What could be better than an Orlando vacation? How about an Orlando vacation combined with a fun-filled Caribbean cruise!

The theme park capital of the world, Orlando is conveniently located less than an hour’s drive from Port Canaveral where you’ll find a variety of cruise ships departing regularly.

Imagine a family vacation that starts with a visit to Orlando’s famous theme parks like Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios Florida. Then head to the Atlantic coast where you hop aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise to the sun-kissed, white sand beaches and turquoise waters of The Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas is one ship that sails regularly to Nassau, Bahamas and the beautiful private island of CocoCay. The state-of-the-art cruise ship carries 2,744 guests and features amenities such as an oversized spa and fitness center, Asian-fusion restaurant, Casino Royale, themed bars and lounges, two outdoor pools, two whirlpools, Adventure Ocean youth facilities, open-air basketball court, make-your-own pizzeria, Broadway style shows and Royal Caribbean’s signature rock-climbing wall.

Cruise passengers can also experience shore and land excursions like scuba diving, shipwreck snorkeling, parasailing, and even swimming with the dolphins. You can follow in the footsteps of legendary pirate Blackbeard, see sharks and barracuda in the Predator Lagoon or feel the rush of a ride aboard the Thriller powerboat adventure.

Nassau offers beautiful beaches as well as charming old world architecture. The Bahamas capitol features ample shopping and dining as well as some of the world’s most extravagant resorts on adjacent Paradise Island.

For more details on how you can experience the delightful relaxation of such a land and sea getaway, go to http://www.westgateownerevents.com/ or http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

Another Disney favorite is returning.

Disney’s Summer Nightastic! celebration included the return of Disney’s popular Electrical Parade at Magic Kingdom. Now get ready for another blast from the past at Epcot.

On July 2, Disney re-opens the musical 3-D sci-fi movie, Captain EO, starring the late Michael Jackson.

The 17-minute film which originally ran at Epcot from 1986 to 1994, will take over the Imagination Pavilion’s 570-seat theatre that had housed, “Honey I Shrunk the Audience.”

The 3-D movie was among the first films to incorporate 4-D effects like wind, water and lighting. In its return, the movie will have only minor tweaks from its original version. Even the show’s original marquee sign is being utilized. 

Epcot will open its gates early at 8:30 am on July 2 for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. Captain EO co-stars Anjelica Huston and features two Jackson songs and plenty of high energy dancing. For more information regarding Epcot and Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, visit http://www.orlandothemeparkvacations.com/.

Major League Baseball is back and better than ever in Central Florida. Orlando might be the theme park capital of the world, but when it comes to Spring Training baseball, there’s no better place to catch all the Grapefruit League action.

A total of 14 different major league teams call Florida their home for spring training. As a result, baseball fans visiting Florida don’t have to look far for the next game throughout the month of March.

The Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros both feature training camps right in the greater Orlando area. The Braves play at Disney’s beautiful ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Lake Buena Vista while Astros’ fans can catch their team in nearby Kissimmee.

Just a short drive down I-4 from Orlando takes you to into Lakeland, spring training home of the Detroit Tigers. Meanwhile, there is a host of teams situated along the Gulf coast, including the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers, the New York Yankees in Tampa, the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, the Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota, the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin, the Tampa Bay Rays in Port Charlotte and the Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater.

Back on the Atlantic coast side of Florida’s peninsula, you’ll find the spring training homes of the Florida Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals in Jupiter as well as the New York Mets in Port St. Lucie.

There’s no better way to see and interact with your favorite MLB stars up close than at a highly affordable spring training game. You can get spring training schedules of your favorite team, or for any of the Grapefruit League teams, by visiting www.MLB.com.  

For details on discount theme park tickets and discount Orlando vacation package specials, please visit www.OrlandoThemeParkVacations.com. For discount resort or hotel packages, go to www.WestgateReservations.com/sweepstakes.cfm.

ESPN’s annual fan-fest continues this weekend (Feb. 26-27-28) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, FL.

 With 35 superstar athletes, two dozen sportscasters, live shows, special motorcades, interactive sports zone and more, it’s sure to be a fun-filled weekend for sports fans of all ages.

Don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal with stars from the NBA, NFL, major league baseball, golf and more. Plus look for all of your favorite ESPN personalities.

Of course, you’ll also enjoy a full day of fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park which offers a wide range of thrill rides, shows and other attractions.

For information on Disney’s Hollywood Studios, discount Orlando vacation packages and discount Orlando theme park tickets, visit www.OrlandoThemeParkVacations.com. Or for discount Orlando resort and hotel accommodations, go to www.WestgateReservations.com/sweepstakes.cfm.