Ray Banales usually takes the same route home after his late-night custodial shifts at the Disneyland Resort. But on Sept. 16, 2021, his drive on the 5 Freeway took an unexpected turn. Ray spotted a car swerve out of control across the middle lanes before coming to a stop, facing northbound. His heart racing, Ray pulled over, turned on his hazard lights, exited his vehicle and made his way through continuing traffic, toward the stopped vehicle.
“I was terrified, but I tried my best to get the driver to get out of the car while other cars almost hit us,” Ray said. “After he was finally able to get out, the car went up in flames.” Ray then called 911 and waited with the driver until authorities arrived. He stayed at the scene to share his account of the events, and ultimately agreed to go on camera for a media interview. “The following day, someone shared it with me, and then it kind of snowballed from there. Reception was very positive, and I had people sharing it with me all over social media.”
The YouTube video that documented the incident has been viewed nearly 10,000 times on the platform alone. One of Ray’s leaders, Disneyland Park East General Manager Marybeth Miller, received the video from a fellow cast member and decided to nominate Ray for a Disney Heroes Award.
Launched globally in 2008, the Disney Heroes Award was established to commend heroic acts performed by Disney cast members, crew members, Imagineers and employees in and out of the workplace. Any employee from across The Walt Disney Company can submit a nomination on behalf of a colleague who performs life-saving actions or reports life-threatening security issues at work or in their community.
“The Disney Heroes Award is one of many ways we celebrate our cast,” Marybeth said. “We have some of the most amazing human beings who have chosen to be cast members and they bring our focus on safety to all aspects of their lives, allowing them to impact not just the guest and cast experience, but also the community experience in a positive way. Ray’s actions came from a place of genuine care and concern for humanity.”
Ray was selected as a Disney Heroes Award recipient, surprised with a presentation ceremony in front of family and fellow cast members on Feb. 4. Though incredibly humbled and honored by the award, Ray did not anticipate any personal accolades as a result of his actions.
“It was the right thing to do in my mind,” shared Ray. “If this had been me and I was the one that was in an accident, I would want to think that someone — maybe not everyone — but at least one person would stop and see if I was OK.”