Local Man Hits Milestone with 15,000th Spin on Disneyland's 'Cars' Ride
A seasoned Disney enthusiast has marked a monumental milestone at the iconic theme park: his 15,000th spin on Radiator Springs Racers, an auto-racing attraction inspired by the animated film "Cars". For Jon Alan Hale, the ride is not just about achieving a high number; it's about the thrill of racing and the sense of community that comes with visiting Disney California Adventure.
After undergoing two major surgeries – gastric bypass and knee replacement – in 2010 and 2011, Hale found solace in the exhilarating experience of riding the attraction. He became hooked on the ride, tracking his progress in a notebook, noting every detail from car color to winning or losing lane. As he approached the milestone, Hale began carrying a custom sign to commemorate each hundredth spin.
Disneyland staff were quick to acknowledge his achievements, with claps and recognition greeting Hale as he hit 1,000 spins. This time around, Hale shared the experience with friends who work at the theme park – all wearing "Cars" themed attire – proudly displaying a massive 15,000 sign.
For Hale, each visit to Disneyland is a cherished event, with an average of 13 rides per trip largely attributed to the single-rider line's efficiency. Despite never knowing which car will take the lead or win, he remains captivated by the unpredictable nature of the ride.
While Guinness World Records does not officially track this record, Disneyland officials have confirmed that they don't maintain a formal log either. However, Hale has formed lasting bonds with park staff and visitors alike, who now refer to him as part of their "family."
As for Hale's remarkable achievement, he concludes: "It's like family. Everybody recognized me, they're rooting for me." His dedication to the ride has earned him a special place in the hearts of Disney fans, serving as a testament to the enduring appeal of Radiator Springs Racers and the magic that Disney California Adventure embodies.
A seasoned Disney enthusiast has marked a monumental milestone at the iconic theme park: his 15,000th spin on Radiator Springs Racers, an auto-racing attraction inspired by the animated film "Cars". For Jon Alan Hale, the ride is not just about achieving a high number; it's about the thrill of racing and the sense of community that comes with visiting Disney California Adventure.
After undergoing two major surgeries – gastric bypass and knee replacement – in 2010 and 2011, Hale found solace in the exhilarating experience of riding the attraction. He became hooked on the ride, tracking his progress in a notebook, noting every detail from car color to winning or losing lane. As he approached the milestone, Hale began carrying a custom sign to commemorate each hundredth spin.
Disneyland staff were quick to acknowledge his achievements, with claps and recognition greeting Hale as he hit 1,000 spins. This time around, Hale shared the experience with friends who work at the theme park – all wearing "Cars" themed attire – proudly displaying a massive 15,000 sign.
For Hale, each visit to Disneyland is a cherished event, with an average of 13 rides per trip largely attributed to the single-rider line's efficiency. Despite never knowing which car will take the lead or win, he remains captivated by the unpredictable nature of the ride.
While Guinness World Records does not officially track this record, Disneyland officials have confirmed that they don't maintain a formal log either. However, Hale has formed lasting bonds with park staff and visitors alike, who now refer to him as part of their "family."
As for Hale's remarkable achievement, he concludes: "It's like family. Everybody recognized me, they're rooting for me." His dedication to the ride has earned him a special place in the hearts of Disney fans, serving as a testament to the enduring appeal of Radiator Springs Racers and the magic that Disney California Adventure embodies.
! I mean, it's not like it's a big deal or anything (just saying). Seriously though, it's kinda cool how passionate people can get about these types of attractions. Jon Alan Hale's story is actually pretty inspiring – I guess you could say he's got the "racing" bug in his system 
. The fact that Disneyland staff now refer to him as part of their family says a lot about how dedicated fans like him are to the park. Still, I'm not sure why he needed two major surgeries just to get on this ride 
... maybe it's just me, but 15k spins seems like more of a novelty than an accomplishment 
.
I mean, can you even imagine going on a rollercoaster 15,000 times?! 
That's dedication right there! And it's not just about him, it's about the community he's built with the park staff and fans who've come to know him as part of their "family". That's so cool! 
I think what's really amazing is how he found a new passion after going through some tough surgeries - it's like the ride became his therapy. 
Has anyone else ever had an experience that completely changed your life in such a positive way? 
I'm literally living vicariously through Jon Alan Hale 
! I've been to Disneyland like, five times with my kiddos and we always have the best time on that ride 
. What I love most about this story is how Hale found solace in a theme park attraction after going through some tough surgeries 
. It just goes to show that Disney magic can bring people together 
! And aw, I'm sure his "family" at Disneyland loves him just as much as he loves the ride 
I think it's awesome that he made friends with park staff and visitors, even if they don't officially track his record 
. And yay for him having a special spot in Disney fans' hearts 
. Anyone else got a crazy Disney obsession? 
. But can't he just try a new ride or experience something different for once? It feels like he's stuck in a rut. And what's with the whole sign thing? Carrying around a giant "15,000" sign everywhere he goes? It's just too much 
. And I feel bad for the park staff who have to deal with his enthusiasm – all those claps and recognition must get old fast 
. Maybe he should try something new... like, I don't know, a different ride or even a day off from Disneyland? Just saying 
they must've been super proud of him. and it's so cool that the staff acknowledged him, that's what makes disney magic, right? 
Ugh, great, another person getting too attached to a theme park ride. I mean, 15,000 spins on 'Cars' ride? That's just crazy... 
What if he gets stuck in traffic or something? And now everyone at the park is calling him part of their "family"? It sounds like Disneyland is fostering some kind of cult following or something... 
Not to mention, two major surgeries in 2010 and 2011? That's just a recipe for disaster. 
Guess we'll just have to wait and see how long this guy keeps spinning 
! and he's got a custom sign for every 100 spins? genius 
that's so awesome!! i mean who wouldn't want to spin 15k times on Cars ride lol 
I mean, I can appreciate the dedication, but at the same time, I'm thinking about how Hale's gotta be feeling like he's stuck in some kind of never-ending loop... or is that the point? 
!
i mean its cool he's got a community of friends who work at disney and they're all hyped for him 
maybe someone should start keeping track tho? 
). He might not have won any major awards or accolades, but he's got something much more valuable: the appreciation of strangers who've become friends. 
.
. The line connects them, showing how Jon Alan has been on this ride over 150 times! 
. Disneyland is more than just rides, it's about creating memories & feeling like part of something bigger 
his dedication to tracking every detail is kinda awesome too 
he's got some serious game when it comes to planning his disney visits