Tell me about Richard Petty Driving Experience...

[figmentfan1]

Last night DH and I watched "Undiscovered Disney World" on the Travel Channel (didn't really tell us much we didn't already know ). DH and I are both big race fans and watching the part about the Richard Petty Driving Experience really got him excited. I was thinking of suprising him with it...

details... who's done it? loved it? hated it? how much? how do I go about getting reservations? is it tough to get into?

TIA!!

je

 

[GF Girl]

Hi
I have never done the driving experience, but here is a link that will give you a little more information about it.

Richard Petty

 

[Disneynutbsv]

My dh did the ride a long experience, but I know if I want to get him down there again, I'll have to buy him the driving experience, lol. Yes, I bribe him

 

[dgaston]

I got my DS (then 24) the Rookie Experience in April. I did get a AAA discount which brought the price down to about $320. He drove in the first class, had to be there about 7:30 in the am, everyone finished about noon or so. Lots of opportunity to spend money on pics, etc. There is a small covered area for family members to watch. Andy was the youngest in the class, most were 40 to 50 years old. Now DH wants to do it -- probably will be his Christmas present.

 

[Maleficent13]

My mom did the rookie experience a few years ago and loved it. She was the only woman in her class and she had the 2nd fastest time. I echo everything dgaston said.

 

[JELBoggio]

I just looked into this today. All the information can be found on their website www.1800bepetty.com

I'm thinking of surprising DH with it on our trip next May. He did a Skip Barber Racing School (CT) about 6 years ago and loved it.

 

[bubba73]

I did the ride along experience a few years ago and loved every second of it. My only wish would have been to do it at Daytona (being a much bigger track the ride would last longer). The ride along with a coupon was still about $90. Luckily, I didn't have to pay. I love you Dad!!

 

[andrabell]

Is the AAA discount available on the ride along? I'm thinking of surprised DH with this on our upcoming trip.

TIA.

 

[pandamom]

dh and fil did the rookie experience last year and LOVED it (they ran a 50% off special last fall). Both would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[Jeanne B]

I did the ride along experience a few years ago and loved every second of it. My only wish would have been to do it at Daytona (being a much bigger track the ride would last longer). The ride along with a coupon was still about $90. Luckily, I didn't have to pay. I love you Dad!!

It sounds like doing the ride-a-long at WDW instead of Daytona is still worth it?? I was planning on getting my DH a gift certificate for his birthday to do the ride-a-long during our October trip which is just a couple of weeks later but I just found out from the website that there won't be any driving programs in Daytona in late October which is when we're going. I'm afraid he'll be kind of disappointed doing it on a track that is only a mile long with hardly any banking. We took the track tour at Daytona last year and the track was much more impressive than on tv. Should I surprise him or wait for another year when he can do it at Daytona??

 

[eeyore45]

I thought I should just post a warning!! My parents also watched the video, my dad wasnt too enthused about coming to Disney, until this, so my mom and I decided to "surprise" my dad with the rookie (4hour ) experience, and the Petty people are really helpful about helping you keep this a surprise btw - except when I used my moms CC# I didnt have that 3 number verification, and so they called my mom to confirm, and it showed up on her caller ID as Petty!!

So then dad was excited, and he did some research, and i printed out some info from allearsnet... the one I chose was from someone who did the King 8hr, my dad decided since its a "once in a lifetime" (and he doesnt want to go to the MK ) dad is now doing the all day $$$ experience!!

At least he'll be happy!!!