Theme Parks and Passports

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...

Dreaming of an unforgettable trip to Ireland filled with castles, cozy pubs, and rolling green hills? In this episode of Theme Parks & Passports , hosts Heidi Mackey and Melissa Sanchez sit down with Megan Allen, Business Development Manager for CIE Tours , to explore why this nearly 100-year-old company is the gold standard for guided travel through Ireland, the UK, and beyond . From all-incl...

What happens when you mix impala stew, black-tie awards, and sunrise game drives? You get our unforgettable South Africa adventure! In this episode, we recap our time at the Envoyage Worldwide 2025 conference in Sun City, where we experienced cultural evenings filled with food, music, and fireworks, and Melissa shares the honor of being nominated for Travel Entrepreneur of the Year. Heidi takes us...

Ever wondered what it’s like to spot rhinos at a gas station on the way to safari? Join Heidi and Melissa as they record live-ish from The Palace of the Lost City in Sun City South Africa. There at a conference with Envoyage, the duo share their unforgettable journey through South Africa, so far, from exploring Kruger National Park and witnessing the Big Five to a spa treatment in Johannesburg. Al...

What if your next family vacation could change the way your kids see the world—and make a real impact on the communities you visit? In this episode, Heidi and Melissa sit down with Eduardo Cartaya, Global Purpose Specialist at G Adventures. Eduardo shares how G Adventures and National Geographic Family Journeys create meaningful, small-group adventures that go beyond vacations—immersing families i...

Join Heidi and Melissa as they take you inside the magic of Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration . Melissa is reporting directly from Anaheim after completing Disney’s Agent Education Program, sharing first-hand experiences of the park’s platinum-themed décor, special anniversary events, rare character meet-and-greets, and can’t-miss treats like platinum-dusted churros. Whether you’re a first...

From Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to Universal’s bone-chilling Halloween Horror Nights, this episode of Theme Parks and Passports is your ultimate guide to Halloween travel. Heidi and Melissa break down everything you need to know—event dates, ticket tips, and how to choose the right experience for your vibe. Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun, spine-tingling thrills, or festi...

It’s Christmas (or Hanukkah!) in July in this festive episode of Theme Parks and Passports . Travel advisors and hosts Heidi Mackey and Melissa Sanchez unwrap the magic of holiday travel—months before the sleigh bells ring. From Christmas cruises and theme park trips to cozy weekend escapes and iconic events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, they explain why July is the ideal time to start...

Ever wondered if a river cruise is worth it—or how it compares to an ocean cruise? In this episode of Theme Parks and Passports , we sit down with expert travel advisor Annie Schlegel to unpack everything you need to know before booking your first river cruise. From the best European river cruise routes for first-timers to what life is really like on board, Annie shares insider tips, favorite crui...