A once-in-a-lifetime vacation to Disney is anticipated by some families, who plan and budget for months in order to maximize their experience. But, one person went in the opposite direction and set a record for the most consecutive visits to Disneyland.
Jeff Reitz made the decision to visit Disneyland in Anaheim in late 2011; little did he realize that for the next eight years, three months, and 13 days, going there would be a daily routine. And now, he holds an official Guinness World Record.
Because of his dedication and perseverance, Jeff Reitz who is a 50-year-old Air Force veteran, earned him a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records, when he reached his 2,995th consecutive visit to the Happiest Place on Earth. Reitz has been making daily pilgrimages to Disneyland in California.
In recognition of his devotion, Disneyland granted him honorary citizenship after he invested an estimated $100,000 in his many trips to the beloved theme park.
Over a span of eight years and three months, Reitz’s unwavering commitment to visiting Disneyland every single day allowed him to enter the hallowed halls of the Guinness Book of Records. The record-breaking news was joyfully shared by Guinness World Records officials.
Following his time in the military, Reitz was eager to find a meaningful way to spend his free time. Inspired by Disneyland’s announcement of an “Extra Disney Day” during the Leap Day 24-hour event in 2012, he decided to embark on a journey to break the world record for most consecutive visits to the iconic theme park located in Anaheim, just outside Los Angeles. His daily visits began in 2012 and continued until the park closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reitz recounted that the idea began as a joke among friends, but after visiting the park for sixty consecutive days, he started to take the challenge more seriously. To document his daily adventures, he would post about his experiences on social media, which quickly gained traction and followers.
The Air Force veteran found happiness and purpose in his daily trips to Disneyland. As time went on, he became a popular figure within the park, forming friendships with many cast members and even receiving autograph requests from guests who recognized him as the man with thousands of consecutive visits under his belt.
To keep his followers engaged, Reitz would share new photos from his visits, often capturing unique moments or angles that showcased the magic of Disneyland. He would mix up his activities to ensure each day was fresh and exciting, sometimes exploring multiple attractions or focusing on a single section of the park.
“I would usually take a walk around the park. I enjoy photography, so I was always watching for images to capture that I could post to share,” Reitz said.
When asked about his favorite attraction, Reitz revealed that Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride held a special place in his heart. His story serves as a testament to the power of joy and determination, proving that the magic of Disneyland can resonate with both children and adults alike.
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Sources: AWM, Foxbusiness, Audacy