I didnt use a port-a-john the entire weekend, showered every morning and sometimes at night, only slept in my tent one night (slept on the couches in the AC every other night), drank at least $80 worth of beer during Thurs for free, watched numerous sets from the AC lounge that I wouldve otherwise missed because of the heat, didnt have to worry bout being robbed, was in line, set up and beer in hand in 1.5 hours, was searched a couple times on the way in but never had more then 2 people in front of me in line (usually when I walked to the VIP entrance away from the arch that merged with GA), could hear and see the screens of the mainstage without leaving the VIP area, left in between sets to drink beers at camp and could make it back before the next.
and Im pretty sure I had the best neighbors ever.
^this... amen! Y'all were awesome neighbors! Loved camping with you guys! Our VIP crew of 77 people in 34 cars meant we basically owned half of the VIP acreage. The VIP bathrooms & air-conditioned tent areas saved my life last year in the heat and this year in the dust.
Is VIP worth it? It all boils down to creature comforts. Can you tolerate long lines and nasty portos? If not, then VIP is for you.
This year, I splurged on the meal plan, too. That, IMO, was NOT worth the price. It's too damn hot to eat a full hot meal, and usually by the time you're actually hungry (hmm...late nite munchies, anyone?) is when they aren't serving.
I took advantage of 2 dinners (amazing prime rib and a flavorful, perfectly prepared smoked salmon) and 1 lunch, so there was no way I got my money's worth. Still, it's trial and error. I won't do that again next year, but I will do VIP.
This was my second Bonnaroo, first time VIP. It was totally worth it to me. The bathrooms alone are worth it! Getting in and set up was super fast. Entering centeroo was quick with very little searching. I also enjoyed the convenience of going back and forth between camp and centeroo several times a day. We didn't take advantage of any of the VIP stage seating. We could see main stage performances from our camp. I don't think I could ever go back to GA now.
This was my second Bonnaroo, first time VIP. It was totally worth it to me. The bathrooms alone are worth it! Getting in and set up was super fast. Entering centeroo was quick with very little searching. I also enjoyed the convenience of going back and forth between camp and centeroo several times a day. We didn't take advantage of any of the VIP stage seating. We could see main stage performances from our camp. I don't think I could ever go back to GA now.
Yeah but I stayedi n Tent Only your only advantage was the bathrooms. After Friday I never waited more than 5-10 minutes to get in, I could see the main stage easily, and our setup went pretty good for getting a 25 person camp together.
we all went GA last year and went VIP this year. to a man everyone said they will never go back to GA. i was able to party LATE into the night becasue of the VIP tents and the hill and various other little things
Holls, you nailed it: it's about creature comforts. I didn't realize it before but I kind of enjoy being without those small things for four days while at Roo. Cuts me off from the real world and I LOVE it! I have accustomed myself to the portos (and was actually very uncomfortable with the attendants and their signs asking for tips). I went into the VIP lounge twice, I think. I took one shower and it was freezing cold, and therefore made me not want to shower again. So those things weren't really a plus for me.
Maybe I was prejudice to begin with because that was A LOT of money for me to drop on anything, much less a festival that's only an hour away from my house. But I know what it's all about now so I won't say I regret it; it just wasn't what I was expecting for the money, I guess... I dunno.
Tent Only is really the best way to do Roo. Period.
I thought it was so worth it, I've done five years in GA, usually tent only, but I don't think I could ever go back now. The bathrooms were amazing, the vip a/c lounge in centeroo was great for getting your energy back, and the hill was great. I saw way more music than I usually do, I'm sold. I did vip in 2007 and thought it was a total rip off, they've really improved it.
Post by rufus62277 on Jun 14, 2011 16:29:01 GMT -5
As always, so worth it. I have been GA and missed my share of shows because it was just too damn hot. With VIP you just pop into the A/C tent without waiting in line (Comedy/Cinema tents) recharge/relax for a minute and get back to the shows. Late nights are a breeze because you aren't wiped out from a full day outside. Bonnaroo is our chance to get away and enjoy ourselves and see as much music as possible. Without the benefits of VIP we would miss much more music than we already do because of conflicts.
Plus with this crew you are sure to have the best neighbors on the farm, no dealing with wooks or worrying about your stuff while you're gone.
