SANTA ANA, Calif. — For Disneyland superfan Jon Alan Hale, it’s all about the thrill of the ride, not the victory. Hale recently celebrated a monumental achievement by completing his 15,000th spin on the Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure.
The ride, inspired by the beloved Pixar film 'Cars,' debuted in 2012 and quickly captivated Hale after he underwent gastric bypass and knee replacement surgeries in 2010 and 2011. Excited by the experience, he began recording each ride in a notebook, noting details such as car color and lane, and whether he emerged victorious.
I fell in love with the ride, the television technician from Brea, California, shared. To commemorate every hundred rides, he carried a sign, rejoicing with Disneyland employees when he completed his 1,000th ride.
On the day of his milestone ride, Hale donned a 'Cars'-themed cap and held a sign proclaiming his 15,000 rides while enjoying the attraction with friends who work at the park.
Hale’s impressive record stems from his dedication to visiting the Anaheim resort, famously known as the 'Happiest Place on Earth,' over 1,100 times. On average, he rides the Radiator Springs ride approximately 13 times per visit, thanks in part to the efficient single-rider line.
Even after completing such a staggering number of rides, Hale reveals that the excitement never fades. You don’t know who is going to win the race, he remarked, emphasizing the unpredictable thrill each ride brings.
While there is no formal documentation of his achievement from Disneyland or Guinness World Records, Hale values the relationships he's built at the park. The staff and fellow park-goers have become like family to him. Everybody recognized me; they’re rooting for me, he said.
