Bday Present for Hubby

[goldilocks_63]

Hi all, I need a B-day present for the hubby, 44. His B-day is day after Valentine's day.

We have all the electronic junk (tivo, digital camera, tvs, etc....), so was thinking how about an experience. He likes flying airplanes, and loved the last segway tour I gave him.

He mentioned last time that maybe he'd like to parasail (we're going at Easter), but I was paying my Visa Bill and saw a cute offer for the Richard Petty Driving experience. (We can't do that one cause it's in CA, but I know we could sign up for one in FL).

So, which would you vote for - Parasail, or Driving thingy.

and which should I get. THere is a 3 lap or 8 lap experience, or just passenger.

I was shying away from the 8 lap cause it's expensive, but if it really is better to go around a few times to get the feel / fun of it, I'd do it. But just don't want to spend more than I need to if it's not really adding to anything.

Thanks, Goldi

 

[ErinC]

My DH is a huge nascar fan. We discussed the driving experience once, and he said the only way that he would do it was to get to drive. He was not interested in doing the ride along. Since the drive yourself program is so expensive, he's never done it. I think I might go with the parasailing, or maybe even a bass fishing excursion (those look like fun!). I just thought I might pass along my DH's opinion. YMMV

For Christmas, I got DH (and me) the Keys to the Kingdom tour for our trip next week. He is really excited about it. You might look in to all the tours, and other "experiences" WDW offers.

 

[AFMom]

My husband loves going as fast as he can in anything - but when I asked him about doing the RPDE, he said it would be too frustrating because they have too many safety controls! HAHAHA. Anyway - I've heard parasailing is a must-do, and you could possibly even do a tandem and go with him! Either way, have fun!

 

[trampslady]

I actually purchased the Richard Petty Driving Experience (8 laps--he drives) for our first trip to WDW in 2002. It was our 14th anniversary. We don't normally buy gifts for each other as we travel all the time instead. However, every now and then one of us will surprise the other. I did it really cute. I made a little "wheel of fortune" type sheet and sent it to work with him as I kissed him goodbye. It was laminated and had little laminated letters cut out of magazines too. A few letters were already filled in, and he had to fill in the rest to figure out it spelled Richard Petty Driving Experience. Throughout the day I had a coworker of his deliver little gifts with a clue. For instance, I sent sunglasses with a cute riddle....a lug nut with a clue.....car shaped cookies with another riddle...etc. All the guys had a ball trying to figure it out, and were quite envious of his gift! The best one--the clue that affirmed that he was actually driving and not just riding along was an autographed Richard Petty tire that I purchased from the Richard Petty Museum. It was on our dining table when we got home from work that afternoon. He spent the next two days practicing getting in and out of our car window!!!!!!

Let me just say, he had a ball (as did all the men driving the same day) going through the little safety stuff; driving around in a van to get a "feel" for the track; suiting up in an actual racing suit; and, finally driving those laps!

 

[TR Denise]

I gave my husband the 8 lap driving experience for Xmas a couple of years ago he loved it. He really wants to do it again he says he was to nervous the first time and needs to do it again to get it right. Your DH will love it . Never tried parasailing though

 

[goldilocks_63]

Right now I'm leaning towards the 8-lap driving....

But if anyone has more opinions, I'd love to hear them.

I've got a lot more responses than I thought I would. Thanks for all the help.

How do I get over there (was thinking of maybe a taxi) from OWK, or is there a pickup somewhere over by Transportation center (thougth I read that somewhere).

And how interesting is it to go watch? Will have Grandfather with us, will he want to go watch? And is there somewhere nice for him to sit (Is diabetic, and loves to read), and loves to talk. LOL!

This is great!!! I'm excited! Thanks, Goldi

 

[ErinC]

We drove into the track one day just to look around. If I remember right there was a viewing area with tables and chairs. Kind of like a pavilion.

 

[TR Denise]

MY husband drove over but there is a oick-up right outside the ticket and transportation center. My brother went with my DH he ended up doing the drive along and he loved that he also video taped my DH driving

 

[ErinC]

I think DVC members used to get a discount (maybe I dreamed this), but it doesn't look like we do now. Be sure to see if there are any discounts you might be eligible for like AP, if you have one. I'm not sure if a discount is given for AP holders but it might be worth it to check.

 

[rsschneck]

Bought DH the 8 lap rookie experience this past August for his B-day. He is not a big Nascar Fan, but he LOVED his driving experience.

He purchased the framed photos of himself and has it displayed at work.

He would love to do it again! It was fun to watch and they do have an inside and outside area for spectators.

We have both been parasailing. Not a huge adrenaline rush. The guys after they were done driving were pumped and giddy with excitement!

 

[Doctor P]

Nothing says love like more DVC points!