Shows
Theme Parks and PassportsFamily Travel for the Holidays – Vacation Adventures as the GiftIt’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 for stress-free alternatives to hosting at home, or simply craving hot cocoa by the fire, this episode is packed...2025-07-1537 min
Theme Parks and PassportsInside River Cruising: Ultimate in Boutique Travel with Annie SchlegelEver 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, and even families. Whether you're dreaming of wine tasting in France or cruising pa...2025-07-0128 minTheme Parks and PassportsInternational Travel: Required Documents and Pro TipsPlanning 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 can’t ignore 📄 Do you really need a visa—and how do you know? Key Takeaways:2025-06-1722 min
Theme Parks and PassportsTraveling Across Ages: Multi-Gen Travel with Nancy HeimbuecherMulti-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 you’ve ever thought about taking a parent, grandparent, or kids on a shared adventure, this episode will inspire—and pr...2025-06-0329 minTheme Parks and PassportsCruising on Royal Caribbean with Diego VelezHooked 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 new, what’s next, and why Royal Caribbean keeps raising the bar at sea.Key...2025-05-2047 minTheme Parks and PassportsFamily Cruising: Disney Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean vs. Norwegian Cruise Line"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 teenagers. So if you’re contemplating cruising, these seasoned cruisers share insights into choosing the perfect cruise experience based on your family's preferences and pr...2025-05-0633 minTheme Parks and PassportsDomestic Travel Documents 101: What You Need Before You FlyPlanning 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 with REAL ID? 🧳 Passport vs. Passport Card: Which one do you really need? ✈️ Why a valid...2025-04-2219 minTheme Parks and PassportsUniversal Orlando VIP Access: Skip-the-Line Strategies & Epic Universe Sneak PeekIf 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 know about navigating Universal's parks efficiently. Plus, get a sneak peek at the highly anticipated Epic Universe park opening i...2025-04-0821 minTheme Parks and PassportsExperiencing Disney VIP: Skipping the Lines and Other PerksSkip the lines and experience Disney like a celebrity with VIP options that transform your vacation from stressful to magical. Join hosts Heidi Mackey and Melissa Sanchez as they speak with special guest, fellow Envoyage travel advisor, Dana Zificsak all about the current VIP options you can experience at Walt Disney World. Whether you're a Disney veteran looking to upgrade your vacation or planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, this episode breaks down the various levels of VIP service available – from Lightning Lane passes to exclusive private tours that give personalized service. Discover how to maximize your time, minimize stress, and cr...2025-03-2532 minTheme Parks and PassportsFamily Travel for the AgesTraveling with family looks wildly different at every stage of life - from squeezing toddlers into cruise ship cabins to sharing a pint with your adult kids at a London pub. Join hosts Melissa Sanchez and Heidi Mackey in the debut episode of Theme Parks and Passports as they explore the evolving nature of family travel. From navigating cruise ship logistics with kids to planning multi-generational trips, discover how family vacations transform through different life stages. Key Themes:Family Travel Life Cycle - Family travel evolves through every life stage, starting as a...2025-03-1124 minTheme Parks and PassportsGet to Know Heidi & Melissa, Your Hosts of Theme Parks & PassportsMeet Heidi and Melissa, two travel-obsessed advisors (and moms!) who love to create magical family vacations for their clients through their respective companies, House of Mackey Travel, and Spellbound Vacations. In this introduction episode, they share their journeys to becoming professional travel advisors, revealing how their hilariously opposite planning styles (stick-to-the-itinerary Melissa vs. go-with-the-flow Heidi) actually make them the perfect team. Get ready for a podcast that covers everything from wrangling toddlers at theme parks to romantic getaways when the nest finally empties - because family travel is about way more than just the destination!2025-03-1110 minTheme Parks and PassportsIntroducing Theme Parks & PassportsThe 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. Whether you’re traveling as a brand-new family, a family with young kids, going on a multi-generational vacation, or are new empty-nesters, your hosts will...2025-03-0400 min