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So between my wife and I, we've been to 10 Bonnaroos, and after last year she told me, "I love Bonnaroo, but next year, it's time for a change." She meant that she wanted to look into either getting an RV or do VIP. If you look at the two options, VIP seems to be MUCH cheaper than going to the RV route. But on the other hand, VIP is a pretty big jump up financially from GA. So with that being said, and a simple math breakdown below, I want some veteran VIP'ers to help justify the cost of the intangibles from the other side of the fence by placing their personal value to the different perks and to anything that I missed. Much thanks!
General Admission Tier 2 plus fees x 2 people = $714.50 before taxes VIP plus fees x 2 people = $1621.00 before taxes
TL,DR That being said, there's $906.50 going to the VIP experience. Help me break that down in to the follow categories.
PERKS $__.__ - Exclusive VIP entrance to the festival grounds, Centeroo, and the Main Stage Venue $__.__ - Preferred parking and camping near venue in VIP area for one car $__.__ - Special shower and restroom facilities $__.__ - VIP lounges located throughout the site $__.__ - Exclusive viewing areas for the What and Which stages $__.__ - Priority access and seating for VIPs at Comedy Tent performances $__.__ - Pre-event dinner and party on Thursday night, which includes buffet $__.__ - Gospel Brunch party on Sunday morning $__.__ - Yoga classes on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday $__.__ - Free wifi available 24/7 in VIP Courtyard $__.__ - Exclusive Charging Station service for all your gadgets in the VIP Campground and VIP Centeroo Tent $__.__ - Commemorative Merchandise Packages $__.__ - Anything else you might want to add
Started to fill in your chart, but had to stop because half of it isn't even necessary. It's ENTIRELY worth it for the air conditioned bathrooms, the no line into the farm and the being able to go back to your tent as much as you please between shows. The VIP section at Which stage just puts it over the top. Everything else is pure gravy.
As someone who went GA to half a decade of Roos, I was in your situation a few years ago. I wanted to spice up the experience, and have now done three years VIP and I can't see myself going back. On top of that, I convinced a VERY cheap and reluctant friend in 2013 to upgrade to VIP and he thanked me the entire weekend and has also not gone back to GA since. You can finally stop worrying about roughing it and leave your worrying to set conflicts only. The price is truly justified.
EDIT - Another sweet bonus is that some camp spots actually give you an unobstructed view of What Stage. Just stand up and it's like your at the back of the What field. Also great for Thursday afternoon headliner soundchecks.
Post by billypilgrim on Jan 16, 2015 11:23:16 GMT -5
I'm so sick of the GA folks acting like people are in VIP just because they spent more money. Then again, I'd probably say the same thing if I was one of the little, unimportant people.
Post by Tainted Opossum on Jan 16, 2015 11:43:08 GMT -5
I've only experienced one VIP roo, and it's my belief that location is the best value. Going back to camp frequently reduced cost for inebriation inside the fest, as well as reduced food costs. Thursday night pre party is amazing, solid food and booze plus the only limited-access show of the weekend. The shower each morning changed entirely how I felt each day, and the deucers are kept clean (tip your attendee on thursday and Sunday, they've earned it and you won't miss it)
The easy entrance, friendly staff, free goodie bag and early morning warm ups by evening artists are the icing on the sexy cake.
In short, VIP. You'll never look back.
I'm one of those people that isn't "VIP", but will gladly save up for it to secure the best possible access to that weekend as possible. possible. Possible.
Post by dreamingtree on Jan 16, 2015 11:47:16 GMT -5
I'm not doing a math break down because numbers...... I used to think it was not worth it. I did it in 2011 but they did not have Which stage viewing then. I am on a budget, but this is usually the only festival I do, so I want to enjoy it as much as possible. So not being exhausted and having more basic comforts is important.
For me, here are reasons it is worth it - the other perks you list, don't matter to me:
PERKS
Exclusive VIP entrance to the festival grounds, Centeroo, and the Main Stage Venue This >>> everything. No waits ever. Also, security is pretty easy, so taking large amounts of wine into Centeroo was not too difficult
Preferred parking and camping near venue in VIP area for one car This is pretty big also. Not so far too walk, which makes a difference if you are older and not so fit and healthy.
