1/29 Downtown Disney Update – Rainforest Volcano, French Dip at Earl of Sandwich, Hat Box Ghost Fig

Hi everyone!

Mousesteps reader Kenneth asked if we could get photos of the Rainforest Cafe volcano refurbishment and concept art at Downtown Disney. We already planning to try the new (limited time) French Dip at the Earl of Sandwich for lunch, so we were just steps away!

We were told weeks ago about the work that was set to happen on the Rainforest volcano. That was the only information given, that it was being redone. I figured then that it was just a minimal project, a refurbishment that would take a few weeks. Instead, it's quite a lengthy endeavor – scheduled to be done this fall – that will upgrade the volcano to a show experience and add a Lava Lounge. There is now a wall that is mostly around the restaurant, except at the entrance (it is still open).

 

 

 

We also stopped at the Art of Disney, and admired this medium figure Hat Box Ghost! I like the medium figures over the big figs, and it was interesting to see the medium and large figures side by side (like the Pirate Mickey and Little Mermaid below).

 

 

Wolfgang Puck Express is also being refurbished – but is open:

 

 

 

My favorite part of this update: The Earl of Sandwich's French Dip! I love a good french dip sandwich, and this one just became available for a limited time (I have no idea when until, but I'd love to see it become a regular menu item). It is now my favorite sandwich here. The beef was tender, and the au jus was perfect for it. There are red onions, but I didn't taste them strongly. The only downside was that the container was tricky to open and I splattered both of us with the au jus. The restaurant also forgot Jeff's salad, and I ate very slowly – so by the time he finally realized they forgot him, the sandwich and au jus were not as hot as they'd originally been. Even with those minor issues, I hope the sandwich will eventually be here to stay!

Remember to sign up for the Earl of Sandwich E-Club and receive updates and a free birthday sandwich! Currently the restaurant also offers 15% off to AAA members and 10% off to Annual Passholders (but if you have a birthday in your group, have them conduct their own transaction, since The Earl of Sandwich can only take one discount off per ticket).

 

 

 

After lunch, we headed to a couple of shops before leaving.

Epcot baseball:

 

 

 

Basin:

 

 

Radio Disney booth:

 

 

Looking across the lake:

 

 

Wall outside World of Disney:

 

 

Dumbo and Timothy Mouse in a World of Disney window:

 

 

 

I just added a Boma breakfast dining review, and a Pop Century Resort photo walk, along with a new Caribbean Beach Resort photo walk! We'll be heading to the Magic Kingdom today, and Epcot tomorrow – so watch for more photos and video.