Richard Petty Driving Experience

[ilovemcbride]

I was wondering if anyone has done this, or knows of anyone who has done it. I would love to do it, but isn't it kind of expensive?

 

[lauran cameron]

*bump!*

 

[Simba's Mom]

Yes, it is kind of expensive. DH did the Rookie Experience, almost $400 for 3 1/2 hours. That's about $100 per hour. Worth it? Honestly, the look on DH's face when he handed me his sunglasses so he could put on his driving helmet-PRICELESS. Just a tip-if you go in the morning, don't plan anything too important for the afternoon-DH spent the afternoon in a daze, alternating between repeating "Did I tell you how much fun that was?" and calling every friend he could think of back home and giving them all the details. Our cell phone bill was probably almost another $400. And before you think "my DH won't go that much overboard", let me tell you, my DH is extremely calm, nothing gets him excited, people make comments on how calm he usually is.
But that grin took days to go away!

 

[Becky2005]

My DH has done this several years ago, not at WDW though. I had bought him the Rookie Experience at Charlotte for a birthday present, he loved it so much that he saved up to do the Experience of a Lifetime (which is now what is called the King's Experience) at Atlanta.

I was just a spectator but I thought it was very well done and worth every penny.

You can find more details out at www.1800bepetty.com

I just read Simba's Mom's post and I agree! My DH does NOT part with his money easily, so for him to basically plan an entire vacation around doing the Experience of a Lifetime one is very telling.

 

[Kevin&Randall]

You can call 1-800-BEPETTY or to to 1800bepetty dot com. I haven't done it but scheduled it for my father. He had the best time ever in his 69 years of life.

He did the 4-hour "Kings Experience" which cost me $799, but I think it was worth every penny. This program consists of two driving sessions, 8 laps, then 10 laps. Prior to driving, he went through two classes of safety and instruction training, in-car and on-track instruction.

He was on the track for a good 2 hours. At the very end, he got a certificate and listing of his lap times.

Randall

 

[mom2jamie2004]

My husband did the rookie experience in Feb at WDW. In his words everyone once in their lifetime needs to experience this. His son did the ride along on the same day and said it just makes you want to do the real thing. We will be going back in 2007 so my husband (he will be 50) will be doing it again. Definitely worth the money, though I did spend quite a bit for pictures to hang in the garage and for the plaques. Well worth it though.

 

[TimothyG]

Yeah, it is as expensive as you want to make it. Depending on the experience you want, it can range from $95 - $1,400.

Here is a little breakdown of the plans:

Riding Experience - $95
The Riding Experience takes guests around the track in a NASCAR Stock Car. No reservations are required for this plan and they begin at 9 A.M. daily.

Rookie Experience - $370
You get 8 laps around the track. The highest speed is about 145 mph. The track is one-mile and in the shape of an oval. You get to have a warm-up and a cool down lap as well.

Experience of a Lifetime - $1,300
A 30-lap program completed over 3 sessions. You get to work on driving a stock car (note: your able to drive on either the Rookie & EOAL plans) but you learn to build speed and establish a comfortable driving lane.

* Information taken from Birnbaum's Official Guide to WDW

 

[TR Denise]

My DH also did the rookie experience he is also very calm and doesnt react to much but just ask him about the richard petty driving ex. and he also grins from ear to ear he would love to do it again. He told me he was to nervous to really enjoy it so I guess I'll give him another gift certificate soon. His reaction is worth any price

 

[kkana]

Can anyone give me an idea on how long it takes for the ride along, are we talking 1/2 day or an hour. DH really wants to do this, well actually he would rather do the rookie exp but has very little feeling in his feet (diabetic) so is concerned about being able to move feet quickly enough. I really want him to be able to do the ride along at least. We only have 3 1/2 days at WDW before we board the Wonder - what days do the ride alongs happen. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[ilovemcbride]

Where exactly is it located in relation to the parks?

