RP Driving Experience???

[DaisyLynn]

I know NOTHING of race cars...and very little of this attraction. I do know that my BF would love to do this. I was thinking of surprising him with one of the packages. I was thinking of the one where he can drive the car (not just ride)...I think it was 8 laps or whatever. He's not looking forward to this vacation at all (he's never been to WDW and "knows" he'll be bored...of course I know this won't be the case). My question is, do you have to get into the car by going through the window? And if so, how big of a guy is too big? He's 6'5" 300 lbs. of lovin! He would LOVE this surprise...I just don't want him to get there and to not be able to fit!

Anyone have experience with this? Please any info will be appreciated!!!

 

[spiceycat]

no ideal..

call them and see

CALL FOR RESERVATIONS(800)BE-PETTY (237-3889)†

 

[BuzzPrincessMom]

If he is into racing, and NASCAR he will love it! Eight years ago we were going to a family wedding in Ft. Myers, 4 hours away from WDW. I really wanted to go to the parks with the rest of my family. But since we had been to WDW the year before DH said he thought it was too soon. So my family suprised him with the 8 laps at Richard Petty! He LOVED it! He is 6'1'' and about 200lbs.

I would call Petty, but I am sure he can fit.

Bring lots of film. I stood there and took rolls of film. We even had a picture of him in his race suit and me taken and used it for our Christmas card that year!

My only complaint, it was a pain to get to the track...we started early and no one new extactly how to take WDW transportation to get there.

 

[extreme8]

I did the RPDE Rookie experience (8 laps) about 2 years ago.

These things are real racecars built by Petty Racing Enterprises, so yes, you do have to climb in through the window. I'm 6'1", 220lbs and didn't have any problems. There were a few bigger guys in my session but I don't know what your BF's "dimensions" are so I coldn't even guess as to whether he'd have problems or not. They do make you climb in while wearing the helmet, so that makes head clearance a bit more difficult.

You can catch the RPDE shuttle from the TTC. There is a marked parking spot right in front of the kennel.

 

[MeggerasMa]

Funny you should ask this question. Although not at the Petty track, but at Pocono, my DH just did the 8 lap drive experience. Same Nascar, suit, helmet and he did need to get in the car through the window. At the Pocono track, they asked his height and weight before allowing me to purchase the ticket for him. He is 6'2" and about 240 lbs. He had no problem getting in or out of the car and said that the seat, wheel, instrument configuration was very comfortable. All in all the experience was awesome! He now has a new respect for all the Nascar drivers and the crew. He was amazed at the speeds the "students" were allowed to attain. Afterward, they showed him a table that converted the tachometer reading into miles per hour. Let's just say that going 80 on the interstate is like standing still. I was impressed with all the training that took place before they allowed any of the students to get into the cars. Hope it works out for you. DH says it was worth every cent (perhaps every "dollar" is more appropriate)!