Graceland to offer virtual Elvis experiences
Fans can channel their inner Elvis Presley as Graceland unveils new virtual and augmented reality experiences during Elvis Week 2020 Aug. 8-16.
With the Memphis tourist attraction limited by COVID-19, Graceland will roll out 10 new interactive exhibits that visitors can participate in while maintaining social distance.
The virtual offerings range from trying on a sequined jumpsuit to joining the singer on stage at the 1968 Comeback Special that relaunched his career.
They’ll be located in the Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex and its Elvis the Entertainer exhibit, a cache of gold and platinum records, jumpsuits and movie memorabilia.
Graceland bills the new offerings as “Instagrammable” experiences because most will allow visitors to download customized images and videos for sharing on social media.
It’s part of Graceland’s plan for a scaled down version of the annual celebration of Presley’s life.
Prerecorded programming will take the place of the usual live concerts, Elvis tribute artist competition and panel discussions featuring the singer’s friends, associates and co-stars.
The annual Candlelight Vigil will be live on the evening of Aug. 15, but participants will need free, advance reservations, and attendance will be limited. The vigil proceeds from the gates of Graceland to the burial place of Presley and his parents in the Meditation Garden.
Here’s how Graceland describes the new experiences:
- Eras of Elvis Game asks guests to answer a series of questions that result in meeting 50s, 60s or 70s 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. (Graceland Holdings managing partner Joel Weinshanker said, “I’ve always wanted to dress like Elvis, but never quite found the courage. I plan to be first in line for these socially shareable attractions.”)
- Elvis Album Cover Photo Booth virtually places guests onto their chosen album covers with Elvis, resulting in a downloadable photo.
- Elvis Movie Match Game asks guests to answer a series of questions that result in meeting one of Elvis’ 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 offers guests 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. The video will be downloadable and shareable.
- Elvis Movie Posters Photo Booth virtually places guests in one of Elvis’ movie posters and delivers another unique and shareable 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 offers visitors a taste of 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.
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