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!!
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.
Years ago I would have shuddered at the thought of VIP - but I wanted to bring my kids in 2011 and VIP with RV was the way to go. My 3 boys (ages 5,8,11) had the most amazing time in large part because we had plenty of water in a fridge and hot showers, and AC to escape to in the middle of the day. We'll do it the exact same way this year too.
After four years of GA camping, last year was my first plunge into VIP. It was a move I'll never regret. Worth it in every regard.
On Thursday afternoon, I got off the highway, drove down the “secret road”, and was at my campsite in less than ten minutes. Pulling up to your clearly marked spot and seeing the main stage only a few hundred feet in front of you was just amazing.
The A/C bathrooms were the next thing that blew me away. Taking an enjoyable dump on the farm? Never thought it was possible until VIP. I was chowing down on Bonnaroo cheese fries with no fear for the first time in half a decade.
The Thursday party was pretty cool too! Free food, a great funk show, and bottomless beer.
The lounges were nice, but a tad crowded, and they seemed like a time-waster to me. The lounge inside the VIP area was a decent place to charge your camera and/or take a nap, but the lounges within Centeroo just didn't feel right to me. Too many people and not enough music. I wasn't too disappointed though, because the lounges were definitely not what I was paying for.
To me, what made the whole thing worthwhile was the lack of lines. From my campsite, I could make it to the front of the What stage area in three minutes. Three effin’ minutes!!! I was used to a half an hour walk from all the previous years, and during bad times, waiting 10 or 20 minutes to get thru Centroo security. It was all very taxing, and meant being able to make only one trip to Centeroo a day. It was just too much to go back and forth from BFE (where I always end up), and I ended up missing music because of it. VIP allowed me to catch more music, and that’s why it was worth it to me.
If it came down to going GA or not going at all, of course, just go GA. And I'd have no problem going GA again. But if you’ve got the cash and are sick of missing music because of lines or general physical taxation, then I urge you to give VIP a shot!
We will be buying ViP this year just because we don't think we will luck out like we did last year and be 10 minutes from centeroo. So to avoid disappointment and see more music comfortably we will be going VIP. Cant wait to meet this inforoo crew!
I'm debating VIP or GA RV? Any incite to which is preferred?
Here's my insight, despite having never done an RV in GA. (FTR, I've done GA 2x, Media 1x, and VIP 2x, so I've seen all sides.)
1. TRAFFIC: you could be in traffic for hours if you go GA; that would be costly with gas. There is practically ZERO WAITING with VIP because you have your own dedicated exit. Plus, you can drive off-site all weekend if you need to run errands; you can't leave in GA. The traffic & ability to leave are huge selling points with me.
2. ENTRANCE WAIT: from VIP, you never have to enter thru the arch, so there's rarely a wait of more than 2mins; in GA, you could wait for anywhere from 20-60mins if you enter at a busy time.
3. AIR CONDITIONING: you have several tents that offer it in VIP; you're lucky if you get a cool breeze in GA.
4. FREE FOOD & BOOZE: in VIP, you get both during the Thursday nite party...plus a live band doing a show just for you! In GA? You pay for it all.
5. LIGHTER SEARCHES: in VIP, especially if you look like you're over 25 and have bathed recently, you hardly get searched at all. In GA, you're likely to encounter off-duty TSA agents who are jonesin' to grope you six ways from Sunday. And then confiscate your goodies.
That's just my experience. And the collective experience of most all the members of the VIP Inforoo crew over the last few years. It's totally up to you whether those perks are justified by the cost. If they are, then c'mon & join our crew. We'd love to have you! If not, then come to the Brunch and enjoy some tasty noms with us. Either way, you'll have a blast.
Post by ronburgandy? on Feb 16, 2012 14:33:25 GMT -5
been GA twice and VIP twice. will be VIP again this year, well worth it for many of the stated reasons. #1 being you just are able to see more sets due to proximity and less waiting and just having more energy.
looking forward to partying down with some inforoo people, if i can swing that.
