Richard Petty Driving Experience

[Cdnmommy]

Has anyone tried the Richard Petty Driving Experience before? Just wondering how you have found it. My DH loves racing and I think he will really enjoy it but thought it wouldn't hurt to get some feedback first.

 

[abarnold]

we gave it as a father's day gift to my dad last year while we were at WDW and he LOVED it. We gave him the rookie experience where he was the one doing the driving he had so much fun. When we went to pick him up he put dh in the ride along and dh had a blast too.

 

[Cdnmommy]

we gave it as a father's day gift to my dad last year while we were at WDW and he LOVED it. We gave him the rookie experience where he was the one doing the driving he had so much fun. When we went to pick him up he put dh in the ride along and dh had a blast too.

Thanks, that's great to hear. I talked to DH about it and we were thinking about just doing the one where he rides in it as he's not the type who would sit well through all of the lessons/instructions. I think he would become antsy and just want to "get to it", plus I don't think he wants to spend that much time on one thing.

 

[Disneychix]

We gave this as a gift to my DF for Christmas one year. DF is a car fanatic. He really enjoyed this. He did the ride along and you still sit through a small class where they teach you about the car and stuff. He said he enjoyed the ride along becuase he was able to go very fast in the car. He said he would've been afraid to go that fast if he was driving on his own.

One caution: my DF is 6' and 260, plus over 55years. He barely managed to get into the car as you have to go through the window. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

We got this for my FIL a couple of years ago...he LOVED it. He did comment that the only negative was that it was REALLY hot out there Bring water

 

[Dylan_&_Blake's_mom]

I did this for my DH as and anniversary gift last November when we went. You can see my pictures of it and som info I posted in my TR. He had a blast. And yes, you have to sit through a "class" type thing wether you ride or drive. Everyone is there about 3 hours but it is well worth it. We just used it as basically a free day. We had a 1:00 time slot and we were supposed to be there by 12 or 12:30. We just got lunch on the way there and relaxed while we were there watching my DH. They have bleachers for you to sit on while you watch outside (in the shade). If you come to my TR to look at the pics, drop me a line if you have more questions and I will try to answer them.

 

[Cdnmommy]

We gave this as a gift to my DF for Christmas one year. DF is a car fanatic. He really enjoyed this. He did the ride along and you still sit through a small class where they teach you about the car and stuff. He said he enjoyed the ride along becuase he was able to go very fast in the car. He said he would've been afraid to go that fast if he was driving on his own.

One caution: my DF is 6' and 260, plus over 55years. He barely managed to get into the car as you have to go through the window. Just something to keep in mind.

That's a good point about going faster, I think DH would like that. He's pretty small in comparison so don't think that will be a problem. Thanks!

 

[Cdnmommy]

I did this for my DH as and anniversary gift last November when we went. You can see my pictures of it and som info I posted in my TR. He had a blast. And yes, you have to sit through a "class" type thing wether you ride or drive. Everyone is there about 3 hours but it is well worth it. We just used it as basically a free day. We had a 1:00 time slot and we were supposed to be there by 12 or 12:30. We just got lunch on the way there and relaxed while we were there watching my DH. They have bleachers for you to sit on while you watch outside (in the shade). If you come to my TR to look at the pics, drop me a line if you have more questions and I will try to answer them.

Thank you so much for sharing, I couldn't help having an ear-to-ear smile as I looked through your photos (which I likely shouldn't have on my face while I'm at work staring at my computer

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

Tell me if I'm wrong, but I think you have to make sure the person you are giving it to is thin enough to get through the window, because I think thats the only way to go in and out of the car!! At least thats what I remember seeing on TV.

 

[RedAlfalfa]

My DH did the ride along last Sept. He didn't have to do the class??? We got there, he put on the outfit (grossed me out b/c it was just hung right back up on the rack after. It does go over your clothes- but still- eww Esspecially since it's FL & people wear tank tops all the time.) and got to ride.
DH did enjoy it and we bought the gift card last Dec for a friend of ours so he can try it out.

 

[goofygal531]

I just reserved my DH the Rookie Experience for Father's Day (6/15). He's been dying to do this for years! Last Nov in DTD they had a rep from the Experience with a race car on display. He was able to talk to the rep about the whole thing and get to see the car. (Measure the window!! )

My biggest concern is him fitting in threw the window! I told him he needs to lay off the pasta from now until then!

Unfortunately, I can't go with him. It's too hot in June to sit outside with the boys and the rep said there isn't much shade. Plus with the noise and fumes, it's just not kid friendly. I told DH to purchase any DVDs or photos they offer so we can see what he did.

Meanwhile, me and the boys will be relaxing in a cabana at the GF!

 

[shoes99]

I did the ride along last July 4th weekend. There are no classes if you just do the ride along, you just have to sign a release.. You must be able to get into the car thru the window. I am 5'2" and had to use a step stool but fit easily thru the window. It was a blast. Where else can a 61 yo NASCAR fan have that much fun.

 

[Dylan_&_Blake's_mom]

I just reserved my DH the Rookie Experience for Father's Day (6/15). He's been dying to do this for years! Last Nov in DTD they had a rep from the Experience with a race car on display. He was able to talk to the rep about the whole thing and get to see the car. (Measure the window!! )

My biggest concern is him fitting in threw the window! I told him he needs to lay off the pasta from now until then!

Unfortunately, I can't go with him. It's too hot in June to sit outside with the boys and the rep said there isn't much shade. Plus with the noise and fumes, it's just not kid friendly. I told DH to purchase any DVDs or photos they offer so we can see what he did.

Meanwhile, me and the boys will be relaxing in a cabana at the GF!

I think if your boys are into cars they would like to see it. My boys thought it was pretty exciting. Especially if they are going to be outside anyway. There is a shelter thing over the bleachers and it kept us in the shade the whole time. There is also a grassy area behind the bleachers where the kids can play some. There aren't really any fumes from where you sit. I couldn't imagine missing out on my husband's experience and I think he would find it more enjoyable with you there. The pictures aren't too bad (I think it was $35 for a 4x6 on a plague) but the dvd was around $80 or more I believe (a little too pricey for me) Anyway, this is obviously just one person's opinion.

 

[Msslaydbug]

I surprised my husband with this as a gift and it was the highlight of his trip ! That's all he talked about. He would do it in a heartbbeat again if he could ! This would be a great gift for any man - add to it he is a racing fan and he will be in heaven !

 

[smacky1]

Just wanted to add that if you have AAA, they offer a 20% off discount. Make sure you mention it when you call and bring your aaa with you for the driving experience. My DH loved it and wants to do it again.

 

[Cdnmommy]

Just wanted to add that if you have AAA, they offer a 20% off discount. Make sure you mention it when you call and bring your aaa with you for the driving experience. My DH loved it and wants to do it again.

Thanks for the tip! You also get $20.00 off if you have an AP. Any way to save money is great!

 

[LadyShea]

My Mom bought dad one for his birthday two years ago and I think it was one of the best days of his life. Definitely recommended for racecar fans!