EPE lifts mansion tour prices:

[presley31]

Elvis Express Radio (E.E.R) listener Colin Paul tells us from Memphis.....If you now go on the platinum tour of Graceland don't expect to see the part of the house that once housed Elvis' trophy's. The building, which now holds exhibits like Lisa' burger bed, Elvis' guns, jewellery and other personal items has been removed by EPE and NOW can only be seen if you pay for the "V.I.P" tour, which is now $68 per adult.

As Colin rightfully said; "EPE never fail do they!"

EPE officials have apparently stated that the rise in prices is to counteract falling numbers due to the current economic squeeze. (News, Source: EER/FECC forum)

[goodelvisgirl]

well prices are rising every where so i suppose its no surprise but i think it might drive people away as not everyone has that kind of money to spend

[Tony Trout]

Can I make a comment before anyone blows a fuse?

With the way that is worded makes it sound like they're shutting off access to the racquetball building (which is exactly where the awards and trophies are placed) entirely--but that's not the case--they're only removing/closing off that one part of the exhibit--not the entire area.

[Lonniebealestreet]

...which makes the increase that much more ridiculous!

Actually, we lose either way.

They really need to learn something about grade school economics. Let's see...people aren't coming because no one can afford it -- what can we do? I know! Raise the prices!

[presley31]

...which makes the increase that much more ridiculous!

Actually, we lose either way.

They really need to learn something about grade school economics. Let's see...people aren't coming because no one can afford it -- what can we do? I know! Raise the prices!

I agree Bobby, its a shame now that prices are so high l can't afford to even visit, so by the looks of it me is never going to get there if they keep jacking prices on things:'(

[Miss Clawdy]

...which makes the increase that much more ridiculous!

Actually, we lose either way.

They really need to learn something about grade school economics. Let's see...people aren't coming because no one can afford it -- what can we do? I know! Raise the prices!

I can only agree, what a strange way of thinking :blink::doh:!

[Lainey]

That answers the question I had when we went to Graceland on August 1. We got the Platinum Tour - same as we had the year before - but, the one display I was looking forward to was gone! I thought I had lost my mind or something! :)

When we were there in 2007, the place was crowded and I didn't get to see that display as closely as I would have liked. This year, the wedding clothes and Lisa Marie's baby stuff had been moved into a closed display in the awards room. But the red furniture, guns, round bed etc., were no longer available.

Oh well...at least I know what happened.

[utmom2008]

They really need to learn something about grade school economics. Let's see...people aren't coming because no one can afford it -- what can we do? I know! Raise the prices!

Economics 101 and Marketing 101.(y)(y)(y)(y) Who is the genius making these decisions?:doh::doh::doh:


I agree Bobby, its a shame now that prices are so high l can't afford to even visit, so by the looks of it me is never going to get there if they keep jacking prices on things:'(

Keep dreaming...keep hoping Jen.:D:D(y)

[john carpenter]

Pretty soon we will have to be as rich as Lisa Marie to visit her fathers' mansion!(n):angry:

[Broussey]

THATS BULLSHIT!!!:bangin:!!!! Man oh MAN, Lower the prices so everyone can enjoy Elvis Presley.. What would he think IMO he would be disgusted..(n)

[Stryx]

The room that is closed is the room that houses Lisa's burger bed etc..

It's not the Racquetball building.

The room is available to those who take the V.I.P tour.

The price rise was/is inevitable.

[Lonniebealestreet]

Yes, there will always be price increases there and everywhere else. It is the aggressive rate at which they have done it at Graceland and the nature of this move -- taking stuff away from the regular tour requiring much more money to now see it -- that are particularly aggravating.


Economics 101 and Marketing 101. Who is the genius making these decisions?
I hate to admit how often I ask that question...but that's my own personal hell and I will spare you all the Off Topic details. ;)

[ksimms2]

well..when I go, I do the VIP tour anyway...more to see. You can book a package through heartbreak hotel that includes the room, VIP Tour, etc. it's well worth it. I just wished I could've been there for Elvis Week this year.

[Brian]

...which makes the increase that much more ridiculous!

