Elvis Presley fans who make frequent pilgrimages to his Graceland estate outside of Memphis to revel in the perpetual '70s vibe that's been maintained since the King died there will be disappointed to find out that the property's owners are looking to get rid of the performer's planes.
Elvis Presley Enterprises, which operates the property, has contacted OKC Partnership—the actual owner of the planes—to inform them that the aircraft should be removed from the grounds prior to April 26, 2015. EPE hasn't given comment on why it's seeking to remove the popular feature but contractual issues are a safe bet. OKC makes a cut of the ticket sales brought in from visitors who check out the two planes (The Lisa Marie and Hound Dog II), and Presley Enterprises may not find the deal worth it anymore. Graceland holds the upper hand however, as OKC has acknowledged that it will ultimately lose money on the planes if they aren't stationed in Tennessee.
Presley Enterprises is currently developing a 450-room hotel on the property for visiting guests, but considering that complex is scheduled to open during August 2015, the removal of the planes wouldn't be early enough to suggest their current placement affects the construction.
More than 500,000 people visit the landmark and its museum every year, and many pay the extra few bucks to take a walk through Presley's private planes. The Lisa Marie and Hound Dog II feature decorative details well in line with their owner's colorful tastes, with gold and glitter color schemes throughout. If the planes do permanently depart from Graceland International however, fans will still have Elvis's impressive automotive collection to ogle at...an attraction at the institution that we find particularly underrated.
