Drinking outside The World

We've never ventured off-property. I'm afraid they won't let me back in or I will be struck by lightening....

Depends what you are looking for.

Hard Rock Cafe up at City Walk is good if you like themed chain restaurants Also at City Walk is Bob Marley's Reggae Bar, we've had a drink there but not eaten. TGI Fridays (there are 2 on I-Drive) is exactly like the one's in the UK.
We've never managed to get in there, but Bahama Breeze has a really good reputation and always a queue for a table.

Golden Corale (all you can eat grill) is great value for money. There's a place about 1/2 way up I-drive called the Red Canyon Bar and Grill that we really liked and couldn't understand why it was almost empty.

If you're in Seaworld, the Underwater Grill is really good, if a little expensive.

If you're okay with spending some money, we love the Restaurants and bars at the Waldorf and Hilton Bonnet Creek. They can be pricey though.

At the other end of the spectrum I agree with Tony that the Golden Corral is a good deal for the money.

In the middle there are a lot of chain restaurants. We also like some of the restaurants at the Gaylord Palms. Sadly like Jeff we don't get out much. We still haven't made it to Harry Potter for example.

DH and I spent a day at Universal Studios and Citywalk pre-cruise once. Were extremely underwhelmed by US, but Citywalk did have a few nice restaraunt options. When we are in WDW we NEVER leave WDW though. It's like cheating or something, lol.

There's a great Chevy's right across from the Plaza hotels (Lake Buena Vista exit.) They're a chain but imo they have terrific chips and salsa and margaritas. DH and I love to go over there occasionally, just for drinks and snacks.

We've never been all that impressed with I Drive, but there did used to be a little Pub in a plaza called the Mercado - I think it was called Cricketer's. I'll see if I can figure out if it's still there...used to hang out there when I worked at WDW.

Giordanos is also great if you like Chicago-style pizza (which is more casserole than pizza...love it!) There's one a little further down past Crossroads; there used to also be one on US 192, west of Maingate.

Celebration is a fun place to go, have a drink, people watch, and walk around as well.

The one on Rt. 192 (Irlo Bronson) west of Maingate is still there.

I like to stick with Disney because I can take the bus home! Drinks can be expensive but we've had a great time at the Margarita stand in DTD.

What's a budget when you are staying in WDW?
just kidding I know what you mean Peg. Everybody has to watch their pennies, (and nickels, dimes, quarters etc. when in WDW). Watching my pennies is what pays for my trips to Golden Corral.

I can't offer any insight off property, but perhaps this site can assist your planning for drink options inside the world:

http://partythroughtheparks.squarespace.com/

DH also just reminded me of the Orlando Ale House! Great for watching sports, eating and drinking reasonably - they have drink specials everyday of the week. I think this is the one closest to Disney:

http://www.millersalehouse.com/BUENA%20VISTA.htm

Just a reminder that House of Blues in Downtown Disney has two happy hours every day

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

This is awesome

My favorite bar in Disney is the mini-fridge in my room. I like to keep it cheap.

I like the way you think. I'll be buying my booze off site this time. I couldnt even tell you how much money I went through from buying my booze at the bar at pop century. Lesson learned.

If you like wine, there's a great little Goodings at Cross Roads. Will have to find the closest ABC Store for ya

At the end of Hotel Plaza Blvd there is a shopping center with grocery store with liquor store in it.

That must be the Goodings of which I speak. I knew they had beer and wine, but I didn't know about the liquor. If there happens to be an ABC closeby, their prices might still be better, but obviously either will be better than buying drinks at Disney.

Here's how to search for the 5 closest stores. Zip is 32830. Probably further than anyone would want to drive, but fyi -

http://www.abcfws.com/ABCStores/StoreLocator/tabid/115/Default.aspx

Actually, the prices of the wine in the resorts and the stores in the parks are not all that bad I think, compared to what we pay in PA at least. Plus Im not going to sit in my hotel room and drink, Im gona be out having fun doing it! Like maybe out taking a boat ride with Colleen!

Is that a 3hr. cruise on the SS Minnow, You can borrow my life jacket, if you'd like.

You know the one!!