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When you visit Minneapolis, Minnesota, add the Paisley Park Tour to your list of things to do in Chanhassen. I purchased the 90-minute Paisley Experience tour. Of course, I am familiar with Prince and his music, but after the tour, I can now say I am a true Prince fan.
Although my flight was at 9:00PM, I headed to the airport from work. The Minneapolis flights are 43 and 44. I am going for 50 flights this year. I booked two one-way flights. Why? Well, the flights were $49 each way. I used a travel hack and received a $49 credit for one flight. The total cost of this trip should have been $49. I book so many flights that something is bound to go wrong.
Because I knew I would Uber to Paisley Park, I saved money on hotel accommodations and redeemed 30,000 Hilton Honors points to reserve my room. The hotel has a shuttle to and from the airport. Well, the last shuttle left the airport at 9:30PM. My flight landed at 10:30. I called an Uber. No problem, I had not redeemed my $15 November Uber credit from Amex. Check your credit card benefits. When I checked in, I asked for an upgrade. The clerk found a room on the highest floor and offered me water. The room was clean, and it had a pleasant smell. I also saved money on breakfast because Homewood Suites offers complimentary hot and cold breakfasts: biscuits and gravy, oatmeal, sausage, eggs, and bagels.
The drive to Paisley Park was less than 30 minutes from the hotel. I arrived early per the directions on the ticket. My tour was at 9:20AM and over at 10:50. You will power down your cell phone and place it in a bag. If you have an Apple Watch, power it down too. A staff member will lock the bag for part of the tour. Everyone I encountered seemed to be genuinely excited about working at Paisley Park. There was so much to see. I could not believe I was standing in the home where Prince lived. Visit every room during the tour. Watch every video clip. You will learn something new about Prince. As you stand in the foyer/entryway, please look up to see doves on the 2nd floor.
I will not give away everything, but you will see the soundstage, and the tour guide shared stories about the various artists who recorded music in Paisley Park. Of course, there is a story behind the shoes. Do not overlook his shoe collection or the video about the shoemakers. Can you have a party and concert at your house for 1,500 guests? Then there was the Music Club. I hesitated about purchasing the Ultimate Experience. Now, I hate that I missed out. I enjoyed the tour and want to go back to see everything. Paisley Park is massive. You can purchase souvenirs onsite.
I caught the hotel shuttle to the airport. My ID beeped when it went through the scanner. The TSA agent called a supervisor. I quickly explained that I was heading to the airport lounge. He asked for my boarding pass. I booked two one-way flights from Chicago to Minneapolis. Now, I had to scramble to find a flight home. The fare to Chicago was $173, and the flight was at 3:55PM. I canceled the other flight and received a travel fund. The round-trip flight now cost $123, but it should have only cost $49. Yes, I failed miserably with this hack.
I am glad I arrived at the airport early and resolved my issue with the flight. Of course, I was ready for a complimentary pre-flight meal and drinks at the Escape Lounge after my ordeal. Although I had two airport lounge options, I went to the Escape Lounge located in Terminal 1. You will catch a train and tram to get to the terminal. Allow plenty of time to get back to Terminal 2. If you are looking for additional travel ideas, visit my website.
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