How $$ is Richard Petty Driving Experience?

[MandM-Mom]

DH heard about this from some friends today and is now standing over me bugging me "ask those board things that you read if they know how much it costs?" Where is it located?

 

[kilee]

It is located at the WDW speedway which is across the parking lot from the poly.

They offer different programs each costing different amounts. There is a ride along program. These are all authentic nascar cars and you will ride in the passenger side (okay so they modified it to take a rider along) and you reach some pretty high speeds. You go around the racetrack a few times. This runs in the $100.00 range. There are some discounts for this.

They also offer various levels of driving programs. With these programs you get to actually drive the car. First you'll attend a safety course and a "how to" course. Then you get to drive the car on the racetrack. All in all the whole thing takes about 3-4 hours.

I bought my husband the rookie package last year as a suprise. It gave him the opportunity to drive for 8 laps. He LOVED it. Ironically he was talking about it today. About how much he would love to do it again. I know I paid somewhere in the $350.00 range. After a certain point it's non-refundable too. I know that for awhile you could get a discount w/ the orland magicard. I don't know if thats still true.

You can find out a lot of info at the richard petty driving expierence website.

 

[Harmony]

What other kind of discounts are available and where else can I find info on the discounts? I'm getting this for my hubby as a surprise!

Thanks!

 

[bengalbelle]

Here's the website: http://www.1800bepetty.com/html/index_html.html

AAA gives a 20% discount.

Sometimes RPDE gives discounts, but they told me last month they will not be running any specials this year. DH is doing it in September so I'm going to hold out buying it as long as I can hoping they change their mind about specials.

 

[gizfish]

Here is a link to the Richard Petty site: http://1800bepetty.com/index2.html

When I called to make a reservation, they asked me if I belonged to a couple of different things that would have gotten a discount. Also, they asked if it is a surprise and will mail you all your info in a plain envelope if it is so the surprise doesn't get ruined (until your DH sees a segment about it on the travel or discovery channel, insists that is the surprise you got him and you have to lie and say "no really honey I got you the dolphin trainer for a day experience," but that's another story.)

 

[Kerlynne]

Is it honetly worth the price? Looking at the cheaper, one, that is the ride along? Is it too quickly over, to be worth the price?

 

[TimothyG]

It depends on what you want to experience. However, the most expensive one I don't see how that would actually be worth it. Yes, there are three sessions but over $1,000 is way too pricey. I think the $300 one is the best deal considering you don't get too little, you get to drive the car, etc. The ride along is just going really fast. And since its in a car, its probably along the lines of a rollercoaster since you get less wind (from what I guess)... Driving and riding are always two totally different things.

Hopefully my post has helped but keep in mind that I've never done the RPDE but I have read quite about it.

 

[bengalbelle]

Is it honetly worth the price? Looking at the cheaper, one, that is the ride along? Is it too quickly over, to be worth the price?

All of the threads I've read have said the Rookie and Kings Experiences have been worth the money.

 

[kilee]

My husband said it was more than worth it!

 

[goofyshell]

I got my husband the rookie experience a couple of years ago here in Nashville (Petty does travelling experiences) and he LOVED it. I say it would make a fabulous surprise! I paid about $350 also.