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VIP Experience Blog

DWTS Tour VIP Blog 2023

First I want to say that VIP is MUCH better this year, back to what the fans want.

Fabulous Ray is the host again!

I received the email with the important info for my show on the 2^nd. Show was the 6^th. If you don’t have it within 48 hours of your show email: vip@dwtstour.com

This next info may vary city to city but, it will give you a general idea. Please read your email for your specific times etc. These were the times for opening night.

Ck in: 4:45-5:15

Q&A: 5:30 (they answered about 10-12 questions)

Photo: 6:00

For the questions you could write them on an index card at check in and give them to the check in staff. The pros were on the stage and we were in the 1^st few rows of seats.

The photo was with the full cast and no awful awkward orange bench! Again, this part could change if your city has a big COVID policy mandate change & also note that in the email. Let’s hope we get through this tour with no mask/social distancing need. I have a had a ton of questions on hugs etc. I think again if that does or doesn’t happen is based city to city depending on health rules, mandates etc. I also think if you are unsure ask.

After the photo you receive your swag bag. They ask for front row VIP to go first for the photos because we have the signed poster so it’s easier for them.

We were able to scan out to eat if we wanted to between VIP and the show starting.

Photos were posted by the time we left the show. Remember though that is good when they can do that, there are a lot of variables like Wi-Fi strength and access etc. They will give you the SmugMug link in the email you get with the details.

I was really much happier this year with the entire VIP experience.

The show was amazing! I will be going again in 2 weeks and will blog on the show after that. Mandy Moore is absolutely amazing and well we all know the pros are as well! I do have to correct one thing I said yesterday that was an error. They do announce each pro but, its mid-show not at the end. The ending to me just felt abrupt but, I am going to go back and find a video of it and see if it was just not what we all were used to etc. I have always liked it when they do final bows at the end, that they wave and say goodbye to the audience when they are getting their standing ovation but, that’s personal preference.

Lots of questions on the buses etc. Security was pretty much telling everyone that nobody is coming out etc. but, Emma, Alan, Alexis & Sasha did quickly. No idea how it will be city to city so don’t want to give anyone false hope etc. on that. If you want to guarantee to meet them your best way is to do one of the VIP pkgs that includes the photo.

January 7, 2023

VIP Experience Blog

DWTS Tour 2022 VIP Review

DWTS Tour 2022 VIP Experience Blog:

Crazy its been 2 years since the last time we saw the DWTS Pro’s! I have missed live shows so much and have been able to see a few other entertainers over the last year. Before I get into the VIP Experience I will be doing another blog on the show itself shortly and the show is AMAZING!

If you don’t have tickets its absolutely worth getting a ticket to the show. I love the music, performances etc.

You would be hard pressed to find someone that has been to more DWTS Tour VIP Experiences than me. I have been doing them since their first tour, multiple shows. I cannot tell you how excited I was when they announced this time we they would be back to doing the Q&A (they did that on the very 1st tour) and then a photo with the FULL cast! That’s what I have been waiting for and so many others because the old system it was always luck of the draw if you would get to see your favorites or not.

I will get into my specific thoughts in a moment but, before I do so everyone understands I am very well aware we are in COVID times still. I am personally immune compromised. I am vaccinated & boosted. Just want that clear so my comments are not taken out of context. I want all of us to be safe & healthy including fans, pros, staff etc.

There is a huge difference in how each venue I am going to are handling COVID.

Richmond: No PCR or Vac cards required at all. NY show I am doing you can only attend IF you are vaccinated and NC it’s negative PCR or Vac card.

We had to arrive 3 hours & 45 minutes ahead of the show time for check in. They checked us in and then lined us up to go into the theater for the Q&A. Ray is the host. He has been a host at another tour I have done but, its escaping me on which one and he was wonderful. They take you into the theater by having those with front row vip go in first and sit in the front row, then everyone else sits in row 2 and behind. They answered approximately 5-6 questions, you have to submit them ahead of time and then they chose the ones they want to answer. It was fun, different and entertaining but, hard at times to hear because pros were wearing masks on the stage which very honestly was just odd because they were out dancing on that stage a few hours later maskless so I don’t totally understand the point of that.

After that you line back up starting with the front row and they took us down to another room for the photo. I was so excited about this and then that excitement quickly faded. I understood we as the fans had to be masked but it makes no sense to me how they are doing it. You walk up and have to sit in front of the pros in a seat that is about 6-8 feet in front of the Pros, absolutely no interaction like you usually get with a DWTS VIP and then they were also masked in the photo. I won’t use my photo for anything beyond this blog and I have the ones from other tours as treasured memories. That photo is going to be a constant reminder how much COVID has ruined for 2 years.

What I don’t understand is if they want us as fans wearing it, fine, we are sitting more than the CDC recommended socially distanced space from the pros at least let them take off their masks for the photo so we can get a semi-decent photo memory & you can see their faces. Personally, I wish they would let anyone that is vaccinated show their card and be allowed to pull the mask down quick just for the pic again saying this because you are already facing the opposite direction AND socially distanced. I asked the opinion of many with the VIP yesterday and that was the common feedback. Its absolutely not worth the $ and if you haven’t bought one yet I would save it for a future tour.

I would rather have a giant piece of plexiglass between us and allow us all to be unmasked like Derek Hough just did for his tour during COVID. I have done others in the last year during the Delta variant where you had to be vaccinated to do VIP and they let you pull the mask down for the pic and immediately pull it back up and then the artist(s) didn’t have them on. As I stated above I understand the safety side of it BUT it just makes no sense. If you are going to charge the same prices as in tours past you need to give a semi-similar experience and this wasn’t in the same ball park for $500 $600.

After the pic you had to leave the theater and go entertain yourself for 2 hours. It was freezing cold but, thankfully a few fans I know and I went and grabbed dinner.