Special shower and restroom facilities. The restrooms are pretty great - especially having them in Centeroo. I personally don't care about showers
VIP lounges located throughout the site These are important if it's super hot - I did not use much last year though
Exclusive viewing areas for the What and Which stages The Which stage pit is AWESOME. The What stage viewing area is nice, but you feel really removed from the overall experience here and it is not close. It was nice to have chairs to sit in though!!
Pre-event dinner and party on Thursday night, which includes buffet Free food is good, they have free beer also, but I don't drink beer..... It was kind of a pain to go back to get food in between bands to be honest.
Commemorative Merchandise Packages Free tee and crappy poster. I like free stuff, and last year the shirt was a good one, but I still buy the nicer posters.
Free ben & jerrys ice cream in the lounges, also free fruit - that was a nice treat when it got hot.
Oh I forgot, we get to hear sound checks at What in the morning and actually listen/watch bands from the campsites - that was great when you wanted to be at the site and couldn't make it to all the shows.
The years I've gone VIP, I have seen double the amount of bands than the years I did not. Since there is less walking and waiting and you can get respite from the heat, you have more energy to see and do more. So, if you want to add it up, take an additional 20-30 bands times the avg concert ticket price (with fees) and it would probably look something like this: 25X$30 = $750. Add in the $70 you saved from buying shirts, $30 from posters, and $50 from a dinner with a few beers and you are easily over the difference. Everything else is just bonus.
I'm so sick of the GA folks acting like people are in VIP just because they spent more money. Then again, I'd probably say the same thing if I was one of the little, unimportant people.
Not sure of your angle here. I'm a numbers/economist type person, and I like to understand where the real value of things are. All I was asking was where to individuals who have done VIP place more value. Some people think being close is worth every penny, while others need feel much cleaner, so clean toilets and showers are a huge plus for them.
That being said, to you, what's the biggest advantage for going VIP?
I'm so sick of the GA folks acting like people are in VIP just because they spent more money. Then again, I'd probably say the same thing if I was one of the little, unimportant people.
Not sure of your angle here. I'm a numbers/economist type person, and I like to understand where the real value of things are. All I was asking was where to individuals who have done VIP place more value. Some people think being close is worth every penny, while others need feel much cleaner, so clean toilets and showers are a huge plus for them.
That being said, to you, what's the biggest advantage for going VIP?
It was intended as sarcasm. Continuing in that vein, I would answer that the biggest advantage is acknowledgment of my superiority. If I were to answer in a more serious, straightforward manner, I would say it's a combination of proximity/easy access, the availability of a/c (esp. in the portos), the Which Stage viewing area, and the Thursday party (band and beer, not the food).
Post by glitterous on Jan 16, 2015 16:38:29 GMT -5
Nearly everything on your list is subjectively priced. For some people, being close up is a must, so that's worth a lot. For others, the lax security for VIP is great for sneaking stuff in. If it's a hot year, that air conditioning would come in handy.
Sub - Exclusive VIP entrance to the festival grounds, Centeroo, and the Main Stage Venue Sub - Preferred parking and camping near venue in VIP area for one car Appr. $75 a person, in comparison to paying for showers and toilets in GA - Special shower and restroom facilities Sub - VIP lounges located throughout the site Sub - Exclusive viewing areas for the What and Which stages Sub - Priority access and seating for VIPs at Comedy Tent performances I would pay $20 in the outside world for the experience - Pre-event dinner and party on Thursday night, which includes buffet Sub - Gospel Brunch party on Sunday morning Nothing, there are yoga classes in GA - Yoga classes on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Sub based on your carrier - Free wifi available 24/7 in VIP Courtyard Sub based on how much you use your phone and whether you mind running your car to charge - Exclusive Charging Station service for all your gadgets in the VIP Campground $35 for a shirt and poster - Commemorative Merchandise Packages
Frankly, I don't think it's worth what you pay for it. I would rather get a locker and keep stuff in there so I don't have to walk back and forth as much, then pay for the good showers and toilets. Throw a couple of festicabs in there and the distance doesn't matter. In the end, I spend maybe $150 on those extras, but I have a similar experience. I also think there is a different vibe in GA than in VIP. I met some AMAZING people in VIP that I still talk to, but that was the year I had the hardest time catching the "Bonnaroo vibe" and actually getting into the spirit of the festival.
