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 doing Walt Disney World and Universal gluten-free, how Norwegian Cruise Line handled food allergies, what surprised her most, and the tools and apps that make traveling with Celiac easier than ever. If you’re hesitating on traveling with a food allergy, this episode will give you the confidence (and practical tips) to take the trip.Key Takeaways Preparation Reduces Stress - From packing backup snacks to using tools like the Gluten Dude app, joining gluten-free travel groups, and notifying resorts in advance, a little planning dramatically reduces anxiety and improves the experience.Cruises are Surprisingly One of the Easiest Options - Cruise lines (especially Norwegian) consistently flagged allergies, offered clear labeling, and provided chef support, giving parents peace of mind and teens independence to order safely on their own.Theme parks are more accommodating than ever for gluten-free travelers - At places like Walt Disney World and Universal, staff are knowledgeable, menus are clearly marked, and chefs often speak directly with guests to ensure safe preparation. With a little research and some advance planning, theme park trips can feel just as magical.Resources:Gluten Dude App - https://glutendude.app/ Walt Disney World Special Dietary Requests - https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/special-dietary-requests/Universal Special Dietary Needs - https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/diningNorwegian Cruise Line Special Dietary Needs - https://www.ncl.com/about/accessible-cruising Connect 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[00:01:47] Introduction to the episode and guest, Dana Murphy[00:05:15] What a “traveling picnic” looks like on road trips[00:09:00] First gluten-free all-inclusive experience at Beaches[00:12:27] How gluten-free travel has improved over the years[00:13:36] Top tools for planning gluten-free travel[00:17:24] Walt Disney World vs Universal for Celiac[00:25:00] Norwegian Cruise Line allergy experience[00:27:18] Navigating the buffet with food allergies[00:30:22] Advice for parents newly navigating Celiac and travelMusic is Homesick by Luke Bergs & Waesto and Ukulele Trip Version 60s

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 International Food and Wine Festival, and the International Festival of the Holidays. From food booths and concert series to scavenger hunts, merchandise, and special experiences for families and adults alike, you’ll experience something different in every season of the year at EPCOT. Whether you’re planning your first Disney World vacation or looking to time your trip around your favorite EPCOT festival, this guide will help you decide when to visit EPCOT and how to make the most of every festival season at Walt Disney World.Key TakeawaysEPCOT festivals run nearly year-round, making them one of the best ways to enhance a Walt Disney World trip with seasonal food, entertainment, and immersive experiences.Each EPCOT festival has a distinct focus—from art and Broadway performances to garden topiaries, global cuisine, and holiday traditions—so choosing the right festival can completely shape your park experience.Timing your visit around an EPCOT festival adds value for both families and adults, offering interactive activities, concerts, special merchandise, and limited-time food that aren’t available during non-festival periods.Resources:Walt Disney World EPCOT InformationEPCOT International Festival of the Arts Jan - FebEPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival March - JuneEPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Aug - NovEPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Nov - DecConnect 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[00:01:16] Introduction to the episode and planning Walt Disney World trips around EPCOT festivals  [00:02:30] Memories of EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival and the significance of festival timing  [00:03:13] Opening day of the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts and why it’s a great way to start the year  [00:04:11] Overview of the three pillars of EPCOT festivals: visual arts, culinary arts, and performing arts  [00:06:21] Breakdown of EPCOT festival seasons throughout the year and when each one takes place  [00:07:43] Deep dive into the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts experiences and activities  [00:09:29] Disney on Broadway concert series and how performances influence EPCOT planning days  [00:14:55] Introduction to the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival and spring highlights  [00:20:00] Why the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is a fan favorite and what makes it special  [00:26:57] The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays and the Candlelight Processional experience  Music is Homesick by Luke Bergs & Waesto and Ukulele Trip Version 60s

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 logistics, insider access, flexible pacing, and small-group options that make seeing America’s most iconic destinations simpler and more immersive. Whether you’re a first-time tour traveler, planning a multigenerational trip, or looking for a smarter way to experience U.S. National Parks, this episode covers everything you need to know about touring America, without the hassle.Key TakeawaysGuided U.S. National Park tours remove the biggest travel pain points. Touring with Globus eliminates driving long distances, navigating park reservations, and worrying about logistics—allowing travelers to see more of America’s National Parks with less stress and better access.U.S. touring is no longer one-size-fits-all Today’s U.S. guided tours offer small-group options, flexible excursions, and off-season “escape” itineraries, making National Park travel ideal for families, solo travelers, and multigenerational groups planning trips in 2026 and beyond.America’s National Parks are a top domestic travel trend for 2026 From Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon to Alaska and Hawaii, U.S. National Park tours continue to surge as travelers prioritize bucket-list destinations, immersive experiences, and smarter ways to explore the United States.Resources:Globus Family of BrandsGlobus - https://www.globusjourneys.comCosmos - https://www.cosmos.com Avalon River Cruising - https://www.avalonwaterways.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/globustravel/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/globus YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/Globusfamily Connect 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[00:01:24] Introduction to the episode guest, Denise Fraind, Business Development Manager of the Globus Family of Brands[00:03:22] Why U.S. National Park tours are a major travel trend[00:04:00] Differences between Globus and Cosmos touring styles[00:05:20] How guided tours compare to driving National Parks yourself[00:06:47] Small group tours, flexibility, and free time on U.S. itineraries[00:10:43] Travel trends for 2026: solo, multigenerational, and families[00:13:22] Canyon Country Adventure Tour recap: Grand Canyon, Zion & Bryce[00:16:25] Most popular U.S. National Park tours, including Yellowstone & Alaska[00:20:27] History and music-focused U.S. tours you may not expect[00:24:00] Special event tours and off-season “Escape” itineraries explainedMusic is Homesick by Luke Bergs & Waesto and Ukulele Trip Version 60s

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

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 like the Iceland solar eclipse are inspiring once-in-a-lifetime trips. Whether you're planning your first cruise, mapping out next year’s big family vacation, or dreaming of a magical sky-watching experience, this episode will help you plan smarter, and get inspired for an unforgettable 2026.Key TakeawaysCruising will surge in 2026, with more families, couples, and multi-gen groups booking ocean cruises thanks to new ships, expanded itineraries, and stress-free, adventure-packed travel options.Bucket list and wellness travel are on the rise, including once-in-a-lifetime destinations like the Galápagos, African safaris, Iceland hot springs, and off-the-beaten-path retreats focused on rest, nature, and meaningful connection.Europe and U.S. destinations dominate 2026 travel trends, with Italy, Greece, the U.K., Alaska, and Hawaii, topping the list.Connect 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] 2026 Travel Trends & Predictions[00:01:00] Welcome to Theme Parks & Passports[00:01:42] Cruising surges in popularity and why 2026 will be a massive year for ocean cruises[00:02:38] Bucket list travel rises as families prioritize meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime trips[00:03:10] Wellness travel shifts toward off-the-beaten-path retreats focused on rest and restoration[00:03:47] Europe remains a top destination, with Italy, Greece, and the U.K. leading 2026 travel[00:04:29] Off-season travel becomes the new normal for smoother, less crowded experiences[00:05:00] U.S. travel trends: theme parks, Alaska cruise-land combos, and more[00:05:47] Growing interest in celestial event travel, including Iceland’s 2026 total solar eclipse[00:06:24] Travel insurance becomes essential as travelers prioritize protection and peace of mindMusic is Homesick by Luke Bergs & Waesto and Ukulele Trip Version 60s