July Disney/Daytona?

[huntconn]

Just curious: Any NASCAR fans out there going to the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona and WDW in July? I'm really excited to be experiencing 2 of my favorite things in the world this year on the same vacation: NASCAR at Daytona and Disney World! :cool1:

[kkhworth]

Dh and I are celebreating our tenth anniversary doing just this! I ordered our Daytona tickets this morning....there are LOTS left. We are very excited!

Have you been to this race before? DH has, but I have not. I am excited about seeing a night race. We also got the pre~race/fan zone added to our tickets. :cool1:

[Eeyore's My Favorite]

If you're going to the race be sure & leave early, early, early if you want parking anywhere close to DIS. Tail gate, people watch or whatever you want to do. You might even want to use a park & ride area near the track. If you do manage to get a parking spot near the track plan to pay at least $20 - $30 per vehicle.

Any race at DIS is great, but be prepared for the superbowl of traffic jams getting to the track on I-4 or I-95 and especially on ISB to the track. Bring your patience - after all - in the end when/if your driver wins the race it will have been totally worth it.

(This is coming from a local who has worked DIS & survived the crowds, etc, but now prefers to watch the race at home :duck: )

[kkhworth]

We plan on checking out of Pop first thing, then checking into a hotel in Kissimmee. Daytona hotels were $200 a night, so we are just gonna drive over. We plan to be there by noon, and the race does not start until 8. We also have purchased the Pre~Race FANVIEW, so we are gonna stay busy!
Kevin Costner takes the stage at 5pm. ;)

[huntconn]

kkhworth,
Hope you guys have a blast at DIS! We have tickets for the Petty Tower with the pre race Fanzone. My wife is excited that Lady Antebellum is doing a pre race concert and the National Anthem. I guess they are some hot new country band or something. This will be my first night race ever and first race at DIS. I've only been to Pocono and Dover so far. Really looking forward to it. We will be staying at my Mom and Dad's house in The Villages, about an hour away from Daytona. We will be getting to DIS early in the morning to enjoy all of the festivities. Safe to assume that traffic going back to my folks' home will be a nightmare?

[Eeyore's My Favorite]

Safe to assume that traffic going back to my folks' home will be a nightmare?

Traffic will be a nightmare coming & going to DIS - be sure to keep your radios tuned to local radio stations. They usually broadcast traffic information pretty regularly. The locals around here know all the back roads to come & go from the track so we don't get stuck on I-95 or I-4. Just be sure to pack your patience......:)

The races at DIS are fantastic & the addition of the FanZone makes a day at the track the ultimate race day. Soak it all up - it's worth every penny you spend. Try to slip into Daytona USA - the things you can experience in there are special too - get your picture taken out front with the special statues of the Frances.

Overall - enjoy Disney & then enjoy your time @ DIS!! :cutie:

[kkhworth]

Traffic will be a nightmare coming & going to DIS - be sure to keep your radios tuned to local radio stations. They usually broadcast traffic information pretty regularly. The locals around here know all the back roads to come & go from the track so we don't get stuck on I-95 or I-4. Just be sure to pack your patience......:)

The races at DIS are fantastic & the addition of the FanZone makes a day at the track the ultimate race day. Soak it all up - it's worth every penny you spend. Try to slip into Daytona USA - the things you can experience in there are special too - get your picture taken out front with the special statues of the Frances.

Overall - enjoy Disney & then enjoy your time @ DIS!! :cutie:



Ok~Eeyore's My Favorite~~~~Give us all the scoop! lol Any tips/hints you wanna share since we are both newbies to DIS? Help us out a little. ;)
FanZone/garage viewing/traffic....we want it all. :worship:

[Eeyore's My Favorite]

If you're not planning to get there early, early to tailgate I'd suggest using one of the Park & Ride lots that should be advertised on I-95. DSis & her family have used the one at LPGA Blvd. area off of I-95. They park their car there as it's north of ISB & ride the bus down to the track. So far they haven't had any trouble in all the years they've used that. You might be able to go on the DIS website & see where the different locations are. Best bet whether coming from Orlando or Villages - watch the overhead signs that tell of the congestion, wait time to ISB/92. Just pack your patience.........LOL!!