I did GA the first year and VIP the last two years. I don't think you can justify it financially... and I would say if you can't afford it, stick with GA. But if you do have the extra money and want to splurge on yourself, it's worth it in every other sense. It's cleaner (bathroom-wise, shower-wise, and potentially camping-wise), the main tent areas are less crowded, it's more convenient with the phone charging stations, you can walk into the comedy and film tents and get front row access to almost anything, and the entry/exit is almost crowd-free. So I don't think financially it's worth it... but once you go VIP and see the benefits, it will always be hard to go back to GA.
You won't see any difference in the smaller music tents... that is the main thing it won't help you with...
VIP is not something you try to cost justify. It not like trying to figure out if you get more miles to the gallon on regular or super unleaded. Its like riding first class vs coach. Its not a decision you can justify directly, but one that comes with the value you place on your own time and comfort. For me personally, I always buy VIP tickets because the comfort and time is worth the additional cost. In fact, I would say that of all the base VIP program's I've seen, Bonnaroo's is the best and seems more cost justifiable. Not waiting in line, a cleaner bathroom environment, a nice place to catch a breath are all things that are worth far more to me than the cost of the ticket. Throw in food, and other perks, it's a no brainier.
And, there was a nice lady who knew the occupancy of each trailer and would guide you to your most expedient experience. Again, priceless.
Conversely, the year before the row of portos nearest our campsite experienced some god-forsaken act of nature where EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM was full to the seat with ... stuff. Every one. No nice lady to let you know. You had to open each door to be greeted by this disaster. Unpleasantness.
Nearly everything on your list is subjectively priced. For some people, being close up is a must, so that's worth a lot. For others, the lax security for VIP is great for sneaking stuff in. If it's a hot year, that air conditioning would come in handy.
Sub - Exclusive VIP entrance to the festival grounds, Centeroo, and the Main Stage Venue Sub - Preferred parking and camping near venue in VIP area for one car Appr. $75 a person, in comparison to paying for showers and toilets in GA - Special shower and restroom facilities Sub - VIP lounges located throughout the site Sub - Exclusive viewing areas for the What and Which stages Sub - Priority access and seating for VIPs at Comedy Tent performances I would pay $20 in the outside world for the experience - Pre-event dinner and party on Thursday night, which includes buffet Sub - Gospel Brunch party on Sunday morning Nothing, there are yoga classes in GA - Yoga classes on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Sub based on your carrier - Free wifi available 24/7 in VIP Courtyard Sub based on how much you use your phone and whether you mind running your car to charge - Exclusive Charging Station service for all your gadgets in the VIP Campground $35 for a shirt and poster - Commemorative Merchandise Packages
Frankly, I don't think it's worth what you pay for it. I would rather get a locker and keep stuff in there so I don't have to walk back and forth as much, then pay for the good showers and toilets. Throw a couple of festicabs in there and the distance doesn't matter. In the end, I spend maybe $150 on those extras, but I have a similar experience. I also think there is a different vibe in GA than in VIP. I met some AMAZING people in VIP that I still talk to, but that was the year I had the hardest time catching the "Bonnaroo vibe" and actually getting into the spirit of the festival.
Thanks for the input. I know bits all subjective and that's part of why I asked. Really to get a consensus on where people feel that the premium they pay goes to. For me, short lines, distance, and an assumed slightly older crowd than GA are where I'd put most of my money towards...oh and an better shot of getting in the pit!
I know it's all subjective and that's part of why I asked. Really to get a consensus on where people feel that the premium they pay goes to. For me, short lines, distance, and an assumed slightly older crowd than GA are where I'd put most of my money towards...oh and an better shot of getting in the pit!
