Richard Petty Driving Experience

[Albertan mom]

Has anyone done this, or know anything about it? My husband wants to do it when we go in October. By the looks of it on the DVD, you are riding with another driver-you are a passenger, not the driver of the car? Anyone know? How much does it cost?
Thanx

 

[Skylarr29]

The Richard Petty Driving Experience began in 1997 at the Walt Disney World Speedway.

Open every day, weather permitting, except Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Experience may be closed due to inclement weather, testing or private events. Call ahead to ensure that the track is open.

Hours: 9 a.m. - 5p.m.

Reservations are required for all driving programs. Ride-Along Program is currently offered on a walk-in basis.

Visitors are welcome and Pit Entry is free.

The high speed driving experience now offers 4 types of programs:

Ride-along Program - Ride in one of the two-seater stock cars, driven by a professional instructor, for three laps at top speeds of 145 mph. You must be at least 16 years old to ride. No reservations needed. Cost: $105.44, includes tax.


Rookie Experience - Drive one of the race cars for 8 laps around the one-mile tri-oval. Class includes classroom introduction, track orientation, and safety instruction. Class lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hrs. You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license to drive. Classes are daily at
8am & 2pm. Reservations are needed. Cost: $403.64, includes tax.


The King Experience: This course is offered in one eight-lap session and one 10-lap session. You will experience the roaring speeds of 125-130mph and feel like Royalty. Class includes classroom introduction, track orientation, and safety instruction. You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license to drive. Classes begin at 11am daily. Reservations are needed. Cost: $797.69, includes tax.


Experience of a Lifetime - 30-lap program that is run in three 10-lap sessions. Work on establishing a comfortable driving line and building speed. Length of class and time varies according to class size. You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license to drive. Classes begin at 11am daily. Reservations are needed. Cost: $1,330.19, includes tax.

Directions: Follow the signs to the Magic Kingdom, keep left approaching the toll plaza. After passing through the toll plaza, turn left at the WDW Speedway sign. Mention that you are going to the Speedway at the Toll Plaza and so you won't have to pay the parking fee.

For reservations and information please call 1-800-BE-PETTY

 

[bengalbelle]

Here's the link to the website with a description and pricing information.
http://www.1800bepetty.com/html/index_html.html

If you're an Annual Passholder you can get a discount and AAA offers a discount as well.

There is a ride along where you are the passenger in the car, and a Rookie or King's Experience where you drive the car.

DH will be doing the Rookie Experience in September and can hardly wait! I'm thinking about doing the ride along.

 

[eeyore45]

Also if you watch the Disney Channel, while they are promoting Herbie, with Lindsey Lohan, they have a 'reporter' experience the race car drive - its the Richard Petty Driving Experience, I think I break it down to $100 a lap!!

Honestly tho, we have made a reservation for my dad to do this - and he's a Florida Resident, so they gave him a discount!! Also, they are very good at being 'protective' in case its a surprise for the recipient, the info comes in plain white envelope.... but when they called to confirm my mom's cc#... their caller ID said "Richard Petty" Dad was so confused!

 

[Albertan mom]

Thanks so much for the info. I looked all over the net and couldn't find any pricing or anything. WOW--very expensive! I was estimating around $150, same as parasailing.
Lovin' this site, you guys are experts!!

 

[eeyore45]

Has anyone done this, or know anything about it? My husband wants to do it when we go in October. By the looks of it on the DVD, you are riding with another driver-you are a passenger, not the driver of the car? Anyone know? How much does it cost?
Thanx

I didnt answer all your questions - you must be able to drive a stick shift in order to go it alone, there is a pace car in front, but like the Disney Channel reporter showed, you can get up to 120 mph... You have to take a class on safety before hand, and they take you out in a "pace car" to get a feel for the road, and the cones, etc...

For the Rookie Experience it was listed at $400, we're giving it to Dad for October as well!

 

[officer tigger]

I took the three lap ride in March of this year. I did it in Charlotte. A gift from my sister who lives inthe area and can get free rides.
You can really feel it when you go into the turns!!! It was a lot of fun but too expensive. I would not have done it if I had to pay myself.