Hi everyone.
My husband and I have booked the 3nt/4day Disney package from 8JAN to 11JAN with my mom and brother. We need to take Mom & Bro early morning on 11JAN to Orlando Airport, but my husband and I will return to WDW for the remainder of the day. Our flight leaves Orlando at 7:55pm on 12JAN. We will have a rental car on 11JAN & 12JAN, and have NOT booked the hotel for 11JAN yet.
We are thinking about two options:
1. Staying in the Disney/Universal Studios area, go to Universal Studios or City Walk on 12JAN; we want to eat at Emeril's or Tchoup Chop.
2. Drive to St Pete or Clearwater beach, if possible, and spend the night there. If we need to leave WDW in the afternoon, we are ok with it.

Which option do you think is better? Is driving to the Gulf worth it in January? Or should we save it for another time and just enjoy Orlando? I read about the traffic and a little concerned also. Is there another beach just as nice closer? Thanks!

I think you should do universal - you will love it! It's totally worth it and a lot times, weather in January is cold.

have you considered Sea World? We loved it - and some of the docents are fascinating.

I have been to those beaches in mid-Feb. and also late March and wouldn't do it again. It was windy and can be very cold, not good weather to walk on the beach. Just my opinion, but I don't think it is worth it to head to the beach for a day at that time of year.
Also, I have eaten at both Emeril's at City Walk and Tchoup Tchoup. Emeril's was far far better. We did not like Tchoup Tchoup at all, in spite of the pretty decor. Food was uneven and just weird and not worth the money they charged. Emeril's was awesome though. If you do go to Islands of Adventure, book a lunch ahead of time at Mythos. Excellent food (one of the top three meals I've eaten in Orlando) in a themed cavelike surrounding w/excellent service the 3 times I've been there.
You need to book your reservation at Emeril's or whereever NOW for January. And book your priority reservations for WDW restaurants at Epcot, MGM, etc. also NOW. If it is just the two of you you might look into Jiko at Animal Kingdom for a nice dinner. Very good. You can get menus online for these places.
If you just really want t beach, Cocoa beach is closer I beleive- 1 hr 45 min for Clearwater, and like 50 min. to Cocoa beach I think (where Kennedy Space Center is- have you thought about visiting there for the day- it's a nice day)

If you like rides, you will competely enjoy Universal Islands of Adventure. The Spiderman ride is one of the best I've been on.

If you do plan on eating at Emeril's, make the reservations NOW!

Ditto on the Spiderman ride-- WOW! The Jurassic Park ride is also great.

I would not drive from Orlando to Clearwater if I were you. The traffic on I-4 is notoriously bad.

Of all the parks, Sea World is my favorite. I'd definitely recommend it over Universal Studios. But then, I'm not really a "ride" person. Definitely check out their web site, though, to give Sea World a chance.

Thank you all for great info. We've decided to stay in Orlando. Has anyone stayed at Sheraton Safari or Comfort Suites Maingate East?