2,000 Day Streak At Disneyland: Huntington Beach Man Is Happy Every Day

DISNEYLAND, CA — There are Disney fans, and then there are Disney FANS. Huntington Beach resident Jeff Reitz has raised the bar when it comes to experiencing the House of Mouse.

For the past five years and 173 days, Reitz has entered the gates of Southern California's Disneyland Resort Parks, spending at least part or at most all of his days inside the happiest place on Earth.

On Jan. 1, 2012, he made a decision to visit the park every day.

"I was unemployed at the time and looking for work. When Disney Resort launched their 'One More Day at Disneyland' Leap Year promotion a friend and I figured this was a great opportunity to get out of the house, be around people and interact with others in a positive way," Reitz said.

He launched his Facebook page, Instagram and blog, calling it Disney 366 rather than Disney 365 to account for that extra day.

"On Leap Year, I celebrated the extra day of the year at the park for 24 hours," Reitz said over Facebook. He managed the same feat in Leap Year of 2016, which was day 1,521 according to his posts.

So how does he do it?

His Disney Signature Plus Passport, purchased for $1,049, enables him the ability to venture to one or both parks, park for free at the Mickey and Friends tower, ride whatever strikes his fancy all for less than $3 a day.

"That's less than most people spend on a cup of coffee," he said. "When you use it every day, that pass is a no brainer."

Taking a minute out of his full day at the park, Reitz stopped to talk with Patch after his ride on Guardians of the Galaxy-Mission: BREAKOUT!

SEE: Guardians of the Galaxy-Mission: BREAKOUT! What To See While Waiting in Line

"We rode to the song, 'Born to Be Wild,' by Steppenwolf," he said. "I've been on dozens of times and heard and experienced all six song combinations. It's great."

Seeing the change from Tower of Terror to Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! and the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure is just one of many changes he's seen at the parks.

"It's been fun coming every day for so many years in a row," he said. "It's part of my life now, and has grown into more than I expected."

What does it feel like to be turned into an instant celebrity?

"People see me, but until today, cast members would think I looked familiar, but now they know who I am," he said with a laugh. "I come, I talk to people, but no one put it together until today."

On day 1,000 Reitz was met with a little fanfare, a chat with the local news stations, but nothing like day 2,000.

"This was different," he said. When he arrived this morning, the day at Disneyland started at 8 a.m. when he walked through the turnstile and cameras following him all the way to the Tea Cups.

"I did stop at Carnation, and we got pictures with Oscar," he said. "I love to stop and talk with Oscar. He's amazing."

Oscar, the longest running Disneyland employee, just celebrated his 65th year of employment.

Why does he visit Disneyland Resort every day?

"Coming to Disneyland every day started as me trying to stay positive. When you're job searching, it's not about beating the sidewalk to find a job anymore. You're online, in front of the computer. It can be depressing," he said. For Reitz, the chance to get up, take off the pajamas, get fresh air, log exercise and miles and talk with guests and cast members kept him fresh with networking and communication skills.

Reitz, now employed at the Veterans Hospital, gives back to those who served their country. A former Air Force veteran, the job that started as a temporary assignment became permanent, full time. Still, his treks to the park didn't pause.

"When I go to Disneyland, it's not about going every single day all day, it's just one of the best things about living so close, enjoying the things you love to do," he said.

Favorite restaurant? Pizza Port for the Pasta.

Favorite ride? Matterhorn, and leaning into the curves.

Favorite thing about living in Southern California? Experiencing it all. Every day.

"I live in Huntington Beach, and I live life here to the fullest," he said. "I go to San Diego Zoo, the Tramway, scuba dive in Channel Islands...and still make it to Disneyland every day."

What's next?

"I'm looking forward to seeing the popular nighttime spectacular 'Fantasmic!' when it returns in an enhanced version on July 17 along the Rivers of America in Disneyland," he said.

During the past 2,000 days, Reitz has seen changes at the park from the small to the major, such as the release on day 1,999 regarding new fast passes.

A quick scan of your pass or ticket becomes your fast pass, and the paper printed ticket a mere reminder of your scheduled ride time. A good thing, with Disneyland Resort's Star Wars Land opening soon.

"I plan to continue treating myself to daily park visits for as long as I can," he said.

Follow Reitz and his continued adventures on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/disney366_

Photo Courtesy Jeff Reitz