Post by klimfactor on Feb 16, 2012 19:51:05 GMT -5
I've talked two other friends into going VIP this year. We'll have a group of four. I just love the quick-into-the grounds, quick-into Centeroo, air-conditioned tent creature comforts, not to mention the proximity to Centeroo. I wish food was still included, but it was kind of an inconvenience to have to leave shows to eat at the appointed times.
I'm debating VIP or GA RV? Any incite to which is preferred?
Here's my insight, despite having never done an RV in GA. (FTR, I've done GA 2x, Media 1x, and VIP 2x, so I've seen all sides.)
1. TRAFFIC: you could be in traffic for hours if you go GA; that would be costly with gas. There is practically ZERO WAITING with VIP because you have your own dedicated exit. Plus, you can drive off-site all weekend if you need to run errands; you can't leave in GA. The traffic & ability to leave are huge selling points with me.
2. ENTRANCE WAIT: from VIP, you never have to enter thru the arch, so there's rarely a wait of more than 2mins; in GA, you could wait for anywhere from 20-60mins if you enter at a busy time.
3. AIR CONDITIONING: you have several tents that offer it in VIP; you're lucky if you get a cool breeze in GA.
4. FREE FOOD & BOOZE: in VIP, you get both during the Thursday nite party...plus a live band doing a show just for you! In GA? You pay for it all.
5. LIGHTER SEARCHES: in VIP, especially if you look like you're over 25 and have bathed recently, you hardly get searched at all. In GA, you're likely to encounter off-duty TSA agents who are jonesin' to grope you six ways from Sunday. And then confiscate your goodies.
That's just my experience. And the collective experience of most all the members of the VIP Inforoo crew over the last few years. It's totally up to you whether those perks are justified by the cost. If they are, then c'mon & join our crew. We'd love to have you! If not, then come to the Brunch and enjoy some tasty noms with us. Either way, you'll have a blast.
Thanks, Holls and alieblue for the amazing reviews and pictures! Ive been GA before but it was pretty rough as I refused to miss any music, and ended up with bonna-flu on the way home. This Year you guys helped me convince the boyfriend to come along and go VIP! Double Bonus! thanks again ladies
Post by mauldinite on Feb 17, 2012 13:49:10 GMT -5
I come back to this thread every year and after 3 GA trips, I think it's time to see if the grass is truly greener!
Speaking of grass, how was the dust in VIP last year??? That's the one things that's still kind of weighing on me. Our first 2 'Roos, we wound up 10 minutes from Centeroo. Last year, we left 12 hours earlier, ended up being routed down crazy back roads and wound up in the BFE of all BFE's, Pod 11 (Looking at the map this year, it's still literally not even shown as part of the property). We missed quite a few shows because of the 40 minute-each-way runs to camp. The only blessing in disguise was the lack of dust. After seeing the camp areas closest to Shakedown, I was extremely happy to be out in the woods, isolated from the dust cloud.
So how was the dust in VIP, being so close to the action?? If it wasn't bad, then I really don't think I have any reason not to plunk down for it this year. But if it was as bad as some of the other areas close to VIP, I might just bring money for cab rides (and promptly regret non-VIP as soon as I get in line on the highway).
Post by theshining on Feb 17, 2012 14:02:12 GMT -5
mauldinite, I don't recall it being dusty inside the VIP area at all. If it was a tad dusty it was not noticeable.
I went VIP for the first time last year and if you can afford the extra dough it's worth it. I was going to reluctantly go GA again this year and hope all went well but after winning tickets I will definitely save up and pay for the upgrade.
Read through these five pages and there are plenty of examples showing why VIP is awesome. Mainly for me though its close camping, separate exit/entry (off the highway and walking into Centeroo), and the overall comfort (AC pavillions, showers, flush toilets, etc).
VIP is a pretty huge area, so I can't speak for those closest to the Shakedown side, but I was on the opposite side in VIP and had zero problems with dust.
Well, I mean, there WAS dust, there always is at Roo. In years past, I've had problems with it. Not so in VIP.
I left a towel on my car hood on Thursday, and by departure time Monday, I lifted the towel off and could see just how much dust was on my car. But I didn't even notice it until then. Nothing like 2007 in GA when I literally had to brush the dirt off my teeth.