I went back and forth with myself over VIP this year and I still haven't pulled the trigger on those accommodations. When you mention lines & distance I'm assuming you're talking about getting into Centeroo. Have you considered TO as an alternative? The last couple of times at Roo I was camped only a few hundred feet across the street from the Arch. I rarely encountered a line to get in & I assumed it was because I was bouncing in & out of Centeroo at odd times in between sets. I never had to lug around a back pack filled with supplies, I just stuffed a few bottled waters in my cargo shorts because I could always leave and comeback no big deal. Also the crowd in TO is diverse but I think a larger portion are "vets" and tend to be more seasoned than the car campers in age and experience.
If air conditioned bathrooms, free showers, air conditioned lounges in the camping area & some free swag are important then VIP wins. The only reason I contemplate VIP is the pit access & priority seating for the comedy tent. Especialy if it's 2013 and you really really ReaLLY want to see Bob Saget.
Post by Tainted Opossum on Jan 17, 2015 8:00:56 GMT -5
Also something that really needs to get emphasized, or beaten to death, is the which viewing area / which pit. After ten minute breaks in luxury portos are done, walking straight up to the front of the 30,000 people at which and having an optimal view of the stage is priceless. Additionally, not everyone sees the pit entrance which makes it often quite accessible.
There is a trade off though, as sometimes VIP pit can be filled with melvins who are like "Loooocation!!" without knowing who they are seeing, and subsequently wouldn't know a dance of being instigated if it jumped up and bit them..
Also something that really needs to get emphasized, or beaten to death, is the which viewing area / which pit. After ten minute breaks in luxury portos are done, walking straight up to the front of the 30,000 people at which and having an optimal view of the stage is priceless. Additionally, not everyone sees the pit entrance which makes it often quite accessible.
There is a trade off though, as sometimes VIP pit can be filled with melvins who are like "Loooocation!!" without knowing who they are seeing, and subsequently wouldn't know a dance of being instigated if it jumped up and bit them..
This seems to be one of the biggest perks that I hear about. So can you go in and out of the pit one the set starts? GA pit security wouldn't do a "1 out, 1 in" when people started leaving the pit, so I was just curious if that's how it is at VIP pit too. I'd imagine not but wanted to ask.
Exclusive VIP entrance to the festival grounds, Centeroo, and the Main Stage Venue This >>> everything. No waits ever. Also, security is pretty easy, so taking large amounts of wine into Centeroo was not too difficult
This will be my first VIP experience and I'm curious about the entrance upon arriving. Is there an entirely different entrance? Do they include all the VIP info with your bracelets?
Exclusive VIP entrance to the festival grounds, Centeroo, and the Main Stage Venue This >>> everything. No waits ever. Also, security is pretty easy, so taking large amounts of wine into Centeroo was not too difficult
This will be my first VIP experience and I'm curious about the entrance upon arriving. Is there an entirely different entrance? Do they include all the VIP info with your bracelets?
Thanks in advance
Yes and yes...completely difference entrance Thursday morning. Cant leave until Friday but if you choose to leave and come back it would be the same exit/entrance
They send a pamphlet with your wristbands thats pretty informative including which exit to use to get to the VIP entrance. You dont want to spend valuable time parked on the side of the interstate when you could drive right in
Also something that really needs to get emphasized, or beaten to death, is the which viewing area / which pit. After ten minute breaks in luxury portos are done, walking straight up to the front of the 30,000 people at which and having an optimal view of the stage is priceless. Additionally, not everyone sees the pit entrance which makes it often quite accessible.
There is a trade off though, as sometimes VIP pit can be filled with melvins who are like "Loooocation!!" without knowing who they are seeing, and subsequently wouldn't know a dance of being instigated if it jumped up and bit them..
This seems to be one of the biggest perks that I hear about. So can you go in and out of the pit one the set starts? GA pit security wouldn't do a "1 out, 1 in" when people started leaving the pit, so I was just curious if that's how it is at VIP pit too. I'd imagine not but wanted to ask.
My experience is limited, as I only used the pit a few times. During kaskade, the only thing stopping people from getting into the pit was the human wall of dance blocking the entrance. Also, I meant dance-off. Stuff gets real sometimes.
