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Fun for Grown-Ups at Disney: The Richard Petty Driving Experience

richard petty driving experience

Disney World (or any of the Disney parks) is pretty much the ultimate family vacation spot. I can’t wait to make my eventual jaunt to Disney World, but I am putting it on hold until I have kids old enough to go, because it seems like the ideal trip for a family.

That being said, there’s plenty for adults to do at Disney World. There’s all the fancy dining restaurants (like Victoria & Albert), the full-service spas, and of course, enjoying the regular park experience just like everyone else.

So today I’m starting another recurring column, one that I’ll bring up again every so often like the Underappreciated Disney Films. It will focus on the Disney Park offerings that are just for (or at least just appeal to) the adults.

First up for this feature is the Richard Petty Driving Experience. This takes place on the Walt Disney World Speedway, which was used for actual races during its first few years of existence. Nowadays it plays host to race car drivers who want to do tests on their vehicles before using them in real races. And of course, it’s also home to the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

Sign up for the RP Driving Experience and in addition to time out on the track you’ll get training and photo sessions. How long you spend behind the wheel depends on the size of the package you purchase.

If you’re a little nervous about getting behind the wheel on your own but would still love the rush of high-speed racing, then the ride-along package is for you. With that you get to take the shotgun seat next to a professional driver. The perk of the ride-along package: with the pro driving, you get to go much faster.

I never knew Disney World had anything like this, and I have to say it’s pretty cool. I know amusement parks commonly have bumper cars, or even mild racing rides like go-karts, but the Richard Petty Driving Experience is close to real. It definitely sounds ideal for any fan of racing, people who just like to drive fast, or for those who want to inject something different into their Disney experience.

Disney World isn’t the only location for the Richard Petty Driving Experience; there are several around the country. But the Orlando RP Driving Experience is the only one that is open year-round. Those with an annual pass to Disney World can get a free ride-along without having to sign up in advance.

Prices for the Richard Petty Driving Experience range from $450-$2100, depending on the package purchased. Ride-alongs are $110-$135. Details and booking information can be found at the Richard Petty Driving Experience website.

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*(This image by n28ive1 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License.)