Verdict: Save your $ unless changes are made and wait to do VIP at a future tour and hopefully they will offer this again when we get back to “normal”.

Positives:

It was nice to have the Q&A just wish it could be a little longer.

Nice to get a photo with the FULL cast just wish it could be different.

Negatives:

Compared to past VIP on these tours this one was disappointing. For years we have had a party, the meet and mingle and then the photo with 3 pros and the celeb where you could say hi, hug etc. Obviously I understand why we can’t hug etc. I love the changes BUT not how they were implemented around COVID. They are charging the same prices this tour for no where near that experience for the photo. You can’t meet the celeb’s or pro’s beyond yelling hello and then you have this ackward looking photo as your memory.

I can only hope as the tour goes on maybe they will make some small changes to make it worth the cost. Again I absolutely want everyone to be safe, we are living in difficult times but, there also needs to be understanding that people are spending a lot of money for these packages and improvements could be made that have been proven effective by other tours.

Gifts: A plastic bag (they did say its not up to their standards and we will be getting a new one mailed to us). This was ironic because so much emphasis was made on the bag quality not being up to standards but, no understanding or emphasis on the experience itself which is dramatically less personal. A coffee mug and a signed program for the pkg I had. We were supposed to have crowd free merch shopping but, after the pics there wasn’t anyone there to make the purchases with.

Anyone that knows me knows I believe in positivity but, I will also keep it real. The last two years have been hell for so many reasons. My passion is attending live shows and I am thrilled they are back.

More to come on the show itself and to end on a positive note: The show is AMAZING and worth the price of the ticket!

January 8, 2022

VIP Experience Blog

Dancing with the Stars Winter Tour 2020 VIP Experience Blog

Dancing with the Stars Winter Tour 2020

VIP Experience

#dwtstour My apologies on being absent from the blog for a while. My sweet heart dog, my one in a million got cancer last year and we fought so hard but, she passed away the day before Thanksgiving. I have been in such a sad place overall and been trying to pull myself out of it which hasn’t been easy. Honestly, the first show I went to I wasn’t even excited to go but, only because I just was finding it a struggle to get excited about anything. Once I got there for both shows I so appreciated that I could smile, enjoy the performances and forget my reality for a few hours.

I wanted to wait and go to at least 2 of my shows before writing this to see if some of the kinks got worked out.

Pre-Show:

You receive your email a few days before telling you when to arrive, giving you the link and password for the photos, the waiver etc. One thing that has been confusing to people this year is it says no personal cameras/phones allowed. I think they need to be more specific and say no cameras/phones allowed in the photo area because several have thought it also meant in mingle.

Check-in:

Check in was so slow at the first event I went to at Mohegan. Even after they started checking people in the line moved extremely slow. They also had us in such a small room at Mohegan in my opinion too many people for such a small room. The second show I went to in Durham was much faster, they had us in the usual area for VIP at DPAC which is always great!

VIP Swag:

I honestly didn’t keep any of mine, I gave it away at both cities. It really seems like they continue to increase the prices and give fans less. I always liked when they at least gave you a tote bag.

VIP Photo & Mingle:

I didn’t want to comment on this until after I saw if things were better at the 2nd show but, this VIP Host will not go down on my list of great ones. At Mohegan she was not very polite, she would only post 1 of the 2 pics. I let her know we have always received both and she sarcastically responded that she would only post 1 and she would decide which one to post. I emailed VIP Nation after that show and was very pleased that they backed the fans up and are now posting both pictures. The photo experience is way too fast, they are taking away the personal aspect of it that used to make this so great in the early tours. I barely had time to say hi and hug the pros before the host was saying look here. It’s disappointing because you spend $300-650 of your hard earned $ for a rushed experience. I am not saying give each person 5 minutes but, at least let them say hello and if they have something quick to say allow that like you used to. That almost always comes down to the host though because all the pros are awesome and engaging. I miss the host Anthony Jones a lot, he was one of the best they have had, he got the job done but, truly understood the fan experience. There was also another girl a few tours ago that was really good. Both of them posted pics within 24 hours, were very friendly at all times, didn’t rush you in the photos, checked the photos before you walked away etc.

#dwtstour She also doesn’t post the pictures very fast, I have seen it take almost a week for some cities. My last show in Charlotte it took 6 days and then she only posted 1 of my pictures. Pictures are not all being checked again. That happened to me two years ago when both of my pictures had my eyes closed. One girl shared with me that only 1 of her pics was posted on a recent show and it was blurry and when she emailed and asked about the 2nd pic which she did a special pose with her fav pro she was told it would be posted when the host had a chance and she still didn’t have it. The hosts should understand that fans are super excited to see their pics and everyone understands you cannot always do it same day but, a week…

#dwtstour Mingle: This also seemed faster than usual. At Mohegan the pros were mobbed so they tried to say wait and let them come to your table. Durham it was better but, the only issue with wait until they come to your table is if your photo group # is called when they are almost at your table and then you come out and missed them.

This is another fan’s experience this year that goes every year:

“They did it differently this year bc they have the pros come to your table for the mingle so no lines and stuff. For Rochester it’s super small and there’s only a few tables and the vibes are really awkward and quiet. So my brother and I were in the booth in group 1 and by that point Daniella and Lindsay were gone and there were a lot of people who hadn’t met them so I asked the tour hostess if they can come back and a few minutes later Lindsay and Daniella came back and met the latecomers. The VIP goes from 5;30-6:30 and they were in late and out early. It won’t be the same for Verona bc it’s bigger and better vibes so they’ll stay longer but like, people paid for the experience so give them what they asked for and don’t come out early. And I just wanted a quick picture with Daniella and I don’t mean to be a bother I just wanted to say hi and stuff.”

