Transport To Wdw Speedway

[codimouse]

my hubby has purchased a ticket to the Richard Petty Driving Experience.
i know it is located near the Magic Kingdom and if we were driving on our own we would know how to get there once we proceed through the parking toll booth entrance.

however how do we get there from Coronado Springs to the Speedway?

[SorcererMickey]

Call them back and let them know, they should be able to provide transportation, I've seen Richard Petty Experience vans around property before so I think they were probably transporting guests.

Wonder if there is transportation from the TTC? You can call 407-824-2222 and check.

[codimouse]

Thanks!

[jarretth]

Did this last year - it's absolutely brilliant. If driving, head to Magic Kingdom and go to the toll booths as normal. Show them that you have a booking at RPE and they will wave you through. Head towards the main parking lot and RPE is on your left. Instead of heading to the parking areas, follow the exit signs as if you were heading towards the car centre and main exit. There is an entrance for RPE on the left and a small hut where you first report.

If you are not driving, make your way to the TTC and someone from RPE will come and collect you from there.

Enjoy.

[codimouse]

great. we are not driving. do i need to let them know they need to meet us at TTC?

[Lakesgal]

Did this last year - it's absolutely brilliant. If driving, head to Magic Kingdom and go to the toll booths as normal. Show them that you have a booking at RPE and they will wave you through. Head towards the main parking lot and RPE is on your left. Instead of heading to the parking areas, follow the exit signs as if you were heading towards the car centre and main exit. There is an entrance for RPE on the left and a small hut where you first report.

If you are not driving, make your way to the TTC and someone from RPE will come and collect you from there.

Enjoy.

Jarretth

DH is trying to decide between RPE & Indy Car & he is struggling! Which RPE did you do & how did you find it? We keep checking out the websites, but still can't make up our mind. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

[jarretth]

great. we are not driving. do i need to let them know they need to meet us at TTC?

The directions on the website (www.1800bepetty.com) advise "The shuttle runs every fifteen minutes, picking up from the pet kennels located at the end of the monorail system at the Disney properties."

You are advised to call to confirm your booking a few days before your experience so I'd let them know you will need picking up when you do that.

[jarretth]

Jarretth

DH is trying to decide between RPE & Indy Car & he is struggling! Which RPE did you do & how did you find it? We keep checking out the websites, but still can't make up our mind. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

I did the RPE Rookie Experience back in November and absolutely loved it - I can't comment on the Indy one. I have watched NASCAR for years and it was something I always fancied but could never justify the cost so my wife paid for it as a birthday present (the fact she got a trip to Florida as part of this had nothing to do with this!).

When you arrive you have to sign your life away in various forms and disclaimers. You then get an orientation video and instructions from the team. You are then taken out on the track and driven round in a mini van to show you the various accelleration and lift off points on the track (you don't use brakes!). You then get your picture taken in your overalls with the car.

At this point people who have signed up to do the ride along first get to go out on the track with an instructor. They recommend this during the briefing and offer a discounted rate but don't push it. With hindsight I'm glad I decided to pay extra to do this as it really helped understand how the car works on the track and where I needed to be. That said, you don't need to do this to get the most from the experience.

After this you take your turn to go out and drive. You are on your own in the car and follow in the wake of an instructor - this ain't no safe theme park ride. The cars are all ex-NASCAR vehicles. The rookie experience is eight laps and although in real time it doesn't take that long, it feels much much longer when you are driving. If you do the rookie experience the fastest you will get to go is 122mph - I managed this for my last two laps. In a strange car driving round a circuit with concrete walls around it this can be daunting for some. They increase your speed lap by lap depending on how well you are driving. They don't force you to go faster than you feel comfortable. Needless to say I wanted to go faster!

Once everyone has had their turn you go back into the briefing room for the prize giving where you receive your certificate, a breakdown of your individual lap times and various other stuff.

There was great camerarderie within the group I was in and after driving we were all quite tired but full of adrenelin and wanting to do it again.

A few things to note. They do look after those not taking part. The friends and families also get to have a trip around the track in the minivan. Kids get a free photo of themselves with the car. For the drivers you casn get various commemerative frames for you to mount your photos (they take one in the car as well) and cerificates. They also now provide the option for a Top Gear style 'car in a reasonably priced car' DVD as the cars are wired for sound and video.

Would I do it again - yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!

[Lakesgal]

Jaretth

Thanks so much for sharing. It sounds like you had a really good time & I can't wait for DH to read about it all. I gave DH the choice of RPE or Indy for Christmas & as the reservation window will open shortly I am keen for him to make a decision as to which option to go for. Unfortunately not enough cash to do both :wink:! At least it is another reason to return :whistle:.

Thanks again. Will let you know which way the decision goes.

[codimouse]

we are ready. transport in place now.
only 1 week and one day!!

[Lakesgal]

we are ready. transport in place now.
only 1 week and one day!!

Codimouse - which package have you opted for? Please could you let us know how you get on when you arrive home?

Have a great holiday - I am sure the next 8 days will fly by.

[codimouse]

hubby has rookie experience
and i have the ride along which i may not do. i am terrible in a car at that speed.