 

[dgaston]

I have booked the Rookie Experience for my DS24. I know I'm overreacting, but his DFiance just broke up with him, and I feel so bad for him. I was able to secure a AAA discount bringing down the price to 322 and change. You meet around 7:30 for the first block near the TTC at MK and a van takes you to the track. We were encouraged to bring as many spectators as we want--I just hate being in the sun that long, but we have to grab some of our own photos too.

 

[O2BNWDW]

I gave the Rookie experience for my DH B-Day last May. He loved it! He was as excited as a little kid all day!! DO it!

 

[TimothyG]

Where exactly is it located in relation to the parks?

It is between Magic Kingdom, TT&C, & Epcot. Its like right around the TT&C if I remember correctly.

 

[NJDisneymom]

My DH is doing the ride along this next trip. $100 is all we can afford and I was able to get it with my American Express points so it isn't really costing me anything. I called to get info and they said you don't make reservations or anything, just show up and wait on line. I am hoping it isn't more than an hour or two.

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

definitely DO IT!! My DS did this at WDW at the age of 18. He was so nervous he actually threw up. But he still wanted to go. His face was frozen straight and stiff the entire class. But he kept going. When he finished and climbed out of the car he wore the biggest grin I have ever seen him wear. He LOVED it so much that when we went on our California vacation last summer, he did it again at California Speedway in Riverside....much bigger track equals much more driving time...more for your money. My DH did it here as well and my 16 year old did the ride along. I was the crazy lady with the camcorder running around trying to catch all of them on vidio
Sons top speed 145 MPH
DH's top speed 144 MPH

 

[bengalbelle]

Can anyone give me an idea on how long it takes for the ride along, are we talking 1/2 day or an hour. DH really wants to do this, well actually he would rather do the rookie exp but has very little feeling in his feet (diabetic) so is concerned about being able to move feet quickly enough. I really want him to be able to do the ride along at least. We only have 3 1/2 days at WDW before we board the Wonder - what days do the ride alongs happen. Any help would be appreciated.

Sent you a PM

 

[GrumpyLuver]

All I can say is do it!! I bought the Rookie Experience for my SO for Christmas and had it all scheduled for our trip in February. He isn't one to get overly excited, but he was actually shaking when he got out of the car.

They also offered the Ride Along at a discount to anyone that was at the track with some participating in any of the experiences, so I had to do it. It was awesome!!!!! If I knew how to drive stick shift, I would be out there. The feeling is something you can't put in to words.

My SO and a friend are planning on doing the Rookie Experience again in Feb. 2006 at WDW Speedway. I think I finally found a way to get him hooked on WDW like I am!

The track is in the MK parking lot. If you have the Orlando Magicard, you can get a 10% discount.

 

[kat6994]

Hey I love Grumpy TOO !!!

I'm doin the RP Experience...the cheap one...I may drive fast on the roads, but I know the area's that I drive on. I don't about me driving...I don't think Allstate would understand...I hear that they take you around 3 times, and depending on your reaction during the Ride, is how fast or slow they go. I don't know about you...but...

I FEEL THE NEED.............THE NEED FOR SPEEEEEEEEEEEED.....

They say you can buy a used tire for $5.00. I'm buying one...if I'm gonna do this, I'm gonna do this right. Buy the tire and have it shipped home. Boyfriend thinks I'm nuts, which is why he's not going. He just doesn't get the whole Disney thing.

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

At WDW, the rookie gets you 8 times around the track. How fast you are allowed to go depends on how well you stay with your pace car in front of you. You must stay 3 car lengths behind it, no closer, no farther, and right in line with him. The better you do this, the faster they will allow you to go.

Have fun!!

 

[lulubelle]

Another poster whose DH did it (twice) and loved every minute. We are NASCAR fans as well, so we have an understanding for the vehicles. It IS very expensive, but I look at it this way, the whole Disneyworld vacation is for me and it costs plenty, DH could stay home if not for me....the Richard Petty experience is the highlight for him. It really is worth the $$$, oh, and I did the ride along, screamed my head off the whole time, but thought it was a thrill! BTW, when we go in October 2005, DH's treat will be an ocean fishing excursion (all day as the travel time is a few hours each way) while I go to MK