Richard Petty Driving Experience

[Piecey]

I just got a call from my dad that he might be attending a class in Orlando the first week of December. He doesn't know for sure yet and doesn't know when he will know. He offered for me to go (As I have an AP for WDW) with him. All I'd need is food money and airfare.

I would absolutely positively love to do the Richard Petty Driving Experience for him for christmas.

How soon in advance does this thing fill up? I know I'd need a reservation.. just wondering if I should get dates from him ASAP and try to call to make a reservation even if I have to cancel later.

Not sure if this is the right forum to stick this in...

 

[Simba's Mom]

If you want to do the ride-along (about $95), you don't need reservations. But if you want to give him the whole 3 hour rookie experience, and really put a big smile on his face, I think they book up about 3-4 weeks in advance, if that. They have a maximum of about 30 students per class, and DH's class, as well as many others I've talked to, weren't even full. He may have had about 12 students in his class in late May. I don't know if it's changed, but it used to be offered at 8:00 and 1:00, Monday thru Friday, and cost around $400.

 

[milmore104]

I booked my DH's about 2 months in advance. It wasn't filled up at that point or at the time of his class either. He also did it in Dec. (18th actually). There were seven others in his class. I don't know how many they actually take in a class but was told there was still room. Also you have to pay for it when you book, just incase you didn't know that! He'll have a ball!!! DH still talks about it. I've planned another one for him on 10/4. SHHHHH...It's a SUPRISE!!!

 

[kennezgirl]

I have been wondering about this too....do you book this through the Disney line as well?
Is it located inside one of the parks?

 

[TooBoyz4us]

I have been wondering about this too....do you book this through the Disney line as well?
Is it located inside one of the parks?

The number to call for Richard Petty Experience information is 407-939-0130.
It is not located in one of the parks,but is near the Magic Kingdom.
I believe that if you are a Disney resort guest and have a reservation, that a shuttle will be sent for you.

Hope that helps ;-)

 

[mom2jamie]

My husband did this in Feb. He said it is a must that you have to do this once in your life. He is going to do the longer version next time we are down to WDW. Definitely worth the money. Though I spent alot on pictures and plaques for the garage wall at home. Also my stepson did the ride along the same day. Top speed for ride along was 146 mph. Top speed for solo for husband was 126. They do run specials now and then, at the time they had buy 1 get one half price.

 

[QT Pooh]

Just to let you know, I was poking around on skyauction.com yesterday, and they were auctioning $100 gift certificates to the Richard Petty Driving Experience. I didn't read all the disclaimer info, but you may want to check it out yourself.

Hope you have a great time!

 

[d4est]

Also, if you have AAA, you can get a discount. Just tell them you have AAA when you call.

My hubby did this in Feb and still raves about it, wants to do it again. I think I made his (surprise) ressie about a month ahead. His class was not full.

 

[Mister Incredible]

The RPDE is a must for any race or car fan. To feel the power of that car is simply awesome!

 

[aubriee]

The number to call for Richard Petty Experience information is 407-939-0130.
It is not located in one of the parks,but is near the Magic Kingdom.
I believe that if you are a Disney resort guest and have a reservation, that a shuttle will be sent for you.

Hope that helps ;-)

I had this booked last January for my eldest son. When we woke up that morning it was raining. Not hard, just a shower. Anyway we called RPDE and was told we had to take a taxi to the track and they would talk to us there. We spent $20.00 for a taxi (who got lost) and arrived to be told it was cancelled and also that it was nonrefundable. They agreed to reschedule for people who were going to be there a few more days or if you were leaving within the next two days they gave you a raincheck to be used at a RPDE near you. We were lucky and my son was able to do it in Dallas in April. However there were some people there who did not have a RPDE near them and just lost their money. There was one guy who was furious, because he had scheduled the Experience of a Lifetime and did not have a RPDE near him. He lost over $1200.00. Anyway if you plan to schedule it, be sure to schedule it early in your trip, so that if it rains you will have time to reschedule it or else make sure there is a RPDE near you. By the way, my son used his raincheck to do it in Dallas and absolutely loved it.

 

[funhouse8]

If you have an orlando Magic card(which you can order for free on line you can save 10%. I just told them on the phone I had the card and they discounted me right away. My DH loved this.

 

[kennezgirl]

Ok..one other question. How long does it usually take? Just wondering when to put it in the schedule. Would it be possible to schedule it in the evening...like after 5:00 pm or so when Animal Kingdom would be closing so DH does not miss any of the park stuff with us?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[JoshMom5]

I have a COMP ticket for a ride-along experience ($99.00 experience) that I won picking nascar drivers. I am unable to use it. I would be happy to mail it to someone that will use it. I don't see an expiration date on it but it came with a 2005 track schedule so it may have to be used by Dec. 30th.

You can PM me if you are interested.

 

[Foladar]

I was going to do this when I go on my trip, still thinking about it but unsure!!

 

[DazedandConfused]

I just PM'd you JoshMom5. I am trying to plan this for my DH as an anniversary surprise for him and would love the cert. if you still have it. I sent a PM but will leave my email as well. TIA, Chris.
chrisannfullen@yahoo.com

 

[Vavasmon]

My husband loved his RPDE we gave him for is 40th birthday (rookie experience). He is booked to do it again on the 28th of December.

They have 2 sessions per day one in the early am (ends around noon) and one that starts about 1pm. Once you book youpay and it is non-refundable.

The RPDE toll free number is 1-800-BE-PETTY (1-800-237-3889). My experiece is the number often has a wait but the operators are excellent - willing to answer any questions, ship paperwork to a different address, etc.
AAA has a discount for sure but you need to ask - they also have a repeat driver discount. You need to be able to drive a stick shift car. The RPDE has a web site (I don't remember it now).

 

[ssdeverell]

Last year around this time, the Ride-A-Long went on sale for half price. Has anyone heard anything about it this year? I want to get FIL one for Christmas as DH loved his last year.

 

[Ride Junkie]

I got DH the ride-along as his wedding present, and he loved it!! Maybe next time he'll try the solo experience, but you don't get to go as fast. We went in the morning, and there wasn't a very long wait (maybe 30 mins.). It's located right next to MK's parking lot.