Welcome to Season 2: Real Family Travel, Theme Parks & Beyond

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 coming in Season 2, including more inspiring guest stories, practical travel advice, and conversations designed to help you stop waiting for “someday” and finally book the trip. Key TakeawaysFamily travel changes with every stage of life — and that’s the point. Traveling with toddlers, teens, adult kids, or grandparents all looks different, but meaningful family travel is possible (and worth it) at every age.Real travel advice comes from lived experience, not just itineraries. As working travel advisors and moms, the hosts share firsthand insights from Disney, cruises, Europe, and bucket-list trips — including what they’d recommend and what they wouldn’t.You don’t need unlimited time or money to see the world — you need a plan. This season is about inspiring listeners to stop waiting for “someday,” start planning intentionally, and finally book the trips that matter most to them.Resources:Halloween EpisodeRiver Cruising EpisodeSouth Africa Travel EpisodeConnect with Hosts:This podcast! https://themeparksandpassports.com/ Melissa’s company, Spellbound Vacations, LLC: https://spellboundvacations.com/ Heidi’s company, House of Mackey Travel: https://houseofmackeytravel.com/Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spellbound_vacationsllc/ Heidi on Instagram: http://instagram.com/houseofmackeytravel Key Episode Timestamps:[00:00:00] Welcome to Theme Parks and Passports[00:00:56] Introduction to Season 2[00:01:39] How the podcast started over brunch in New Jersey[00:03:18] Recording together in person at En Voyage headquarters[00:04:24] Meet the hosts: travel advisors, moms, and agency owners[00:06:22] Family travel specialties, cruises, and fandom travel[00:08:28] What Theme Parks & Passports is really about[00:10:38] Why lived travel experience matters more than theory[00:12:08] Upcoming 2026 trips and bucket-list travel plans[00:16:14] What’s changing and expanding in Season 2[00:21:00] Inspiring listeners to stop waiting and just book the tripMusic is Homesick by Luke Bergs & Waesto and Ukulele Trip Version 60s