Haven't had the pleasure of doing the FanZone - it was being built when my Dad retired from Nascar/DIS. Have taken the ride around rim road & also been in a car around the track at 100+MPH. Most fun I'd had in a long time other than being inside when they were filming Days of Thunder!! :cutie:

Enjoy the races everyone...........it's another one of those magical experiences. The first time those cars tear down the straightaway in front of you & the seats shake you'll wonder why it's taken you so long to be at DIS!! :drive:

[kkhworth]

If you're not planning to get there early, early to tailgate I'd suggest using one of the Park & Ride lots that should be advertised on I-95. DSis & her family have used the one at LPGA Blvd. area off of I-95. They park their car there as it's north of ISB & ride the bus down to the track. So far they haven't had any trouble in all the years they've used that. You might be able to go on the DIS website & see where the different locations are. Best bet whether coming from Orlando or Villages - watch the overhead signs that tell of the congestion, wait time to ISB/92. Just pack your patience.........LOL!!

Haven't had the pleasure of doing the FanZone - it was being built when my Dad retired from Nascar/DIS. Have taken the ride around rim road & also been in a car around the track at 100+MPH. Most fun I'd had in a long time other than being inside when they were filming Days of Thunder!! :cutie:

Enjoy the races everyone...........it's another one of those magical experiences. The first time those cars tear down the straightaway in front of you & the seats shake you'll wonder why it's taken you so long to be at DIS!! :drive:

Oh, WOW...would my DH be SO jealous of you!!!

Thanks for all your info! I located a PARK AND RIDE for us. :worship:

[huntconn]

Enjoy the races everyone...........it's another one of those magical experiences. The first time those cars tear down the straightaway in front of you & the seats shake you'll wonder why it's taken you so long to be at DIS!! :drive:

Ok now you went and did it....I am officially psyched for Daytona!!!!!!Bring on the Thunder! Only thing to top off the experience would be to see my man Smoke climbing the fence after a victory. Thanks for the info!

[castmemberb4]

Man ! I'm jealous of you two ::yes::
I live in a race town and have never been to my own track.
I'll think about you guys while I'm cheering on Kasey from home.
Lynn

[huntconn]

Man ! I'm jealous of you two ::yes::
I live in a race town and have never been to my own track.
I'll think about you guys while I'm cheering on Kasey from home.
Lynn

I see that you love in GA. Are you saying that you live near the Atlanta Motor Speedway, you're a race fan and you've never been there? Holy Crap! :rotfl2:

[Alicnwondrln]

we did this last year and it was the pepsi 500 and we had a great time

[kkhworth]

we did this last year and it was the pepsi 500 and we had a great time

By chance did you use a Park and Ride? I am kinda nervous about this for some reason..... :confused3

[iluveeyore]

We did this two years ago and loved it!! (Tony Stewart climbed the wall right in front of us at the end ) Oh, and we sat through a four hour rain delay and got back to POP at 6:30 am, exactly 24 hours after we left.
We actually just returned from a Nascar/Disney combo - went to the Coca Cola 600 in Charlotte, then to WDW for 11 days - great times!
Enjoy!

[iluveeyore]

By chance did you use a Park and Ride? I am kinda nervous about this for some reason..... :confused3

Don't be nervous about park and ride - it's free and works great. WE used it for the Pepsi 400 two years ago (maybe 3?), and then the Daytona 500 in '07, never had a problem. The shuttles run constantly, and it worked out great when the race was over, because by the time we got back to our car and out on the road, most of the traffic leaving directly from the track had cleared out. And after all the money we paid for tickets, air fare, hotel, car rental and gas, free parking was a real plus!

