If you don't want to go for too long, there's no reason to spend a day at each park. You can easily split it up 2 and 2. I'm now actually used to the 1 day 4 park gauntlet.
Also, if you plan on going or doing any of the Universal stuff (which I would strongly recommend), I'd stay at one of their hotels. You get free front of the line on all of the rides anyways and their hotels are just downright awesome. Portofino Bay is my personal favorite. It'll also mean you're right to or close to Universal City Walk, which is easily one of the coolest spots in all of Orlando, especially for an older crowd.