SANTA ANA, Calif. — For Jon Alan Hale, a Disneyland enthusiast, the magic of Disney extends beyond the parks and into the rides he loves. On Monday, he celebrated an incredible milestone — his 15,000th ride on Radiator Springs Racers, an attraction inspired by the beloved animated film 'Cars.' This journey is not merely about the numbers or competition, but a heartfelt connection to the joy and exhilarating experiences offered by Disneyland.
Hale, originally from Brea, California, revealed that his affection for the ride blossomed after he underwent significant health surgeries, including gastric bypass and knee replacement. Since the ride's launch in 2012, he has become enamored, obsessively tracking his experiences in a notebook, detailing car colors, lane choices, and outcomes of his races.
The Disneyland resort, often dubbed as the 'Happiest Place on Earth,' has hosted Hale over 1,100 times, where he averages an impressive 13 rides per visit, thanks to the fast-moving single rider line. 'It's like family,' Hale expressed. 'Everybody recognized me, they’re rooting for me.' His passion has sparked friendships with the park staff, whom he views as a supportive community.
Each time he rides, there’s an air of unpredictability. 'You don’t know who is going to win the race,' he commented, emphasizing the fun in the mystery of each ride.
Despite no official recognition for this extraordinary achievement, Hale continues to enjoy the thrill of the experience, buoyed by the camaraderie he’s cultivated at Disneyland. His journey is a testament to the bonds formed through shared interests and the magic of places like Disneyland.
Hale, originally from Brea, California, revealed that his affection for the ride blossomed after he underwent significant health surgeries, including gastric bypass and knee replacement. Since the ride's launch in 2012, he has become enamored, obsessively tracking his experiences in a notebook, detailing car colors, lane choices, and outcomes of his races.
The Disneyland resort, often dubbed as the 'Happiest Place on Earth,' has hosted Hale over 1,100 times, where he averages an impressive 13 rides per visit, thanks to the fast-moving single rider line. 'It's like family,' Hale expressed. 'Everybody recognized me, they’re rooting for me.' His passion has sparked friendships with the park staff, whom he views as a supportive community.
Each time he rides, there’s an air of unpredictability. 'You don’t know who is going to win the race,' he commented, emphasizing the fun in the mystery of each ride.
Despite no official recognition for this extraordinary achievement, Hale continues to enjoy the thrill of the experience, buoyed by the camaraderie he’s cultivated at Disneyland. His journey is a testament to the bonds formed through shared interests and the magic of places like Disneyland.