[castmemberb4]

I see that you love in GA. Are you saying that you live near the Atlanta Motor Speedway, you're a race fan and you've never been there? Holy Crap! :rotfl2:

Yes! Hanging my head in shame. That's what I'm saying. I've lived here my whole life, and have been a NASCAR fan my whole life thanks to an older brother, I'm still not sure how this has happened. I have however been at Disney World during the Atlanta race :lmao:
Lynn

[huntconn]

Yes! Hanging my head in shame. That's what I'm saying. I've lived here my whole life, and have been a NASCAR fan my whole life thanks to an older brother, I'm still not sure how this has happened. I have however been at Disney World during the Atlanta race :lmao:
Lynn

Well I think you better get yourself out there and buy some tickets for the upcoming Atlanta race! :thumbsup2 Seriously though, I think Atlanta is in jeapordy of having one of it's race dates moved by Bruton Smith if they continue to not sell out on a regular basis. He desperately wants a second date at his Vegas track and now wants a date in Kentucky since he bought that track as well. :scared1:

[castmemberb4]

Well I think you better get yourself out there and buy some tickets for the upcoming Atlanta race! :thumbsup2 Seriously though, I think Atlanta is in jeapordy of having one of it's race dates moved by Bruton Smith if they continue to not sell out on a regular basis. He desperately wants a second date at his Vegas track and now wants a date in Kentucky since he bought that track as well. :scared1:

I think you're right, on both counts. I need to get myself down there and fill in those seats. I'd hate to see them lose an Atlanta race, all of the drivers seem to like this track. I'll actually be home this year for the Fall Atlanta race, I'm usually at the Food & Wine Festival that weekend.

[Eeyore's My Favorite]

If you're coming to the race this week-end, pack your rain poncho. We've been getting daily afternoon thunderstorms. Tons of rain. Last thing you want to be doing is sitting in the stands soaking wet!!

Go Mark Martin!! :wizard:

[castmemberb4]

If you're coming to the race this week-end, pack your rain poncho. We've been getting daily afternoon thunderstorms. Tons of rain. Last thing you want to be doing is sitting in the stands soaking wet!!

Go Mark Martin!! :wizard:

GO Mark Martin indeed :thumbsup2
I SO want to see him win at Daytona. Another driver whose name I won't mention here will forever be on my "bad" list for taking that race away from him, and I used to like that other guy. :rolleyes:

Lynn :love: #9

[Eeyore's My Favorite]

GO Mark Martin indeed :thumbsup2
I SO want to see him win at Daytona. Another driver whose name I won't mention here will forever be on my "bad" list for taking that race away from him, and I used to like that other guy. :rolleyes:

Lynn :love: #9

I'm so spoiled - having met so many of the drivers since I had worked there parking cars (in the old days) and my Dad worked for DIS & NASCAR before his retirement. The drivers & crew were forever just dropping into my Dad's office. I have my Dad's autographed pic of him & Richard Petty on the track. Special memories - DIS will always hold a special place in my heart!!

Everyone have fun this week-end - the July race is always spectacular - DIS does it up right!!

Go Mark Martin:yay: :yay: :yay:

[huntconn]

Went to the Coke Zero 400 yesterday and had an absolute BLAST! What a great place to see a race. You can just feel the history and "ghosts" surrounding you. We spent the day in the Daytona 500 Experience and the Fanzone. It was HOT but there was a constant breeze coming from the beach which made it tolerable. Thanks for all the great advice. Park and Ride was great. The buses were constantly rolling in and took access roads to get you to the track. I was shocked at how clean the parking area and even the port o johns were! DIS is a class operation all the way. And btw the race was great! Unfortuantely my boy Smoke was sick and had to have JJ Yeley replace him but the race overall was fun with plenty of lead changes and bumpin and bangin. We had great seats at the the top of the Petty Tower. The weather at night was very nice with NO RAIN! We've been in Florida for several days now and this was the only day it did not rain. Oh, and the fireworks after the race were unbelievable. Actually gave Disney a run for it's money...I'm serious! I could go on and on. This was definately a memorable experience and I hope we get the chance to do it again. We check into the Polynesian on Tuesday for 9 days in the World! Thanks again to everyone who responded to this thread. NASCAR fans rule!

