Richard Petty Driving Experience [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

MkyMws

12-04-2008, 08:33 AM

So I am taking advantage of the $49.00 promo they have right now.

You can buy a ride-a-long gift card for $49.00 (usually $109.00). You need to buy before Dec31st, and then they are useable after Jan 1st...I don't think they have an expiry. I forgot to ask.

I did tell the lady I was going down in March & she said no problem.

I searched for some video on youtube & found some incar video from a ladies drive. At the end the driver said they were going 175 MPH (just over 280 KPH). I will never be able to do that in my Saturn.

Lokking forward to this...my wife also bought me a keys to the kingdom tour for my 40th birthday (which I will be celebrating at the magic kingdom).

tim

Mike2023

12-04-2008, 01:20 PM

You should have a blast.

I won a ride along when I was 16 by winning a arcade racing terny at disney. Had to wait 3 years befor I could use it as you had to be 18. Or was I 14 when I won it, and you had to be 16? I dont remember, but its fun non the less.

Also I did the Keys to the Kingdom tour with my wife last april. Great tour and well worth the money.

yxe dad

12-04-2008, 06:25 PM

Have fun it's a blast, you will probably pay to do the rookie experience(you drive 8 laps) after your done the ride a long!

I'm going down to the Bristol race in March and flying into Charlotte first. I plan on going to the speedway in Charlotte and doing the ride a long there.

ps brace yourself for the first turn, it's scariest/funnest part of the ride a long for me!

tribus121

12-04-2008, 08:23 PM

I would love to do the Richard Petty Driving Experance .But only the rookie experience .I drive a car on our local 1/3 mile oval but the thoughts of being in the passenger seat scare the ---- out of me .

MaryannF

12-06-2008, 03:54 PM

I gave my husband the ride along for Christmas last year. We went in February and he went for the ride the day after we got to WDW. When he got out of the car at the end of the ride he wished me a Merry Christmas and told me it was the best present he had ever received. He still smiles when he thinks of that day.:)

Cruiser1969

12-06-2008, 05:08 PM

Where do we go to sign up for the promo? Is there a link?
Thanks!:goodvibes

Harvestmooner

12-06-2008, 05:41 PM

Where do we go to sign up for the promo? Is there a link?
Thanks!:goodvibes

ME TOO!!!:woohoo:

mickeywho?

12-06-2008, 06:57 PM

How much time do you have to plan to do this, can you do it in a morning or full day?

Cruiser1969

12-06-2008, 08:21 PM

MaryannF

12-08-2008, 07:24 AM

How much time do you have to plan to do this, can you do it in a morning or full day?

You go on the day you want to do it. It is on a first come, first served basis. While you are waiting your turn you see and hear the people doing the Drive experience. We got there shortly after it opened and we were finished before noon. We looked around the gift shop for quite a while and watched the drivers on the track for a bit.

MaryannF

12-08-2008, 07:25 AM

Where do we go to sign up for the promo? Is there a link?
Thanks!:goodvibes

The Richard Petty Driving Experience (RPDE) is offering two special holiday gift ideas for race fans this year. "Give the Gift of Speed" with a $49 Ride-Along or a Holiday Ride & Drive package featuring a Rookie and a Ride-Along for only $399. The Ride-Along, which typically retails for $109, has participants riding shotgun with a professional instructor for three unforgettable laps at speeds up to 165 mph. The popular Rookie Experience has guests up on the wheel for 8 heart-pounding laps with an opportunity to reach speeds of 135 mph or more by themselves. The 2008 Holiday offer runs through December 31. For more information, call 1-800-BE-PETTY or visit online at www.1800bepetty.com For more about the Speedway at Walt Disney World visit: http://allears.net/btp/petty.htm

MaryannF

12-08-2008, 07:32 AM

Ok, I went to the Richard Petty Experience website to purchase the gift card, but when I went to pay, it added an extra $40 for Canadian delivery:scared1:

I know this can't be right . . . . does someone know what I need to do to get the promo without the ridiculous shipping???

Thanks!!!:goodvibes :goodvibes

Try phoning 1-800-BE-PETTY. I ordered over the phone last year and I know I didn't pay $40.00 shipping to Canada (maybe something has changed). My tickets came in the mail, regular post. My husband picked up the mail that day and didn't even blink when he saw the envelope. He said after he opened his Christmas present that he just figured I had put us on a mailing list that was sending us Disney videos, Florida travel brochures, Richard Petty Driving Experience, etc. because of our February trip. The ride along "ticket" came as a hard card, like a credit card in an envelope with a welcoming letter explaining how to get to the track at WDW as well as information on doing the drive yourself experience.