The main reason I wanted to do VIP was to avoid the long wait in line on I24 and the long ass walks to centeroo. The bathrooms would have been nice, but honestly, i had no complaints with the portos this year, the tent they were under kept them from stinking as bad during the day, and provided light at night. The air conditioning would have been nice, but I made due with one of those personal misters (almost as good as AC in my book). Next year, I will camp in tent only.
I was trying to explain bonnaroo to a friend. The way I ended up describing it is:
Bonnaroo is greatest place on earth, and it's about so much more than just the music. It's about be a part of a community and existing on a primitive bases for a short time. It changes your perspective on life, and makes you appreciate things that you normally take for granted. It's like being reborn in a strange way.
it was totally worth it...i had so much more energy...i felt better after being able to shower...going back and forth was quick no matter where u were really....i will b looking into VIP for 2012 fo sho
Post by Funky Munky on Jun 14, 2011 18:07:01 GMT -5
I've never been any way other than VIP but I did take a couple of strolls through GA and I don't see how you guys are dealing out there, it's like a quacking refugee camp. The primary things I get out of VIP that make the experience worth it for me are:
Time - I have more of it to hear more music. I can make it back to camp, use the bathroom, pound two beers, get cold water and be back in to a show in twenty minutes. I'm paying to see more music comfortably.
Marriage - There is no way in hell my wife is using a shitter in Centeroo. She was going to try Saturday night and some nice kid about eighteen strolls out of the porto and is like ma'am you just can't go in there, needless to say she strolled back to the VIP portos. I think she may have used one non VIP porto all weekend but it was her choice. If I had only given her that option i would have very hairy palms. It was great that they had the new VIP portos by the Which stage, it was just a shame they closed them at 1:00.
Friends - My friends go VIP and our campsite kicks ass. We've been at about the same place two years in a row now and we have our stuff together. Our campsite was basically six spaces all hooked up together and completely tarped with strategically placed sidewalls that blocked the sun but still allowed for airflow. With fans running you could sleep nearly any time of the day or night you needed to.
Creating Change - This may sound crappy but as a customer if I don't like something and I've been a good customer I expect the company to work with me. When we got there Thursday and tried to get into Centeroo they had us going through the regular entrance albeit with a short cut to the near front of the line. I'm down with the short cut for those guys in BFE, anything to make it easier on the crowd, just do it in a way that doesn't hose it up for other people. We went and talked to the guys in the VIP trailor and the security staff and by Friday they had things worked out. We also made a bunch of reccomendations after last year and they implemented almost every single one of them. They really are listening to us and that means a lot to me personally.
The TA review that someone wrote up this year is actually pretty appealing to me. I go for the music and to hang out with my friends. The more comfort I can do that in the better, more so for my wife and my buddies' wives.
Post by popsicle sarah on Jun 14, 2011 18:18:49 GMT -5
This was my 5th Roo and first in VIP (1st was car camping, next 3 were in tent only). I will never go back to GA. It was totally worth it. I feel better today than I've ever felt the day after coming back from Roo. Things that made it worth it for me:
*Not having to haul all of our stuff to tent only in order to be close to centeroo. Being near the vehicle AND close to centeroo unlike tent only.
*AC'd bathrooms, I had my favorite ones to use. I would always look for the same attendants that actually did their job well and were really engaging. I used the portos near pod 3 twice one day because we were hanging out in tent only and it was not pleasant. I have been to many festivals and used many portos, but using them when I didn't have to was icky. (I actually got really upset Saturday during late night because they closed the VIP bathrooms by Which and I had to use those nasty late-night Centeroo portos.)
*Being able to wash my hands with soap, water, and papertowels all weekend. I tend to get sick after Bonnaroo every year and I think this had a lot to do with how I feel after this Roo.
*Showers - I had never showered at a festival before and it really did more than I thought it would. I showered once Saturday morning and once Sunday afternoon. Had to wait in line Saturday morning, but the water was still hot. Sunday afternoon I had no wait and the water was hot. (I asked the attendants both times to make sure the water was hot before I went in.) After each shower I felt energized, like a new person. I even brought my blow dryer and used the electric outlets in the ac'd bathrooms to fix my hair. It was niiiiice.