#dwtstour

The Maks & Val Tour & Derek Hough tours are run much better and they truly give you a great fan experience and understand and appreciate that you are spending your hard earned $ to do these experiences. In my opinion that comes from the top down. Maks & Val especially have always genuinely cared about and been so proud of their tour and really listen to fan feedback and work hard at providing a fun, genuine VIP experience for those that come to their event & pay extra for VIP.

The show: I will do another blog soon on the actual show. It really was fantastic this year. I liked the flow, I liked that the audience participation is back and the Pro’s just crush it every night. More to come on that.

Tour staff interaction/waiting by buses:

I was personally happy to see a different security guy in Durham than the guy that has done it for years that is absolutely is nasty to fans. The guy in Durham was very nice & respectful yet got his point across when he needed to and I am hoping he is now the regular security. The usual is always said to fans that wait at the buses that “we have a VIP M&G you can do if you want to meet them, we cannot guarantee who will come out etc”. The one thing I want to say on this is fans wait by the buses for mostly 2 reasons: 1. they might not be able to afford VIP and 2. They may be hoping for a chance to talk briefly to their favorite pros if they didn’t get the chance to in the VIP because its so rushed or maybe their favorite pros were not in the photo/mingle that day. I think that is something everyone needs to understand better and maybe one day my suggestion below will be taken. Nobody wants to wait outside on a winter tour and freeze waiting but it sure is appreciated when the Pros come out and do it for those reasons I just described.

Suggestions for tour management:

For several years I have been saying this but, it falls on deaf ears. For the Maks & Val Tour and the Derek & Julianne tours there was another top level tier package when you got pictures in the VIP and then got extra time with them backstage. I know the VIP photos are with “select” dancers (3 Pro’s and the Celeb guest star) at each city but, many fans have voiced their disappointment when their “favorite” isn’t in their photo since it’s a random rotation. I have heard many voice their displeasure at paying several hundred dollars but not getting a pic with their favorite. What if you added another ticket tier or made it with the front row packages or do an add on pkg that you get your pic with the rest of the VIP’s and then you are either taken down just before the show or just after and get a photo with the full tour cast? If you sold a very limited # of them it wouldn’t take that much extra time. That way those that truly want to meet them all would have the chance and it would then add another tier package for you. I know I & several other fans would sign up for that for sure!

If possible rotate the Pro’s if you are doing two shows in one city. Some of us like to go to both shows and it would be great to get pics with two sets of dancers since you are paying VIP at both. That used to be the way it was done but, the last year or two it’s the same Pro’s at both so it doesn’t make sense to pay for VIP for both and then the tour loses out when fans stop buying both.

Suggestion for VIP Nation: I would love to see a fan experience survey come out after shows and then have you all take the feedback and connect with your host to help them improve experiences. Make sure the hosts that you hire understand and appreciate the fan experience and make sure they are not only knowledgeable with a camera but, make sure they understand they must check the photos before the people walk away.

I have personally done so many VIP Experiences over the years and I can say I am being a lot more selective on what I am doing & spending $ on. It really seems to be that the VIP #’s are down and I think it’s because of what I have outlined. I am always happy to do a VIP, support a tour when you feel the lead(s) care, when you are getting a genuine, not rushed, quality interaction etc. Steven Tyler is amazing at this, he has 100’s yet he starts early and gives every single person a special, genuine interaction. Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban same thing. I have to believe most of the Pro’s want to do that for the DWTS fans and I continue to hope we will see positive changes for future tours.

VIP Experiences should always strive to improve the experience especially when prices continue to rise.

For photos from this tour and others I attend follow me on Instagram: @lightscmemories

February 23, 2020

VIP Experience Blog

#dwtstour #dwtsvip Photo & Mingle Tracker

2020 DWTS Live Tour VIP Photo & Mingle Tracker

1/9/20: Photo: Ally, Sasha, Emma & Alan Mingle: Lindsay & Brandon

1/10/20: Atlantic City: Photo: Ally, Val, Jenna & Gleb Mingle: Daniella, Alan & Witney

1/11/20: Mohegan Night 1: Photo: Ally, Alan, Sasha & Emma Mingle: Witney & Brandon

1/12/20: Mohegan Night 2: Photo: Ally, Val, Jenna, Alan Mingle: Gleb & Daniella

1/14/20: Rochester: Photo: Ally, Alan, Brandon & Witney Mingle: Lindsay & Daniella

1/15/20: Albany: Photo: Ally, Alan, Linsday & Emma Mingle: Jenna & Val

1/16/20: Boston: Photo: Kate, Alan, Pasha & Daniella Mingle: Witney & Brandon

1/17/20: Boston Night 2: Photo: Kate, Alan, Jenna & Val Mingle: Lindsay & Gleb

1/18/20: Bethlehem Matinee & Evening: Kate, Pasha, Alan & Witney Mingle: Brandon & Daniella

1/19/20: New Brunswick: Photo: Kate, Gleb, Lindsay & Alan Mingle: Emma & Sasha

1/21/20 Lancaster: Photo: Alan, Kate, Brandon, Whitney Mingle: Val & Jenna

1/22/20: Lancaster: Photo: Alan, Kate, Pasha & Daniella Mingle: ?

1/23/20: Lancaster: Photo: Alan, Kate, Sasha & Emma Mingle: ??