Cruiser1969

12-08-2008, 09:19 AM

Try phoning 1-800-BE-PETTY. I ordered over the phone last year and I know I didn't pay $40.00 shipping to Canada (maybe something has changed). My tickets came in the mail, regular post. My husband picked up the mail that day and didn't even blink when he saw the envelope. He said after he opened his Christmas present that he just figured I had put us on a mailing list that was sending us Disney videos, Florida travel brochures, Richard Petty Driving Experience, etc. because of our February trip. The ride along "ticket" came as a hard card, like a credit card in an envelope with a welcoming letter explaining how to get to the track at WDW as well as information on doing the drive yourself experience.

Whoo Hoo!

Just ordered it . . . NO $40 shipping!!
Thanks for the info!! :goodvibes My DH will be thrilled to open this present this Christmas!!:goodvibes

If you're reading this, Dom, don't tell Jerry!!!

andysgirl360

12-08-2008, 09:39 AM

Whoo Hoo!

Just ordered it . . . NO $40 shipping!!
Thanks for the info!! :goodvibes My DH will be thrilled to open this present this Christmas!!:goodvibes

If you're reading this, Dom, don't tell Jerry!!!

That's great news....can I ask you what you did pay for the shipping to Canada ( and how long it will take to arrive)? This would make a great present for my husband and my Dad for next year's trip and I'd love to give it to them for Christmas this year.

MaryannF

12-08-2008, 10:15 AM

Whoo Hoo!

Just ordered it . . . NO $40 shipping!!
Thanks for the info!! :goodvibes My DH will be thrilled to open this present this Christmas!!:goodvibes

If you're reading this, Dom, don't tell Jerry!!!

You will be down on the track waiting with your DH. I have pictures of my DH getting fitted for his helmet and HANS device, getting into the car and going around the track. It was hard to get a picture of the car going around the track because when the car was in the camera viewing area I snapped the picture but the car was going so fast it didn't end up in the picture. If you have a video camera bring it. The staff take a picture of your DH in the car (you can purchase it and get it right away) and there is a video of your DH in the car and the 3 laps around the track that can be ordered to be sent later. We went in February last year and had the DVD by Easter.

Cruiser1969

12-08-2008, 08:39 PM

That's great news....can I ask you what you did pay for the shipping to Canada ( and how long it will take to arrive)? This would make a great present for my husband and my Dad for next year's trip and I'd love to give it to them for Christmas this year.

Of course . . . I should have added it the first time:goodvibes

The gift card is being sent with regular (US) mail, so no extra fees. If it doesn't make it here in time for Christmas, I'll just print out a certificate myself with all the necessary information on it! The total cost was $49 . . . that's it!!!:yay:

Cruiser1969

12-08-2008, 08:40 PM

You will be down on the track waiting with your DH. I have pictures of my DH getting fitted for his helmet and HANS device, getting into the car and going around the track. It was hard to get a picture of the car going around the track because when the car was in the camera viewing area I snapped the picture but the car was going so fast it didn't end up in the picture. If you have a video camera bring it. The staff take a picture of your DH in the car (you can purchase it and get it right away) and there is a video of your DH in the car and the 3 laps around the track that can be ordered to be sent later. We went in February last year and had the DVD by Easter.

That sounds awesome!! I can't wait. I'll be sure to bring the cameras!!!

MkyMws

12-09-2008, 06:50 AM

I tried ordering on line & my computer said it was an unsecure connection, so I called and talked to the lady about it...she said she would talk with IT.

Total cost with the conversion is $63.00 CDN.

No shipping cost & no tax.

You need to purchase the gift card before the 31st & it can be used anytime after Jan 1st.

The ride along is a walk up thing (no pre-book), and the lady said it can take up to 45 mins. I imagine that includes signing your life away, fitting you for a suit & some form of training.

I can't wait! I am pretty excited!

I figure this will be the only opportunity I ever get to travel at 160 MPH (257 KMH) plus, and not have a rocket strapped to my butt.

It's 91 days away till our trip but I will let you know how it goes when we get back.

tim

andysgirl360

12-10-2008, 08:59 AM

I just called and ordered two - one for DH and one for my Dad - our trip isn't until next Dec, but I need gifts for this year (both are very hard to shop for). No $40 shipping - I called and it's being sent regular US Mail - they said it takes 10 to 14 business days to get to Canada. I'll either just make it for Christmas or just miss it. Oh well - I think a previous poster had a good idea - I'll just print up a certificate until the gift cards arrive.

The only thing I am nervous about is if the cards go missing in the regular mail, since there is no way to trace them. The person I spoke to on the phone said that if they never arrive, to call back and they would cancel the cards and resend new ones. Hope that's the case.

If anyone has any experience with getting these cards via regular mail (delivery times etc), please let us know! Or post when yours are delivered so we can compare times.

OvertheRainbow

12-10-2008, 09:35 AM

andysgirl360

12-10-2008, 09:42 AM

Is there any expiry on the cards? I would like to order one but we're not sure yet when we will be returning to wdw. May not be until 2010 :sad1: and I want to make sure it could still be used then. Thanks

I just ordered this morning and was told that the cards have no expiry date - they have to be bought before Dec 31/08 to get the $49 special and can be used anytime after Jan 1/09...so you should be fine.

