Body By Dole Whip? That's a lifestyle plan we can get behind.
Jeff Reitz grew up going to Disneyland with his family for big holidays like Christmas and birthdays. But now the 44-year-old has taken his life-long love of Disney to new heights by visiting the California theme park for more than five and a half years straight. That's right: He's spent the past 2,000+ days of his life visiting the Happiest Place on Earth.
What started as motivation to stay positive and get out of the house during a period of unemployment soon morphed into what describes as a "magical experience" that's given him new friendships, a healthier lifestyle, and a happy relationship.
Embarking on a theme park marathon
Reitz first began the every-day-at-Disney adventure, which he's branded on social media as Disney 366, back in 2012 when he was gifted an annual pass to the park. He and a fellow annual pass holder decided to start a journey where they took full advantage of every day their ticket would allow entry - 366 that year for Leap Day on February 29. "We decided to use it as a positive," he told us in a phone interview. "Instead of moping around, it forced us to get up and move."
The $1,049 Signature Plus pass gives Reitz "park hopper" access to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park every single day of the year, free parking, 15 percent off of food purchases, and 20 percent off of merchandise.
"People think I'm a millionaire, but I'm definitely not. I've just put my annual pass to the maximum use," he said. "By going 365 days of the year, I'm able to make my park visits cost about $2 each day ... that's less than a cup of coffee."
Becoming a Disneyland expert
The California native grew up and still lives in Huntington Beach, about 15 miles from the park. That means he can pop by after his shift at the Veteran's hospital and still spend a full evening - from 5 p.m. on, sometimes until midnight - in the park.
With more than 40 years at Disney under his belt, Reitz has become an expert of sorts. From his 2,000-day journey alone he's been able to accurately dodge crowds, beat lines, and pinpoint a variety of other hacks like secret menu items and the park's notorious secret Mickeys.
One of his favorite little-known dishes is the ice cream nachos at the Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland. It's not on the menu and was originally created as a special treat for Mickey's Halloween party three years ago. But if you know what to ask for, you can score some pretty sweet dessert nachos. Here's what in it: A crushed waffle cone; three to four scoops of your favorite ice cream flavors; hot fudge; whipped cream; and a cherry. Of course, the whipped and cherry are added to look like Mickey's face.