*What stage hill - the view and sound were great. I really enjoyed being able to see the whole crowd. Only watched 2 shows from the What field (Black Keys and WSP). I think I would've enjoyed the Black Keys more if I would've watched from the Hill.
*Less dust - this would probably not have been true if we weren't in the spot right in the middle of VIP camping as it was far enough away from any dirt roads.
*Open roads between every two rows of camping spots which means you can get your car out and leave/return as much as you want. Although we didn't leave, our amazing neighbors went to town a few times, once bringing us sunscreen and 20 bags of ice to share with our tent only friends (full, non-melted 10 lb bags for less than 3 bucks each).
*Less wait to get onto the farm (I waited over 8 hours last year). Although it was longer than it would've been if we would've left our meeting place on time and if there wasn't that big semi that blocked traffic forever.
*never waited to get into Centeroo and the security people were nicer than I've ever encountered in GA. There was less wait so you could actually engage them in conversation which was nice to see them as people just like me
*The folks of Camp Inforoo VIP make awesome neighbors - mini-brunch on Saturday.
*Good food and all the free beer you could drink Thursday night.
*No wooks or fear of being stolen from. We left stuff out all weekend.
*A shade canopy outside of the VIP bathrooms near the VIP compound so you could stand/sit in shade while waiting for your friends to go potty.
Stuff I never used but is cool and would probably use in the future:
*Air-conditioned lounges
*Which bleachers and VIP pits at the tents
I only have two major gripes about VIP. They shouldn't close the VIP lounge and bathrooms in Centeroo at night. They should have food vendors in VIP (there was only one breakfast/brunch vendor). I understand the reason is probably because they want to push the food program, but I don't want to be told when to eat (or pay $30+ a meal for that matter).
Oh, and having taxi's in VIP would've been nice a couple times like when we were trying to haul a bunch of stuff to the brunch or visit our friends in tent only.
Going VIP really restored my faith in Bonnaroo. I honestly don't think I would've gone back after last year if it weren't for Mike telling me about his VIP experience. I was very skeptical, but thought it was well worth the extra money.
It's definitely not for everyone, but if I can afford it without a burden I found it to be very similar to the awesomeness of Bonnaroo, but with way more comfort and convenience. And contrary to what some people have said I think the people in VIP know how to party just as much as the people in GA. Maybe I'm getting old, but I enjoyed not having to put up with some of the obnoxious-ness of the partiers in GA that I witnessed a few times when visiting my friends in GA.
At first I didn't think it was worth it. I felt we still had a bit of a walk to get into Centeroo, there is no water station in VIP for our Camelbaks (ended up using the sinks in the shower trailer near the VIP lounge/food area), super long walk to the bathrooms from our camp, they didn't have the entrance to the Hill open on Thursday or Friday morning so I couldn't understand the benefit of it and we did a helluva lot of walking.
But then over time I got it. Yes, like others said it's mainly soccer moms and CEOs trying to be "wild" for a long weekend. Next to us was a group of 6 folks who were super nice but one couple in the group I felt probably came because they find their regular lives too high-pressure and boring and decided to go to Bonnaroo to paint boobs, do party favors, and have great stories at the next cocktail party. And then we ended up camping next to/with Amy Grant and her step kids. They are super great folks, but you sure as heck wouldn't find Amy Grant cooking breakfast burritos in GA.
As the weekend continued I really saw the benefit. Camp was NOT dusty... ever. All our neighbors (except one whospent most of their time in Centeroo anyway) had their stuff together so they had quality tents, water, food, proper supplies to enjoy the time. Everyone was super nice and friendly. The bathroom walk didn't seem so long when you realized you wouldn't arrive to a long line, smell, lack of TP. I didn't have to pack a bag of TP and Clorox wipes just to pee, and I could do my morning "thing" in peace, take as long as I wanted. I could take a shower at 4am if I so desired, and another one at 8am when I woke.
We didn't really get the whole value of Thursday night because I really wanted to see Band of Skulls. Got a free meal of what was essentially wedding buffet food, a beer, and chatted up some people that seemed was too square and sheltered to be attending their 5th Roo (3 in hotels, 2nd in VIP).
