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Travel inspired by Mary Poppins

Recently we decided to introduce our boys to the world of Disney's Mary Poppins.  We do pizza and movie nights around here, and I felt it was time for a classic.  I remember seeing Mary Poppins as a kid and thought it was fun and cute, but seeing it with the boys gave me a greater appreciation for the movie.  I loved watching their shocked and surprised faces when Mary, Bert, Jane, and Michael jump into the chalk art or when the carousel horses go 'off road'.  All the fun and fantasy got me thinking about travel, so I let my mind wander to places that one might travel if inspired by Mary Poppins.  Here are a few of the places that come to my mind when I think of Mary Poppins:

London
Of course, this is where the story takes place, so it's a perfect place to start!  London, England has something for everyone to enjoy; from history to theater to modern luxury.  If you are planning a trip to London make sure a few of these sites are on your list:

• The Tower of London and London Bridge
• The British Museum 
• Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral
• Buckingham Palace
• The London Eye
• Harrod's 

Epcot
If you can't make the jump across the pond, try a visit to Disney's World Showcase at Epcot Center.  England is one of the countries modeled here.  You can enjoy afternoon tea or fish and chips while watching the spectacular fireworks display.  Children can actually meet Mary Poppins at the England pavilion each afternoon.

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Carousels
One of my favorite parts of Mary Poppins is when Mary, Bert, and the children are enjoying a ride on the carousel and suddenly they take off for a ride in the countryside.  There are many beautiful carousels to be enjoyed in every part of the U.S.  Children are enchanted by the carousel rides, even if they are as simple as the coin rides that used to be outside grocery stores!  Here are some charming carousels that should not be missed.

• Smithsonian Carousel,Washington, D.C.  Located adjacent to the National Mall.
• Riverview Carousel, Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell, GA.  A classic carousel in the deep south.
• San Francisco Carousel, CA.  A unique double decker carousel made in Italy.
• Morgan Wonderland Carousel,San Antonio, TX.  This carousel allows those in wheelchairs to experience the up and down motion of the carousel inside special chariots.
• Columbia Carousel, Chicago.  The sky's the limit for this triple decker carousel!

Penguins
Who didn't love those crazy cartoon penguins dancing with Dick VanDyke?  If you love penguins or if Mary Poppins has inspired you to learn more, check out these high quality penguin facilities.

• Sea World.  Take your pick: California, Texas, or Florida, they are all great.  Sea World has a large variety of penguins to view and you can even interact with them on an Up-Close Tour.
• Henry Doorly Zoo – Omaha, Nebraska
  
• Ripley's Aquarium Smokies – Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  Glass tunnels and domes allow visitors to experience penguins from every angle.
  

So there you go!  Have another looksee at Mary Poppins and let me know where your travel ideas take you.

Happy roving,

Kyleen

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