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brainee

I was there a couple of months ago when I was in Memphis for business. I think it's one of those things worth seeing at least once for people with any interest in rock history and Elvis. It's a Disney-fied interpretation of Elvis' life to be sure (which ignores the 70s and anything negative that happened in Elvis' life). But I was glad I went.

I thought the tablet-enhanced self-guided tour of the mansion was well done. That takes about 1.5-2 hours. There's a whole museum, food, and gift complex on the other side of the street (which, if you're the type that likes taking time through museum exhibits will take another couple of hours). I'd recommend the "Elvis Experience" package (mansion plus museums). I don't think I'd recommend the "Elvis Entourage VIP" package though (which is what I bought). The VIP-only exhibit didn't have much, and since I went as soon as it opened up I don't think it saved me much line waiting (for the shuttle to the mansion).

Paff

Goin' to Graceland
We're goin' today!
I'm so happy I just can't wait!
Gonna see the place where Elvis Presley died

When we get to Graceland
We'll have to ride a bus
We'd better watch our language
Or the guards will beat us up
We'll get to make some cheap jokes
And buy cheaper souvenirs
If this were Disneyworld
I'd buy a pair of Elvis ears
They say it costs eight-fifty
Just to see his house
Where they keep all his records
And his fifteen foot long couch
It might seem like a rip-off
But I'm goin' anyway
We're goin' to Graceland today

Goin' to Graceland
It's gonna be great!
I'm so happy I just can't wait!
Gonna see the bucket that Elvis Presley kicked

Goin' to Graceland
It's gonna be fun
We'll get to see all Elvis's guns
Gonna tell us all about his favourite TV shows

Goin' to Graceland
We'll stand in line
We'll get to have a wild time
Gonna get to buy Love Me Tender Shampoo

When my time comes
That's how I wanna go -
Stoned and fat and wealthy
And sitting on the bowl
Lots of people say
That it's sad The King is gone
Well Elvis might be dead
But his cash flow lives on
I'll be so excited
When I see the Jungle Room
Where Elvis made some records
Including Moody Blue
Graceland is callin'
And I just can't stay away
We're goin' to Graceland today

Goin' to Graceland
We're gonna cut loose
There's plenty of tourists for us to use
Gonna act real stupid and try to pick up girls

Goin' to Graceland
We're gonna go wild
We'll go to his grave and try to smile
Gonna buy velvet paintings and Elvis Presley forks

Goin' to Graceland
We're goin' to Graceland (x3)

Goin' to Graceland
We're going to Hell
We're gonna sing Heartbreak Hotel
Gonna see the uniform that Elvis Presley wore

What are we waitin' for?
Let's leave right now
We're goin' to Graceland
And I don't care how
E Pluribus Elvis
That's what I say
We're goin' to Graceland today

Toddarino

PhantomStranger

In related news, Elvis Shop has their FTD CDs on sale this weekend. These almost never go on sale.

https://www.shopelvis.com/dept/ftd-m...mtemail_495196

Jason

I was there this spring as well. It's very corporate and structured, but it's worth the pilgrimage at least once.

I didn't use the iPad, just flowed along at my own pace. You don't see a lot in the house, which is actually quite small. Two living rooms, kitchen, Jungle room, and two rooms downstairs. The place is so 1970s it hurts. Upstairs is off limits, but if you look directly up at the front door, that's the bathroom window. The grounds have several outbuildings with a good selection of memorabilia, and of course the final resting place of Elvis and his family. They still keep horses on the property as well. It's a very peaceful place.

The museums across the street are new. There's a car museum, an archives museum which is pretty extensive, an "influences" museum with donated outfits from performers who were influenced by Elvis, and the Experience museum with outfits, historical documents, instruments, and a huge wall of gold records. That alone is impressive.

Early in the day is probably your best bet. The Inn at Graceland is supposed to be nice, and offers shuttle service as well. I made the mistake in staying at the Days Inn across the street. Felt like the only thing missing was the crime scene tape.

I would also HIGHLY recommend the Sun Studios tour. It's much more intimate and "fun" oriented, with dynamic tour guides. It's amazing the place was preserved in it;s original condition for so long after Sun was sold and moved to Nashville. And don't forget to get some BBQ.

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Ginwen

I liked it. Don’t need to go again but it was cool to go once. I actually liked the whole VIP thing, they had some pretty cool clothes and cars. I also debated about it but ended doing the plane add-on (for like $5 each) and we both really liked the planes. Stayed at their hotel which wasn’t that exciting, but it was super convenient, and I went and watched a few minutes of Viva Las Vegas in their big theatre with lots of Elvis fans, so enjoyed that too. Also the late nigh5 eanit butter and banana sandwiches.


All in all, don’t need to go again, but glad I got to go once.

Sonny Corinthos

We are planning on going next spring. I have always been a huge Elvis fan, so I have always wanted to visit it.

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kenbuzz

Graceland, Sun, Stax.... Yes!

Beale... No. Although its worth seeing just to understand how overrated and shitty it is.

Gus' Fried Chicken. You gotta go.

Mud Island. If you have time and its not skeeter weather, which is generally all the time.

kenbuzz

Cut Memphis then. Graceland is a seen-it-once-dont-need-to-see-it-again place and the rest of Memphis is a dump. I've only been to Nashville once but can tell you with confidence that if you're choosing between a day in Memphis or a day anywhere else, anywhere else wins.

Added:

Linky: https://reddit.com/r/funny/comments/..._if_this_isnt/

TomOpus

Take this with a grain of salt. I lived for a short time a little north of Memphis when I was the Navy. I've never been to Nashville.

I would go to Nashville.

PhantomStranger

Nashville has become completely gentrified over the past 20 years or so. The town is losing its Southern roots by the day.

Phodg

Go for a shit if you can. If you survive you'll be one up on Elvis.

Spiderbite

What does "FTD" stand for? Are these exclusives or only available this way? Just curious.

The Cow

From Wikipedia:

PhantomStranger

About 20 years ago, a small team tied to Sony supporting more Elvis releases started FTD. It's mostly a way for Sony to get studio outtakes and various live soundboards officially out to Elvis collectors. One of the few places you can buy them at retail is Graceland. Otherwise you have to order them through the mail. They've put out dozens of CDs for rare Elvis material.

FTD CDs are basically limited editions pressed in small batches. It's rare finding them below their retail cost because they stopped putting them on sale as the CD market has shrunk.

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PhantomStranger

No idea, but Graceland likely sees many elderly visitors each year. It's not like young 20-somethings are rushing down to see where Elvis lived. Most of his biggest fans these days are in their 60s and 70s.

Jason

There are two-three steps going into the front door, and the house is, well, a house. It's built to the standards of the early 20th century, with narrow hallways steps going out of every door, etc. My mom (79) actually skipped the two basement rooms because of all the steps. The museums are completely accessible, but the house, not so much.

That said, the staff is extremely accommodating so I would imagine they could make something work for most physically challenged folks. If you have concerns, give them a call.

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