Theme Parks and Passports

One year after Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica is welcoming travelers back with renewed energy, reopened resorts, and a remarkable story of resilience. In this episode of Theme Parks & Passports , Melissa Sanchez sits down with Francine Carter Henry of the Jamaica Tourist Board to discuss the island's recovery, what visitors can expect in popular destinations like Montego Bay and Negril, and how lo...

What if your next vacation took you straight into the world of your favorite movie, TV show, or book? From the Scottish Highlands of Outlander to the Parisian streets of Emily in Paris , set-jetting is inspiring travelers to explore the real places behind the stories they love. In this episode of Theme Parks & Passports, travel advisors Heidi Mackey and Melissa Sanchez share their five favorit...

Salem may be famous for the witch trials, but there’s so much more to discover—especially as the city celebrates its 400th anniversary. In this episode, Heidi talks with Alicia Diozzi, former history teacher and founder of Salem Kids Tours, about how families can experience Salem’s fascinating history in a way that’s engaging, age-appropriate, and fun. From separating historical fact from spooky l...

Choosing the right Walt Disney World hotel can completely change the way you experience your vacation. In this episode of Theme Parks & Passports, Heidi and Melissa break down Disney’s value, moderate, deluxe, and villa resorts and share what to consider when deciding where to stay, from budget and location to transportation, amenities, and overall vibe. Melissa also shares what she learned to...

Holiday cruises can turn Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year’s into a completely different kind of family vacation – but there are a few things to know before you book. In this episode, Heidi and Melissa share five tips for planning a holiday cruise, from choosing the cruise line that matches your celebration style and understanding higher holiday pricing to booking popular onboard expe...

Planning a Halloween trip to Orlando or Disneyland Resort? Before you book your tickets, learn how to get the most out of the biggest Halloween events of 2026. In this episode, we're sharing our top planning tips for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World, and Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure. From understand...

What if planning what you wear on vacation was as much fun as planning the trip itself? Heidi and Melissa sit down with Lauren Hoesley and Ashlie Henderson, founders of Once Upon A Wardrobe, to talk how they help clients style the perfect outfits for visiting the parks. They touch on Disneybounding, styling themed outfits, and how what you wear can add a little extra magic to your Disney or Univer...

Think you can handle a Florida theme park in the middle of summer? Think again. In this episode, we're sharing our top five expert tips for staying cool at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and beyond—from the game-changing midday resort break and frozen water bottles with electrolytes to peppermint mints, cooling towels, and the best indoor attractions to escape the heat. Whether you'...

Celebrate America's 250th anniversary by exploring the incredible destinations that tell the story of the United States. From the Freedom Trail in Boston and the historic streets of Philadelphia to the music of Nashville, the charm of Savannah, the landscapes of Yellowstone, the beauty of California, and the unforgettable adventures of Hawaii and Alaska, we're sharing our favorite places t...

Have you ever watched a TV show or movie and thought, “I wish I could go there”? This week on Theme Parks & Passports, Heidi and Melissa are joined by Michele Schwartz, founder of Makin' Memories Travel and host of Jet Setting with Me, to explore the growing travel trend known as set-jetting. From Bridgerton and Emily in Paris to Gilmore Girls, Harry Potter, and Sex and the City, Michele s...

Epic Universe has officially turned one, and what a year it has been. In this episode, Heidi and Melissa are joined by Amanda Spencer Hill from Universal Parks & Resorts to look back on Epic Universe's first year, the guest experiences that have exceeded expectations, and the changes that are shaping Universal Orlando's future. From new ticket options and hotel perks to Express Pass up...

Your vacation photos should feel as magical as the moments themselves—but most people aren’t using their phones to their full potential. In this episode, Heidi and Melissa break down simple, practical tips to instantly improve your travel photography without needing expensive gear. From mastering your phone’s camera settings to understanding lighting, composition, and timing, they share easy hacks...

How does travel actually shape the way we think, feel, and grow – especially for kids? In this episode, we’re joined by cultural psychologist Dr. Andrew Stevenson, author of The Psychology of Travel , to explore how new environments influence our mindset, relationships, and identity. From the difference between tourists and travelers to raising more curious, respectful kids on the road, this conve...

