Richard Petty Driving Experience

[krissyh]

Has anyone done this at WDW?
I'd like to get it for DBF on our next trip. It say the "Ride Along" is on a first come-first served basis and the the actual driving is a big step up in price.
Anyone word on if it is possible to get reservations for the drive along

Any opinions on if it is worth $399 to do the 8-lap rooke experience?

 

[GrandFloridian4]

I surprised my DH with this last year for his b'day. I was able to make reservations for the drive-along & got an AP discount. He really enjoyed it & would love to do the drive-alone sometime, but it was much more expensive & I had other plans for his b'day, too. Also, they go faster with the drive-along than they do if you go alone. He said it was a great experience, but way too short! My family & I watched from stands & took pictures of him getting suited, getting into the car, driving the laps & then getting out.

 

[SFLTIGGER]

Don't know about the ressies.

Haven't done this at WDW, but did do ride along @ Daytona a few years ago. And all I can say is WOW!!

If you have a need for speed, what an amazing experience. As for the $ for the rookie experince, that's up to you. I havn't found the money to do it yet, but ... would I ... in a HEARTBEAT! A chance to drive a race car around a track at that kind of speed.

 

[krissyh]

We usually go in Feb. so it would make a nice Christmas present.

How long does the drive-along take - from check in to being onyour way to a park?

 

[WHIT1]

My dh is sitting here beside me saying its well worth the money and the price doesn't even pay for one tire on the car. Wildest ride he has ever taken.Had to drag him there even though he is a NASCAR fan. It takes about 3 hours from checkin to finish depending on the size your group. There was 10 in his. This is something he will talk about for years to come. He just told me to be sure to tell you take lots of pics and do get the plaque also.

 

[Villain Dude]

Has anyone done this at WDW?
I'd like to get it for DBF on our next trip. It say the "Ride Along" is on a first come-first served basis and the the actual driving is a big step up in price.
Anyone word on if it is possible to get reservations for the drive along

Any opinions on if it is worth $399 to do the 8-lap rooke experience?

I've done the "rookie experience" (RE) twice and I can only compare it to the feeling I got when I tandem skydived from 15,000 ft above the earth .... it was like I heard the "Top Gun" theme and the phrase "I feel the need for speed."

The first time was in 1999 with my Dad ... my top speed 126.6 mph and my Dad 126.7 mph ... the rascal.

Next, I treated my DW and myself to the RE for our 15th year anniversary and she loved it! Now, her top speed was 109.9 mph and averaged 105.7mph.
I did slightly better the second time around with a top speed of 128.4 mph and averaged 125.7 mph for eight laps.

Now, you're out there with other drivers plus you have a pace car in front of you, which you have to keep behind two car lenght paces behind ... the steadier you are the faster the pace car goes. Also, these are regulation Nascars that race on an one (1) mile Indy track that has three turns (shaped like a D). After you climb out the car, you almost feel 10ft tall and bullet proof!

I guess you can tell it left a lasting impression and I recommend it. If you can afford it, DO IT! ... if you can't afford it, get an extra job so you can ... I'm joking ... put it this way, it is one of those experiences that he will talk about for a very long time .... b-day parties, weddings, bar b ques, crab & shrimp boils, school fairs and he'll thank you for a life time.

-Chuck

 

[cdrn1]

We gave the driving experience to our son-in-law for his birthday in May. He absolutely couldn't wait for the day to come. He and DD left their 2 year old DD with us at about 0630 and we met up with them at MK around noon. He absolutely could not wipe the grin off his face. DD thought she would be bored watching but she had a great time too. We are so glad he did it. We consider it $$ well spent. It was his first time at WDW. He thought he wasn't much of a vacationer, and he thought he wouldn't like WDW much, but after 7 days he was not ready to go home.

 

[Scratch42]

I did it two Christmas' ago! It was my gift to myself!

I loved it! I was the only woman in the class and they made it a great experience!

I was lucky enough to get a deal back then but after doing it, it would definately worth the full price!

It's an experience of a lifetime!

Go for It!

j