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PODCAST

Theme Parks and Passports

Heidi Mackey and Melissa Sanchez

The travel podcast for every family that is ready to explore the world, one destination at a time! Theme Parks & Passports is a podcast for anyone who has ever dreamed of traveling with (or without) your family! Hosted by two travel-obsessed agents – Melissa Sanchez and Heidi Mackey – who know the ins and outs of all types of family vacations! They will take your travel dreams and make them into a reality.

society & culture places & travel

All Episodes

00:37:52

America’s National Parks and other US Destinations...

Theme Parks and Passports ·

2026/01/15

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 the Grand Canyon to Alaska, Hawaii, and beyond, Denise breaks down how guided tours offer easier

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00:26:10

Welcome to Season 2: Real Family Travel, Theme Parks...

Theme Parks and Passports ·

2026/01/01

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 multigenerational trips, they talk about how real families actually travel. They also share what’s

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00:08:03

2026 Travel Trends & Predictions

Theme Parks and Passports ·

2025/12/15

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 the U.K.) will dominate travel plans, which U.S. destinations are trending, and how celestial events

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00:29:43

Celebrating the Holiday Season at Walt Disney World...

Theme Parks and Passports ·

2025/12/01

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 Holidays experience. We share insider tips on snagging the toughest reservations (like the Grinch

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00:27:18

The Ultimate Travel Gift Guide 2025: Experiences That...

Theme Parks and Passports ·

2025/11/15

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 family trip, a romantic getaway, or looking for travel-inspired gifts, this conversation will help you

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00:40:41

The Ultimate Cruise Packing Guide 🧳

Theme Parks and Passports ·

2025/11/01

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, cruise ducks, and Fish Extenders, they cover everything you need to know to pack smart and stress-free

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00:35:37

Multi-Gen Travel to Ireland and the UK with Megan...

Theme Parks and Passports ·

2025/10/15

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-inclusive itineraries and small-group experiences to private driver options and heritage tours that trace your

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00:20:18

Bucket List South Africa: Safari Game Drives & Boma...

Theme Parks and Passports ·

2025/10/01

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 inside her post-conference stay at a boutique tented safari camp, complete with wildlife at her

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00:12:03

Live-ish from South Africa: Sun City & Kruger...

Theme Parks and Passports ·

2025/09/15

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. Along the way, they swap long-haul flight survival tips, dive into local cuisine (yes, even mopane

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00:39:38

Ecotourism with G Adventures and National Geographic

Theme Parks and Passports ·

2025/09/01

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 in local culture, supporting communities, and building unforgettable memories. From Costa Rica to South

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00:31:59

Inside Disneyland’s 70th (and the Disneyland vs. Walt...

Theme Parks and Passports ·

2025/08/15

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-time Disneyland visitor or a Walt Disney World pro curious about the differences, this episode is packed

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00:32:03

Halloween Travel: Disney, Universal & Other Spooky...

Theme Parks and Passports ·

2025/08/01

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 festive fall getaways like Disney Cruise Line’s Halloween on the High Seas or iconic destinations like

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00:37:53

Family Travel for the Holidays – Vacation Adventures...

Theme Parks and Passports ·

2025/07/15

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 planning your end-of-year adventures.Whether you're organizing a multi-generational getaway, looking

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00:28:14

Inside River Cruising: Ultimate in Boutique Travel...

Theme Parks and Passports ·

2025/07/01

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 cruise lines, and why this relaxed, immersive style of travel is gaining popularity with Gen Xers, couples,

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00:22:09

International Travel: Required Documents and Pro Tips

Theme Parks and Passports ·

2025/06/17

Planning an international trip? Don’t let paperwork derail your dream vacation. In this episode of Theme Parks and Passports, travel advisors and hosts Melissa Sanchez and Heidi Mackey walk you through everything you need to know before heading abroad—from passport rules to health documents and the importance of travel insurance. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a globe-trotting pro, this episode is your must-have checklist for crossing borders with confidence.✅ Passport expiration rules you

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00:29:53

Traveling Across Ages: Multi-Gen Travel with Nancy...

Theme Parks and Passports ·

2025/06/03

Multi-generational travel can be one of the most rewarding ways to make lasting family memories—but with different ages, needs, and travel styles in the mix, it can also bring a fair bit of chaos. In this episode, Heidi and Melissa talk with seasoned travel advisor Nancy Heimbuecher about the ins and outs of multi-generational travel. From cross-continental cruises to navigating ancient ruins with Grandma, Nancy shares both the beauty and the logistics of planning trips that span generations. If

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00:47:26

Cruising on Royal Caribbean with Diego Velez

Theme Parks and Passports ·

2025/05/20

Hooked on cruising — or just cruise-curious? This week, we’re taking you beyond the buffet and Broadway shows for an insider look at what really makes Royal Caribbean a standout choice for families. Our guest, Diego Velez, Strategic Account Manager at Royal Caribbean, joins us to share everything from multi-gen travel tips to ship innovations and the magic of their private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, you'll get the scoop on what’s

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00:33:37

Family Cruising: Disney Cruise Line vs. Royal...

Theme Parks and Passports ·

2025/05/06

"Is a family cruise magical wonderland or controlled chaos?" In this episode, travel advisors Melissa Sanchez and Heidi Mackey settle the debate as they compare Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line through the lens of real family experiences. Discover how Melissa's server recognized her family three years after their first cruise, why Heidi's daughter found Disney cruising better than visiting the parks, and which cruise line offers the most thrilling activities for

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00:19:33

Domestic Travel Documents 101: What You Need Before...

Theme Parks and Passports ·

2025/04/22

Planning a trip within the U.S. in 2025? Before you pack your bags, make sure your documents are in order. In this episode of Theme Parks and Passports, travel advisors and hosts Melissa Sanchez and Heidi Mackey break down everything you need to know about IDs, passports, and what changes are coming with the REAL ID deadline in May 2025. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first family getaway, this episode is your essential checklist to ensure smooth travels.✅ What’s the deal

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00:21:47

Universal Orlando VIP Access: Skip-the-Line...

Theme Parks and Passports ·

2025/04/08

If you thought only Disney offered you VIP experiences, think again. In this episode, we bring back Travel Advisor Dana Zificsak to give us the scoop on the VIP offers at Universal and Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. She speaks with hosts Heidi Mackey and Melissa Sanchez about the insider strategies for maximizing your Universal experience. From the straightforward Express Pass system and money-saving hotel hacks to exclusive behind-the-scenes VIP tours, they cover everything you need to

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24 results

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