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!!
Post by anoonmoose on Jan 22, 2016 19:15:47 GMT -5
Has anyone ever driven to Roo in one car that was split between GA and VIP? This is my third year going GA and this year some friends want to carpool with me, but they have VIP tickets. I've gotten there Wednesday the last two years with no issues, but will they be allowed to come in with me on Wednesday and go to VIP the next day? Going on Thursday instead isn't a big deal, but I love Pod 1.
Also, I don't know anything about VIP. If I let them take the car to their site and I go camp without the car, will I be able to get to the car?
Has anyone ever driven to Roo in one car that was split between GA and VIP? This is my third year going GA and this year some friends want to carpool with me, but they have VIP tickets. I've gotten there Wednesday the last two years with no issues, but will they be allowed to come in with me on Wednesday and go to VIP the next day? Going on Thursday instead isn't a big deal, but I love Pod 1.
Also, I don't know anything about VIP. If I let them take the car to their site and I go camp without the car, will I be able to get to the car?
You will not be able to get your car if it's in vip and you're ga.
Yea, if you want access to the car you need it to be in GA. I'm not sure how VIP camping works without a car, but I'd imagine they can get in there without much of a problem after entering through GA.
Did anything different happen in 2015 that I should be aware of?
They parked the cars a little differently in a lot of areas (rows where cars were set up nose to ass and you camped to the left or right), which I imagine helped traffic move a little faster. That's the only thing I can think of.
Post by mistermackey on Feb 18, 2016 22:02:16 GMT -5
2 years ago I came in east on 24 Wednesday night around 10pm, and at the U-turn point the cops were re-routing everyone to the bushy branch entrance...big mistake... waited in line for 12 hours! Last year we got in around the same time as 2014, and they were doing the same thing off of 24. Once we saw what they were doing we got out of line and drove to the next exit on 24 and did a U-turn there. We drove back past the line of people getting re-routed through all the back roads, got in line for the interstate entrance and was inside roo with our site set up in 2 hours.
Last year was my first year and in typical "Roo Virgin" fashion, I wanted to be one of the first on the farm... We succeeded in getting thru the line in a few hours (I-24W) and we were parked in POD 1 by 7:00 with plans to trek to Tent Only for the full experience. Just a couple notes...
1. POD 1 Lock-down was a real bummer. To allow the flow of VIP traffic, POD 1 became a "Chinese Finger Trap" of sorts (Meaning you could get in but you couldn't get out) Be prepared to sit in Quarantine for a solid 5-6 hours (Until Midnight I believe), get comfortable, make friends and most importantly DO NOT GIVE THE SECURITY/AC WORKERS A HARD TIME, it will get you no where. Instead, be friendly, strike up conversation, give them a break as they are only doing their jobs. (I am sure JR and others can vouch for this, as some people were being real ass holes and almost got into a fight with them)
2. If your plan is to go to Tent Only, mention that at the toll booth. Last year they were issuing additional wristbands to those planning to do so, no one told me this (I failed to figure it out) and I had to come up with a plan to go get those wristbands from the tollbooths (Long Quacking Walk and No One knew what I was talking about or where to get them) while being quarantined (See note 1 about being nice to staff)
3. Also, if planning the pilgrimage to the holy land (Tent Only) Pack a really good wagon with lots of bungee cords... The trek is long and trecherous with lots of bumps along the way, and trust me, on my second trip, I really wished I didn't forget my bungees at the campsite.
3. Also, if planning the pilgrimage to the holy land (Tent Only) Pack a really good wagon with lots of bungee cords... The trek is long and trecherous with lots of bumps along the way, and trust me, on my second trip, I really wished I didn't forget my bungees at the campsite.
Last year I brought a dolly/handtruck and packing tape. It was a cheap and quick idea. It didn't work! I dropped half my stuff in the mud. This year I bought this wagon on Amazon for $85. You can find used ones on Craigslist sometimes for half that price.