Actually, we lose either way.

They really need to learn something about grade school economics. Let's see...people aren't coming because no one can afford it -- what can we do? I know! Raise the prices!


I agree with you I brought up the same exact point on the Fecc forum.

[Brian]

Economics 101 and Marketing 101.(y)(y)(y)(y) Who is the genius making these decisions?:doh::doh::doh:

I think it's the great business man Robert Sillerman

[U.S. Male]

Let's see...people aren't coming because no one can afford it -- what can we do? I know! Raise the prices!



"Never ceases to amaze me" :doh:

I bet the ole' Colonel is looking down smiling at this one :whistling

[Trev1]

Typical and it has to happen just before I make a visit to
Graceland in 8 weeks :angry:

Seen as how Elvis was so generous , EPEs prices leave such a bad taste
in the mouth (n)

[presley31]

I think you can find this on sillerman's door
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m303/Stubaroo/bxp64511.jpg

[utmom2008]

I think you can find this on sillerman's door
You are on a roll today.:lmfao::lmfao:

[mislulu]

I found this on Elvis.com. I believe that this is an addition, I went two years ago and I do not recall seeing this. Of course I am getting old. :lmfao:

"The Special VIP Tour Exhibit: In addition to all the other great benefits, visitors who take the VIP Tour are granted access to an exhibit of artifacts that relate to the personal side of Elvis. It includes the deed to Graceland, a gift from Elvis to his parents, and fun items from Elvis's personal wardrobe. VIPs are treated to a fascinating variety of clothing he wore off stage including custom outfits for family dinners and lounging around the house. It's all displayed in a replica of Elvis's upstairs dressing room. And for the first time ever, VIPs will also see the living room furniture from Elvis and Priscilla's honeymoon hideaway in Palm Springs.
The working barn behind Graceland was one of Elvis's favorite places to unwind. If you choose the VIP option, you'll be able to explore that side of Elvis with items from that space including his personal saddle, chaps and other artifacts relating to the Presley's equestrian activities."

[beckelvis]

i´m state this august,and i took the VIP truth there were many people ¿and i think where is the problem of the economy,? i don´t understand

[Lonniebealestreet]

That all sounds nice and if in fact part of the existing tour hasn't been broken off into the VIP package, then we can all sleep a little better tonight. I was about to ask if there was any mention of this anywhere else and I read the above post -- thanks, mislulu. It doesn't really address the earlier report so I guess we'll wait and see what we hear from other sources.

[GraceeD1970]

Bad, bad move on their part. A family cannot afford their prices. So a family of 4 would cost $272 to see a VIP Graceland . . . Give Me A Break! I've lost respect in the management of Graceland. Their prices trickles down to everything else the revenue brings in to surrounding businesses. I for one hope they see a sharp decline and get their head out of their a**es!

[utmom2008]

That all sounds nice and if in fact part of the existing tour hasn't been broken off into the VIP package, then we can all sleep a little better tonight. I was about to ask if there was any mention of this anywhere else and I read the above post -- thanks, mislulu. It doesn't really address the earlier report so I guess we'll wait and see what we hear from other sources.

This isn't a new change..this is the way it was in April when Gail and I were there. We will be their in October, we'll see then if there has been a change in the last 6 months.:blink:

[MissyM]

The profit margin must go up or people will sell their stock in Sillerman's company.

[mislulu]

I had to recheck myself. The VIP tour includes the new "Personal side of Elvis" This is new to me. I always went on the Platinum tour and it is the same. The only difference that I can see that it was raised $4.00. I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't seeing things (old age remember). :blush: Anyway, I don't know if the website includes the new pricing that Jen is talking about, just have to wait and see I guess. I am going to try to take a trip to Memphis in October. So, UTMOM maybe we will see each other. :D

[KPM]

Tickets to the new stadium in St Louis for the Cardinals are anywhere from $16 dollars for Standing Room Only on up to to $140 for luxury boxes and rooms-per person. In 1968 when I went to the old Busch Stadium the good seats were around $16! It is almost out of reach for a middle class family of 4 to attend a ballgame. So I'm not sure how out of line the prices are-naturally they are higher than they use to be and no one likes price hikes on anything. We have an economy which has been in free fall for at least 18 months IMO-it was just addressed in the last 8 as a problem.
Foreclosures at record levels, bankruptcy filings are at record levels, energy costs driving the prices of everything up-its a bad time for any tourism and vacation industries. Its also a horrid time for those who can't afford to pay what the costs are.

