“The King” of NASCAR, Richard Petty, returned to Walt Disney World Resort to visit his dear friend, Mickey Mouse on Thursday, August 25. Petty and Mickey celebrated the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort by sharing a memorable moment in front of Cinderella Castle at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park.
The NASCAR Hall of Famer traded his signature cowboy hat for a pair of mouse ears and posed for a photo with Mickey. The picture was similar to a photo taken in 1996 as Walt Disney World celebrated its 25th anniversary. Petty and Mickey also took a short ride around Walt Disney World Resort in the Main Street Streetcar before the racing legend headed to Daytona International Speedway for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 NASCAR race on Saturday, August 27. August 25th also marked the 30th anniversary of Petty’s retirement from NASCAR. The 7-time NASCAR Cup Series champion won more than 200 races in his career including 10 wins at Daytona International Speedway. Petty said trips to Daytona were extra special because it usually meant spending a day at Walt Disney World Resort for him and his family.