ANAHEIM, Calif. (KABC) — A Disney superfan from Brea is about to do something most fans only dream of. He’s revving up his engine to break a record on his favorite Disney California Adventure ride.
“I’m gonna go for 15,000 rides on Radiator Springs Racers,” said Jon Hale.
Hale takes a picture with a new sign every time he hits an additional 100 rides on the attraction, which he calls his “happy place.” And he keeps track.
A Brea man made history by riding Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure for the 10,000th time.
“I have a little notebook where I keep track of the ride’s number. I also keep track of the lane for the race… And the color of the car, and whether or not I win the race,” he said.
On Dec. 8, Dale plans to hop on Radiator Springs Racers for the 15,000th time.
He’s well-known by cast members, often taking selfies with them and they celebrate him, too!
“When I got to 999, they pulled the car over to the side and they were all there waiting for me and they told me I got one more ride for 1,000, so they jumped in the car and gave me some stuff and that just spurred me on from there.”
Hale’s love for the “Cars”-themed ride began in 2012 when he visited the park for the first time since having a gastric bypass surgery, two knee replacements and losing over 150 pounds. He celebrated by getting on the attraction.
“It’s the characters, it’s the theming, the way that it’s constructed on the outside, it’s perfect,” he said.
Eyewitness News was there when Hale got on the ride for the 10,000th time back in 2017. It took him 5 years, 5 months and 3 days to get to that point.
Eight years later, he’s ready for his 15,000th ride. As for what’s next?
“Probably 15,001.”
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