|
Visiting Graceland
Anyone ever been? Tips? Is it worth it? How long does it take? |
Re: Visiting Graceland
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). |
Re: Visiting Graceland
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 |
Re: Visiting Graceland
I went a few years ago and really enjoyed it. I didn’t use the tablet though. Just went through at my own pace. I also can’t recommend enough that you hit up the Stax Museum and Sun Records. Beale Street was a joke though. |
Re: Visiting Graceland
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 |
Re: Visiting Graceland
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. |
Re: Visiting Graceland
Thanks. Anyone else? |
Re: Visiting Graceland
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. |
Re: Visiting Graceland
We are planning on going next spring. I have always been a huge Elvis fan, so I have always wanted to visit it.
|
Re: Visiting Graceland
Broader question: For those familiar with the region which is the best city to visit for a day Memphis or Nashville. We’re going on a road trip and need to cut one city. |
Re: Visiting Graceland
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. |
Re: Visiting Graceland
Originally Posted by Mabuse
(Post 13574001)
Broader question: For those familiar with the region which is the best city to visit for a day Memphis or Nashville. We’re going on a road trip and need to cut one city. Added: https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/dvdtalk...bd88abe450.jpg Linky: https://reddit.com/r/funny/comments/..._if_this_isnt/ |
Re: Visiting Graceland
Originally Posted by Mabuse
(Post 13574001)
Broader question: For those familiar with the region which is the best city to visit for a day Memphis or Nashville. We’re going on a road trip and need to cut one city. I would go to Nashville. |
Re: Visiting Graceland
Nashville has become completely gentrified over the past 20 years or so. The town is losing its Southern roots by the day.
|
Re: Visiting Graceland
Go for a shit if you can. If you survive you'll be one up on Elvis.
|
Re: Visiting Graceland
Originally Posted by PhantomStranger
(Post 13573659)
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 |
Re: Visiting Graceland
Originally Posted by Spiderbite
(Post 13574710)
What does "FTD" stand for? Are these exclusives or only available this way? Just curious.
FTD (Follow That Dream), Sony Music's Official Elvis Presley Collectors label, was established in 1999 to serve the dedicated Elvis collector and to complement the commercial and artistic level of RCA's retail release schedule by issuing repertoire that is considered of interest to serious Elvis fans and collectors, material that is generally not part of mainstream RCA label releases to the public at large. There are the original Collectors CDs with CDs ranging from soundboard-recorded concerts (recorded from the mixing desk in mono) to full RCA professionally-recorded concerts in stereo and CDs consisting of unreleased material from recording sessions, such as The Jungle Room Sessions, Memphis Sessions, etc. Later FTD introduced the Elvis Classic Album Series, releases of the original albums in deluxe 7" size packaging with a booklet and usually a second CD of outtakes from the same period as the recordings on the album. There is also the Movie Soundtrack Series, usually released as a single CD but again in deluxe 7" packaging with booklet. |
Re: Visiting Graceland
Originally Posted by Spiderbite
(Post 13574710)
What does "FTD" stand for? Are these exclusives or only available this way? Just curious.
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. |
Re: Visiting Graceland
Okay we are going, but in order to make this work with our itinerary it’s going to have to be a short stop. We’re doing 2 days in St. Louis and 2 days in Nashville, but Memphis and Graceland are going to be a pit stop in the middle of a six hour drive. So what’s the fastest way to bang this out? No one in the group is a HUGE Elvis fan so just the basics of the house and the grave would probably satisfy everybody. Also, father in law (who is the one who most wants to go) is an old guy who uses a scooter to get around. I imagine there are certain places he can’t get to. What’s the best tour for a handicapped guy? Also, he has handicapped plates so can we park real close? |
Re: Visiting Graceland
Also, to enliven conversation: I rewatched Rattle and Hum last night. The U2 doc. They visit graceland and it’s one of the film’s highlights. Larry Mullen Jr confesses to being a genuine Elvis fan, and when he gets on that motorcycle he is like a 7 year old boy on Christmas. It’s magical. The whole sequence is. |
Re: Visiting Graceland
Regarding handicapped. Website says the shuttle can take your scooter, but the handicapped person needs to be able to get onto shuttle themselves. Is this what the Graceland Shuttle looks like? https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/dvdtalk...87ebdb4aa.jpeg |
Re: Visiting Graceland
I’m not sure the dude can get on that thing. |
Re: Visiting Graceland
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.
|
Re: Visiting Graceland
Originally Posted by PhantomStranger
(Post 13575210)
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.
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. |
Re: Visiting Graceland
Question: Did Spinal Tap really visit Graceland? It looks pretty convincing in the movie, they even go to the famous gate in the outtakes. Was it filmed there or was it a mock up? I can’t find confirmation online. |
| All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:10 AM. |
Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.