1/24/20: National Harbor: Photo: Alan, Kate, Lindsay & Gleb Mingle: Jenna & Val

1/25/20: Verona, NY: Photo: Witney, Brandon, Alan & Kate Mingle: Daniella & Pasha

1/26/20: Philadelphia: Photo: Alan, Kate, Sasha & Emma Mingle: Gleb & Lindsay

1/28/20: NYC Photo: Kate, Hannah, Alan, Val & Jenna Mingle: Brandon & Witney

1/29/20: Pittsburgh: Photo: Alan, Kate Gleb & Lindsay Mingle: Emma & Sasha

1/30/20: Niagara: NO VIP

2/1: Windsor: Photo: Kate, Alan, Gleb & Lindsay Mingle: Pasha & Daniella

2/4: Akron: Photo: Kate, Alan, Brandon & Witney Mingle: Jenna & Val

2/5: Columbus: Photo: Kate, Alan, Pasha, Daniella Mingle: Emma & Sasha

2/6: Indianapolis: Photo: Kate, Alan, Brandon & Gleb Mingle: Jenna & Val

2/7: Cincinnati: Photo: Alan, Kate, Emma & Sasha Mingle: Witney & Lindsay

2/8: Rosemont: Matinee: Photo: Alan, Kate, Gleb & Brandon Mingle: Val & Jenna

2/8: Rosemont: Evening: Photo: Alan, Kate, Lindsay & Witney Mingle: Dani & Pasha

2/9: Appleton: Photo: Alan, Kate, Emma & Sasha Mingle: ?

2/11: Prior Lake: Photo: Kate, Alan, Val & Jenna Mingle: Brandon & Lindsay

2/12: Iowa: Photo: Alan, Kate, Witney & Gleb Mingle: Emma & Sasha

2/13: Peoria: Photo: Kate, Alan, Pasha & Daniella Mingle: ??

2/14: St Louis: Photo: Kate, Alan, Daniella, Pasha Mingle: Witney & Gleb

2/15: Louisville: Photo: Alan, Kate, Brandon, Lindsay Mingle: Emma & Sasha

2/16: Nashville: Photo: Alan, Kate, Emma & Sasha Mingle: Pasha & Daniella

2/18: Greenville: Photo: Alan, Kate, Gleb & Daniella Mingle: Lindsay & Brandon

2/19: Raleigh Durham: Photo: Alan, Kate, Val & Jenna Mingle: Pasha & Daniella

2/20: N. Charleston: Photo: Alan, Kate, Gleb & Lindsay Mingle: Witney & Brandon

2/21: Clearwater Show 1: Photo: Kate, Alan, Emma & Sasha Mingle: Daniella & Pasha

2/22: Clearwater Show 2: Photo: Kate, Alan, Brandon & Lindsay Mingle; Val & Jenna

2/23: Orlando: Photo: Kate, Alan, Witney & Gleb Mingle; Emma & Sasha

2/25: Hollywood, FL Photo: Kate, Alan, Jenna & Val Mingle: Daniella & Pasha

2/26: Jacksonville FL; Photo: Kate, Alan, Witney & Gleb Mingle; ??

2/27: Atlanta Photo: Alan, Kate, Pasha & Dani Mingle: Emma & Sasha

2/28: Columbia: Photo: Kate, Alan, Val & Jenna Mingle: Gleb

2/29: Charlotte: Photo: Kate, Alan, Emma & Sasha Mingle: Brandon & Lindsay

3/1: Knoxville: Photo: Kate, Brandon, Jenna & Val Mingle: Dani & Pasha

3/3: Huntsville: Photo: Alan, Witney, Lauren & Gleb Mingle: Brandon & Lindsay

3/4: Birmingham: Photo: Alan, Lauren, Val & Jenna Mingle; Emma & Sasha

3/5: New Orleans: Photo: Sailor, Gleb, Alan & Val Mingle: Lindsay & Brandon

3/6: Shreveport: Photo: Alan, Sailor, Emma & Sasha Mingle; Whitney & Gleb

3/7: Sugarland: Photo: Alan, Sailor, Val & Jenna Mingle: ??

3/8: Grand Prairie: Photo: Alan, Sailor, Lindsay & Brandon Mingle: Witney & Gleb

3/10: Kansas City: Photo: Alan, Sailor, Sasha & Daniella Mingle: Val & Jenna

**** VIP Meet & Greet was cancelled for the rest of the tour due to the Coronavirus

***** DWTS Tour was postponed from 3/13 on due to the Coronavirus

January 10, 2020

VIP Experience Blog

DWTS VIP A Night to Remember Winter Tour 18-19

DWTS VIP A Night to Remember Winter Tour 17-18

#dwtstour

#dwtsvip

I’ve had the pleasure of being a VIP for the last seven Dancing with the Stars tours. From the first tour I participated in the VIP to this year’s tour I must say: It’s like night and day! They have improved them tremendously! So let’s talk about the details of the VIP!

Pre-Show: For my 1^st show in Columbia I did the2nd Row VIP Pkg we received the email 5 days ahead of the show. We had to arrive between 4:00-5:00 but,remember that varies by city so check your itinerary. Once we signed in I got my ticket, but, therest of the VIP items were not ready for us so they said they would be mailingthem to us. VIP Host this tour isAmanda.

Entering VIP & the good stuff!: As soon as we signed in we were directed downstairs to the party room. We waited until around 5:30 for the Pro’s to come in. The party room was pretty much the same as last tour with tables, a bar for drinks, a green screen/photo option. We didn’t have our laynards yet so they gave us wristbands with a group # on them and they lined us up in groups of 10. Britt & Bandon came in to mingle, talk & do selfie’s. Artem, Bobby, Emma & Sasha were in the photo. I still felt like it was fast like last year and truly wish they would slow it down a bit like in the early years.

I will be doing my tracker like in past years! Here is the link.

http://lightscmemories.com/entertainment-blog/dwts-tour-2018-19-a-night-to-remember-vip-photo-tracker/

The VIP Nation staff is also very kind, nobody is yelling at you it’s a pleasant experience. You do have to leave your purse, bags and anything else on you at the table and you cannot ask for autographs etc. at the cast photo portion. This year too it was two professional photos taken by VIP Nation host, no selfie options in the main photo. You could however do selfies with the dancers in the Meet & Mingle. After the photos were done and the dancers all left to get ready for the show you could go to the merchandise stand and do some crowd free shopping which was also nice.

