richard petty driving ???

[disney queen]

what is the rookie experience? who out there has done it? and would did you think? thanks

 

[Shelby5514]

DH did the RP Driving School in 2001---LOVED IT! Of course for $300 he better have said that!!! LOL!!! With the rookie exp. you get to RIDE (not drive) in the nascar with a driver at speeds of around 140-160 mph. I think they do 2 laps. Back in 2001 it was just under $100 for it. I thought about doing it for about 30 sec. and decided I'd rather spend the money in the parks.
Everyone I saw coming back from it looked like they enjoyed it, and only a few looked scared sh#tless!!!
If your a control freak like my DH the rookie exp. would not be for you. He wanted to drive!!! (When you drive you have to follow a lead car that keeps the speeds down to around 120-130mph.)

Shelby5514

 

[disney queen]

how much is the one where you drive the car?

 

[Schminston-Mo]

This may have changed since my DH did it several years ago, but there was the Riding Experience which had the pro driver and you riding...for about $100.

The Rookie Experience was the class and you driving some laps. At the time it was around $300.


OH and DH loved it! The only problem is it is addicting and they want to try the next level.

 

[Leota]

I got DH the Rookie Exp back in '98 - It was around $300 - Best birthday present I ever got him or his son, my DSS. They both loved it & I agree, are addicted to it. DSS has gone on & taken the next level up at another course.

I think it was worth every penny to see their faces after they got out of their cars. Watching them compare times & such was so funny. We also bought the photos & everytime I see them on the wall, I smile.

 

[funhouse8]

My DH just did this in Jan. It was the high light of the trip. He thought it was alot of money but he also said, He doesn't think he would have enjoyed the ride along.
I just wanted to share if you get an orlando magic card it will save you 10% and I believe the exp. is now around $430. Gina

 

[funhouse8]

I forgot to tell you it was 8 laps that they did. Gina

 

[Scratch42]

Originally posted by disney queen
how much is the one where you drive the car?

You have until September 15, 2004 to book this at the $199.00 price but when you phone in you must talk like you know about this special!

If the person does not know about it, hang up and call again!

I will be doing this in December thanks to the kindness of another Diser who posted this speical!

Scratch

 

[disney queen]

any more experiences?

 

[Kellydelly]

How do you find out about the $199 special? Where can I get that info? I just did an internet search and came up with this information:

Just the facts: The Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway is open seven days a week. Their schedule this year includes Jan. 1 - 3,; Feb. 6 - Sept. 30; and additional dates in October, November and December that haven't been announced. Prices for the packages are $89.99 (plus tax) for the "Ride-Along Program"; $329.99 (plus tax) for the "Rookie Experience"; and $1099.99 for the "Experience of a Lifetime." Riders must be at least 16 years old, and drivers must be at least 18 years old. For more information or to make reservations at any of the RPDEs around the country, call 1-800-BE-PETTY.

My husband did the "ride along" experience last year when we were in Kissimmee, but he said he wished he'd spent the extra money and gotten to drive himself. I'd love to suprise him with that for our upcoming trip in December.

Kelly

 

[disney queen]

i did a search on this forum and i found out that way. good luck

 

[Shelle&Dave]

I called and told them I wanted to book the Rookie Experience at WDW (driving 8 laps). I asked her if the $199.99 rate was still available. She asked me how I heard about it. I said a postcard from a friend. She asked me where I live. When I told her NY she asked me if my friend was in Florida or Georgia because they sent postcards out to those 2 states only. I said yes my friend lives in Florida. Then she asked me for the code from the postcard. I thought I had no chance then. When I told her I didn't realize there was a code she said she knows one that she can put in so no problem. It came to $211.92 I believe and that includes tax.

 

[Simba's Mom]

DH did the Rookie experience in May and LOVED it! He's now saving his money so he can do it again on our next trip. He's normally such a calm person, but all I can say is that he was giddy with excitement when it was time to get in the car. All afternoon (he did it in the morning) he kept looking at the pictures in the digital camera, periodically interrupting to say "Oh, I forgot about this-" and telling me something more. I don't know how long it took him to stop smiling! And that night, he had to call both our sons, his boss, and whoever else might be remotely interested to tell them about it. Yes, he "sort of" liked it.

 

[francie_iowa]

Does anyone know if a larger size man would be comfortable in those cars? I think my DH would enjoy it, but he's 6 ft tall, 300 lbs...big guy. Those cars look so small.

 

[tltjet]

I saw the special on another thread. I call the number and said I heard there was a special and she said yes $199.00 for the 8 laps. I said great and gave her a date, time, name address and phone number. I live in Maryland and she did not say anything about this being for a certain state.

francie_iowa- I think they have them for all sizes. I would give them a call and ask. There are a few reviews on Deb's site that I read.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Originally posted by francie_iowa
Does anyone know if a larger size man would be comfortable in those cars? I think my DH would enjoy it, but he's 6 ft tall, 300 lbs...big guy. Those cars look so small.

Not only is the car not too big, remember that you have to climb through the window to get in. Also, there's a special kind of seat-kind of looks like a child car safety seat, only for adults. DH is about 200 pounds and he said he found it a little tough, However, he recommended that the best thing to do before you write it off is to call the Richard Petty School. I'm sure you're DH isn't the only one of that size who's wanted to do it, and who knows-perhaps they have accomodations (like ways to help him get into the car). It's such an awesome experience-I hope he gets to try it.

 

[toystorymom]

This is from the official Driving Experience Website, FAQ page:

Are there weight or height restrictions?
Not exactly. The cars do not have doors, so participants must have the ability to climb through a 15" high by 30" wide window that sits 36" from the ground. As a general rule, people who are less than 6' 8" and 280 pounds can participate. However, these numbers can vary up or down according to an individual's flexibility and weight distribution.


Hope that helps give you some idea.

 

[MrJhenry41]

postcard??? I missed it. i called to reserve a date for the rookie experience too late. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!
the mrs's mentioned this thrillseeking fun ride and i could have saved a bundle. well maybe not a bundle but a little cash. needless to say i am still doing it!! I cant wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MrJhenry41]

Does anyone know what the cancelation policy is?

 

[SWVA BGSU Fan]

I think you are charged a $75 fee if you cancel and reschedule your experience within 30 days of the scheduled time.

I did the Rookie Experience in Charlotte this summer and had a GREAT time. I felt like I could be addicted to the "speed and experience" easily. I love WDW but RnR, ToT can't compete with the thrill of driving a race car.

The school will have several cars that are set up for different sized people. I remember seeing some pretty big guys in my session and they were able to drive the car.

I hope this helps.