With so many great choices of entertainment and adventure in the Orlando area, paring the list down to a manageable one-week schedule can be intimidating.  With all of the Disney parks, Universal Studios, Sea World, and a plethora of dinner shows and other attractions, where do you begin?

The key to a successful week is advanced planning.  Not the hour-by-hour scheduling that creates stress, but the general schedule that promotes spontaneity while providing a guide to the week.  Have an idea of what you will do as your Main Event each day and try to have dinner planned before beginning each day.

Depending on your traveling group, some Disney parks may not be as appealing as others, but any group will enjoy at least two of the various locations.  By purchasing a multi-park, multi-day pass, or the Park Hopper ticket, either on-line in advance or at one of the Disney theme parks, you can save some money while visiting all the parks you want.

But for all the great fun to be had in the Orlando-Kissimmee area, none offers an experience like that of Discovery Cove.  Here you can spend the day snorkeling among fish and rays in a salt-water lagoon, complete with coral reef, and come face-to-face with dolphins as you swim with them in the dolphin pool. Discovery Cove is not cheap, but is well worth the investment and includes 7-day admission to either Sea World Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Here is a suggested itinerary for a typical family (mom, dad, son, daughter):

Monday - Begin bright and early and start the week off at Sea World.  The numerous shows and hands-on experiences will keep the whole family entertained throughout the day.  Ride Journey to Atlantis early if it's hot out, and then ride it again later.  For dinner, stick around and take in the Mahliki Luau dinner show.  Great fun, great food.

Tuesday - Disney's Epcot Center.  Spend the morning exploring the exhibits and rides of Future World.  Even take a ride on a Segway (You know you've always wanted to...). Head over to the World Showcase in time to take in lunch from almost anywhere you can imagine.  A French bistro, British fish and chips, Japanese sushi ... it's all there.  Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the world and have dinner in Mexico, Morocco ...you get the picture.

Wednesday - Take the kids to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom.  Either place offers a great variety of attractions and numerous opportunities for souvenirs.  After the park head over to Downtown Disney for dinner and a movie.

Thursday - Go easy today.  Explore the area, play some mini-golf.  Maybe take a trip to Gator Land.  When evening rolls around make sure you have reservations for a dinner show - Arabian Knights, Al Capone's, Medieval Times ... there are several to choose from, and each offers its own unique experience.

Friday - Discovery Cove.  Save this experience for last to keep the memory fresh in your mind when you return home.  Remember, all your food and beverages are included for the day, but photos and souvenirs are not.  Head back to the hotel to get cleaned up before you head out to dinner.  If you want a fun atmosphere, Joe's Crab Shack is perfect.  For something a little more upscale Fulton's Crab House can't be beat.

Anyway you slice it, a week in Orlando is going to be a fun, memorable experience for you and your family.

This tidbit of real travel advice was provided by Jordan Elias.

Sea World?  Disney World?  Gator Land?  Outlet Malls?  With so many choices, you will be glad to have a vacation rental home as a comfortable home base.  Find your perfect holiday rental at Zonder.com