Please note on the pics: the itinerary says up within to 2 weeks which drives all of the fans crazy BUT so far this host is great and she had them up the same night which is really great!

What to wear: Be comfortable & wear what you want. You will see everyone from dressed down to wearing beautiful dresses and everything in between.

Show time! I will be doing another blog on the show itself after my next one. I will say it’s really a great show. No crowd interaction #’s which is disappointing. It seemed to me the dances were shorter but, we had a lot more of them which I loved! More to come in a few weeks. I want to see the show again and see how it differs with Milo at my next show and then will blog on the show itself.

Suggestions for Tour Management: This is something I have been thinking about. For the Maks & Val Tour and the Derek & Julianne tours there was another top level tier package when you got pictures in the VIP and then got extra time with them backstage. I know the VIP photos are with “select”dancers (3 Pro’s and the Celeb guest star) at each city but, many fans have voiced their disappointment when their “favorite” isn’t in their photo since it’s a random rotation. I have heard many voice their displeasure at paying several hundred dollars but not getting a pic with their favorite. What if you added another ticket tier or made it with the front row packages that you get your pic with the rest of the VIP’s and then you are either taken down just before the show or just after and get a photo with the full tour cast? If you sold a very limited # of them it wouldn’t take that much extra time. That way those that truly want to meet them all would have the chance and it would then add another tier package for you. I know I would sign up for that for sure!

If possible rotate the Pro’s if you are doing two shows in one city. Some of us like to go to both shows and it would be great to get pics with two sets of dancers since you are paying VIP at both.

Bravo & Thank you: VIP Nation you always put together fantastic unique experiences and it doesn’t go unnoticed! Thank you so much to the tour staff: Mandy Moore& Ashley Edens-Shaffer, Directors and our dance captains: I think every fan should be sure they have a ticket for! The creative genius is obvious at every moment in the show. The vision and layout for this tour is truly worth 10 Stars! The crew and all the other behind the scenes individuals also deserve a shout out! The Dancers (Val, Gleb, Artem, Witney, Sasha, Emma, Jenna, Hayley, Alan,Britt and Brandon all truly leave it on the floor each night. It’s emotional, it’s passionate, it’s raw, it’s FUN, it’s full of energy and I am so excited I will get to see this tour multiple times and have a new take away each night!

If you don’t have a ticket…Buy one today and if you are able to do VIP it’s worth the investment for this experience they have many different levels and price points too! Here’s the link for tickets/VIP package! http://dwtstour.com/

Want to see more photos? For many more pictures from the tour, past tours please follow me on Instagram,Twitter & Facebook @lightscmemories! If you have any questions that I can help with please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Where do I love to shop for fun outfits for VIP pics!

Fun concert wear!

Bebe: http://www.bebe.com/

Nordstrom: http://shop.nordstrom.com/

White House Black Market: https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/

Coach: http://www.coach.com/shop/women-wristlets

Until next time,

XOXO

Heather

December 18, 2018

VIP Experience Blog

DWTS VIP Light Up the Night Winter Tour 17-18

DWTS VIP Light Up the Night Winter Tour 17-18

#dwtstour

#dwtsvip

#lightupthenighttour

I’ve had the pleasure of being a VIP for the last six Dancing with the Stars tours. From the first tour I participated in the VIP to this year’s tour I must say: It’s like night and day! They have improved them tremendously! So let’s talk about the details of the VIP!

Pre-Show: For my 1^st show in Charlotte I did the Front Row VIP Pkg we received the email 4 days ahead of the show. We had to arrive between 4:15-5:15 but, remember that varies by city so check your itinerary. VIP Hosts this tour are Jeff & Sam (Lindsay’s hubby)

Entering VIP: There were a lot of VIP’s but, the facility was awesome and let us in out of the cold so we could line up inside. Once we signed in I got my ticket, the VIP bag with a tall mug inside and the signed tour program. They did the lanyards with the letters on them again which is great so then they are only lining up small groups at a time for the photos.

Now on to the good stuff! After check in we were directed upstairs. We all grabbed a drink and met up with some other really nice fans. At about 5:30-5:45 they lined up the first group for the photos and the cast came in. Hayley and Brandon were in the mingle and Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie (all 3 will be consistent this tour) and then the other 2 will rotate and we had Emma & Keo. I will be keeping track so you can see if there is a pattern and potentially narrow down who might be in your city! Photos did go a little quick this time but, they did have a ton of people. You were still able to say hi to each person and say something quick. Hayley and Brandon were super sweet in the mingle. The lighting was tough where they were standing so I would suggest using flash when you have your photos taken if the lighting is tough.

http://lightscmemories.com/vip/vip-photo-list-dwts-light-night-winter-tour/

The VIP Nation staff is also very kind, nobody is yelling at you it’s a pleasant experience. You do have to leave your purse, bags and anything else on you at the table and you cannot ask for autographs etc. at the cast photo portion. This year too it was one professional photo taken by VIP Nation host, no selfie options in the main photo. You could however do selfies with the dancers in the Meet & Mingle. They did have a GIF area this time. I didn’t get a chance to get over there as I was catching up with friends but, will at a future show. After the photos were done and the dancers all left to get ready for the show you could go to the merchandise stand and do some crowd free shopping which was also nice.

