SANTA ANA, Calif. — Disneyland aficionado Jon Alan Hale marked a huge milestone, celebrating his 15,000th spin on the Radiator Springs Racers ride, an attraction inspired by the beloved animated film “Cars.” For Hale, it has never been just about winning; it’s about the thrill of the ride and the connections he has made in the process.
After undergoing gastric bypass and knee replacement surgeries in 2010 and 2011, Hale’s adventures at Disney California Adventure began in earnest. The Radiator Springs Racers, which opened in 2012, became an obsession for him. He began tracking his rides meticulously, noting down details like the car color and lane for each spin.
“I fell in love with the ride,” said the television technician from Brea, California, as he proudly held a sign announcing his 15,000th ride on a recent visit with friends who work at the park.
Visiting Disneyland over 1,100 times, Hale averages around 13 rides per visit, mostly thanks to the fast-moving line for single riders. Each milestone is celebrated with a sign, and he recalls the support he received from Disneyland employees when he hit the significant mark of 1,000 rides.
“You don’t know who is going to win the race,” Hale noted, sharing the excitement that every ride brings. The unpredictability of the attraction keeps him coming back for more, as no two rides are ever exactly the same.
Interestingly, there’s no official record for the number of rides, as both Disneyland officials and Guinness World Records do not track this impressive achievement. However, for Hale, the experience transcends mere numbers.
“It’s like family,” he said, reflecting on the friendships he has cultivated at the park. The Disneyland community is an integral part of his life, contributing to the endurance of his passion for the ride.
