What is everyone planning to do for lodging in Orlando? (if that's where we end up). I've never been there, and was looking for recommendations on where to stay/things to do, etc.
We are a younger group (25-26 years old).
There are so many options in Orlando. I would guess that hotels near the Orlando Convention Center would be affordable because there probably won't be conventions being held at that time. They have 10s of thousands of rooms.
It is best to find somebody like you who has been there and had a great time and just take their advice. Pick a few things that you know you want to do and focus on them. For instance, the bowl venue is downtown. Most of the Disney stuff is a ways south. International Drive is a little south of downtown and is loaded with hotels, restaurants, bars, and activities. Universal Studios is not too far from the stadium. The "after hours" activity at Universal late each night would be good for music, dancing, and drinking.
My favorite experience was an airboat ride on a lake with lots of alligators. The ordinary ride is fun, but you can make it better. Call ahead and ask for the most entertaining driver. Tip the driver early and you will probably get some extra up-close-and-personal experiences. Tip him privately and you may be able to set up your friends for some pants-wettings.