The problem with making a tentative reservation is the cancellation cut-off times. Most hotels are, at the latest, 6pm of the day of your reservation. Depending on the timing of your flight, it is very likely that you won't know for sure if you need the room until after this time. If you wait to cancel, you are likely stuck paying for the room; on the other hand, if you cancel before 6pm, but then need the hotel, you'll be out of luck.
You leave MCO at 6pm, which means you'll definitely be after the cancellation window both there and at your stop-over. I'm not sure if your flight from Maine is AM or PM.
You leave MCO at 6pm, which means you'll definitely be after the cancellation window both there and at your stop-over. I'm not sure if your flight from Maine is AM or PM.