However the Hill is the bomb and completely worth the money. I saw Wiz Kalifa, Robert Plant, Arcade Fire, Eminem, MMJ, part of WSP, and more from there. I was right at the lip of the last tier near the fence to the GA area and it was awesome. We could dip out for quality, reasonably-priced beer, a short walk to A/C bathrooms, and could even dash back to camp to change (we considered getting ponchos at Eminem but didn't want to miss a thing). The view was amazing and it was easy to slip out to the crowd to dance and get involved.
The setup near the Which stage was pretty fabulous. We spent all Sunday out near the tents seeing shows and it was fab to be able to get some free fresh fruit, charge up our phones, use a clean bathroom and recharge in AC before heading out to the next performance.
I have a 2.5 year old and could never understand people who bring their children; how does the kid get a break from the heat? Where do they nap? How do you keep them clean after changing a poopy diaper? What do you do when they are just overwhelmed and your neighbors could be wild loud folks or worse? Now I see... go VIP. The campgrounds stayed green and lush, they were quiet and safe. The Hill was a place where kids could play and the whole family could congregate at the end of the day for dinner and a show during sunset. Like our camp neighbor Amy Grant, I saw many families in VIP where the parents were at one camp, the teenagers or college kids at another, and they would meet up once or twice a day. It was a rich family's summer camp experience. Instead of the lake or the beach, they do a weekend at a music festival.
Totally different vibe, that's for sure. However it's worth it if A) GA scares or turns you off, B) you want to enjoy it with a family (or like us have a sorta romantic second honeymoon sort of time), or C) you really love the music and you want to be refreshed and rested so you can see the maximum amount of shows and still be alive on Tuesday.
Oh yeah, first Roo where I didn't get the Roo Flu. Last night I got home from a 12 hour drive and was ready to go out. Today I woke at 8am feeling calm and refreshed and ran errands and wasn't a mess. I took 2 days off after Roo to recover so I was back on my game at work; VIP made that not necessary so I just have an extended vacation!
This was our 5th trip, all VIP. They do improve it every year. I did the math, and subtracting all the free beer I had Thursday night and smuggled into Centeroo due to lighter security I figure that I spent about 50 bucks a band for the full sets I saw. That doesn't include the bands I only caught a little of for whatever reason. That's about my average ticket price for bands (after service fees) so to me VIP pricing is really pretty reasonable. Then everything else is a bonus!
I did take a walk into GA with my wife on Friday to sample the one dollar grilled cheese. We went past the outrageously long centeroo line and the numerous vendors to run into the perfect crap storm. The centeroo lined intersected with the porto line at the same time that a truck was attempting to empty the portos. The resulting chaos and smell was ok to me because I'm a seasoned backpacker and have done GA before but my wife pretty much said that if I made her camp out there we would probably have to sign up for marriage counseling. The fact that we are happily married still and that she wants to go back next year definitely makes VIP worth it to me.
Post by dreamingtree on Jun 14, 2011 20:46:32 GMT -5
For me the only things that made it almost worth the money were a shorter walk to Centeroo (although not much shorter), not standing in line to get into Centeroo, and the air conditioned lounges.
The air conditioned flushing toilets were nice, but really I can deal just fine with porta potties. As for showers, in 5 years of GA I never took a shower, so apparently that doesn't matter too much to me The VIP hill was nice but still really far from the stage.
Otherwise, we had to walk too far to get ice, and go to the potty vs. what I have experienced in GA. Security was no different than my experience in GA also.
I am pretty positive I will not do VIP again, but it was nice to do it once.
This is my 3rd Bonnaroo and for the first time we did VIP and it was well worth the extra money. I'm a little outside the mainstream of the typical Bonnaroo attendee, having turned 60 at the farm last year and then adding another year while there over the weekend. I'm in pretty good shape but Mother Nature can be a cruel mother and the conveniences that come with the VIP package are probably going to be the difference between being able to continue going every year or not.
In particular, having the hill to use as a vantage point for the What Stage is big, having the VIP tent in Centeroo is also huge and getting to hang out in there, with some cool air and a few minutes out of the sun a couple of times a day makes a big difference.
