Cruise ending Jan 09 in Tampa, planning a few days in Tampa and a few days in Orlando. Question I have is about finding a place to stay, should I make reservations or just wing it. Suggestions for places to stay appreciated. Note: We will have own car. Thanks

I wouldn't just wing it, especially in Tampa. There are quite a few nice Marriotts in the area.

Mid Jan in Orlando gets to be quiet time for about 6 weeks but I'd still get a reservation. The Polynesian at Disney would probably be my first choice. They have hotels with other than beach themes if you prefer.

Have not seen Wilderness Lodge but that looks interesting and I liked seeing the real animals at Animal Kingdom Hotel, definitely different.

My kids are too old to drag there anymore but Disney's still the place I want to be ... beauty, near-perfection, size, variety, fun. If only it wasn't so darned expensive and loud.

In Orlando I would stay on Universal property - Hard Rock if you like the music and a wonderful pool area, Portofino if you like it quieter, or Pacific Beach if you want the newest and most inexpensive. Wonderful places to stay and you can walk to everything including all the City Walk restaurants and stores.

I'm kind of curious what you plan to do in Tampa before I would reocmmend where to stay. If you're thinking beach, you might want Clearwater or St. Pete Beach instead.

Postal, planning on taking 15 year old grandson to Busch Gardens.

I've been to Orlando/Tampa in mid December and early to mid January and it's a pleasant time with minimal crowds. I would still make hotel reservations though, because there could be a big convention in town.
Re Busch Gardens...the last time I was there, in December 2003, we had a terrific time, there were NO lines, not a single ride we couldn't simply walk on to and mid January should be about the same. BUT...keep an eye on the weather. If you get a cool snap (temps 65 or below), you will find it just too chilly to enjoy certain rides because several of them involve a lot of water (another FYI, bring plastic rain ponchos for some of those rides...you WILL need them!). Go to Busch Gardens on a warm day to enjoy it at its best. FWIW, we had more fun at Busch Gardens than at Disney World.