Richard Petty Driving Experience Ride Along

[fatfish]

Can anyone tell me about the 3-lap ride along perk for DVC members? I thought I read somewhere that it was free. Does anyone know?

Also, is it beyond scary or just plain awesome. I am a fat old lady, and won't go on RNR and don't really like Space Mountain, but I do love Test Track.

TIA for any responses!

3 days to Spring Break at WDW!!!

 

[bwvBound]

I did it years ago. Bought the full "driver" package for my DH and the ride-along for me. It was a thrill -- but made me uncomfortable. I love rollercoasters especially Rock'n'Roll and have no worries as I'm on a proven track. In the ride along you are trusting your life to an experienced human driver you met only as you were jumping into his car.

Note that the race cars do not have doors. You must be able to slip in through the window while dressed in the track-provided one-piece flame retardant jumpsuit. (The suit is fashionable, flattering, comfortable and confidence-boosting. NOT!)

I recall seeing something recently (late last year) about the free offer -- but didn't pay enough attention to bookmark or save the offer. (Sorry!)

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

It's a free 3 lap ride for AP holders. It's not a DVC perk. I'm also not certain when it ends but had thought it was early March.

I did this in Feb and personally did not find it too scary. I still had fun doing it and was happy it was free!

 

[BCV23]

My DH and DS2 (that's second son not two year old ) both enjoyed the free ride along just last week.

As noted, they did need to climb through the window.

The notice I saw said it was an AP offer through 3/31.

 

[Muushka]

I would not call it scary. Lame comes to mind....but then again, I love coasters! But it is fun.

Now if they could have strapped me to the roof, it would have been great!

 

[WeLoveAriel0505]

I did it in November and it was awesome..........tremendous force on your body and it makes you realize how gifted these drivers are!

 

[bobbiwoz]

It's a free 3 lap ride for AP holders. It's not a DVC perk. I'm also not certain when it ends but had thought it was early March.

I did this in Feb and personally did not find it too scary. I still had fun doing it and was happy it was free!

DH would like to try this. He'll be there for 4 nights later this month. I think I remember reading that you took a shuttle from Ticket and Transportatin. How did you arrange it?

Bobbi

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

DH would like to try this. He'll be there for 4 nights later this month. I think I remember reading that you took a shuttle from Ticket and Transportatin. How did you arrange it?

Bobbi

Yes I did Bobbi! Richard Petty DE operates a van daily during their open hours that departs from outside the Kennel at the T&T. There's a sign outside the kennel and a bench to sit on while waiting. The kennel staff will call over to the driving experience to let them know they have a rider so just tell your DH to go inside the kennel and ask them to call. No reservations are required.

The Kennel is located to the south of the T&T Disney park bus drop off/loading area.

When your DH is done with his ride the van will take him back over to the Kennel.

 

[MIannie]

Age and weight are not a factor.I did the free three lap experience in January.
Luckily I found a jump suit that would fit, and I used a step stool to get high enough so I just poured in feet first. I figured getting me out was their problem, but was able to reverse my moves without much difficulty. Everyone was very kind and patient. The ride it self was great. You don't get the wind in your face like TT, and the car corners like a dream. Very safe especially when you're the only car on the track. Hope to do it again,

 

[cinderella97]

I'm really bummed now. I wanted to to this for my 45 th birthday when we are there over Easter. We arrive on april 1st. Any chance they will extend this? I didn't even know that AP had this opportunity. When did this start? If it was at January 1 I'll be bummed because we were there then too! I've always wanted to do this and I told dh that this will be my present!!!

 

[MissScarlet]

http://miceage.micechat.com/kevinyee/ky022510a.htm
Kevin Yee at MiceAge wrote a column about the ride along experience a couple weeks ago.

 

[BCV23]

I'm really bummed now. I wanted to to this for my 45 th birthday when we are there over Easter. We arrive on april 1st. Any chance they will extend this? I didn't even know that AP had this opportunity. When did this start? If it was at January 1 I'll be bummed because we were there then too! I've always wanted to do this and I told dh that this will be my present!!!

You could still do one of the experiences in April. Here's a list from the DIS of the various offers/prices.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/recreation/petty.htm

Who knows...maybe they will extend the free ride alongs for AP holders.

 

[shoes99]

I'm 63 years old, and I have done it twice. I needed the step stool to help climb into the window. It was a blast.