BudgetTravel

David Koenig

Date of birth: October 4, 1962

Top: Jim Hill; David Koening

Residence: Aliso Viejo, Calif.

Profession: Author of books on Disney history, including Mouse Tales: A Behind-the-Ears Look at Disneyland; staff writer at MousePlanet.com; senior editor at business journal The Merchant Magazine

Earliest Disney memory: Listening to the LP of Babes in Toyland

His first time: "Sometime in the late 1960s. I don't know if it was the music or the fantastic rides or all the smiling people, but I remember that Disneyland somehow felt different--safer, happier."

Favorite ride: "Jungle Cruise, the only ride that's different every time you're on it, and the only place in Disneyland that wiseguy cast members are allowed to be themselves."

Number of visits: About 150 to Disneyland, 75 to Walt Disney World

Why the fascination? "Disney has the finest in family entertainment, and Disneyland is the only place in the world that my children can join me in reliving the best moments of my childhood. But I'm not your typical obsessive fan. I love Disney theme parks and write about them for a living, but I don't stalk characters or anything."

Most exciting Disney moment: "Taking my son Zachary, then 1, for his first ride on the Autopia, and sharing his wide-eyed delight at driving his own car."

Favorite piece of Disney memorabilia: "Photos from my family's trips to Disneyland and Walt Disney World that I keep in a scrapbook. I don't stockpile souvenirs."

Jim Hill