Moments with Gwen

                                                  Planning a Disney vacation but feeling overwhelmed by the cost?  You're not alone. As a single mom, I know exactly how stressful it can be to balance your budget while trying to create magical memories. But here's the good news:  you can do Disney without draining your bank account —I've done it, and I'm here to share how. Whether you're planning your first trip or looking for ways to stretch your dollars even further, these are my honest, real-life tips for how to travel to Disney on a budget—as a single parent, or really any parent trying to save smart. 🎯 How I Saved Before the Trip The savings started  before  we even packed our bags. ✅ Disney Gift Cards at Target If you're a Target RedCard holder, you can buy Disney gift cards and get  5% off every purchase —ev...

Have you ever needed a moment of calm—but also a touch of wonder? My recent visit to the  Loggerhead Marinelife Center  in Juno Beach, Florida, was exactly that. This inspiring place offers more than a look at adorable sea turtles. They also have jellyfish, lion fish and a shark! The best part is -  Admission is free (donations  are always welcome!)  🌊🐢 In my new YouTube video, I take you on a peaceful walk through the center. You’ll see rescued sea turtles recovering in their tanks, learn about their stories, with the soothing atmosphere of the ocean and nature all around. There are very nice volunteers ready to talk about each turtle being taken care of. Don't be shy, ask them your questions. The video is part of my  "Travel Moments with Gwen"  series—but this one has a special touch of calm, perfect for anyone who needs a gentle mental reset. 🎥  Watch here:   My Visit to Loggerhead Marinelife Center This experience inspired me to reflec...

Welcome to  Moments with Gwen , where travel and mindfulness meet. In today’s mindful moment, we invite you into the serene world beneath the waves. This calming video features peaceful footage of sea turtles and other gentle ocean life, accompanied by soothing music and a brief guided reflection. Whether you're a caregiver seeking a quiet break or anyone looking for a few moments of calm, this mindful moment was created just for you. 🐢 What You’ll Experience The video begins with a soft spoken introduction and mindful breathing practice, paired with relaxing music and beautiful underwater visuals. You’ll be invited to pause, breathe deeply, and simply be present. If you’d prefer to skip directly to the music-only portion with uninterrupted ocean visuals, you’ll find a timestamp in both the video description and pinned comment. This mindful moment includes sea turtles, fish, and a variety of other peaceful marine life—each one reminding us of the gentle rhythm of nature. 👉 Watch ...

Are you a nature lover? Do you enjoy biking? If so, then the Shark Valley 15-mile loop in the Florida Everglades National Park is the perfect place to visit! This unique paved biking trail, offers a scenic adventure through the beautiful and diverse Everglades amongst the wildlife that call the Everglades home. The trail is relatively flat and easy to navigate, making it an ideal experience for bikers of all skill levels.  Just remember that the wind will be blowing in the opposite direction after you leave the observation tower. However, it is important to remember to stay alert and keep a safe distance from the wildlife. You will see alligators all along the trail and some beautiful waterbirds.  It really is a great place for nature lovers to visit. I know this picture is not perfect, but the sunrise looked so pretty from our car window as we traveled down to the Everglades National Park. The morning was really looking good. Sunrise This was my third visit to Shark Valley i...

There’s something peaceful about drifting down the Rivers of America at Walt Disney World. The soft whistle of the Liberty Belle, the gentle splash of the paddlewheel, and the breeze off the water all make it one of the most relaxing experiences in Magic Kingdom. But sadly, this classic ride — the  Liberty Square Riverboat  — is set to sail its final voyage. In my latest YouTube video of riding the Liberty Square Riverboat:   I take you aboard one of the Magic Kingdom’s most overlooked gems. The  Liberty Belle Riverboat  glides past Tom Sawyer Island, through historical scenes, and offers beautiful views of Frontierland and Liberty Square. I love listening to the sounds of the steamboat, train horn and all the wonderful sounds of Frontierland. It’s scenic. It’s everything I love about those slower Disney moments — the kind that let you catch your breath in between all the adventure and pixie dust. According to Disney’s most recent announcements, the riverboat an...

Well I just got back from Exploring the Magic of Art and Cuisine at Epcot and enjoying my unforgettable trip to Epcot's Festival of the Arts. It was very colorful and fun. Epcot's Festival of the Arts Before we could really get started on our day, we had to quickly catch our ride on Guardians of the Galaxy. We had to do the Parent Swap, because my grandson was with us, so I got to ride twice. If you have more than two people in your group, someone is allowed to ride again with the one that was left behind the first time. Guardians of the Galaxy By the way, if you would like to watch the youtube version of this blog, you can check it out here. It has more pictures. After our Guardians of the Galaxy ride was over, we went and picked up our Figment Popcorn Bucket at the Odyssey. How you can get your bucket is, you have to go on the Disney App and Mobile Order. You are then added to a virtual queue and you can select a time to pick up the bucket. You would need to pay in th...