The showers and rest rooms speak for themselves, the less than 30 minute wait to get in on Thursday around 9:00 AM (about 9 hours shorter than 2009 and 3 hours shorter than last year) is great too. The short walk to Centeroo and the really quick pass through the turnstiles are big pluses. The Thursday night VIP party was outstanding and overall you get the sense that your comfort is truly important. I was with my 22 year old son and a couple of his buddies who enjoyed staying in the VIP area but spent their time in Centeroo much as they had done when we went GA; the option is always available. There's a little different age mix in VIP but still plenty of party time Having said all that, I loved the times in GA and didn't for 1 minute wish that I had gone VIP the previous years. I guess whether it's worth it or not is a personal decision but there's really no downside and a lot of perks that go with the VIP program.
*Not having to haul all of our stuff to tent only in order to be close to centeroo. Being near the vehicle AND close to centeroo unlike tent only.
*AC'd bathrooms, I had my favorite ones to use. I would always look for the same attendants that actually did their job well and were really engaging. I used the portos near pod 3 twice one day because we were hanging out in tent only and it was not pleasant. I have been to many festivals and used many portos, but using them when I didn't have to was icky. (I actually got really upset Saturday during late night because they closed the VIP bathrooms by Which and I had to use those nasty late-night Centeroo portos.)
*Being able to wash my hands with soap, water, and papertowels all weekend. I tend to get sick after Bonnaroo every year and I think this had a lot to do with how I feel after this Roo.
*Showers - I had never showered at a festival before and it really did more than I thought it would. I showered once Saturday morning and once Sunday afternoon. Had to wait in line Saturday morning, but the water was still hot. Sunday afternoon I had no wait and the water was hot. (I asked the attendants both times to make sure the water was hot before I went in.) After each shower I felt energized, like a new person. I even brought my blow dryer and used the electric outlets in the ac'd bathrooms to fix my hair. It was niiiiice.
*What stage hill - the view and sound were great. I really enjoyed being able to see the whole crowd. Only watched 2 shows from the What field (Black Keys and WSP). I think I would've enjoyed the Black Keys more if I would've watched from the Hill.
*Less dust - this would probably not have been true if we weren't in the spot right in the middle of VIP camping as it was far enough away from any dirt roads.
*Open roads between every two rows of camping spots which means you can get your car out and leave/return as much as you want. Although we didn't leave, our amazing neighbors went to town a few times, once bringing us sunscreen and 20 bags of ice to share with our tent only friends (full, non-melted 10 lb bags for less than 3 bucks each).
*Less wait to get onto the farm (I waited over 8 hours last year). Although it was longer than it would've been if we would've left our meeting place on time and if there wasn't that big semi that blocked traffic forever.
*never waited to get into Centeroo and the security people were nicer than I've ever encountered in GA. There was less wait so you could actually engage them in conversation which was nice to see them as people just like me
*The folks of Camp Inforoo VIP make awesome neighbors - mini-brunch on Saturday.
*Good food and all the free beer you could drink Thursday night.
*No wooks or fear of being stolen from. We left stuff out all weekend.
*A shade canopy outside of the VIP bathrooms near the VIP compound so you could stand/sit in shade while waiting for your friends to go potty.
Stuff I never used but is cool and would probably use in the future:
*Air-conditioned lounges
*Which bleachers and VIP pits at the tents
I only have two major gripes about VIP. They shouldn't close the VIP lounge and bathrooms in Centeroo at night. They should have food vendors in VIP (there was only one breakfast/brunch vendor). I understand the reason is probably because they want to push the food program, but I don't want to be told when to eat (or pay $30+ a meal for that matter).
Oh, and having taxi's in VIP would've been nice a couple times like when we were trying to haul a bunch of stuff to the brunch or visit our friends in tent only.
Going VIP really restored my faith in Bonnaroo. I honestly don't think I would've gone back after last year if it weren't for Mike telling me about his VIP experience. I was very skeptical, but thought it was well worth the extra money.
It's definitely not for everyone, but if I can afford it without a burden I found it to be very similar to the awesomeness of Bonnaroo, but with way more comfort and convenience. And contrary to what some people have said I think the people in VIP know how to party just as much as the people in GA. Maybe I'm getting old, but I enjoyed not having to put up with some of the obnoxious-ness of the partiers in GA that I witnessed a few times when visiting my friends in GA.
The VIP hill was nice but still really far from the stage.
