Have you gone to Daytona USA...

[Ahnberg4]

My husband is a huge Nascar fan and asked me last week if it was possible for us to take our day off to go to Daytona USA. Quite frankly, I hadn't even thought about it- so close to the track and not going- that would have been a cruel joke on my husband!!

If you have gone, how was it? How long does it take to go through the attractions? Thanks in advance!!
Michelle

 

[kilee]

I have a dh that is into Nascar--I'm not. We did do the Daytona USA w/ tour track (they are 2 separate admissions-- or you can buy a combo pass) in 2002. I have to say for a non-Nascar fan (who was also sick w/ a stomach bug that day) I had a really good time. I was suprised. I didn't do any of the simulators or 3-D movies inside Daytona USA (I really wasn't feeling that well). However, I enjoyed the other displays as well as watching the people try to beat the pit stop clock (it's an attraction where you get assigned a "job" and you have to beat the average pit crew times). I will say a lot of it is modeled after a large arcade.

We then did the racetrack tour. It was really interesting and my favorite part. The tourguide we had was really funny-- and made it interesting for even non-fans like myself. We got to make a stop on pit road and drive through the entrance tunnels (the tour is on a tram).

A lot of the time they also have the Richard Petty driving exp. going on too. Which they also have at the WDW track (my dh did the driving exp at WDW because it was much cheaper for the rookie exp-- I think the ride-along costs the same everywhere). Anyhow, that was neat because the cars they use look just like the drivers cars w/ their numbers and sponsors and everything. So, you almost get a sense of what it would be like during a race.

Look online or at the welcome center for coupons-- we saved a bit this way. It took us about 45 minutes to get to Orlando from Daytona. I know altogether we were there for about 2.5 hours. I wouldn't hesitate to go again either.

If you dh is a nascar fan--- they also have the Nascar Cafe in Universal's City Walk and the Race Rock Cafe near SeaWorld on International Drive. My dh really liked the one in Universal because it's been the only one he's been to so far that had a #3- Dale Earnhardt (sp?) car he could actually touch (I don't understand the big deal- but it made his day.... ).

 

[Jeanne B]

We went a couple of years ago and had a lot of fun - I would guess that we spent about 3 hours there. The IMAX movie is really cool and the track tour is real interesting (I was amazed at how banked the track is - you don't get the full effect on tv). There's a lot to do there between the IMAX movie, the track tour and all of the hands on stuff. We're Earnhardt Jr fans and his car was on display at the time since he won the Daytona that year so that was a nice plus for us also. If you're DH is into NASCAR I would definitely say it's worth it. They've also got a huge store where you can buy almost anything NASCAR related. After we went to Daytona USA we went to Daytona Beach for a couple of hours which was fun and made it feel like we got the most out of our day.

 

[Seahunt]

If you visit on a Friday,Saturday or Sunday, be sure and hit the big Daytona Beach flea market (really close by) - you can pick up lots of souvenirs at great prices!

Here's a map showing how close it is to the speedway (Daytona USA is at the speedway):

http://www.daytonafleamarket.com/directions.cfm

 

[jdm]

Thanks Seahunt for posting that link. I'll be in Daytona for 4 days next month with no real plans for the time there. The flea looks like a great way to spend an afternoon!

Jenn

 

[treehugger]

FYI

http://www.local6.com/news/7550570/detail.html

 

[Jakesmom1]

If your DH is a Nascar fan, Daytona USA is a must see. We live about 10 min form it, and my whole family are Nascar fans, and we have gone several times. Jimmy Johnson's car is there now since he won the 500 two weeks ago ( of course we were there).

Its a lot of fun, and the beach will be a beautiful way to relax. The beach is a straight run down International Speedway Blvd, from Daytona USA, about a 10 to 15 minute drive to the Ocean.

Dont be afraid of the News article posted above, from what is in our local papers, you should be safe, it seems the women who have been targeted have been street people who accepted a car ride from someone they didnt know. Just like any where else, you just need to be careful. Central Florida has just as many problems as any area in the country.

You didnt mention when you are coming down, Just a note FYI Bike Weeks started tonight and goes thru till March 12. So there are alot of Bikers in town and traffic can be pretty crazy.

Have a great vacation , and enjoy the sun.

 

[jdm]

I'll be in Daytona in a couple of weeks with my family and the above post did unnerve me a little. Your post put it in a little more perspective. Of course, we always have to be conscious of our surroundings etc. no matter where we go.....

Jenn

 

[kilee]

Some areas there can in fact be alittle seedy- but I don't think anyway needs to stay away. The hardest part is finding nice accomodations there. The majority do tend to be a bit rundown- and then overpriced at that.
Almost every area has crime. I live about 40 minutes from Niagara Falls--- in the last month the finally released some news statements that they have a serial killer in that area for the last 5 years- that is striking small build, almost all caucasian women in there early 20's. DH and I walked around the entire area again twice since then (and we're thinking of going up tonight to the RFC for dinner)-- we are just more aware of our surroundings and stay on the beaten path. I think I'd just apply the same for Daytona Beach area- since it did have some questionable area's.

 

[Jakesmom1]

There are plenty of nice hotels on the beach side that are not overyly expensive. It does get crazy expensive during Race and Bike weeks. Otherwise I dont think you will have any problems finding a nice hotel at a reasonable price.

The hurricanes we had in the last two years did cause havoc with our hotels on the Beach side, but they are rebuilding and Daytona is working towards becoming a more family friendly tourist area. Instead of just for Spring Breakers and Race fans. There are also some new high end hotels that are on the beach side.

As for Seedy areas, there are some, but not any more then any other area. I lived in NY for most of my life, and there are plenty of seedy areas both on LI , in Manhattan and Upstate.

Again, the Daytona area is beautiful and the weather cant be beat.

Enjoy your trip

 

[dyna]

daytona bike weeks are the 1st full week of March and the 3rd week of october if not on a bike avoid daytona these weeks esp on weekend. It can take 30 mins or longer to go 1 block. I know been there goin back for more lol