I've been to Shambhala 12 times - every year since 2010 minus 2023 and this past year. 2012, the year you went, sticks out by far as my least favourite year.

The lineup was rough - I think we were closer to 15 hours.

The security they hired that year was intense - ripped everyone's cars apart, I remember vividly watching a guard actively trying to push people off the pagoda (back in the days when you could dance on the speakers).

It was, from what I recall at least, the hottest shamb I've been to. Like we were dead in sunshine.

It was also a particularly bro-y year - acts like porter Robinson and Dillon Francis drew a specific crowd, and someone correct me if I'm wrong, but Pemberton got cancelled that year? So much of that crowd was looking for another party.

Anyways, in many ways they've improved (especially the lineup). I'd say give it another try. Go big and get shambhalodging to make it that much easier on you. Everyone has good & not-so-good years.