Earl of Sandwich...A Brief History Lesson (and Review)

This is a little off the beaten path, as far as Disney goes, but there is a connection. Today, November 3, we celebrate the birth of John Montagu, Earl of Sandwich. If you've visited Downtown Disney, you may have seen or even eaten at the Earl of Sandwich. A review of this restaurant will follow a brief but unique history lesson. (Hey, we're homeschoolers. We turn everything into a lesson!)

On November 3, 1718, John Montagu--also known as the 4th Earl of Sandwich--was born.  He was a British statesman who succeeded his grandfather, the 3rd Earl of Sandwich, at the age of 10. Throughout his lifetime he held various military and political offices, including Postmaster General and First Lord of the Admiralty (whatever that is). But  Lord Sandwich (yep, that was really his title) is best known as the inventor of the modern concept of the sandwich.

It is said that Lord Sandwich had quite a gambling habit. And because he didn't want to take time away from his "hobby" to eat, he asked servants to bring him slices of meat between two pieces of bread, so that he could eat without slowing down the game. (Silverware and table manners are such a nuisance!) Friends who shared his love of gambling became familiar with Lord Sandwich's concoction and began to order "the same as Sandwich," which eventually got shortened to simply, "sandwich." Thus, the sandwich was born.

This story, of course, is a matter of controversy (as are most anecdotal stories). Some say Lord Sandwich was a devoted statesman and that this first sandwich was more likely consumed at his desk while working. Other explanations abound as well. But I think the gambling story is the most fun.

So, there you have it...your brief history lesson for the day. Or maybe we should just call it trivia, 'cause, let's face it, this information isn't really critical in the realm of history. Either way, you now know just a bit more about the origin of both the sandwich and the name of the restaurant we're going to discuss.

©Earl of Sandwich

Earl of Sandwich is a great breakfast, lunch, or casual dinner option on Disney property that won't cost you a fortune. Breakfast sandwiches start at around $4, with lunch/dinner sandwiches at around $6. You can get soup for around $3, and there are plenty of fresh fruit and salad options as well. There are also plenty of dessert options as well as a kids menu.

Bottom line: the value you get here is excellent in comparison to other counter service restaurants on WDW property. (A $6 made-to-order sandwich, compared with a $9 pre-made hamburger? Sandwich, please!) The food is yummy (basic) and filling, and there is great variety in the menu, within the confines of the soup/salad/sandwich genre. The only disadvantages I would note are that it tends to get rather crowded during peak meal times, but the line moves relatively fast. Seating, however, tends to be an issue as well. If you have a nice day and are willing to take your sandwich out to a bench near the lake, you'll be just fine. But if you need to seat a family of 6 that includes a high chair, it might be more challenging. And claustrophobic.

By the way, Earl of Sandwich does accept the Disney Dining Plan as a quick service restaurant and also for snack credits.