3. Also, if planning the pilgrimage to the holy land (Tent Only) Pack a really good wagon with lots of bungee cords... The trek is long and trecherous with lots of bumps along the way, and trust me, on my second trip, I really wished I didn't forget my bungees at the campsite.
Last year I brought a dolly/handtruck and packing tape. It was a cheap and quick idea. It didn't work! I dropped half my stuff in the mud. This year I bought this wagon on Amazon for $85. You can find used ones on Craigslist sometimes for half that price.
I had one of those and it was great for transporting stuff to tent only until one year I tried to cut my trips in half and overloaded it plus lent it out. Now the tires are all busted and I haven't replaced them yet. I've been packing lighter the last couple of years and haven't needed it.
Last year one of the wheels fell off my dolly halfway to Tent Only on our first leg of three round trips. What a flipping nightmare. I believe that my brother in law's pedometer said that we walked over five miles. What a difference the lack of a dolly made!
Post by mypatronusispatron on Feb 23, 2016 9:47:02 GMT -5
For past few years I have been doing tent only. My group and I now have our system down packed. I'm never sure what entrance we go thru (coming from Georgia i think highway tollbooth I-24) but either way we pass the tent only camping area. As soon as we see it we pull out of line, throw everything out of the car in to the grass. my friends stay behind and set up camp while I make my way to POD 1 to park. and even though its on lock down security will usually let you thru if its just one person and your not carrying anything. i threw a trap over the car and told my neighbors they could use my camping space in exchange for looking out of my car. last year was a terrible with the oh so elusive wristbands.
For past few years I have been doing tent only. My group and I now have our system down packed. I'm never sure what entrance we go thru (coming from Georgia i think highway tollbooth I-24) but either way we pass the tent only camping area. As soon as we see it we pull out of line, throw everything out of the car in to the grass. my friends stay behind and set up camp while I make my way to POD 1 to park. and even though its on lock down security will usually let you thru if its just one person and your not carrying anything. i threw a trap over the car and told my neighbors they could use my camping space in exchange for looking out of my car. last year was a terrible with the oh so elusive wristbands.
Yes, the elusive wristbands made my first time trek to tent only that much more rewarding... The first challenge was getting past security, then finding the wristbands... I walked to like 5 different PODs asking the info desks if they knew where I could find them... No One Knew Anything! I finally made my way to the gate, because DUH and they non-shalant told me I could have as many as I wanted, gave me a huge handful and I was like Santa when I returned to POD 1 with the wristbands. Still had to wait till like 12:30 or whenever they finally let us go with all our stuff. I will take your advice about dropping my gear this year but I am traveling alone, hopefully good vibez prevail!
For past few years I have been doing tent only. My group and I now have our system down packed. I'm never sure what entrance we go thru (coming from Georgia i think highway tollbooth I-24) but either way we pass the tent only camping area. As soon as we see it we pull out of line, throw everything out of the car in to the grass. my friends stay behind and set up camp while I make my way to POD 1 to park. and even though its on lock down security will usually let you thru if its just one person and your not carrying anything. i threw a trap over the car and told my neighbors they could use my camping space in exchange for looking out of my car. last year was a terrible with the oh so elusive wristbands.
Yes, the elusive wristbands made my first time trek to tent only that much more rewarding... The first challenge was getting past security, then finding the wristbands... I walked to like 5 different PODs asking the info desks if they knew where I could find them... No One Knew Anything! I finally made my way to the gate, because DUH and they non-shalant told me I could have as many as I wanted, gave me a huge handful and I was like Santa when I returned to POD 1 with the wristbands. Still had to wait till like 12:30 or whenever they finally let us go with all our stuff. I will take your advice about dropping my gear this year but I am traveling alone, hopefully good vibez prevail!
