Mary Poppins is a literary children's character created by P.L. Travers who makes appearances in many of the Disney theme parks.
History[]
Background[]
Origins[]
Mary Poppins is a mysterious magical entity. She appears to be a magical English woman with immense levels of magical power, and who frequently carries around a bottomless carpet-bag and a a sentient parrot-headed umbrella which she uses to fly. Mary Poppins' primary role seems to be using her powers to work as a magical nanny for families which she deems needs her intervention.
By 1910, Mary had become close with a cockney chimney-sweep named Bert. Around the turn of the century, Mary and Bert could be found together in the neighbourhood of Main Street, U.S.A..
Banks family[]
In 1910, Mary read a torn-up and blown away letter requesting a nanny from the children of 17 Cherry Tree Lane in London. When her intervention bonded the Banks family together, she used her umbrella to fly off and leave them.
Later history[]
Mary Poppins had some presence at Florida's, "Grand Floridian", a manor getaway constructed in 1937 by the wealthy Merriweather Adam Pleasure as an anniversary gift for his wife Isabella. Along with Mary Poppins and iconography being affiliated with the resort, she appeared to have been present there after it was turned into a resort and spa decades later.
Appearances[]
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa[]
Elements from Mary Poppins and Mary Poppins' own likeness are incorporated into the design of this resort for a, "Jolly Holiday" motif. Mary Poppins' hat, umbrella and carpet-bag are hung on a rack in the resort.[1]
Disney's Hollywood Studios[]
The Great Movie Ride[]
Mary Poppins and Bert appeared singing together in one of this attraction's scenes.
Magic of Disney Imagination[]
One of the posters in Minnie Mouse's dressing room showed her playing Mary Poppins in a movie called, "Minnie Poppins", directed by Kent Powers.
EPCOT[]
World Showcase[]
United Kingdom Pavilion[]
Mary Poppins is one of the characters who regularly appears in this pavilion.
Disney Springs[]
The Dress Shop on Cherry Tree Lane[]
This shop has a Mary Poppins theme. Mary Poppins' umbrella hangs under the entrance sign.
Fantasyland[]
King Arthur Carrousel[]
Walt Disney's favourite of the horses is, "Jingles", the lead-horse. For Disneyland's 50th anniversary, she was given an 18k gold leaf trim, the number 50, and pieces of Mary Poppins imagery to symbolize her also being Mary Poppins' horse.
Main Street, U.S.A.[]
Mary Poppins will commonly make appearances on Main Street.
Jolly Holiday Bakery and Cafe[]
This dining service has Mary Poppins theming. The weathervane of the bakery shows Mary Poppins using her umbrella to fly. Inside is a silhouette of Mary Poppins, and a figure of her.
Main Street City Hall[]
There is a book titled, "Mary Poppins" written by the Banks family.[2]
Town Square Theater[]
Mary Poppins' umbrella appears in Mickey Mouse's supply of magic equipment.
Jungle Cruise[]
In the Jungle Navigation Company's medicine cabinet is a vial of medicine labelled, Practically Perfect Peculiar Way Remedy noted as being a, "Spoonful of Sweetness", referencing Marry Poppins.
Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies[]
A letter used as a Lost Thing in one of the vehicles is for "Philip Edwards, Esq." living at 19 Cherry Tree Lane, the same street which the Banks Family in Mary Poppins lives on. The stamp has the design of Mary Poppins' umbrella on it.
Trivia[]
- Mary Poppins predominately wears her, "Jolly Holiday" outfit for live appearances but for some occasions or colder weathers will wear her more traditional outfit.
- It has been theorized that the story of Mary Poppins may be loosely connected to that of the Haunted Mansion, as Constance Hatchaway's second husband-turned-victim was a banker named Frank Banks whose surname and occupation is shared with that of the Banks family.
- An attraction based on Mary Poppins was developed then cancelled for the UK pavilion.