Just completed my third tour of Paisley Park today! I was there opening day last year, again this past spring and I have to say, this time was the best. They have added new items (like a lot) and have now included access to the control room in Studio A.

The Ultimate Experience is the only way to go. It was scheduled for 3 hours but took us nearly 4. You really get to linger and soak it all up. They fed us at the end too which was strangely good and comfortable.

My favorite part though...something I inquired about the past 2 tours, they finally added a few of his cars. They have this SWEET Bentley GT (absolutely gorgeous ride) and the infamous Plymouth Prowler on display in the sound stage. They both look SOOOO sexy. After taking in all the new items in the sound stage area, they made us smoothies lol (not kidding) As we enjoyed them, the archivers showed a few items including a black Power Bass that you get to handle (once you have donned the souvenir white cloth gloves)

The tour and the museum are must see even more now in my opinion. FANTASTIC tour! I'll include a few pics of the cars and bass I am talking about.

Also met 3 wonderful women from Holland. They were so nice and really great to meet!

Obviously the Prowler....

The bass I mentioned...

VERY similar Bentley to Prince's....so damn sexy!

Thank you for sharing your experience!! I hope to go back for a second time to see the new things they've added. We took the VIP tour but didn't get to go into Studio A like they had advertised when we booked the tickets (plus we were supposed to be able to record our vocals on a track). But, it was still a great time!

Thanks for sharing!

Why is this in fan gathering?

kingricefan said:

Thank you for sharing your experience!! I hope to go back for a second time to see the new things they've added. We took the VIP tour but didn't get to go into Studio A like they had advertised when we booked the tickets (plus we were supposed to be able to record our vocals on a track). But, it was still a great time!

That's a pity ! It's also a bit strange since they're still advertising the recording opportunity on the Paisley Park website... I was there early September and I know (because I did it... ) that you could sing part of a sing and have it recorded in Studio A during the VIP tour on Thursday. I hope you can go back a second time. (If possible, try the Ultimate Experience - it's so great being able to spend even more time in PP )

I came here to write a review of my ultimate tour yesterday and here is one already! I was on the same tour! I live 15 miles from Paisley but have not taken a tour until yesterday. I went to the Celebration in April but just got the very rushed 15 minute "walk through" of some of the displays during that..

The tour yesterday was fantastic. Cool to see all the regular exhibits but also things like the editing room where we watched some cool footage, and studios A, B and C. We got lots of info from well informed tour guide Marshall as well as some unreleased music clips and videos. We got the photo op in the Studio B live room and while waiting for others to get photos got to play ping pong on Prince's table.

The soundstage area had lots of exhibits which of course were not there for the celebration in April. And yes, the cars were super cool to see.

I started going to Paisley Park in 1995 and have seen so many shows there and parties etc. over the years. One thing that was surreal was seeing footage of shows that I had been at! There were a few clips from the Rave Un2 the Year 2000 show during the tour and I was there for that show. The most emotional though was in the soundstage room they showed Free Urself from the Piano & a Microphone shows @ Paisley in January 2016. That was the last song of show #2 that night and it dawned on me that I was watching a video of the last song I ever saw Prince play live while standing in the very room where it happened. I got a bit choked up.

And then.... Smoothies! Hibiscus/raspberry. And we got to hold the bass guitar and pretty soon had the delicious vegetarian meal. I'm vegetarian so perfect for me. It was a curry/rice dish and a salad with strawberries and a grilled cheese sandwich and a cookie!

I was very pleased that it was advertised as three hours and turned out to be four by the time I was done. There was more fun merchandise than they had when I was out for the celebration. I picked up a cool looking Purple Rain shirt and Prince beanie.

Anyone wanting a tour I would certainly recommend the Ultimate Experiance as the way to go.

Sounds awesome!

sonicfreak said:

I came here to write a review of my ultimate tour yesterday and here is one already! I was on the same tour! I live 15 miles from Paisley but have not taken a tour until yesterday. I went to the Celebration in April but just got the very rushed 15 minute "walk through" of some of the displays during that..

The tour yesterday was fantastic. Cool to see all the regular exhibits but also things like the editing room where we watched some cool footage, and studios A, B and C. We got lots of info from well informed tour guide Marshall as well as some unreleased music clips and videos. We got the photo op in the Studio B live room and while waiting for others to get photos got to play ping pong on Prince's table.

