Travel Beyond the Guidebook - Hidden Gems | Theme Parks | Nostalgic Destinations

Do you have Scandinavia on your bucket list? Well, if you didn’t before, you will after this episode. Joanne McCoy shares her immersive experiences in Scandinavia, delving into the cultural wonders of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Joanne's passion for the region was sparked by her fascination with the northern lights, her ancestral ties to Scandinavian heritage, and her attraction to the Danish concept of hygge. 

Joanne's pe...

Calling all theme park enthusiasts! Have you ever wondered about the hidden gems and intricate details tucked away in the corners of your favorite attractions?

In this episode, I take you on a captivating journey through Universal's Islands of Adventure, uncovering the meticulously crafted Easter eggs and backstories that elevate the park's immersive experience.

Tune in to discover:

• The origins o...

Imagine strolling down the charming streets of the West Village, where a quaint cafe served as the backdrop for an enchanting lyrical moment on "folklore." Or picture yourself standing before the legendary Chelsea Hotel, a creative haven that has housed literary giants and now featured in "The Tortured Poets Department."

In this episode, we'll share the stories behind the iconic locations that have graced the lyrics of Taylor Sw...

Have you uncovered all the hidden gems Cincinnati has to offer? What if I told you there is a life-size, Disney-style monorail coming out of a grocery store building? And a legendary wooden roller coaster that traverses a wild, wooded landscape? There's more to Cincinnati than just the world-famous zoo.

In this episode, I share the attractions and destinations we have discovered over the past few years of traveling to Cincinnati...

Why do so many of us still gaze in wonder at dinosaurs, extinct for millions of years yet eternally fascinating? This episode explores the enduring appeal of these prehistoric beasts while visiting the delightfully nostalgic Dinosaur Land in Virginia.

I uncover the origins of dinosaur parks, from the first sculptures in London's Crystal Palace in the 1800s to the concrete behemoths found along American roadsides. I share my visi...

Want to enhance your Universal Studios Orlando vacation with insider tips and hidden gems? 

I am here to help you uncover secret details and easter eggs at the theme park, making your experience even more unique and meaningful. 

By the time you finish listening, you will have learned about: 

• Easter eggs on attractions that pay homage to the past. 
• Two payphones that you should c...

Did you know that there is a theme park with a dark ride based on Jumanji? Here's the unexpected twist—it's not in the United States but in northeast Italy! 

In this episode, I share a little background on myself and give you a list of International Theme Parks I want to visit. 

By the time you finish listening, you will have learned about: 

• Where the names Roaming Yeti and Addi ca...

Have you seen Adventures by Disney trips but aren't sure group travel is your thing? Or you have avoided them because you aren’t the biggest Disney fan?

What if I told you there are only a few trips that actually step foot in a Disney Park and that I would follow that orange paddle anywhere? 

In this episode, I share my experiences on multiple Adventures by Disney trips, including a 10-day trip to China 5 years ago and a...

Have you heard of the Top 3 Pop Culture Museum in the US, located in NY, but not New York City? 

In Rochester, NY, you can find a museum that encourages you to touch and play with the exhibits—and it’s not just for kids. 

In this episode, I share our recent trip to The Strong National Museum of Play and National Toy Hall of Fame. 

By the time you finish listening, you will have learned about: 

Have you wanted to visit Walt Disney World but are not sure you want to be fully immersed in the Disney bubble but still have the benefits? 

If you answered yes, maybe staying off-property at a Disney Hotel Partner is exactly what you need. 

In this episode, I share our experience of staying at a Walt Disney World Official Hotel and give you the good and the bad, as well as what surprised me the most. 

BY TH...

Who are some of the most treasured and nostalgic characters from your childhood?

If you answered anyone from Jim Henson, Sesame Street, or The Muppets, you’re in for a fantastic trip down memory lane today!

In this episode of the podcast, I share insights from my visit to the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, Georgia, and help you decide if this unique destination should be on your travel list.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LI...

Have you ever taken a road trip where you considered the gas station a main attraction?

If not, you probably haven’t visited Buc-ee’s, a wildly popular convenience store known for its catchy billboards, clean bathrooms, and mouthwatering food options. 

In this episode of the podcast, I’m sharing my first-hand experience with this roadside marvel and giving you the inside scoop on traveling there yourself.

BY THE TIME ...

What’s your favorite part about visiting Walt Disney World?

While there’s so much love about these magical theme parks, there’s also a lot you can do outside the park gates. 

In this episode of the podcast, I introduce you to the monorail crawl and encourage you to find the hidden fun inside the Disney resorts along the monorail line.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

• What a...

Are thrill rides something you look for when choosing your theme park destinations?

Whether you’re seeking thrills or prefer a more chill park experience, Universal's Islands of Adventure has it all.

In this episode of the podcast, I take you inside our December 2023 trip to Islands of Adventure and help you discover if this theme park is the best fit for you!

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

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