I’ve been to Elvis Week four times, but the last was in 2007. I would like to get back one more time because there have been so many changes and additions to the Graceland complex. But I’m retired and on a fixed income, so some of the Elvis Week options now offered by EPE are beyond my reach. Here is an extreme example.
“Elvis Week Elite” Ticket Package:
This one costs $1500 per person and allows you to feel like a VIP for the whole week. Information on the Elite Package is not found on Graceland.com. There are references to it, but when you click on them, it just takes you to the lesser packages.
I found out about Elite Ticket Package on hollywoodnewsdaily.com, and the article says these tickets can only be ordered over the phone. Maybe Graceland has a special contact list of deep-pocketed fans and sends them email invitations urging them to snap up some of these exclusive tickets.
If you buy the Elvis Week Elite Package you will get to see eleven concerts and events over eight days at the Graceland Soundstage at Elvis Presley’s Memphis.
Special Event with Lisa Marie Presley (8/11)
Elvis Presley Fan Club Presidents’ Event (8/12)
Darlene Love in Concert (8/13)
Conversations on Elvis: Co-stars (8/14)
The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley Concert (8/14)
Conversations on Elvis: Gospel (8/15)
A Musical Salute to Elvis (8/15)
Conversations on Elvis: ’68 Special (8/16)
’68 Special 50th Anniversary Celebration (8/16)
Conversations on Elvis: Elvis Connections (8/17)
Elvis Live in Concert (8/18)
As a bonus you get reserved, assigned front-of-the house seating to all these events, and you get early access to the Soundstage ten minutes before the general public.
After the Lisa Marie special event, package ticket holders have admission to an “Exclusive Photo and Autograph Opportunity” with her.
On Monday August 13 you get to attend two events at the Grand Ballroom at the Graceland Guesthouse.
Elvis Fan Reunion – 1pm
Elvis Week Dance Party – 9pm
These are general admission events. The Elite Package ticket holders can really have a big day on the 13th, because they also have the Darlene Love concert that night at 7pm. However, they might be a little late getting to the dance party if they stay after the concert to get a selfie with Darlene or to buy an autographed photo of her.
On Friday, August 17, the package includes admission to the Party at Elvis Presley’s Memphis. There’s going to be live music, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and cash bars. The Graceland calendar of events does not state the party is in any building, so I guess it’s outside.
There is one additional event for the Elite ticket holders at Grand Ballroom at the Guesthouse. At 5pm on August 16, they get to attend a “Private VIP Reception.” Although no details are given on the website, it sounds like it is tied in with the ’68 Special event at 7pm across the street. But they will not have to walk there. They can take the dedicated shuttle service.
Actually, the Elite Package includes unlimited use of this shuttle service between Guesthouse and Graceland from 8am to 11pm all week. It says nothing about Elvis’ Presley’s Memphis being on the route, but you have to think that it is.
Of course, the Elvis Week Elite Ticket Package includes a tour of the Graceland mansion, and, as you would expect, it is the top-of-the-line Ultimate VIP Tour. Regular prices on these tickets are $169 per person.
Are you starting to get tired just thinking about doing all this stuff?
Here are a few extra perks the Elite Ticket Package offers.
$150 in food vouchers for Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex
Elvis Week Parking Pass good for Graceland parking on August 10-18
Elvis Week Collectibles Pack (with exclusive merchandise valued at $50)
Commemorative Elvis Week Elite laminate (your badge to show you’re a VIP)
Reserved line placement for Candlelight Vigil
Elvis Week Property Pass
I must admit, if I had $3,000, I might consider buying two Elite Package tickets for one final Elvis Week blast. However, there would be lots of other expenses to cover. Air fare to Memphis, food costs above the $150 voucher, and six nights at the Graceland Guesthouse (I would skip the Lisa Marie event on the 11th and the fan club presidents’ event on the 12th and pick-up the schedule on the 13th).
Of course, lodging for six nights at the Guesthouse is much higher during Elvis Week than at other times. Let’s see what the cheapest room for two people with a king bed would be for six nights from August 13 through August 19:
Wow! Let’s see, there’s $3,000 for the Elite Package Tickets, about $600 for air fare, $2,540 for lodging, about $500 for meals, and probably another $250 for incidentals. That totals $6,900.
If I ever win the lottery, I’ll definitely go for it. Otherwise, I’m gonna stay home.
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Elvis, Elvis Presley, and Graceland are registered trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.
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