Review: Mary Poppins At Broadway Palm

When I was a kid, I couldn't get enough of Mary, Bert and The Banks family, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see Mary Poppins at Broadway Palm in Fort Myers on opening night.

Friday night was the kickoff of Mary Poppins at Broadway Palm. This musical was absolutely fantastic with everything you know and love about the movie, and then some. The songs were fun, the acting was great and the magical elements they added in had me thinking "How did they do that?" I don't want to ruin any surprises, but you'll be amazed.

I see all the shows at Broadway Palm, and have seen a lot of incredible actors, but I have to say this performance was next level. I was most impressed by Leah Spurlock who played Mary Poppins. There is no way you can convince me that she isn't actually Mary Poppins. The way she carried herself, the way she spoke and her incredible singing voice brought the character to life on that stage in a way that I still can't stop thinking about. I was absolutely blown away and I know Julie Andrews would be proud. This young lady has a bright future ahead of her.

And get ready to sing because you'll hear all your favorites from "A Spoonful of Sugar", "Chim Chim Cher-ee", "Let's Go Fly a Kite", "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and more.

Mary Poppins is playing at Broadway Palm now through August 10th.

Broadway Palm has announced the lineup for their 32nd season. Shows for 2024-2025 include:

You can find more info and purchase tickets for all shows here

Living in Florida with the weather so nice the majority of the year, there's lots of time for fun in the sun and 8 Southwest Florida resorts offer day passes for locals.

One of things on my list when I moved to Fort Myers was that I needed to be close to the beach. Sure, affordability, a safe community, a pool, a decent size living space were on my list as well, but I wanted to be less than 10 minutes from the beach. I hit the jackpot with where I live that all those things were crossed off the list. For me, it's just the feeling of being on vacation, even when it's just a short drive away. And that's how I feel about going for a swim or just laying by the pool at a resort. Staying overnight isn't necessary when you have a home nearby to go back to, but the feeling of being a tourist in your own town can be a great time.

So how can you do that? Well, 8 Southwest Florida resorts offer day passes for locals.

Most hotels and resorts, you have to be a guest to be able to use amenities like the pool and spa. But there's a great website/app called Resort Pass that allows you to book a day at a resort without having to book a room. While prices do vary from weekdays to weekends, and different things are included at each, it's a great way to get out and enjoy some of the great local offerings whether you have family and friends coming into town, or to treat yourself to a day away from home.

And while I'll feature resorts here in Southwest Florida, you can search for resorts all over the world. I've had friends use it to book days in resorts on cruise stops in different ports in fact.

The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa is a family-friendly resort perfect for those looking for some fun. They have 3 acres of pools, plus a lazy river and waterslides. There's also an adults-only pool and whirlpool. Day passes include use of the water attractions, poolside food and beverage service, towels, complimentary games, Wi-Fi and self-parking. Prices for adults start at $45.

If you've driven down on Fort Myers Beach, you know the pool at Margaritaville is THEE place to be. Day passes to the FINS UP Beach Club start at $65 for adults and include not only access to the pool, but also beach access including lounge chairs at both. You can also enjoy towel service, pool and beach food and beverage service, daily live music and free Wi-Fi. There's also a 20% discount on water sports activities and spa treatments with the purchase of a day pass.

Pink Shell is a beautiful resort right on Fort Myers Beach. With a beautiful pool looking out on the Gulf, day passes allow access to 2 pools and a hot tub. Also beach access, including beach and pool lounge chairs, towel service,  kids activities and nature tours, watersport and bike rentals, a fitness center, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Day passes for adults start at $30.

If you haven't been to downtown Fort Myers to check out the Luminary yet, what are you waiting for? It is an absolutely gorgeous property looking out on the River District. The pool offers great views of the Caloosahatchee River. Day passes start at $25 and include use of the pool and a lounge chair, towels, poolside food and beverage service, free Wi-Fi and free valet parking.

We all know that staying on the beach in Naples can get pricy, but this is a great way to enjoy the resort just for the day. While food and beverage service is not yet available from Hurricane Ian, there's still plenty to take advantage of. Day passes start at $65 and include access to the pool, beach access with complimentary chairs, towels and umbrellas, free Wi-Fi and free self-parking.

If you're looking for full-on luxury, look no further than The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. With your family pool cabana that starts at $700, there's not much that's not included. You'll have sofa seating, cable TV, a stocked mini-fridge, chaise loungers, a fruit plate and a snack basket. Plus your very own poolside butler. Plus use of the family pool, lap pool and adults-only pool, private beach access, towels and free Wi-Fi and valet. Treat yourself!

In Naples, there's not one but 2 Ritz's and this option is great for families wanting a little more action. Here, you'll enjoy 3 waterslides, a lazy river and a splash and play area for kids. Day passes start at $135 and include all the water attractions, plus lounge chairs, poolside food and beverage service, complimentary Wi-Fi and parking. There also cabanas for up to 6 people starting at $1200, a Tequila Eclipse Dessert Experience, a Travel With Us Dining Experience and an Enamorarse Dining Experience for purchase.

Another luxurious escape awaits you at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. This resort features an adults-only pool and hot tub, a family pool, a lap pool and a water slide. Day passes start at $95 and include access to all pool fun, plus pool and beach chairs, towels, poolside food and beverage service, free Wi-Fi and valet parking. There is spa pass available as well starting at $45 that includes access to a whirlpool, sauna, steam room, meditation lounge and a fitness center.