The soundstage area had lots of exhibits which of course were not there for the celebration in April. And yes, the cars were super cool to see.

I started going to Paisley Park in 1995 and have seen so many shows there and parties etc. over the years. One thing that was surreal was seeing footage of shows that I had been at! There were a few clips from the Rave Un2 the Year 2000 show during the tour and I was there for that show. The most emotional though was in the soundstage room they showed Free Urself from the Piano & a Microphone shows @ Paisley in January 2016. That was the last song of show #2 that night and it dawned on me that I was watching a video of the last song I ever saw Prince play live while standing in the very room where it happened. I got a bit choked up.

And then.... Smoothies! Hibiscus/raspberry. And we got to hold the bass guitar and pretty soon had the delicious vegetarian meal. I'm vegetarian so perfect for me. It was a curry/rice dish and a salad with strawberries and a grilled cheese sandwich and a cookie!

I was very pleased that it was advertised as three hours and turned out to be four by the time I was done. There was more fun merchandise than they had when I was out for the celebration. I picked up a cool looking Purple Rain shirt and Prince beanie.

Anyone wanting a tour I would certainly recommend the Ultimate Experiance as the way to go.

kingricefan said:

Sounds awesome!

sonicfreak said:

I came here to write a review of my ultimate tour yesterday and here is one already! I was on the same tour! I live 15 miles from Paisley but have not taken a tour until yesterday. I went to the Celebration in April but just got the very rushed 15 minute "walk through" of some of the displays during that..

The tour yesterday was fantastic. Cool to see all the regular exhibits but also things like the editing room where we watched some cool footage, and studios A, B and C. We got lots of info from well informed tour guide Marshall as well as some unreleased music clips and videos. We got the photo op in the Studio B live room and while waiting for others to get photos got to play ping pong on Prince's table.

The soundstage area had lots of exhibits which of course were not there for the celebration in April. And yes, the cars were super cool to see.

I started going to Paisley Park in 1995 and have seen so many shows there and parties etc. over the years. One thing that was surreal was seeing footage of shows that I had been at! There were a few clips from the Rave Un2 the Year 2000 show during the tour and I was there for that show. The most emotional though was in the soundstage room they showed Free Urself from the Piano & a Microphone shows @ Paisley in January 2016. That was the last song of show #2 that night and it dawned on me that I was watching a video of the last song I ever saw Prince play live while standing in the very room where it happened. I got a bit choked up.

And then.... Smoothies! Hibiscus/raspberry. And we got to hold the bass guitar and pretty soon had the delicious vegetarian meal. I'm vegetarian so perfect for me. It was a curry/rice dish and a salad with strawberries and a grilled cheese sandwich and a cookie!

I was very pleased that it was advertised as three hours and turned out to be four by the time I was done. There was more fun merchandise than they had when I was out for the celebration. I picked up a cool looking Purple Rain shirt and Prince beanie.

Anyone wanting a tour I would certainly recommend the Ultimate Experiance as the way to go.

It really sounds like the museum is shaping up nicely and makes me want to go more now...with the Ultimate Experience. My biggest regret is that I was offered a ticket to see Prince through the Lotusflower site, and my friends encouraged me to go, but it was too short notice... So I never saw him perform at PP; but now that time has passed I feel more inclined to take the trip and see his place, now knowing that he wanted it to be a museum in his honor...

Please do go to PP. You won't regret it. You will feel his presence there. It was cathatic for me to be there. Yes, I was sad at first (cried like a baby in the reception area before the tour even started!) but by the time the tour was over I felt that a weight had lifted. It was an amazing experience and I hope to go back soon.

purplethunder3121 said:

kingricefan said:

Sounds awesome!