Please note on the pics: the itinerary says up within to 2 weeks which drives all of the fans crazy because that is the one thing they all want and it took 5 days to post the Charlotte pics and I am beyond disappointed, the host clearly did not check them like they usually do because my eyes are completely shut in both pictures! That is not ok, people spend a lot of money on these packages, I can’t print either of my pictures! If I could change one thing in the VIP world it would be that the photos were up in 24-48 hours as that is the ONE thing the fans want to see more than anything but, the tour just started so we will see if the speed improves. UPDATE: I have done 3 more shows since opening night and I am happy to report that the host is now checking the photos before you walk away to be sure eyes are open. I was much happier with my photo from the Verona show and the Mohegan shows. I did want to mention though because it was brought to my attention that the fans in Boston will not be receiving their photos. They received an email offering a $100 refund and an apology that they would not be receiving their photos due to a memory card error. I know so many of you follow this page and I just wanted to say that I am so sorry to hear that happened to you. In all my years of doing VIP I never heard of that happening to an entire city. I know on one hand you have the memory of meeting them but, I also totally understand how disappointed you are not having the photo memory.

What to wear: Be comfortable & wear what you want. You will see everyone from dressed down to wearing beautiful dresses and everything in between.

Show time! I will be doing another blog on the show itself after my next one. I will say it’s really a great show. Very minimal crowd interaction this time, only Alan goes out for less than a minute to start off a # in the crowd. That was disappointing because fans love that so much. Jordan and Frankie are a lot of fun and the Pro’s just knock it out of the park with their high energy performance. More to come in a few weeks.

Suggestions for Tour Management: This is something I have been thinking about. For the Maks & Val Tour and the Derek & Julianne tours there was another top level tier package when you got pictures in the VIP and then got extra time with them backstage. I know the VIP photos are with “select” dancers (4 the last 2 tours & 5 this tour) at each city but, many fans have voiced their disappointment when their “favorite” isn’t in their photo since it’s a random rotation. I have heard many voice their displeasure at paying several hundred dollars but not getting a pic with their favorite. What if you added another ticket tier or made it with the front row packages that you get your pic with the rest of the VIP’s and then you are either taken down just before the show or just after and get a photo with the full tour cast? If you sold a very limited # of them it wouldn’t take that much extra time. That way you those that truly want to meet them all would have the chance and it would then add another tier package for you. I know I would sign up for that for sure!

If possible rotate the staff if you are doing two shows in one city. Some of us like to go to both shows and it would be great to get pics with two sets of dancers since you are paying VIP at both.

Bravo & Thank you: VIP Nation you always put together fantastic unique experiences and it doesn’t go unnoticed! Thank you so much to the tour staff: Mandy Moore & Ashley Edens-Shaffer, Directors and our dance captains: Jenna and Artem truly put together an amazing show that I think every fan should be sure they have a ticket for! The creative genius is obvious at every moment in the show. The vision and layout for this tour is truly worth 10 Stars! The crew and all the other behind the scenes individuals also deserve a shout out! The Dancers (Sharna, Gleb, Artem, Lindsay, Sasha, Keo, Emma, Jenna, Hayley, Alan, Morgan and Brandon all truly leave it on the floor each night. It’s emotional, it’s passionate, it’s raw, it’s FUN, it’s full of energy and I am so excited I will get to see this tour multiple times and have a new take away each night!

Want to see more photos? For many more pictures from the tour, past tours please follow me on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook @lightscmemories! If you have any questions that I can help with please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Where do I love to shop for fun outfits for VIP pics!

Fun concert wear!

Bebe: http://www.bebe.com/

Nordstrom: http://shop.nordstrom.com/

White House Black Market: https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/

Coach: http://www.coach.com/shop/women-wristlets

Until next time,

XOXO

Heather

December 31, 2017

VIP Experience Blog

VIP Photo List DWTS Light Up the Night Winter Tour

I will update this nightly for the DWTS Light Up the Night Tour so you can get an idea WHO might be in the photo in your city!

#dwtstour

#lightupthenight

#dwtsvip

Charlotte, NC: M&G-Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Keo & Emma (Mingle: Hayley & Brandon)

Greenville, SC: M&G-Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Sharna & Sasha (Mingle: Jenna & Alan)

Atlanta: M&G: Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Gleb & Artem (Mingle: Brandon & Morgan)

Richmond: M&G: Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Keo & Emma (Mingle: Alan & Hayley)

Philadelphia: M&G: Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Jenna & Sasha (Mingle: Alan & Morgan)

Kitchener, ON: M&G: Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Sharna & Artem (Mingle: Hayley & Brandon)

Rama: Evening Show M&G: Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Alan & Gleb (Mingle: Hayley & Jenna)

Rama: Matinee Show: M&G: Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Emma & Sasha (Mingle: ??)

New Brunswick, NJ: M&G: Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Sharna & Keo (Mingle: Morgan & Jenna)

Washington, DC: M&G: Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Gleb & Alan (Mingle: Hayley & Brandon )

Bethlehem, PA: 1st Show M&G: Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Emma & Sasha (Mingle: Jenna & Morgan)

Bethlehem, PA: 2nd Show: M&G: Jordan, Frankie, Keo & Artem (Mingle: Hayley & Brandon)

Lancaster: Combined Matinee & Evening: M&G: Sharna, Gleb, Frankie & Jordan (Mingle: Alan & Morgan)

Pittsburgh: M&G: Lindsay, Jordan, Frankie, Emma & Sasha (Mingle: Morgan & Hayley)

New York City: M&G: Lindsay, Jordan, Frankie, Gleb & Sharna (Mingle: Alan & Brandon)

Verona: M&G: Lindsay, Jordan, Frankie, Artem & Keo (Mingle: Jenna & Hayley)

Windsor: M&G: Lindsay, Jordan, Frankie, Emma & Sasha (Mingle: Alan & Morgan)

Buffalo: M&G: Lindsay, Jordan, Frankie, Alan & Sharna (Mingle: Keo & Brandon)

Bangor: M&G: Lindsay, Jordan, Frankie, Keo & Gleb (Mingle: Jenna & Hayley)

Portland: M&G: Lindsay, Jordan, Frankie, Sasha & Emma (Mingle: Alan & Morgan)

Boston: M&G: Jordan, Frankie, Keo & Artem (Mingle: Hayley & Brandon)