Planning a cruise and wondering which private island is actually worth it? In this episode of Theme Parks & Passports , we’re breaking down the top cruise line private islands - from Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay to Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay, plus Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America Line. We compare what each island actually feels like - from adrenaline-packed waterpar...

Looking for the best air travel tips to avoid delays, long TSA lines, and airport chaos? In this episode, Heidi and Melissa break down everything you need to know - from check-in strategies and packing smart to TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and navigating busy travel seasons. These are the must-know tips every traveler should use before their next flight. Key Takeaways: - Preparation is everything →...

What’s it really like to run a race through Disney parks? In this episode of Theme Parks & Passports, Heidi and Melissa talk with runDisney expert and fellow travel agent Shannon Heffern, who has completed more than 100 runDisney races. Shannon shares what makes these races so special—from running through Magic Kingdom to the famous Dopey Challenge—plus tips on registration, training, costumes...

Think your travel plans are foolproof? Think again. In this episode of Theme Parks & Passports , we’re sharing real-life travel mishaps — from forgotten passports before a cruise and missed flights due to airport delays, to lost luggage in Paris and hotel booking disasters the night before sailing. As experienced travel advisors, we break down what went wrong, what we learned, and how travel i...

Traveling with food allergies can feel overwhelming and it certainly was for Dana Murphy whose son was diagnosed with Celiac when he was 9 years old. In this episode of Theme Parks & Passports , we chat with Dana, whose son is now a teen, as shares her real-life experience navigating gluten-free travel at theme parks, all-inclusive resorts, and on cruises. We talk about what it’s really like d...

When planning Walt Disney World trips, hosts and travel advisors Heidi and Melissa don’t just consider crowds and weather, they also choose their dates based on which EPCOT festival is happening. In this episode, they break down every EPCOT festival throughout the year . They share what to expect from EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts, the International Flower and Garden Festival, the Int...

With seeing more of the U.S. as a top travel trend this year, National Parks are taking the stage, yet again as a prime destination for family vacations. In this episode of Theme Parks & Passports , host Melissa Sanchez dives into the rise of U.S. guided touring with Denise Fraind of Globus , exploring why traveling your backyard can be just as exciting as Europe or Asia. From Yellowstone and...

Travel looks different in every season of life - and that’s exactly what we’re diving into as we kick off Season 2 of Theme Parks & Passports . In this welcome episode, hosts Heidi Mackey and Melissa Sanchez reintroduce themselves and reflect on what a year of traveling with families has taught them. From Disney and Universal theme parks to cruises, bucket-list destinations, fandom travel, and...

2026 could, in fact, be one of the most exciting years in travel. In this solo episode, host Heidi Mackey of House of Mackey Travel breaks down exactly what families, adventure seekers, and bucket-list travelers need to know. From the explosive rise of ocean cruising to the surge in bucket-list adventures, wellness travel, and off-season escapes. Discover why Europe (especially Italy, Greece, and...

If you’re dreaming of a holiday trip to Disney World or Universal Orlando, we’ve got you covered. In this episode, hosts Heidi and Melissa break down everything happening across the parks this season – from Universal’s Grinchmas festivities, holiday tour perks, and Wizarding World décor to Disney’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Hollywood Studios’ Jollywood Nights, and the full Epcot Festival of the...

This holiday season, make memories that last longer than anything you can wrap. Travel advisors Heidi Mackey and Melissa Sanchez share inspiring ways to give the gift of travel. From giving experiences like family trips, cruises, and Broadway weekends to adding personal touches to trips already planned, your hosts offer some great ideas for the travel lover in your life. Whether you’re planning a...

Packing for a cruise can be somewhat of an art form. In this episode of Theme Parks & Passports , hosts Heidi Mackey of House of Mackey Travel and Melissa Sanchez of Spellbound Vacations share their ultimate cruise packing guide, filled with insider tips from years of sailing Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. From formal nights and theme parties to cabin organization hacks, c...