Yes, the elusive wristbands made my first time trek to tent only that much more rewarding... The first challenge was getting past security, then finding the wristbands... I walked to like 5 different PODs asking the info desks if they knew where I could find them... No One Knew Anything! I finally made my way to the gate, because DUH and they non-shalant told me I could have as many as I wanted, gave me a huge handful and I was like Santa when I returned to POD 1 with the wristbands. Still had to wait till like 12:30 or whenever they finally let us go with all our stuff. I will take your advice about dropping my gear this year but I am traveling alone, hopefully good vibez prevail!
You escaped Pod 1 and came back!?
Needed to get all my stuff, The only reason I got out was to get the wristbands for everyone I could.
Post by F me, I quit America on Feb 23, 2016 19:41:18 GMT -5
So what do these wristbands get you? I can't help but feel like I'm missing out on an inside joke here, but I want Tent Only to be a viable option if my friends bail.
So what do these wristbands get you? I can't help but feel like I'm missing out on an inside joke here, but I want Tent Only to be a viable option if my friends bail.
When you go through the gates where they check you car, ask for a tent-only wristband. Last year they said they'd only let people into tent-only if they had one, but it wasn't well communicated or enforced. People in Pod 1 quarantine got out earlier if they had one.
I think the only occasion that might require a wrist band is if you are stuck in the BFE quarantine area. I have not been down there in a number of years so I've never heard of it until people started talking about it this year. I can tell you that I've never needed one for Tent Only and I've camped there about a half dozen times.
Post by thevagabond on Feb 24, 2016 9:25:47 GMT -5
Not one person questioned me about a wristband last year, even though it took me legitimately an hour and a half to find them after going to 3 different gates. They were just the day parking wristbands from 2014, so kind of a nice memento to bring home, but still annoying. I do have to say, I brought my friend who was a rookie along on the hunt for the wristbands and it was pretty special getting to show him around the entire farm and seeing his amazement and excitement
Not one person questioned me about a wristband last year, even though it took me legitimately an hour and a half to find them after going to 3 different gates. They were just the day parking wristbands from 2014, so kind of a nice memento to bring home, but still annoying. I do have to say, I brought my friend who was a rookie along on the hunt for the wristbands and it was pretty special getting to show him around the entire farm and seeing his amazement and excitement
I shared in this amazement on my hunt for these wristbands but by myself so it was a little confusing.
So what do these wristbands get you? I can't help but feel like I'm missing out on an inside joke here, but I want Tent Only to be a viable option if my friends bail.
When you go through the gates where they check you car, ask for a tent-only wristband. Last year they said they'd only let people into tent-only if they had one, but it wasn't well communicated or enforced. People in Pod 1 quarantine got out earlier if they had one.
really? News to me. I wonder if they'll do that again and make it more clear.
does anyone have any good guess on what time and what day to arrive to get the best/closest camping spot? this will be my fourth year and i still haven't figured it out.
does anyone have any good guess on what time and what day to arrive to get the best/closest camping spot? this will be my fourth year and i still haven't figured it out.
With the elimination of Pod 1 and its Wednesday night quarantine, all bets are off. I don't have a good read on what that will mean. I think it's even more of a crapshoot than usual.
When you go through the gates where they check you car, ask for a tent-only wristband. Last year they said they'd only let people into tent-only if they had one, but it wasn't well communicated or enforced. People in Pod 1 quarantine got out earlier if they had one.
really? News to me. I wonder if they'll do that again and make it more clear.
I'm guessing that's mainly intended for the walk-in lane at the tollbooths so even the volunteers may not all be up to date on that. Worth asking though if you intend to move to TO.
Noticed this paragraph on the Bonnaroo site today:
Once your vehicle is processed, you’re good to enter. Next, follow the parking staff’s directions to your camping area - camping locations are on a first come, first served basis. This means the earlier you enter, the closer you will camp to Centeroo and the Main Venue. Link: www.bonnaroo.com/festival-info/entry
I cannot remember if this is stock language that's on the site every year and totally ignored in reality, or if it's a new policy. Anyone else have a better memory? With Pod 1 gone, I could see them filling the campsites this way, but I also could see it continuing to be pretty random.
