Richard Petty Driving Experience About This Page:

[LindaCav]

My husband has always wanted to drive a race car. I saw this advertized on the Travel Channel for WDW and wondered if someone else knows anthing about it or has done it?

[scillarella]

I really want to try it too! It's very expensive, at least for my standards. I know you can choose to either drive the car yourself or be a passenger, with it costing more to drive. I used to know the prices and distances by heart but I forget now. I want to say it's about $400 for 2 miles. There is info about it in the PassPorter but I don't have that handy right now.

[akleos]

I know a little bit about the experience from doing research - was going to give my husband a RPDE as a gift this year so we haven't done it yet but plans are in the works. Here is what I know...
There are different levels "Riding Experience", "Rookie Experience", "Kings Experience" and "Experience of a Lifetime"
Riding is pretty much what it sounds like - you ride, a pro driver drives. No reservations needed. It costs $100.00 and you can begin riding as early as 9 am.
Rookie is complete instructions and eight high-speed laps. It costs $380, and reservations are required. It is a three-hour long program.
Kings Experience is a total of 18 laps. It costs $750. and Reservations are required. The person I spoke to on the phone could not give me amount of time for this experience.
Experience of a Lifetime is a whooping 30 laps, completed over three sessions. There is closer instruction on driving and speed. It costs $1,300. The woman on the phone told me it was an all-day experience, but I didn't ask further questions as to what that meant.
Call Disney if you need more info - they are a great source of info about the RPDE!

[LindaCav]

Thanks for all the info. I will make use of it.
LindaCac

[Cam22]

My DD and I gave my DH this for his Father's Day present several summers ago and he d it! He did the ride along experience and his only complaint was that the pro driver didn't go fast enough at 150 mph. He received a picture of his ride along and we had it placed in a really cool plaque at the gift shop. It proudly sits in his office at work. If we were to do this again for him, I would opt for the 1/2 day experience since he loves speed and cars so much.

[Sher05]

My DH and DS did the ride along last year and really liked it their only complaint was the same as Cam22's husbands they didn't go fast enough. And I acually got them gift certificates the Christmas before and got them for half price $49 each so it was a real savings.

[SarahJ]

DH did the ride along at a different track and his complaint was also that it wasn't fast enough or long enough. If he were to do it again, he'd definitely want to try the Kings Experience at the very least. But he has raced sprint cars in the past and doesn't think the rookie experience would satisfy him.

You can find more information on their website: Richard Petty Driving Experience - Drive or Ride Along Programs

[WeatherTed]

Originally Posted by Sher05

My DH and DS did the ride along last year and really liked it their only complaint was the same as Cam22's husbands they didn't go fast enough. And I acually got them gift certificates the Christmas before and got them for half price $49 each so it was a real savings.

That's what my family did for me (June 2006), and I it!

Here are some links:
Richard Petty Driving Experience
Richard Petty Driving Experience

[KimM]

DH did the ride-a-long and he too felt the driver did not go fast enough. He did really like the experience of being out there with the cars, putting on the suit and helmet...the whole deal. He's chomping at the bit to actually drive now. Unfortunately, it's a little out of our budget right now!

[applejenn]

wow that is expensive, too expensive for my taste, looks like i wont be doing that this year.....aahhh well.....

[Tonichelle]

I would love to give my dad a ride... but it just out of the price range... oh well when I make my millions as a film director then he can ('course he'll be 90 by then, but he'll get to go!)

my brother took one look at that and wanted to go, but I think he's too young