Whilst vacationing in Florida we took a day trip to Graceland as I have been an Elvis fan for years. Had the VIP tickets, well worth the money, although you only get to see the “outer attractions” once, you get to go up to his home as many times as you like. The queues for the buses for non VIPs’ got longer as the day progressed and we just stepped straight onto our bus, no queue, actually had it to ourselves so felt a bit guilty seeing all those people standing there in the sun, very hot (it was July) they were undercover with large fans but still quite uncomfortable. The house is surprisingly small, you are allowed everywhere but the upstairs and having the headsets telling you an excellent commentary and facts at your own pace, meant the house was always quiet and peaceful. Massive outer building including all his gold records a lot of the actual clothes he wore in films, stage and the wedding attire. The racquetball building was always buzzing; more gold records 70’s jumpsuits, tv playing him singing in concert, all very emotional. Tour ends around the graves, very busy, but if you get the chance to visit the house before 8.30 am you are allowed up through the grounds to the graves, which is very peaceful.

Obviously there are shops selling memorabilia and these are good value. The official guidebook, all colour was $14.99 which I believe is very good value and lots of good reading but would like to read that before I went really and have a better knowledge of what I was looking at. Still there’s always Christmas… ...
Now want to go back at Christmas as they decorate the house how it was decorated at Christmas when Elvis was alive.

Taxi to and from the airport was $15 dollars each way.

We stopped at Graceland as part of our cross country trip we took in late July/Early August. I like Elvis but I am in no way an Elvis junkie. However, we felt out trip would not be complete without a trip to graceland. I must admit, I learned more about Elvis and enjoyed the tour more than I thought I would. We were one of the first tours in the morning and it was still packed. I could not believe how many people were there. The house itself was smaller than I was expecting. The whole tour is self guided which I liked. I liked the fact that we could go at our own pace. We did the platium tour which included the planes and automobile exhibits. I'm glad we got this package to see a little bit more. We spent more time there than I initally though we would because, as I said, it turned out to be more interesting than I thought. the whole area has tons of memorabilia. There are a couple of restaurants/food stands but we didn't eat at any of them. They allow you to bring cameras in, which I thought was cool. I'm glad we stopped and I would recommend it, if your passing through memphis.

I don't normally like to pay for tours, but knew that I would regret not seeing Graceland while in Memphis. We bought the package to see the house, cars and planes. It's definitely worth it to pay the extra and see the cars and planes. Many people didn't and what a shame to not see everything while there. The house was smaller then I thought but still impressive. Elvis was definitely a swanky guy and it showed in the decor. My favorite rooms were in the basement. Going through the tour was very emotional especially seeing all the records, clothes and hearing his music. Even my boyfriend who like most men don't get emotional said he felt it when visiting the grave.

They took Triple A which saved 10% and we parked our car in the lot next to the Graceland $10 parking lot which was the biggest rip off. For those complaining about the buses driving you across the street that is because it's for your safety and to keep the tour in an organized manner.

Its a MUST SEE. You've seen it in pictures, but when you are there in person it is
over welming. It may not be as large as you thought but very homey. The Security
was very nice and helpful. I was impressed with the Raquet ball bldg. It now has
gold records, awards and some of Elvis' outfits, like the Aloha outfit and cape. You
also see the piano he played the night before he died, quite emotional. You also see
the horses that were neglected and brought there recently. They are so happy.
Thankyou Lisa for opening the house. I will be back soon.....