It was a tragic death that should never have happened. Petty Holdings employee Gary Terry was a passenger in an Italian sports car on the exotic driving course at the Walt Disney World Speedway, traveling at high speed in the opposite direction the track’s safety… Read More »Death at Walt Disney World Speedway results in small fine from OSHA
Update: Official word from Drive Petty representative is that the Exotic Driving Experience plans to reopen on May 1. They gave us this statement: “As of today, the plan is to resume EDE operations in Orlando. However, we are evaluating the situation during the ongoing… Read More »Exotic Driving Experience at Walt Disney Speedway could close permanently
Major elements updated at 7pm ET: Driver’s age, vehicle, and which experience. Local news is reporting that the Florida Highway Patrol has been called to the Walt Disney World Speedway for a fatality. The speedway is home to the Richard Petty Driving Experience and the… Read More »Fatality reported at Walt Disney World Speedway
The Richard Petty Driving Experience and Exotic Driving has received a brief reprieve from Walt Disney World and will now remain open until August 9th. This gives Florida residents more time to enjoy a special 25% discount before Disney moves in and demolishes the Walt… Read More »Richard Petty Driving Experience Extended Until August 9th
Even though Disney has asked the Richard Petty Driving Experience and Exotic Driving Experience throw its final checkered flag this summer, fun experiences are still available at Walt Disney World Speedway now through the end of May. “Any Florida resident can take advantage of this… Read More »Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway offers Florida Resident discount
Sad news for NASCAR fans who also love Walt Disney World. The Richard Petty Driving Experience available at the Walt Disney World Speedway will close effective July 1, 2015. This means the end of the Piston Cup Junior Ride-Along with the Pixar “Cars” themed cars… Read More »Richard Petty Driving Experience Leaving Walt Disney World Speedway
It’s almost time for one of my favorite special events of the year. Downtown Disney’s Car Masters Weekend. Held over Father’s Day weekend June 14-15 the entire shopping and dining district takes on the flavor of a classic car show with a modern twist–Car Masters Weekend features all things “Cars” plus special celebrity appearances, interactive exhibits, unique event merchandise and entertainment the whole family will enjoy.
On Downtown Disney West Side, guests can enjoy exploring the details and classic beauty of more than 100 classic, muscle and exotic vehicles from across the country. Fans also can judge their favorites along with the experts, culminating in an award ceremony Sunday. Joining in the “Cars” fun, Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway will be unveiling two new full-size custom character cars, created by Disney•Pixar “Cars” creative director Jay Ward. The #28 Aiken Axler and #80 Sage VanDerSpin cars will be used in the new Piston Cup Junior Ride-Along program, available for bookings beginning June 14. Disney•Pixar “Cars” and “Cars 2″ characters Lightning McQueen, Mater and Finn McMissle also will be stopping by the event for meet and greets.
Read More »Giant Classic Car Show Returns to Downtown Disney Fathers Day Weekend
Update: I’ve been sent two car designs for the Piston Cup as created by Pixar Animation Studios. I think they’re pretty neat:
See the real things starting June 13th.
If you’ve parked at the TTC, you’ve probably heard the roar of race cars as they zoom around Walt Disney World Speedway. Sometimes they are actual professional drivers doing some testing or training, but usually that means the Richard Petty Driving Experience is hosting the most thrilling outside-the-berm experience you can enjoy while at the world.
For those who don’t want to drive, they have ride-a-long experiences and not too long ago, the RPDE added Junior Ride-A-Long’s for kids aged 6 to 13 (and 48 inches tall). While I did the driving myself, my son had the opportunity for a ride-a-long with one of the Petty drivers. He assures me it was an amazing experience. He actually got to go faster than I did, since there was a pro behind the wheel.
As it works now, you ride in a car that had a former life in a NASCAR series and as such they’re stickered up like a real stock car would be. But for the Junior Ride-A-Long’s kids will soon be able to choose between two characters from Pixar’s animated feature film “Cars” – Aiken Axler and Sage VanDerSpin. You may recall that Richard Petty provided the voice of “The King” in the original “Cars” movie.
Read More »Junior Petty ride-a-long to get Pixar Cars style makeover