Wow! this thread is still going! It brings me back to my first posts on the DIS!
We've mostly been eating onsite the past few years (that may change!)
(Does US count as offsite?
)
A few places we have enjoyed are:
McCoy's at MCO! This is located in the Hyatt. Go up the glass elevators to the hotel lobby. Some pluses are late hours, great sushi, and very good kids meal options. Kids can order half-portions of anything on the adult menu, plus a kid menu.
The Whole Foods (Sand Lake/I-4). This is very close to US! Just off I-4. (use the MCO north exit)
It is not so much a place save money, but rather a place to get really healthy options. The place is HUGE, with tons of fun, healthy options: fresh squeezed juices of all kinds, brick oven pizza, fresh seafood cooked to order, barista, quality bakery. Also extensive hot/cold bars, salad bar, soup bar, etc.
It is also a great place to stop for anyone with food allergies! Food bar ingredients are listed, no nasty chemicals, and lots of delicious vegetables.
The dining area is pleasant, and three's even outdoor tables. They also sell beer/wine and groceries! We've never tried the other dining in the same plaza, but it looks nice.
We've also now made several visits to the Tampa area! If we can't get good airfare rates to MCO, Tampa (or St. Petersburg)+a rental car works well! Lots of fun places to dine.