To VIP or NOT VIP?

To VIP or NOT VIP?

That is is the question, is it worth it?

I often see this question on the FB group, so this my take. Is VIP worth it?

Yes and No.

I think it is really a matter of your comfort zone…

So what is the difference for VIP at most festivals?

It really comes down to proximity and access to air-conditioned bathrooms and alcohol.

I’ve had the privilege to have had both experiences and I find general admission and VIP are two very different festival experiences. And personally, I don’t know about you…but part of the whole purpose of a music festival for me, is to be outside and to breathe in that fresh air, soak up that sunshine and enjoy being in the moment. I want to be out roaming around in all the energy, people, the crowd and all those positive vibes. I’m not going there to sit in the air-conditioned rooms. I do that most other days at work. I’m going to be out in it and dancing in that hot dusty air. Being part of the GA crowd and feeling almost united with those around me in bliss and enjoyment is really part of the wonderland atmosphere I love. Those few days of universal oneness and happiness being surrounded by all those good vibrations. I don’t mind being hot and getting dirty because I think that is part of the fun.

For someone who might not be used to the outdoors, VIP might be a better option. Some people can’t stand it, they can’t deal with the lines and the nasty port-a-potties or have never really been in 80’s + degrees scorching sun and most VIP packages tend to provide some of those extra comforts.

Or if you have any special needs VIP can really make a difference in a person’s enjoyment and even desire or ability to go. Most of the time it will guarantee a closer camp spot, but then you won’t get to go on golf cart adventures, but I digress. I think if you have the funds and you want to behave a more comfortable experience then there are definitely reasons to purchase and covet those bracelets.

At most festivals, the air-conditioned bathrooms are sort-of heavenly. Clean, nice, cold…and then omg, I’ve got to make it from What to This and I am going to miss half of that band because I’ve got to go the VIP bathrooms. Usually, the VIP access has all kinds of “special” privileges, which would include the things you experience mostly at home. Air conditioning, couches, toilets you can sit on, free sodas, some kind of snacks and access to some kind of bar that usually has much shorter lines and more top-shelf alcohol selections and food. But, all this comes at a price – it is usually not all that close to where you camp, nor the crowds. It may be in some obscure corner somewhere.

Access to the stage is quite different for VIP, most of the time there are secret entry points and walkways for those special wrist bands that can get you a lot closer to the stage and help you move around avoiding the majority of the crowd. There are usually access points to the right of the stage in the fence with a special monitored entry. In most VIP situations there are a few of these special security controlled sections that are less crowded, they might include seats or chairs or an area with an overview of the stage that also has a private bar. Again, a nice place to hang out if you are not trying to make it to the front of What Stage from the other side of Center Roo and you have to walk all the way over to the VIP barn for the bathrooms or If your trying to keep up with your crew who couldn’t afford it, you won’t be able to share those experiences.

Now if getting close to your favorite Rock Star is one of your priorities, then VIP might also be a good option for you. Most of the VIP packages include some kind of access that could offer one of those once-in-a-life-time fanboy or girl opportunities to come stalker close to one of your favorite rock stars.

So then again to you, it might be worth it and you may be comfortable and able to spend that kind of cash on it. So you know if it is your band and it would be an amazing moment for you…it makes you happy then YES LAWD! It is worth every last penny!

You know that was fun – but is VIP or GA a better festival experience?

I’ve had a blast “mingling with the animals” and also experiencing some of the VIP perks and I don’t think spending the extra money is necessary. It might be different for you and the perks can be nice. But for me, there is no FOMO. I know I will have an amazing time regardless of which bracelet I have on. Part of the fun for me is being a little uncomfortable so all the gross port-a-potties, heat, dirt, bugs and sweat, maybe the rain won’t ruin it for me. But definitely something to consider if the outdoors is not your thing. It just reminds me of good times back in high school camping near the ‘boro, in the rain on some land in the middle of nowhere.

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~Wren