It really sounds like the museum is shaping up nicely and makes me want to go more now...with the Ultimate Experience. My biggest regret is that I was offered a ticket to see Prince through the Lotusflower site, and my friends encouraged me to go, but it was too short notice... So I never saw him perform at PP; but now that time has passed I feel more inclined to take the trip and see his place, now knowing that he wanted it to be a museum in his honor...

kingricefan said:

Please do go to PP. You won't regret it. You will feel his presence there. It was cathatic for me to be there. Yes, I was sad at first (cried like a baby in the reception area before the tour even started!) but by the time the tour was over I felt that a weight had lifted. It was an amazing experience and I hope to go back soon.

purplethunder3121 said:

It really sounds like the museum is shaping up nicely and makes me want to go more now...with the Ultimate Experience. My biggest regret is that I was offered a ticket to see Prince through the Lotusflower site, and my friends encouraged me to go, but it was too short notice... So I never saw him perform at PP; but now that time has passed I feel more inclined to take the trip and see his place, now knowing that he wanted it to be a museum in his honor...

It will take some planning; don't live any where near there... My son suggested that we take a trip (he attended 12 of the 14 Prince shows I went to!). I don't think I would feel right without taking my Prince side-kick with me! We saw two awesome back-to-back Prince shows in 2014--our last. So glad we went! But, yes, PP has to be in my future--a must-be pilgrimage. Of sorts.

sonicfreak said:

Beautiful!!

kookooman73 said:

sonicfreak said:

I came here to write a review of my ultimate tour yesterday and here is one already! I was on the same tour! I live 15 miles from Paisley but have not taken a tour until yesterday. I went to the Celebration in April but just got the very rushed 15 minute "walk through" of some of the displays during that..

The tour yesterday was fantastic. Cool to see all the regular exhibits but also things like the editing room where we watched some cool footage, and studios A, B and C. We got lots of info from well informed tour guide Marshall as well as some unreleased music clips and videos. We got the photo op in the Studio B live room and while waiting for others to get photos got to play ping pong on Prince's table.

The soundstage area had lots of exhibits which of course were not there for the celebration in April. And yes, the cars were super cool to see.

I started going to Paisley Park in 1995 and have seen so many shows there and parties etc. over the years. One thing that was surreal was seeing footage of shows that I had been at! There were a few clips from the Rave Un2 the Year 2000 show during the tour and I was there for that show. The most emotional though was in the soundstage room they showed Free Urself from the Piano & a Microphone shows @ Paisley in January 2016. That was the last song of show #2 that night and it dawned on me that I was watching a video of the last song I ever saw Prince play live while standing in the very room where it happened. I got a bit choked up.

And then.... Smoothies! Hibiscus/raspberry. And we got to hold the bass guitar and pretty soon had the delicious vegetarian meal. I'm vegetarian so perfect for me. It was a curry/rice dish and a salad with strawberries and a grilled cheese sandwich and a cookie!

I was very pleased that it was advertised as three hours and turned out to be four by the time I was done. There was more fun merchandise than they had when I was out for the celebration. I picked up a cool looking Purple Rain shirt and Prince beanie.

Anyone wanting a tour I would certainly recommend the Ultimate Experiance as the way to go.

Last December I was on holiday in New York from the U.K. & my friend & I took a 24 hour detour to Minneapolis. We went on the VIP Paisley Park tour. I was disappointed at first because our tour guide was a disrespectful clueless prick & I could feel myself getting angry despite me being emotional just being there. However when we entered the sound stage towards the end I was mesmerised watching the screen footage remembering all the legendary performances that came from that room. The guide moved the other 12 people like sheep (friend included) into the Super-Bowl/Fence Tribute section before the screen footage had ended. When he walked towards me I put my hand up & said loudly ‘leave me to watch this’. He already knew I was pissed off with him so he went back to the group. Then Free Urself came on. I was transfixed watching this incredible performance. P was in top form, voice perfect, laughing & dancing around the piano whilst getting the crowd to chant Free Urself over & over. I know this will sound weird to some but walking around that huge space on my own watching our man perform his heart out knowing he was so ill was both exhilarating & heartbreaking at the same time. I had a real rush of adrenaline better than any illegal drug i’ve ever taken. It was a beautiful feeling/experience & I will thank P eternally for making me feel that way. Yes the tears flowed. Happy tears tho. What a privilege to have been around to experience him. 💜

Sounds cool and I'm definitely tempted on going on the Ultimate tour in May when we visit. Is it worth the extra money would you think? Much better than the normal VIP tour?

SonnyDJP said:

Sounds cool and I'm definitely tempted on going on the Ultimate tour in May when we visit. Is it worth the extra money would you think? Much better than the normal VIP tour?

