Richard Petty Ride Along???

[dbarker]

We are going to be at WDW Jun 17 thru 24 (Poly). I'm planning on letting DH do the Richard Petty Ride Along program for his Father's Day present. (DH is a huge NASCAR fan).

Anyway, which day would be best / worst to do this?

I am in the beginning stages of planning and trying to figure out which parks we will go to which days. A few will depend on when we do the Ride Along.

TIA for all you help.

 

[aubriee]

Just be sure to do it early in your trip. If it is raining, it will be canceled. They will try to reschedule you for later in the week if they can, but with rescheduling everybody for that day, it may take a few days.

I purchased the Rookie Driving one for my adult son several years ago for the day before we were to go home. We woke up that morning to overcast skies and a very light rain. I called and was told we had to show up and they would tell us if it was canceled. We took a taxi over there and then stood around with a bunch of other people for about an hour before they decided to cancel. They then came out and said they did not do refunds, but people could reschedule for later in the week, if they could manage to fit them in. For the ones that they were unable to fit in, they would send us a voucher to do it at a Richard Petty Driving Experience near us. My son had to wait several months, since the RPDE only comes to Texas Motor Speedway twice a year. He did love it though and still talks about it. There was one man there who had booked 'The Experience of a Lifetime' one and did not have a RPDE anywhere near him. He was furious and was also out over $1200.00. They had absolutely no sympathy for him, as it is clearly stated that the experiences are nonrefundable and they are not responsible for weather.

 

[MinnieLee]

I surprised my DH with the ride along this past October. He loved it!!! You can't make reservations for the ride along (only take reservations for the classes) but there was no wait. They took him up to around 145-150 mph. three laps around. He was the only one on the track and now wants to go back and see what it's like having other cars on the track with you. We also bought the DVD and the plaque. I had asked if I needed to let them know we were coming so the shuttle van would be there to take us to the track and they said no, just go to the kennel and it would be waiting and sure enough it was. Highly recommend!!!

 

[*Valdez*]

Tuesday & Thursday are the days that they do the ride alongs all day. DH did this in June and absolutely loved it. next june he wants to do the rookie. I think it was worth the money spent. DH said it was literally a dream come true. Not long of a wait when we went and there were quite a few people in front of him.

 

[dbarker]

So, do you think a Thursday morning would be better than Father's Day Sunday?

 

[*Valdez*]

I would suggest going on Thursday. It is still early in your trip so if anything, such as weather, comes up you have plenty of time to go back. Remember to take plenty of pictures. The shuttle is at the kennel at TTC.

 

[toverly]

My DH did the drive last year. He loved it. The ride along is perfect for getting the feel. DH went faster riding than he did driving himself. Go early in your trip and plan to stay a while. It was worth every penny.

 

[cruisindisney]

I would also suggest trying to get the first one in the morning and then you can still spend your day at one of the parks. My husband did an early one and was able to make it to Epcot while we were eating breakfast.

They took reservations for the ride along when DH did it. That could have changed. It was several years ago. He loved it. Next time he wants to drive. Better save up for that one.

 

[Dragonfly*Tink]

I am looking at the Rookie Experience for my DBF - it's his birthday on May 16th and that's the day I will try to book, it's also our 2nd day at WDW, so if the weather doesn't cooperate at least we try for later! He is a serious NASCAR fan and this will be a thrill of a lifetime for him! I think you can book at 8:00 am and it takes about 3 hours ... any#24 cars??

Does anyone know what I will be able to do there while I'm waiting? Besides filming every move he makes on the track??

Thanks for any information you can provide!

 

[toverly]

Take a good book or some needlework. Unless you want to follow along. There is a pre-class that you wil be waiting for (you can sit in on it). Then, you will wait in the bleachers for his turn to ride/drive. I enjoyed chatting with the other families. They are sitting in bleachers right beside you but across a short fence. It was such an exciting experience for all of us, even my 8 year old was interested in things most of the time.

 

[Dragonfly*Tink]

Thanks! I will sit in on what I can and just hang out and chat with whoever is around for the rest!