Mohegan Night 1: M&G: Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Gleb & Sharna (Mingle: Alan & Morgan)

Mohegan Night 2: M&G: Frankie, Lindsay, Sasha & Emma (Mingle: Hayley & Brandon)

Baltimore: M&G: Frankie, Lindsay, Gleb & Sharna (Mingle: Alan & Jenna)

Cleveland: M&G: Frankie, Lindsay, Keo & Alan (Mingle: Morgan & Brandon)

Columbus: M&G: Frankie, Lindsay, Artem & Gleb (Mingle: Hayley & Jenna)

Cincinnati: M&G: Frankie, Lindsay, Emma & Sasha (Mingle: Alan & Morgan)

Indianapolis: M&G: Frankie, Lindsay, Sharna & Keo (Mingle: Alan & Jenna)

Rosemont: M&G: Frankie, Lindsay, Gleb & Artem (Mingle: Hayley & Brandon)

Ames: Cancelled due to bus accident

Rockford: M&G: Frankie, Lindsay, Jordan, Emma & Sasha (Mingle: Alan & Keo)

Fort Wayne: M&G: Lindsay, Jordan, Sharna & Alan (Mingle: Morgan & Jenna)

Knoxville: M&G: Lindsay, Frankie, Jordan, Emma & Sasha (Mingle: ??)

Birmingham: M&G: Lindsay, Jordan, Keo & Artem (Mingle: Brandon & Morgan)

Huntsville: M&G: Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Sharna & Alan (Mingle: Jenna & Brandon)

Nashville: M&G: Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Gleb & Keo (Mingle: Hayley & Morgan)

Sarasota: M&G: Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Emma & Sasha (Mingle: Jenna & Brandon)

Clearwater: M&G: Lindsay, Alan, Jordan & Gleb (Mingle: ?)

Hollywood: M&G: Lindsay, Frankie, Jordan, Keo & Artem (Mingle: Jenna & Hayley)

Naples: M&G: Lindsay, Frankie, Jordan, Emma & Sasha (Mingle: ?)

Jacksonville: M&G: Lindsay, Frankie, Jordan, Gleb & Artem (Mingle: Alan & Hayley)

Orlando: M&G: Lindsay, Frankie, Jordan, Keo & Sharna (Mingle: Brandon & Jenna)

Austin: M&G: Jordan, Frankie, Emma & Sasha (Mingle: Hayley & Morgan)

Wichita Falls: M&G: Jordan, Frankie, Gleb & Artem (Mingle: Alan & Brandon)

Dallas: M&G: Jordan, Frankie, Sharna & Keo (Mingle: Alan & Morgan)

Sugar Land: M&G: Jordan, Frankie, Emma, Sasha (Mingle: Jenna & Hayley)

McAllen: M&G: Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Gleb & Alan (Mingle: ?)

Midland: M&G: Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Keo & Artem (Mingle; Hayley & Jenna)

Amarillo: M&G: Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Emma, Sasha (Mingle: ?)

Albuquerque: M&G: Jordan, Lindsay, Sharna & Gleb (Mingle: Alan & Hayley)

El Paso: M&G: Jordan, Sasha, Artem & Alan (Mingle: ?)

Phoenix: M&G Jordan, Sasha & Emma (Mingle: Hayley & Brandon)

San Diego: M&G: Jordan, Frankie Sharna, Keo (Mingle: ?)

Riverside Night 1: M&G: Jordan, Frankie, Gleb & Keo (Mingle: Brandon & Alan)

Riverside Night 2: M&G Jordan, Frankie, Sharna, Lindsay, Artem (Mingle: Jenna & Morgan)

Stockton: M&G: Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Emma & Sasha (Mingle: ?)

San Jose: M&G: Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Gleb & Keo (Mingle: Morgan & Brandon)

Redding: M&G: Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Artem & Sharna (Mingle: Jenna & Alan)

Eugene: M&G: Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay & Emma (Mingle: Hayley & Brandon)

Seattle: M&G: Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Artem & Alan (Mingle: Jenna & Morgan)

Spokane: M&G: Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Gleb & Keo (Mingle: ??)

Boise: M&G: Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Emma & Sasha (Mingle?)

Reno: M&G: Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Sharna & Gleb (Mingle: Brandon & Jenna)

Santa Barbara: Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Sharna & Alan (Mingle: ??)

Los Angeles: Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Artem & Keo (Mingle: Jenna & Brandon)

XOXO

Heather

December 29, 2017

VIP Experience Blog

98 Degrees Christmas Tour 2017

98 Degrees

Nick Lachey, Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons & Justin Jeffre

December 2017

DPAC

Entering the 98 degrees VIP:

98 degrees had a fun VIP for their Christmas tour. I was shocked when I signed in and found out I was the only one that had the Backstage experience. I admit I was a little nervous. They had us check in between 4-4:45, we were taken in for sound check around 5:15 and it started about 5:30. That was a fun experience, Drew talked for a bit about the tour, the technical reasons they do the sound checks etc. They did 2 full songs and then a snippet of a 3^rd and then did a Q&A. After that was finished we were added to the line for the group photos. Only rules were no cell phone and no hugging the guys as they did not want to get sick on tour.

Backstage Experience: After the group pictures they escorted me down to the backstage area. I really was so nervous for some reason but, the guys were all so nice and so sweet. We all sat on the couches and talked a lot about DWTS and Nick & Drew’s experiences, I shared what I do with photography and then just random other discussions about bands, music etc. I really appreciated that they asked me questions to and they seemed interested. It really was like hanging out with any of my guy friends and it was such a great experience. Before I left the room we all did a champagne toast and I had to laugh when they all said eyes, eyes, eyes, it’s an old wives tale but, it made me laugh. We took selfies, they did a few videos for me and that was it. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience truly. I hope they will do that on future tours.