Post by mauldinite on Feb 17, 2012 14:22:36 GMT -5
Thanks for the quick responses!
I'm totally sold on the "worth it" factor for VIP. I'm slightly worried that me and the lady going VIP might mean some potential co-'Rooers will bail on the whole weekend. We're the yearly checklist makers and I'm the guy with the truck and the super intense camp setup (we had a steak night last year!). But I'm really looking forward to making buds with the VIP Inforoo'ers. You guys seem like the tightest bunch on this board!
Post by klimfactor on Feb 17, 2012 18:37:49 GMT -5
I think the free buffet and beer was a little earlier than 8-11 last year. I kind of feel like it kicked off at 5:30-6. I know I had a bunch of free beer and we walked up to see Sleigh Bells and it was around 8:30.
Post by atlenergyguy on Feb 17, 2012 18:41:00 GMT -5
Can anyone tell me what/where the VIP viewing areas are for the What and Which stages? I'm assuming it's right in front of the tent in the middle of the fields. At least that's what it looked like when I was standing beside it for BK last year.
Does anyone have pics of it or from it? Also, is there beer sold at it?
Post by hecatedracul on Feb 18, 2012 14:58:50 GMT -5
Hi everyone! Longtime lurker finally crawling out from under the keyboard.
Went to Roo in 07, 08, 09, & 10, all GA. This year will be our first in VIP and I am very excited since it sounds like a completely different experience! I was miserable in 2010: too hot, had to babysit a friend that came with us and was miserable, furthest BFE we've ever been in...and on and on. It was bad enough to make me not even want to go last year at all.
Thanks to all the Inforoo'ers out there that have helped shaped all my years at the farm. I am grateful for every piece of advice ever read. You guys sold me on the VIP this year and I am looking forward to finally meeting some of you, perhaps.
Can anyone tell me what/where the VIP viewing areas are for the What and Which stages? I'm assuming it's right in front of the tent in the middle of the fields. At least that's what it looked like when I was standing beside it for BK last year.
Does anyone have pics of it or from it? Also, is there beer sold at it?
THANK YOU!
The What stage viewing area is the hill to the left of the stage and yes there is a beer tent in that area.
The which stage viewing area is the bleachers to the right of the stage. There isnt a bar right there but a short walk away from the bleachers is an air conditioned VIP tent that sells beer.
Can anyone tell me what/where the VIP viewing areas are for the What and Which stages? I'm assuming it's right in front of the tent in the middle of the fields. At least that's what it looked like when I was standing beside it for BK last year.
Does anyone have pics of it or from it? Also, is there beer sold at it
YES! There is beer. Here's a pic I found of the What Stage field; the VIP hill is in the lower left. The white tent is where beer is sold:
Which Stage VIP seating is the metal bleachers to the right. Maybe this year they will put up some sort of shade...but in the past, there hasn't been any. But there is an air-conditioned tent below which has water and fresh fruit and beer sales. Last year there was a larger air-conditioned tent with big-screen TVs, white leather sofas, beer, and VIP bathrooms behind it. You can see pics of both here. (Photos from a fellow Inforooster!)
this thread has convinced us to do the vip payment plan! I can't wait, I hope my cousin and his wife don't screw up and miss their chance to get in on all this awesome action.. Will see i guess, they are holding off because they have a couple guys who can hopefully get them media passes and even at that we still won't be camping together, big boo. But I know I will have nice inforoo members to hang with, but I'm kinda worried about them because all the gear we used last year was mine, with the exception of their tent and vehicle.
View from VIP in 2008. That was the year the hill replaced the bleachers. So much better. After 08 they lost the hay bales. Somehow I think it's a bit steeper now, but I don't have any representative pics from more recent years.
Sorry 'bout that! I just now saw your post...hadn't realized the pics didn't go thru the first time!
Here's an older aerial view of the VIP tent on the hill. It's in roughly the same place now:
Here's a shot from last year...it gives you a better idea of the types of chairs & proximity to the What Stage. (pic courtesy of Allyroo!)
Oh, and here's another sneak peak of the VIP entrance in comparison to the main arch... you get to bypass all the lines and enjoy walking on nice, green grass all weekend long!
