Wife's daughter and kids are coming to Universal/Orlando the first week in Jan.  Does anyone know of any retention ponds or other fishing I can take the kids to?  Prefer something pretty close to the motel (Double Tree at entrance to Universal). 

Google Earth and maps is your friend. I use them all the time in areas I'm not familiar with. Good time to go too as some bass will already be spawning on the banks. 

I'll second Google Earth, and make sure you're not trespassing whenever you physically go to any of the ponds you find. 

The pond behind the Double Tree may have fish. It’s been there a while, so good chance there. Just up the road (Conroy), there is the Shadow Bay Park and Bill Fredrick Park, both have stocked lakes by FWC. Lupine Pond at Shadow Bay has some monster catfish if you want something other than bass. There are some potential spots south too along I-Drive and Universal near the convention center. Sand Lake isn’t too far away either kayaks rentals available through the timeshare company on the east side of the lake. 

 

The Florida strain of bass are more finicky with cold fronts, so depending on weather, it could be good or tough fishing. Last couple days have been tough after a series of fronts have moved through. This weekend looks good with some warmer temps and no fronts for a couple days.

Thanks Fishing_FF.  I'll map those and check them out.