[Eeyore's My Favorite]

Went to the Coke Zero 400 yesterday and had an absolute BLAST! What a great place to see a race. You can just feel the history and "ghosts" surrounding you. We spent the day in the Daytona 500 Experience and the Fanzone. It was HOT but there was a constant breeze coming from the beach which made it tolerable. Thanks for all the great advice. Park and Ride was great. The buses were constantly rolling in and took access roads to get you to the track. I was shocked at how clean the parking area and even the port o johns were! DIS is a class operation all the way. And btw the race was great! Unfortuantely my boy Smoke was sick and had to have JJ Yeley replace him but the race overall was fun with plenty of lead changes and bumpin and bangin. We had great seats at the the top of the Petty Tower. The weather at night was very nice with NO RAIN! We've been in Florida for several days now and this was the only day it did not rain. Oh, and the fireworks after the race were unbelievable. Actually gave Disney a run for it's money...I'm serious! I could go on and on. This was definately a memorable experience and I hope we get the chance to do it again. We check into the Polynesian on Tuesday for 9 days in the World! Thanks again to everyone who responded to this thread. NASCAR fans rule!

I am so glad that everything worked out great, including the Park & Ride. DIS does everything up right - totally spectacular to the end, especially the fireworks. Watching them up over Lake Lloyd is awesome. Everything looked spectacular on TV - I was amazed by all of the activities that were covered on TV, too. Made you feel as if you were actually at the races, too. How was Kevin Costner's band & Lady Antebellum? They sounded amazing on TV.

Enjoy your time at Disney-haven't stayed at the Poly yet, have ressies @ AKL in September & can't wait.:cutie:

[kkhworth]

Went to the Coke Zero 400 yesterday and had an absolute BLAST! What a great place to see a race. You can just feel the history and "ghosts" surrounding you. We spent the day in the Daytona 500 Experience and the Fanzone. It was HOT but there was a constant breeze coming from the beach which made it tolerable. Thanks for all the great advice. Park and Ride was great. The buses were constantly rolling in and took access roads to get you to the track. I was shocked at how clean the parking area and even the port o johns were! DIS is a class operation all the way. And btw the race was great! Unfortuantely my boy Smoke was sick and had to have JJ Yeley replace him but the race overall was fun with plenty of lead changes and bumpin and bangin. We had great seats at the the top of the Petty Tower. The weather at night was very nice with NO RAIN! We've been in Florida for several days now and this was the only day it did not rain. Oh, and the fireworks after the race were unbelievable. Actually gave Disney a run for it's money...I'm serious! I could go on and on. This was definately a memorable experience and I hope we get the chance to do it again. We check into the Polynesian on Tuesday for 9 days in the World! Thanks again to everyone who responded to this thread. NASCAR fans rule!

We also did the park and ride, as well as the pre~race/fan zone. Yes, it was HOT! We got there around noon...it was a long, hot day, but it was an absolute BLAST! I would def do it again sometime! Lady Antebellum was ok, Kevin Costner was good, but the race was AWESOME!

Forgot to add: traffic after getting back to our car was HORRID! lol

[DC5Chick06]

Lady A sounded awesome on TV. I wish I had gone. We usually go down for the Rolex race that was on Thursday, but had so many issues with DIS "rent-a-cops" we decided not to go this year. I frequent DIS a lot, it's nice living about an hour away. My dad and I race Porsches, and he has actually raced there. I won't dare do it, the track is really scary to me. Glad y'all had an awesome time!

[castmemberb4]

SO huntconn did you hear the big news out of Joe Gibbs racing today?

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/news/story?id=3480221