Recommended Orlando Itineraries: Two, Four and Six-Day Tours

— -- Some travelers come to Orlando with an etched-in-stone game plan. Others are eager for ideas, so we're offering two-, four- and six-day itineraries that may help you organize a plan of attack for what can be a daunting travel destination.

Orlando in Two Days

If you only have two days in Orlando, most of you will spend them at the theme parks, so we're going to give you an itinerary that has one day at Disney and another at Universal. You also can ad lib, trading one or both for choices in the four- and six-day options that follow.

Day One: Epcot. This is Disney's most diverse theme park. It has something for virtually everyone. However, if you're traveling with youngsters or love animals you might opt for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, respectively, as replacements.

Begin your day in Future World. Go straight to the Mission: Space, Soarin' and Test Track rides, getting a FASTPASS for each of them. These special tickets give you assigned time to return to each ride, letting you skip the long lines and enter a short queue to the boarding areas. If there is time before or between attractions, tour Innoventions and drool over current and future hi-tech appliances. Stop for lunch at the Sunshine Season Food Fair, a collection of quick-service eateries that will satisfy most any appetite, then visit "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience" if the line isn't too long.

Spend the rest of the afternoon in the World Showcase. Visit the China pavilion, where you can watch the Dragon Legend Acrobats and the 360-degree movie, Reflections of China. At the Japan pavilion, don't miss the Matsuriza drummers and consider looking for some special gifts at the Mitsukoshee department store. The American Theater show in the USA pavilion is guaranteed to give you patriotic chills, and a pastry at the France pavilion patisserie will satisfy your sweet tooth, but save room for dinner at the Rose & Crown Pub (United Kingdom pavilion) or Marrakesh (Moroccan pavilion). End the day at the spectacular Illuminations laser and fireworks show at World Showcase Lagoon.

More information: Walt Disney World

Day Two: Universal Studios Florida. Like Epcot, this theme park is somewhat diverse. If thrill rides charge your batteries, Islands of Adventure is a better choice.

At USF, most visitors travel to the right, so we're going to the left for a clockwise assault. Universal doesn't have a free answer to Disney's FASTPASS. Universal Express lets you cut your time in line if you're willing to pay $20-$50.99 extra depending on the day of week and time of year. This service is free for those staying at a Universal resort.

Begin at Shrek 4-D and Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast. While Revenge of the Mummy is on most folks' list, skip it in the morning, when lines can be longest. Instead, go to the Terminator 2: 3-D show, then have lunch at Richter's Burger Co. or International Food and Film Festival.

After lunch, head to Men in Black Alien Attack then—depending on the ages of any kids you have in tow—see Fear Factor Live or Jaws. Speaking of kids, they will love Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster and Curious George Goes to Town. In late afternoon, continue to Revenge of the Mummy and Twister Ride It Out, ending your visit with dinner at Finnegan's Bar & Grill or Mel's Drive-In.

More information: Universal Studios Florida

Orlando in Four Days

If you don't want to be a prisoner of the theme parks, consider trading at least one of the four parks below for Gatorland or Kennedy Space Center, which are under our Orlando in Six Days recommendation.

Day One: Magic Kingdom. Disney's original park is best for young children and adults who remain young at heart. It's also one of the most exhausting if you try to do it all in one day and one of the most annoying to enter. If you're coming by car, it can take 45 minutes or longer to get from the parking lot to the fun.