Richard Petty Driving Experience?

[Minderbinder5]

So, I was watching the WDW Vacation Planning Video, and they show the Richard Petty Driving Experience. My BF got really excited about the idea of riding around the track in a race car, but I can't find much info about it. Apparently, you need reservations for it, so I'm wondering if any of you have done it, what it's like? Is it fun? Exciting? Not worth it?

 

[tinkssister]

I would be interested in information about this also. We will be at WDW for father's day and I thought DH might like it as a surprise.

 

[Squirlz]

Do a search in this forum. All the info gets posted at least once a week

 

[dgaston]

I looked up the Richard Petty website and called the 1 800 BE PETTY number to book the Rookie Experience for my DS24. They offer different experiences four days a week at 8:00 and 1:00 when the track is not wet. It is quite expensive. There are some discounts for AP and even better one with AAA ($322). DS LOVED it! Now DH has decided he has to do it too after seeing how pumped up DS was. He was the youngest driver by far -- most were in 40's or 50's. Only one driver had done it before -- he was on his 4th drive. We finished up about 11:45 with a handing out of lap times and a certificate. There is also a chance to buy (expensive again) photos of wearing the gear, and standing by the car. I'm telling DH he has to buy his own photos LOL!

 

[dgaston]

Also if you click the button at the top of the page for "Theme Parks" and then look at the lists at the left of the page, you will find a link on the DIS for Richard Petty under 'Recreation'

HTH

 

[kikipug]

Check the Petty website to see if its running in Daytona while you are at WDW... it is SOOOOOO worth the 1 hr drive to let him actually drive at Daytona International Speedway!!!! Besides- Daytona is a great trip in and of itself!!

 

[eeyore45]

I just reserved a 1pm for my Dad to do this in October, my mom doesnt like calling places, so she gave me her information. The person at the 800# was really helpful, and he gave us a Florida Resident Discount also! I of course didnt have the secret code on the back of the Credit Card, so he called to confirm I had my mom's permission. Mom and Dad were out flea marketing, and he continued to call till he got thru, then he called to tell me he got thru! That was extra nice! Mom then called laughing, because the person thought this was a "surprise" for my dad, when dad answered he asked for somebody not there, and called back and mom answered - - when he called ME back my dh wanted to know why "Richard Petty" was calling me!!

All set, the paperwork will come to me, but it doesnt have to be turned in until he goes for his driving experience. He's doing the "Rookie" which is app $400 (I'm not sure what he billed mom thought it was $350, and she wanted to know how I saved her money!! *grin!!) Dad needs to know how to drive a standard transmission, and show up 30 min early. They will get class time, and then 4 laps around!!

 

[nybound]

The Richard Petty Driving Experience is a lot of fun!

I did the Experience of a Lifetime in April, and could not get the goofy grin off of my face for the rest of the day.

I'm heading back to Orlando in August and am seriously thinking about going again.

Here's a link to some photos I took.

 

[Simba's Mom]

The Richard Petty Driving Experience is a lot of fun!

I did the Experience of a Lifetime in April, and could not get the goofy grin off of my face for the rest of the day.

photos I took.

Yes, anyone considering the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Driving the race car-$$$ Goofy Grin-Priceless! I've never, in the 30 years I've known DH, seen such a grin!

 

[DiznEeyore]

Here's a question I haven't seen asked before: is the spectators' area covered, or are you exposed to the sun? I want to do this for my dh's anniversary present next year, but can't stay and watch if there's no shade (medical reasons). Can anyone help with this one?

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

if I recall correctly yes there is a place out of the sun for spectators.

my DS did this at the age of 19, year before last. Loved it so much, he and DH did it again at California Speedway last year!!
Definitely go for it!!

 

[aubriee]

One warning! Be sure to not book it on your last full day at WDW. If it rains, it will be cancelled and you will not get your money back. I booked the Rookie Expeirence (8 laps) as a surprise for my eldest son in January and that is what happened to us. They offered us a rain check to come back to WDW and do it anytime within the next year or he could do it at a RPDE near us. I tried to get them to let me transfer it to my younger son, since I'll be taking him and his wife down there in late Sept, but they refused saying since I had bought it in my son's name that he had to be the one to use it.

Anyway we got a raincheck and he did it a little over a week ago at Texas Motor Speedway and absolutely loved it. He is still talking about it and said he is really glad he had to do it here in Texas, because the track is a little longer and faster. My younger son had went along to watch and I was able to get him the Rookie Experience on the spot. They were placed into different groups. Each group competed against each other. Of course my sons were competing, not only against the other groups, but also against each other. My elder son had the fastest speed by 2miles/hour, but my younger son beat my elder son five out of the six laps that counted. They are still arguing over who won.

By the way some people in Florida were really angry. They didn't have a RPDE near them and so just lost their money. One guy had booked the Experience of a Lifetime and lost over $1000.00.

 

[DiznEeyore]

if I recall correctly yes there is a place out of the sun for spectators.

Thanks Debbie! I know dh would prefer it if I were to stick around, rather than drop him and go shopping at DTD, LOL!

And Aubriee, thanks for the advice about when to book! I'm glad your son was able to use his raincheck. I can't imagine just being out $1K!!

 

[Ziggie]

Just thought I'd mention a few things about the Richard Petty Driving Experience that might help you decide....

1) The interior of the car gets very hot. You are required to wear a jump-suit (long sleeves, long pants) on top of your regular clothing. Think even *hotter*.

2) You have to be 18 y.o. with a valid drivers license. You *must* be able to drive a manual transmission (stick-shift).

3) You need to sign legal waivers (simply stating that if *anything at all* should happen, the RPDE isn't responsible). It's a rather lengthy document.

4) You are required to wear closed-toe shoes (although I would call and check on this as it might've changed).

5 Stock car doors do not open so you need to make sure that you can *fit* through a 15" x 30" window that sits 36 inches from the ground. My SIL fit fine. However, my Hubby (who is 6'5", 265 pounds... could not fit). The seat is *not* adjustable, so ask if they have different car that might fit you better.

7) If the track is at all wet (or under a threat of getting wet) they will not run the cars.

8) There is a small area for spectators next to the classroom area. Sometimes it has a canopy over it. But after the hurricanes this past season, I'd call ahead to make sure it's still there. For the most part, you will be in the open air in full sun.

9) If you have any form of claustrophobia, this may not be for you. The helmet + the closeness of the car can make you skittish.


This is just my opinion, but I wouldn't take small kids. There is really nothing there at all for them to do. The track is very isolated once you're *inside*. It is probably the most UN-Disney area in WDW. If you do have young kids, bring something for them to do. There is a good chance they'll get bored.

Hope this helps ~

 

[clkelley]

My BIL did this in 2003 and LOVED it!!

What we did as far as being spectators, is we dropped my BIL off at the track for his class, then went over to the Magic Kingdom. He called us when they actually left the classes and started the driving portion.

We then went over to the track and was able to watch him race. That cut down a lot on the boredom for spectators part.

Another warning if you have children is the spectators portion is RIGHT THERE next to the pit area where they put the drivers in the car, etc. and is VERY LOUD. Ear plugs may be in order.

Carol