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This is my first time going to Bonnaroo and after doing a little checking, I thought VIP tickets would be the way to go. I am going with some friends that have been before but they previously went the GA route.
I have a question about parking/setting up camp in the VIP area. I understand from previous comments that there are really no bad spots in the VIP area, as everything is relatively close, but do you have any say as to where you park/camp or do they pretty much direct you to a specific spot? In other words, is it a free-for-all in the designated spots or are you required to simply go to the next available spot as you enter?
I don't mean to complain about having close neighbors, as I am more than willing to make friends with whoever is nearby, but judging from the pictures that I have seen, a spot near the end of a row seems a little better than being in the middle, as it seems to provide more room. Can you try to get those spots or is it luck of the draw based on time of entry?
Any information regarding this topic would be greatly appreciated. And again, I'm not trying to avoid meeting new friends. Just trying to get an idea of how it will be. I'm an overthinker when it comes to stuff like this!
This is my first time going to Bonnaroo and after doing a little checking, I thought VIP tickets would be the way to go. I am going with some friends that have been before but they previously went the GA route.
I have a question about parking/setting up camp in the VIP area. I understand from previous comments that there are really no bad spots in the VIP area, as everything is relatively close, but do you have any say as to where you park/camp or do they pretty much direct you to a specific spot? In other words, is it a free-for-all in the designated spots or are you required to simply go to the next available spot as you enter?
I don't mean to complain about having close neighbors, as I am more than willing to make friends with whoever is nearby, but judging from the pictures that I have seen, a spot near the end of a row seems a little better than being in the middle, as it seems to provide more room. Can you try to get those spots or is it luck of the draw based on time of entry?
Any information regarding this topic would be greatly appreciated. And again, I'm not trying to avoid meeting new friends. Just trying to get an idea of how it will be. I'm an overthinker when it comes to stuff like this!
It's based on when you arrive. When you arrive, they do a quick search of your car (to make sure you don't have any drugs or glass bottles) and then a volunteer points you to the next available spot. They fill it out basically row by row, so you can't really choose a spot.
This is my first time going to Bonnaroo and after doing a little checking, I thought VIP tickets would be the way to go. I am going with some friends that have been before but they previously went the GA route.
I have a question about parking/setting up camp in the VIP area. I understand from previous comments that there are really no bad spots in the VIP area, as everything is relatively close, but do you have any say as to where you park/camp or do they pretty much direct you to a specific spot? In other words, is it a free-for-all in the designated spots or are you required to simply go to the next available spot as you enter?
I don't mean to complain about having close neighbors, as I am more than willing to make friends with whoever is nearby, but judging from the pictures that I have seen, a spot near the end of a row seems a little better than being in the middle, as it seems to provide more room. Can you try to get those spots or is it luck of the draw based on time of entry?
Any information regarding this topic would be greatly appreciated. And again, I'm not trying to avoid meeting new friends. Just trying to get an idea of how it will be. I'm an overthinker when it comes to stuff like this!
It's based on when you arrive. When you arrive, they do a quick search of your car (to make sure you don't have any NO NO WORD!!! or glass bottles) and then a volunteer points you to the next available spot. They fill it out basically row by row, so you can't really choose a spot.
Much appreciated. Like I said, I'm just trying to get a feel for what we are in store for. The people we are going with also have a VIP parking pass and we are trying to camp together but if we go in at the same time, I can't imagine that being a major issue.
It's based on when you arrive. When you arrive, they do a quick search of your car (to make sure you don't have any NO NO WORD!!! or glass bottles) and then a volunteer points you to the next available spot. They fill it out basically row by row, so you can't really choose a spot.
Much appreciated. Like I said, I'm just trying to get a feel for what we are in store for. The people we are going with also have a VIP parking pass and we are trying to camp together but if we go in at the same time, I can't imagine that being a major issue.
The only potential issue could be if one of you finishes your search faster than the other. But if you say you're waiting for a friend, they should let you park to the side after the search and wait for them. They did for a large group of us camping together last year. All the volunteers are friendly and aren't that strict (except about what's allowed inside), so long as you're respectful.
So every car gets searched to my knowledge, is this a empty out whole car search or just look through coolers backpacks etc?
I've only shuttled it, but from my understanding, it's a quick peek unless they find something to be suspicious of, then the cavity searches commence. Approach it like your crossing the boarder basically,
So every car gets searched to my knowledge, is this a empty out whole car search or just look through coolers backpacks etc?
I've only shuttled it, but from my understanding, it's a quick peek unless they find something to be suspicious of, then the cavity searches commence. Approach it like your crossing the boarder basically,
Basically, yeah. I think it depends a lot on the tollbooth attendant and the person coming in. I look legit as f*ck, so I have been searched a total of 10 minutes over 4 Bonnaroo's. If you come in with a certain plant leaf painted on the side of your car and a 6 pack of glass bottles on top of your stuff, you better prepare to get your sh*t ripped apart. Also, there are random police searches which I have heard are always bad.
Wait, random police searches? Didn't know about that
Don't worry. They just want to make sure all your paperwork is in order, and that you brought enough sun screen. When you see them pulling panels off the side of RV's, they're just making sure you didn't misplace your sunscreen.
Wait, random police searches? Didn't know about that
Don't worry. They just want to make sure all your paperwork is in order, and that you brought enough sun screen. When you see them pulling panels off the side of RV's, they're just making sure you didn't misplace your sunscreen.
And when you see them pull out the rubber gloves and KY, they are just going to make sure your skin is moisturized for the weekend. Helps fight sunburn.