You don't get to go in the control rooms of Studio B or Studio C on the VIP tours. They show some extra videos in the editing bay, and you get to hold on of his guitars on the Ultimate. That's about the only differences. It was worth the extra money to me.

Awesome!

What are the different tour price packages/times and how many people were in your tour group?

Do you think the pricing is ok?

4anothertime said:

Just completed my third tour of Paisley Park today! I was there opening day last year, again this past spring and I have to say, this time was the best. They have added new items (like a lot) and have now included access to the control room in Studio A.

The Ultimate Experience is the only way to go. It was scheduled for 3 hours but took us nearly 4. You really get to linger and soak it all up. They fed us at the end too which was strangely good and comfortable.

My favorite part though...something I inquired about the past 2 tours, they finally added a few of his cars. They have this SWEET Bentley GT (absolutely gorgeous ride) and the infamous Plymouth Prowler on display in the sound stage. They both look SOOOO sexy. After taking in all the new items in the sound stage area, they made us smoothies lol (not kidding) As we enjoyed them, the archivers showed a few items including a black Power Bass that you get to handle (once you have donned the souvenir white cloth gloves)

The tour and the museum are must see even more now in my opinion. FANTASTIC tour! I'll include a few pics of the cars and bass I am talking about.

Also met 3 wonderful women from Holland. They were so nice and really great to meet!

awesome story ..thanks for sharing

kookooman73 said:

sonicfreak said:

I came here to write a review of my ultimate tour yesterday and here is one already! I was on the same tour! I live 15 miles from Paisley but have not taken a tour until yesterday. I went to the Celebration in April but just got the very rushed 15 minute "walk through" of some of the displays during that..

The tour yesterday was fantastic. Cool to see all the regular exhibits but also things like the editing room where we watched some cool footage, and studios A, B and C. We got lots of info from well informed tour guide Marshall as well as some unreleased music clips and videos. We got the photo op in the Studio B live room and while waiting for others to get photos got to play ping pong on Prince's table.

The soundstage area had lots of exhibits which of course were not there for the celebration in April. And yes, the cars were super cool to see.

I started going to Paisley Park in 1995 and have seen so many shows there and parties etc. over the years. One thing that was surreal was seeing footage of shows that I had been at! There were a few clips from the Rave Un2 the Year 2000 show during the tour and I was there for that show. The most emotional though was in the soundstage room they showed Free Urself from the Piano & a Microphone shows @ Paisley in January 2016. That was the last song of show #2 that night and it dawned on me that I was watching a video of the last song I ever saw Prince play live while standing in the very room where it happened. I got a bit choked up.

And then.... Smoothies! Hibiscus/raspberry. And we got to hold the bass guitar and pretty soon had the delicious vegetarian meal. I'm vegetarian so perfect for me. It was a curry/rice dish and a salad with strawberries and a grilled cheese sandwich and a cookie!

I was very pleased that it was advertised as three hours and turned out to be four by the time I was done. There was more fun merchandise than they had when I was out for the celebration. I picked up a cool looking Purple Rain shirt and Prince beanie.

Anyone wanting a tour I would certainly recommend the Ultimate Experiance as the way to go.

Last December I was on holiday in New York from the U.K. & my friend & I took a 24 hour detour to Minneapolis. We went on the VIP Paisley Park tour. I was disappointed at first because our tour guide was a disrespectful clueless prick & I could feel myself getting angry despite me being emotional just being there. However when we entered the sound stage towards the end I was mesmerised watching the screen footage remembering all the legendary performances that came from that room. The guide moved the other 12 people like sheep (friend included) into the Super-Bowl/Fence Tribute section before the screen footage had ended. When he walked towards me I put my hand up & said loudly ‘leave me to watch this’. He already knew I was pissed off with him so he went back to the group. Then Free Urself came on. I was transfixed watching this incredible performance. P was in top form, voice perfect, laughing & dancing around the piano whilst getting the crowd to chant Free Urself over & over. I know this will sound weird to some but walking around that huge space on my own watching our man perform his heart out knowing he was so ill was both exhilarating & heartbreaking at the same time. I had a real rush of adrenaline better than any illegal drug i’ve ever taken. It was a beautiful feeling/experience & I will thank P eternally for making me feel that way. Yes the tears flowed. Happy tears tho. What a privilege to have been around to experience him. 💜