Graceland introduces new interactive experiences

Every year, Elvis fans from around the world visit Graceland Mansion and Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex in Memphis, Tenn., but beginning Aug. 8, 10 new interactive experiences will allow visitors to immerse themselves even further into the life and legacy of the King of Rock ‘n Roll.

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Images courtesy of Graceland

“Our goal is to make every guest’s visit to Graceland unforgettable, which is why we continually invest in new experiences and exhibits throughout the property,” says Debbie Miller, CMO of Elvis Presley Enterprises. “We think these innovative, technology-driven activities that allow guests to create and share one-of-a-kind photos and videos of themselves with Elvis are exciting additions that will take fan engagement to a whole new level.”

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The new state-of-the-art activities will be located at Elvis Presley’s Memphis Complex — home to the most extensive collection of Elvis memorabilia in the world. Through these experiences, guests can get closer to Elvis than ever before via virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology and become “King” or “Queen” of their social media feeds through interactive and shareable moments.

“I’ve always wanted to dress like Elvis, but never quite found the courage,” said Graceland Holdings managing partner Joel Weinshanker. “I plan to be first in line for these socially shareable attractions.”

All 10 new experiences are included in the Graceland ticket price, and most allow visitors to create customized photos and videos of themselves with Elvis to download free of charge.

  • Eras of Elvis Game asks guests to answer questions that will result in meeting ’50s, ’60s, or ’70s-era Elvis via augmented reality technology for a downloadable photo.
  • “Elvis Yourself” Virtual Dress-Up Experience allows fans to be virtually dressed in one of Elvis’ iconic costumes and have their photo taken.
  • Elvis Album Cover Photo Booth virtually places guests onto an album cover of their choice with Elvis resulting in a downloadable photo.
  • Elvis Movie Match Game asks guests to answer questions that will result in meeting one of the king’s big-screen characters via augmented reality for a downloadable photo.
  • Interactive LED Dance Floor Quiz invites visitors to test their Elvis IQ by answering questions on an illuminated dance floor.
  • Elvis’ Interactive Golf Cart Ride takes guests on a virtual tour of the Graceland grounds in a custom-designed golf cart simulator with 360-degree video technology.
  • “Can’t Help Falling in Love” AR Serenade virtually transports guests onto the set of Blue Hawaii and allows them to be serenaded by the king himself. The video will be downloadable and sharable.
  • Elvis Movie Posters Photo Booth virtually places guests in one of Elvis’ movie posters to create a unique and sharable photo.
  • “Memories” AR Serenade allows guests to take a virtual seat on stage next to Elvis at the ’68 Comeback Special as he performs this song resulting in a downloadable video.
  • Elvis: Front Row lets visitors see what it was like to see Elvis perform live in this immersive concert experience that combines elements of live footage, stage lighting, and surround sound.

The new interactive activities are being introduced just in time for the modified Elvis Week event that will take place at Graceland from Aug. 8-16. Instead of live performances, appearances, autograph signings, and meet and greets, the modified Elvis Week will include pre-recorded panels featuring those who knew Elvis, interviews with Elvis tribute artists, and new content pieces from the Graceland Archives. The event will also feature drive-in movies, and specially edited concert shows that highlight the best of past Elvis Weeks, including the ultimate Elvis tribute artist contest and Elvis films on the big screen.

Attendance at Elvis Week events will be limited to meet social distancing and maximum capacity guidelines. The Candlelight Vigil on Aug. 15 will require free advanced reservations, but the longstanding Graceland tradition will carry on with a socially distanced fan procession to Meditation Garden.

Graceland has also announced the first-ever Virtual Elvis Week to allow fans from around the world to participate in Elvis Week from home. Content will include past Elvis Week concerts and panels; interviews with bandmates, co-stars, and friends; new behind-the-scenes Graceland content; and a look back at previous Candlelight Vigils and Elvis tribute artists. The virtual event will also include a live stream of the 2020 Candlelight Vigil, which will be available free of charge on the Graceland website.

Day passes for Elvis Week are $50. The full schedule and ticket information are available here. Tickets for Virtual Elvis Week are $39 and are available to purchase here.

In another first, Graceland has launched its first-ever gift card program. The customizable gift cards are available in six collectible Elvis designs and can be purchased here.

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