Seriously though, yes. There are random police searches. They pull out a vehicle every so often and put the search to it.
Edit: I didn't look at the title and forgot this was the VIP thread. Not sure if the police set up at VIP. You'd have to ask someone else about that. They do set up in GA though.
So how was VIP experience this year? I've done ga in 09-11, missed this year and last year, and might go back next year. My boyfriend and I are looking into doing VIP but I'm really reluctant to spend that much money! I need some convincing!
So how was VIP experience this year? I've done ga in 09-11, missed this year and last year, and might go back next year. My boyfriend and I are looking into doing VIP but I'm really reluctant to spend that much money! I need some convincing!
It was really quite great. Being able to bypass all of the entrance lines is a huge perk.
One thing I wasn't expecting: I found that there were pits for VIP/Guest/Artist at all of the tents, which worked out nicely.
So how was VIP experience this year? I've done ga in 09-11, missed this year and last year, and might go back next year. My boyfriend and I are looking into doing VIP but I'm really reluctant to spend that much money! I need some convincing!
we went VIP this year for the first time (having done GA and Family Camping in previous years), and it was amazing! definitely worth the money.
here are some reasons VIP rocks: 1. proximity to Centeroo- literally 5 min to What Stage, and you enter/exit through a separate VIP area so no wait to get in. it was great to head back to camp for a little break and come right back in. 2. proximity to What Stage- we heard several sound checks and shows from camp. amazing for the times you just need to rest in the shade but still want to hear the music. 3. VIP tent in the campground: AC, laptops, charging stations (although you have to time it right to get an outlet in the mornings), tons of comfy love seats, chairs, bean bags and floor pillows to lounge on. fresh fruit, ice cream at scheduled times, and drinks (for purchase). also, people who walk around handing out chocolate-covered strawberries and cinnamon sugar mini donuts. (my only complaints: keep the tent open 24/7- it closes from midnight to 8 am, why?, and provide more outlets). 4. VIP tents in Centeroo: @which: AC, laptops, TV with live feed, comfy spots to chill, fresh fruit, drinks, VIP bathrooms @what: shade, seating and drinks 5. massage tent @campground: incredible. tons of huge hammocks to relax in, and 3 girls giving awesome massages. you can pay per massage or get a package (I spent $50 for a package of 3 15-min massages, definitely a good investment!) 6. can't believe I'm just now getting to the plumbing! bathrooms with individual stalls and doors. always clean and stocked with TP, paper towels, and soap. there are attendants who sit outside and keep it clean, they are wonderful. showers with hot running water, and complimentary Garnier Fructis shampoo, conditioner and styling gel (although the shower line can be long) 7. VIP viewing areas: @what: The Hill, a little bit back from the stage but great views, and plenty of room to spread out. there are also folding concert chairs set up. *I heard there is a VIP pit @what but we never made it there, my daughter was set on avoiding pits after getting trampled at alt-J. @which: the pit, literally in front of the stage. open to VIP, and also RLARS/artist (I think) the large area beside the raised wheelchair-accesible platform: a pretty big space also close to the stage. 8. entry/exit in and out of Bonnaroo: almost no wait to get in, maybe 15-20 min. no wait to leave Sunday afternoon. minimal search/hassle (I think the guy who did the search literally just lifted the lid on one of my coolers and that was it. same goes for the entrance into Centeroo. they search bags but honestly all I ever got was a glance inside my camelbak and the question "any glass or beer in there?" one time a guy made me shift stuff around but that was it. I didn't have anything illegal or banned, and I look pretty innocuous but just FYI. 8. large campsite spaces: we had a 10x10 EZ-up with a swing wall that extended another 10 ft and it fit with no problem, with space still between it and the car. no cars behind us. 9. food vendor in the campground: Sunday morning I paid $10 for a breakfast platter of scrambled eggs, biscuit and gravy, fruit and sausage and it was fantastic. expensive but nice to walk just steps from my tent and get a delicious quick meal. (I'm glad I didn't do the VIP food program though. the lines to get food were super long every day and it was really expensive.) 10. VIP party Thursday night: the food was good, although the lines were too long. didn't stay for the concert but it's a nice perk. 11. low-key vibe. this is sort of a plus/minus. it was great for being able to sleep at night and chill during the day, and our neighbors were very nice. however, I did miss the GA atmosphere a little bit.
that's all I can think of for now although I'm sure there are more. I took a bunch of pics of the VIP campgrounds, will post some later.
Wow thanks for the responses! Sounds like there's a lot more perks than what they put on the website. I may be giving into VIP....got a year to save up!
Post by 3post1jack1 on Jun 17, 2013 23:26:30 GMT -5
Thank you @o'neil for sharing your VIP experience.
I've hotel'd it the past two years but really want to give VIP a shot in 2014. I love going back to my hotel at night, sleeping in A/C, taking a shower, etc., but the 30 minute drive to Murfreesboro is a bummer when I'm tired. Furthermore some nights I just had to leave because if I stayed too much longer I wouldn't trust myself to drive due to too much tiredness.
Would be awesome to be able to just quickly jump back to camp to chill out for a while. As it stands I can manage to get to Centeroo at 2:00pm at the earliest, and once I'm there I'm there until I'm done. This is nice in some ways, because I catch bands I probably otherwise would not have. But it can be hard to push on through the late nights knowing that I need to drive back. If all I need to do at 5am is stumble back to camp and collapse that would take some stress off my brain.
!!!1