OvertheRainbow

12-10-2008, 09:54 AM

Thanks for the quick reply :thumbsup2

DearDaisyinDurham

12-10-2008, 10:05 AM

I just ordered this morning and was told that the cards have no expiry date - they have to be bought before Dec 31/08 to get the $49 special and can be used anytime after Jan 1/09...so you should be fine.

:cool1: I love this board!!! What if I had never :guilty: read this thread?!?!?
Thanks so much for this, this is going to be an awesome gift for DH!!:thumbsup2

sammi

12-10-2008, 10:58 AM

I also ordered one for DH yesteday without a problem.....I'm hoping it gets here by the 20th as that's his B-day but if not I will print out a special certificate for him to see.:thumbsup2

Thanks for the notice about this!!!:grouphug:

Cruiser1969

12-10-2008, 11:25 AM

:cool1: I love this board!!! What if I had never :guilty: read this thread?!?!?
Thanks so much for this, this is going to be an awesome gift for DH!!:thumbsup2

I know exactly how you feel . . . I had no idea what to get DH for Christmas this year . . . until I saw this thread!!:cool1:

andysgirl360

12-10-2008, 11:32 AM

I know exactly how you feel . . . I had no idea what to get DH for Christmas this year . . . until I saw this thread!!:cool1:

ditto that....this will be the one thing he's not expecting. It is also a great gift for my Dad, who is going with us on our next trip in Dec 09. I would have never even considered it if not for this thread! Thanks guys!:goodvibes

MkyMws

12-10-2008, 12:52 PM

I got my card in the mail yesterday (8th).

Merry early Christmas to me.

I ordered it on the 2nd.

See you in March Mickey & Tigger

tim

andysgirl360

12-10-2008, 12:56 PM

I got my card in the mail yesterday (8th).

Merry early Christmas to me.

I ordered it on the 2nd.

See you in March Mickey & Tigger

tim

That's great - did you use the Standard shipping (free) or did you use the $40 Canadian shipping that was offered on the website?

sammi

12-10-2008, 01:59 PM

Wow that was really fast! I hope I get DH's before next Friday as the following day is his B-day!!!:banana:

DearDaisyinDurham

12-10-2008, 06:52 PM

I ordered the Experience (this will be birthday & Christmas combined & worth it b/c he's so hard to buy for) and then got the free Ride a long. To be sent By regular mail but she did email me a receipt.

Thanks again!

yxe dad

12-10-2008, 08:05 PM

They have offered this deal for the last two years, and this will be the 3rd time I'll be able to take advantage of this great deal.

MkyMws

12-11-2008, 07:57 AM

andysgirl360

12-11-2008, 08:54 AM

They didn't ask me about shipping.

She may have said it was being shipped regular mail but I don't remember.

I didn't ask for any special shipping, and they didn't charge me any extra, and I still got it within a week & a half.

tim

That's great news...did they give you a confirmation number or any kind of receipt via email...another poster mentioned that they got something via email. Although I did give my email address I've gotten nothing so far. I am just hoping it makes it here...she didn't confirm my address or email with me. I am normally really on the ball with things like that, but this time i just plain forgot.

MkyMws

12-11-2008, 09:05 PM

I did get a confirmation number & she did say that if ithadn't arrived in two weeks they woudl cancel the other card and reissue a new one.

tim

89 days & counting.

andysgirl360

12-12-2008, 07:32 AM

I just called back, they looked it up for me and gave me their internal sales number, so if I don't get the cards they can look it up and reissue them. They said due to the holiday volume the confirmation emails might not get sent, and usually an email is only sent if you have a specifically booked experience, not just ordering a gift card. They are shipped out regular mail (if you didn't pay extra for faster shipping) the next business day, so mine will either arrive just before or just after Christmas.

Just in case anyone else was wondering about conf. numbers and emails etc.

andysgirl360

12-18-2008, 09:27 AM

Just came in the regular mail and I am so excited! It was shipped last Thurs, so it only took a week to get here. Now I will have something to give DH and my Dad for xmas next week!!

:banana:

sammi

12-18-2008, 11:08 AM

I called last Wed. to order one and I got it in the mail this past Tuesday!!!:cool1: That was really fast and DH's B-Day is Sat!:) ;)

DearDaisyinDurham

12-18-2008, 03:36 PM

Ours came super fast in the regular mail also.
I gave DH his :santa: already! I couldn't wait :lmao: he loves it and it's going to make the trip next year even more exciting!

yxe dad

12-21-2008, 02:31 PM

Just ordered 4 ride-a-long's, it's too much fun and a really good deal not to have these passes.

Ang_Park

12-22-2008, 06:23 PM

I just tried to order the $49 ride-along online but it tried to charge me $40 for UPS shipping, so I will call them tomorrow and order it then. Since I won't have it in time, I will get one of the girls from the Creative Board to DISign me a certificate to give to DH instead