SANTA ANA, Calif. — For Disneyland superfan Jon Alan Hale, the thrill of completing his 15,000th ride on the Radiator Springs Racers isn't about emerging victorious but about the sheer joy of the ride itself.
After undergoing significant health transformations through gastric bypass and knee replacement surgeries in 2010 and 2011, Hale excitedly embraced the Radiator Springs Racers ride upon its debut in 2012. He meticulously tracked his rides in a notebook, documenting everything from his car's color and lane to whether he won or lost any of his thrilling races.
I fell in love with the ride, said Hale, a television technician residing in Brea, California. His passion for the attraction was so profound that he began carrying a sign to commemorate every 100 rides, a milestone that earned him the cheers of Disneyland staff when he hit the 1,000 ride mark.
On the day of his 15,000th ride, Hale sported a Cars-themed cap and held a celebratory sign. Joined by friends who work at the theme park, he relished the moment of achieving this extraordinary feat.
Hale has visited Disneyland more than 1,100 times, averaging around 13 rides per trip, mostly thanks to a fast-track line option for single riders. Despite the frequency of his visits, Hale finds the experience evergreen, appreciating the unpredictability of each race.
You don’t know who is going to win the race, he remarked. There is no pattern of who wins or loses. Interestingly, there are no official records for the number of rides taken on this particular attraction, as both Disneyland officials and Guinness World Records clarified they do not track this '
However, Hale’s journey is not solely quantified by numbers. He has forged meaningful connections with the park's employees, leading him to feel as if he has become part of a family.
Everybody recognized me—they're rooting for me, Hale shared, reflecting on the camaraderie developed at a place he truly cherishes as the 'Happiest Place on Earth.'