Noticed this paragraph on the Bonnaroo site today:
Once your vehicle is processed, you’re good to enter. Next, follow the parking staff’s directions to your camping area - camping locations are on a first come, first served basis. This means the earlier you enter, the closer you will camp to Centeroo and the Main Venue. Link: www.bonnaroo.com/festival-info/entry
I cannot remember if this is stock language that's on the site every year and totally ignored in reality, or if it's a new policy. Anyone else have a better memory? With Pod 1 gone, I could see them filling the campsites this way, but I also could see it continuing to be pretty random.
It has been the policy written on the site for several years now. I have always hated it because it has been a ridiculous statement in years past. It could be different this year, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
Noticed this paragraph on the Bonnaroo site today:
Once your vehicle is processed, you’re good to enter. Next, follow the parking staff’s directions to your camping area - camping locations are on a first come, first served basis. This means the earlier you enter, the closer you will camp to Centeroo and the Main Venue. Link: www.bonnaroo.com/festival-info/entry
I cannot remember if this is stock language that's on the site every year and totally ignored in reality, or if it's a new policy. Anyone else have a better memory? With Pod 1 gone, I could see them filling the campsites this way, but I also could see it continuing to be pretty random.
If you read the left hand side first it also says this:
Managing traffic is the closest thing we know to rocket science, trust us. We have three GA entrances - which we call Tollbooths - as well as an exclusive VIP Tollbooth for VIP ticket holders only. In order to get everyone into the festival as quickly as possible, we carefully balance the number of vehicles coming into each Tollbooth. Please take the suggested routes below, and obey all law enforcement directions, as well as electronic message boards that may post an alternative route.
What determines where you camp? The Tollbooth in which you enter, and the time you arrive.
I take that pretty much as the same as previous years. So you might arrive early, but you take the wrong tollbooth and BOOM! BFE.
I take that pretty much as the same as previous years. So you might arrive early, but you take the wrong tollbooth and BOOM! BFE.
I've seen firsthand that they fill multiple areas simultaneously from each tollbooth. For example in 2013 when I came in the East gate they were sending cars to Pod 10 (I think), then they cut off the line and started redirecting us to Pod 1, right past a half-empty Pod 2. Last year when we got Pod 10 they were sending a bunch of cars elsewhere at the same time. So as usual, who knows.
Probably business as usual, minus Pod 1. Nelsonville (Ohio, small fest) lets people park wherever the hell they want, and not so damn close together. But making Roo a free for all would be a guaranteed disaster, unfortunately. Just too many people, even if attendance is indeed down 30%+, or 50% form peak years.
Noticed this paragraph on the Bonnaroo site today:
Once your vehicle is processed, you’re good to enter. Next, follow the parking staff’s directions to your camping area - camping locations are on a first come, first served basis. This means the earlier you enter, the closer you will camp to Centeroo and the Main Venue. Link: www.bonnaroo.com/festival-info/entry
I cannot remember if this is stock language that's on the site every year and totally ignored in reality, or if it's a new policy. Anyone else have a better memory? With Pod 1 gone, I could see them filling the campsites this way, but I also could see it continuing to be pretty random.
If you read the left hand side first it also says this:
Managing traffic is the closest thing we know to rocket science, trust us. We have three GA entrances - which we call Tollbooths - as well as an exclusive VIP Tollbooth for VIP ticket holders only. In order to get everyone into the festival as quickly as possible, we carefully balance the number of vehicles coming into each Tollbooth. Please take the suggested routes below, and obey all law enforcement directions, as well as electronic message boards that may post an alternative route.
What determines where you camp? The Tollbooth in which you enter, and the time you arrive.
I take that pretty much as the same as previous years. So you might arrive early, but you take the wrong tollbooth and BOOM! BFE.
are there any guesses on which tollbooths are best to enter to get closest to centeroo? also what times?
i know we're all guessing here because i've never figured out the best way either.