[Jungleroom76]

I for one hope they see a sharp decline and get their head out of their a**es!

Unfortunately GraceeD, if they do see a sharp decline in visitor attendance at Graceland because of this, they won't contribute the decline to this latest ticket price increase, so they'll just raise the prices again! :angry:

Pretty soon, the V.I.P. tour is going to cost $300 a ticket!!! :doh:

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

All right....I am confused... :blink:

This section that is only included in the V.I.P. tour now....is it the annex across from the Jungle Room (that used to be Charlie Hodge's apartment) that has been taken off the regular tour, or is it the exhibit that is across the street from the mansion in the plaza? :hmm:

It's a travesty in either case, but I was just a little confused as to exactly what was removed from the regular tour! :cursing:

TCB!
Mike

[MojoElvis]

This the total opposite of what the spirit of Elvis stood for. He gave without expecting in return. Show me another celebrity that spent most of his money on his friends, family and strangers. I'm not surprised that EPE is jumping on the raising prices bandwagon.
The fans should protest and not show up for the next Elvis week. Bad enough all they have to offer at $35.00 a pop, for the rare Elvis music, FTD label. That was smart making them "imported".

[MojoElvis]

Unfortunately GraceeD, if they do see a sharp decline in visitor attendance at Graceland because of this, they won't contribute the decline to this latest ticket price increase, so they'll just raise the prices again! :angry:

Pretty soon, the V.I.P. tour is going to cost $300 a ticket!!! :doh:

TCB!
Mike

Good point...:hmm:

[Jungleroom76]

I'm not surprised that EPE is jumping on the raising prices bandwagon.

Believe me MojoElvis, I'm not surprised either....the only thing that does surprise me is that it took them this long to raise their prices!!! :cursing:

TCB!
Mike

[GraceeD1970]

I've been to Graceland 4 times. Last in '98 and I cannot remember what I paid, but it seems like their prices have doubled. Even Seniors do not get a discount, but 6 and under are free (how generous). My brother went last year and was able to meet George Klein. It was an amazing experience he said.

[Teddy]

Irrespective of the fluctuating price, I've only ever done the VIP tour (twice) and I'd strongly recommend it- you have the time and space to picture exactly where Priscilla would have been sitting and what she might have been thinking back in the day.

[ehollier]

Irrespective of the fluctuating price, I've only ever done the VIP tour (twice) and I'd strongly recommend it- you have the time and space to picture exactly where Priscilla would have been sitting and what she might have been thinking back in the day.

Really??????....I guess I was too busy imagining Elvis doing his 'thing' while I was admiring the exhibit!!!!!!!!!! :blush::blush::blush::blush::blush: While you, quite obviously, have dreamt, in much detail I might add, about Priscilla's whereabouts, my mind lies in the perpetually gutter when thinking of Elvis back in the day...........

[utmom2008]

Really??????....I guess I was too busy imagining Elvis doing his 'thing' while I was admiring the exhibit!!!!!!!!!! :blush::blush::blush::blush::blush: While you, quite obviously, have dreamt, in much detail I might add, about Priscilla's whereabouts, my mind lies in the perpetually gutter when thinking of Elvis back in the day...........

(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)

[Dudcowboy_1]

To me well I know for fact Elvis is rolling in his grave, and if he could he would be taking these people by the neck and saying "why in hell are you doing this to my fans." This just blows my mind how they can do this. Right now unless you are rich as heck no one can afford over $150 for a family and also hotel, food, and etc.

Love to all,
Tim

[Polk-Salad-Annie]

"Never ceases to amaze me" :doh:
I bet the ole' Colonel is looking down smiling at this one :whistling
Well said!!! (y)(y)(y)(y)(y)