If you're looking into visiting Orlando, you most likely have a reason why and know what's there, but perhaps you're concerned about the two main obstacles - time management and money. Don't be! Be honest with yourself, you are going to have fun and you can spend a little less while going about having fun.
You're in Orlando, so place your focus on Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, both well worth your time, whether you're a young couple, and older retired couple, a group of friends, or a family. Costs will vary, but do your research. Universal offers a terrific ticket deal (2-day Parkhopper with 3rd day FREE). Disney tends to be a bit more expensive if you're doing multiple parks, but pick the parks you want and save money.
Firstly, pick up the 2-day Pass at Universal (usually with 3rd day FREE) for under - order this online for the cheapest price. Universal Studios, split between the Film Production side and Islands of Adventure, is not to be missed if you are a fan of theme and amusement parks. Islands focuses more on the rides - coasters, flumes, roman rapids - and they do them well. Hulk and Dueling Dragons are two of the most enjoyable coasters I have ever been on, and I am a coaster man. Jurassic Park is always a thrill, and if the day is hot, walk over and tackle Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls and Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges. You know the quality of the parks when the wait in line is enjoyable and Universal puts its money into its rides.
Crossing over to the Film portion of the park, you can enjoy rides and attractions based on The Mummy, Men in Black, Back to the Future, Jaws, Terminator 2, Twister, Shrek, and others - all kid-friendly, and all enjoyable. You make the choice! Relaxing or exhilarating. My girlfriend and I stayed together and did everything, but I've known my parents to split with friends (male/female), the men tackling Islands' rides, while the ladies walk the redesigned streets of the Film side. There's something for everyone.
Remember, with the 2-day pass, you can walk from park to park all day if you like, whatever you're in the mood for.
Quick Tips:
At Walt Disney World, decide how much time you have to spend and which parks you'd like to visit. Magic Kingdom is a perennial favorite and deservedly so - it's magical! You really feel like a kid again at the Magic Kingdom, especially when the sun goes down and the fireworks blast up. And, the park can be done in one full day - don't miss the new Mickey's Philharmagic (not if you've loved any of the Disney cartoons) and the newly updated Pirates of the Caribbean (with a spot-on Captain Jack Sparrow!). After Magic Kingdom you have a choice - Epcot, Disney/MGM, or Animal Kingdom? Animal Kingdom is the weakest of the parks, with the least to do, and if you're interested in the safari (and you purchase a 4/5-day hopper Pass) you can take it in the early morning and move on to another park; there isn't much more there. Epcot and Disney/MGM offer different experiences, so decide the one you wish to pursue. I re-fell in love with Epcot when I was there in November 2006. I had forgotten how much there was to do and how enjoyable it all was. But, be careful, you cannot do the Future Pavilion and the World Showcase in one day; not unless you mind missing out on certain attractions. Epcot is really two parks in one - don't miss the World Showcase or certain rides (Soarin, Mission Space, Test Track) at Future Pavilion. And if you have kids, Epcot is a blast of learning and fun. On the other hand, Disney/MGM has my favorite ride of all-time in The Tower of Terror and my favorite show of all-time in Fantasmic, which shows every night on the lagoon pool; though the park, overall, is a bit small. It's a choice. Epcot is too big for one day but has amazing opportunities, and Disney/MGM is small for one day but has amazing rides and a fantasmic show.
If you're on a budget and time schedule, pick two Disney parks and spend other days at Universal, or take a side trip to Cape Canaveral or the beach.Best Way To Get Around:
If you can rent a car, do it. Between the costs of shuttles or taxis, parking costs for your own rental car are cheaper. Shuttles and taxis are available from almost everywhere in Orlando, so traveling won't be an issue, but the freedom of your own care is nice. Especially if visiting a late night area, like Pleasure Island - for some fine dining at Fulton's Crab House!