Want to know how to travel in style, just like the pros? We check in with frequent fliers to find out how often they fly, their favorite destinations and what they never leave home without.
Name: Chris Strodder
Occupation: Author of “The Disneyland Encyclopedia”
Hometown: Santa Cruz, California
Residence: Pismo Beach, California
College: UCLA
College major: English
Website: disneylandlists.com
Twitter: Nope
Facebook: Nada
Instagram: Never
Pinterest: Nointerest
Google+: Googleminus
YouTube: Occasionally
Short bio: Chris Strodder has been visiting Disneyland regularly since 1966 and has been actively researching and photographing the park for two decades. Among his ten published books are four from Santa Monica Press about Disneyland: three editions of “The Disneyland Encyclopedia” (including the newest updated version published in April 2017) and “The Disneyland Book of Lists.”
How often do you fly? Couple times a year.
How many countries have you been to? Six.
How many continents have you been to? Three.
Earliest travel memory: Being photographed for the local newspaper at age two as “the most-traveled baby in town” (my parents had taken me with them on two roundtrips from America to England).
Favorite American city: Mickey’s Toontown, Disneyland California.
Favorite international city: Barcelona, Spain.
I have no desire to go to: Prison like in Midnight Express or Papillon.
Friendliest people in the world: Disneyland cast members.
Favorite World Heritage Site: Redwood National and State Parks.
Favorite airline: Classic Pan Am.
Favorite aircraft type: B-29 Superfortress.
Aisle or window: Cockpit jump seat.
Favorite airport lounge: Flight to the Moon pre-show area, Disneyland, California (1967-1975).
Favorite U.S. airport: John Wayne Airport, Orange County, California.
Favorite international airport: Madrid Barajas International Airport.
Favorite hotel: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, Anaheim, California.
Favorite cruise line: Disney Cruises.
Favorite travel credit card: Disneyland Annual Passport.
Favorite island: Tom Sawyer Island, Disneyland, California.
Favorite beach: Castaway Cay, Bahamas.
Favorite National Park: Yosemite.
Favorite fancy restaurant: Blue Bayou, Disneyland, California.
Favorite hole-in-the-wall: Coke Corner, Disneyland, California.
Favorite airport restaurant: A McDonald’s where I can get french fries.
Favorite bar: Mint Julep Bar, Disneyland, California.
Favorite fruit: Pluot.
Favorite food: Vegetarian.
Least favorite food: Animals.
Drink of choice (in the air and on the ground): Pineapple Dole Whip, Disneyland, California.
Favorite travel movie(s): 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Favorite travel show(s): The Samantha Brown one where she goes to Disneyland.
Favorite travel book(s): “Here Is New York” by E. B. White (1949).
Right now I am reading: Astronomy magazine’s guide to the summer solar eclipse.
Favorite travel website(s)—besides JohnnyJet.com, of course! Micechat.com.
5 things you bring on a plane: Pencil, eraser, highlighter, gold stars, and my Mile High Club log book.
What do you always seem to forget? In Spanish, “si” can mean “yes” or “if.”
Most embarrassing travel moment: When I thought that Spanish girl on the plane said “yes” but she meant “if.”
What do you like least about travel? Nosy flight attendants.
What do you want your loved one to buy you from an airport Duty Free store? Gum.
I’m embarrassed I haven’t been to: Jury duty.
What’s your dream destination? Star Wars Land, Disneyland, California (as of 2019).
Favorite travel charity: “Ladies Overseas Aid” (I Love Lucy episode #137, aired December 12, 1955).
Best travel tip: “Keep your hands inside the vehicle at all times.”
Travel is a very great gift from god and that is what we have learned from your blog. Thanks for such a good write up. Truly an amazing piece of writing.