I stood in front of Graceland and felt my life was about to be completed. Elvis died a few months before my third birthday, but his music has always lived around me. And as I entered Graceland’s famous gates, memories from my childhood of singing songs into a flyswatter and watching Elvis’ movies Saturday afternoons came flooding back.
As special as it was for me to visit Graceland, to share Elvis’ home with my wife and kids made the day all the more enjoyable. I wasn’t sure how much my kids would enjoy Graceland. My wife and I played Elvis’ music before we arrived and told many of his legendary stories.
At the beginning of the tour, we were given iPads and headphones to enhance our Elvis experience. The iPad was a great way for my kids to enjoy Graceland. Stories of each room along with video clips provided all of us with a look into what life was like at Graceland.
My independent daughter was off on her own while touring Graceland, while my 11-year-old and 4-year-old stayed close. My 4-year-old pushed random buttons on the iPad, but it kept him from touching furniture and running off. My oldest listened intently and soaked up all the information. So a win-win for me.
It was suggested the tour take around three and a half hours. We did it under 3 hours because… kids. Diehard fans could use up a whole day. To beat the long lines, it is recommended to arrive at opening. We chose to go later in the day and didn’t have much of a wait.
Ticket prices vary depending on what you want to see. To find a plan and price for you, click here.
Disclosure: Graceland provided my family with tickets.
Jason, please ship the Caddy to me!!
Are you visiting anywhere else in Tennessee beside Memphis?
We were there a few months ago. We stayed in Memphis for a couple of days.