The concert itself was great, they played a fantastic mix of Holiday songs and all of their hits over the years. I really enjoyed myself.

Suggestions for his staff & CID Entertainment: I would just say what I often am writing here. I know they say it can take up to 2 weeks for your pictures but, my experience is the really great hosts have them up in 24 hours because they get how important it is to fans and how much anticipation there is to see the photos. This host took a week to post them and even had a bunch of us worried because she posted less than 20 one day and that was it and we all were wondering what happened to ours and then 2 days later the rest were posted. Rock star hosts post them very quickly because they truly get it.

Venue Comments: I usually love attending events at DPAC but, it really soured my opinion this time. About 4 songs in I had a security manager come up to me and tell me I couldn’t use my point and shoot camera. I said but, it’s a point and shoot and he said it’s making the tour uncomfortable and truly wasn’t very nice about it. I have used that camera there for a ton of events and it fits under what is allowed. I was not happy at all and it really ruined the first part of the show for me. At intermission, I asked someone to get him and I showed him in the light that my camera was within the rules and I asked him to take it back and show the tour. Sure enough he came out and said its fine you can take pics the rest of the show. It was just really unnecessary and you don’t have to be so rude to people that spend a lot of money to attend these events.

Final Verdict: Definitely recommend 98 Degrees VIP!

Here are a few videos:

https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=xErnX6TMSFI

https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=tKvo9V5o2xU

https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=D85H7cr75Sw

Fun concert wear!

Bebe: http://www.bebe.com/

Nordstrom: http://shop.nordstrom.com/

White House Black Market: https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/

Coach: http://www.coach.com/shop/women-wristlets

Until Next Time,

Xoxo

Heather

December 16, 2017

VIP Experience Blog

Tim McGraw & Faith Hill Soul 2 Soul Tour

September 2017 Cincinnati, OH

Ultimate Soul2Soul Experience

#Soul2SoulTour

#TimMcGraw

Tim McGraw & Faith Hill have a very good VIP program. I had wanted to meet Tim for so many years but, he is definitely one of the more difficult to meet artists. I literally cannot say enough about the experience. The staff was so incredibly kind, organized and let us all know the rules ahead of time (No cell phones/autographs) and then said this is your Meet & Greet make it what you want it to be. I so wish all artists would say that. Tim & Faith were both extremely kind, genuine and warm and you were able to speak to them for a few minutes and then pose for a photo. They had great lighting too which was a wonderful touch!

What was included in package?

THE ULTIMATE SOUL2SOUL EXPERIENCE

One Incredible Top Price Reserved Floor Ticket in the Front Row *

One Exclusive Meet & Greet with Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

One Individual Photo Opportunity with Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

ULTRA-Exclusive, Autographed, Limited Edition Soul2Soul Tour Lithograph

Autographed by Tim McGraw & Faith Hill and Personalized With Your Name

Designed Exclusively for VIP’s and Comes with an Official Certificate of Authenticity

Exclusive Access to the Official Soul2Soul VIP Lounge

Full Dinner Buffet (Complimentary Selection of Fresh Foods, Including Desserts)
Deluxe Cash Bar (Includes Complimentary Water and Soft Drinks)
Espresso & Coffee Bar with Complimentary Coffee, Lattes, Teas and More!
Variety of Comfortable Seating Options to Enjoy Food & Beverage

On-Site VIP Perks

VIP Preferred Parking (One Parking Pass Per Order, Where Available)
Crowd-Free VIP Merchandise Shopping Opportunity
On-Site VIP Concierge
VIP Priority Check-In
Separate VIP Entrance

The Essential Soul2Soul VIP Gift Bag

VIP Gift Bag Designed Exclusively for Soul2Soul Ultimate VIPs
Includes Special Soul2Soul Themed VIP Tour Merchandise
Each VIP Gift Bag Also Includes a Commemorative Soul2Soul VIP Tour Laminate and Matching Lanyard

Entering the VIP: They let us in right on time, we went through security, signed in to get our ticket and appropriate wrist bands and then were brought to the special Merchandise booth and then led into the party. The party included a buffet dinner, soft drinks and water and a cash bar.

One thing we didn’t receive the VIP merchandise ahead of the event but, truly that worked out for me as they had my old address and I was able to update that. Below are the 2 pictures are all of the VIP items I received. I must say I was very, very impressed with the quality, the packaging and all of the different and unique items that were included. They absolutely get 5 stars fro me on that!

Final Verdict: Definitely recommend Tim & Faith’s VIP!

Fun concert wear!

http://www.coach.com/shop/women-wristlets

Until Next Time,

Xoxo

Heather

September 7, 2017

VIP Experience Blog

Luke Pell-Raleigh NC

Luke Pell

MOTORCO-Raleigh

August 2017

Entering the VIP:

We didn’t receive any email before the event saying when Luke Pell VIP was etc. I asked around on twitter and everyone said be there at 6 pm. I rushed around to get there by 6 pm and was not happy to be let in and just sit around for nearly 2 hours. Nobody seemed to know what was going on, when it would be happening, where we should meet to go to VIP etc. If you are going to have a VIP you need to email info to those that paid for that upgrade and be sure the staff knows what is happening.

Show/VIP: Once we finally were told where to meet we lined up for the VIP. I will say Luke was super sweet, it wasn’t rushed in any way, he did autographs if you wanted one, chatted for a bit, took photos etc. Due to all the disorganization with the VIP by the management it was unfortunate because we ended up with not a good spot for the actual show, the lighting in the venue was poor.

Final Verdict: Luke Pell is a super sweet guy, he gave a really great performance and the VIP interaction was great with Luke. I would suggest the management get organized and start doing VIP’s in an efficient way as that will give everyone a much better experience. Also hold the VIP early enough that those that paid the upgrade can still get a good spot for the show, not so late that they are left standing in the back.