Five Things to Know About the Germany Pavilion in EPCOT

The Germany pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase is one of the original nine pavilions. As you make your way around the lagoon, you’ll find Germany between the China and Italy pavilions. There’s no ride or attraction to run for at rope drop, but there are lots of reasons this may be one of the most fun pavilions to visit. It’s got a festive atmosphere, a great dinner (with a show), plenty of shopportunities, and you can meet Snow White.

1. The architecture is mixed media.

The Pavilion is designed as a Stadtzentrum (town center) around a plaza (Platz). At the center of the cobblestoned-lined square stands a statue of St. George and the Dragon. (St. George is the patron of England, yes, but also of soldiers and knights.)

The Imagineers opted to evoke the feeling of centuries-old architecture, and the buildings reflect different eras and regions of Germany. But the main inspiration was the medieval town of Rothenburg of der Tauber in Bavaria. Most of the buildings aren’t duplicates of real buildings elsewhere, with one exception. Das Kaufhaus (the department store) is modeled on the historic Kaufhaus in Freiburg, Germany. The original building features four statues of Hapsburg emperors, but EPCOT’s version had room for only three: King Phillip I, Emperor Charles V, and Emperor Ferdinand I. (Look for a hidden Mickey in one of their crowns.)

Another “striking” feature of the Germany pavilion is the clock tower. Centered over the Oktoberfest building is a chiming clock based on Munich’s famous Glockenspiel (literally “bell play”). Every hour, it plays a tune written just for the Germany Pavilion. Two Hummel figurines come out to strike the bell on the hour. It’s fun, and worth timing your visit to the pavilion to enjoy the “show.”

2. There’s an attraction that never was.

The Germany pavilion opened October 1, 1982. When Imagineers were laying out the plans, they included an attraction called “The Rhine River Cruise.” Guests would ride along Germany’s main rivers, and highlight modern German industry. It would be similar in style to the Maelstrom attraction in the Norway Pavilion.

While the ride itself was never constructed, a significant part of it survives to this day. As you enter through the arch of the Oktoberfest building, you’ll see a wall with a beautiful mural. Underneath the words, “Herzlich Willkommen” (heartfelt welcome) is a depiction of the German countryside. This wall was originally supposed to be the entrance to the Rhine River Cruise queue. When plans for the attraction were scrapped, large wooden doors covered the empty space behind. They were later removed and replaced by the current wall. Today, the area behind the mural is used for storage and as a rehearsal area.

From the square itself, you can see the top of a Germain-inspired castle peeking over the other roofs. This castle may have held a portion of the ride.

3. There’s lots of food to enjoy, plus plenty of pretzels and beer!

I truly enjoy the food at the Germany pavilion. I blame genetics: two generations ago, the folks on my mother’s side came from that part of Europe. And growing up in Milwaukee, we always ate sauerkraut, brats, and other German fare. Now that you know my prejudice, let’s talk about the lineup of eats you’ll find in the Germany Pavilion.

Biergarten is the only Table Service spot, open for lunch and dinner. It’s a loud, lively place to eat; Oktoberfest, Disney-style! You’ll sit at long tables with other folks. A buffet has a wide variety of delicious German food. There’s plenty of beer on hand, too, served in one-liter steins. Every hour, talented musicians perform German folk music on a variety of instruments, and you can polka in front of the stage. It’s fun, filling, and festive!

In the same building is the Quick Service Sommerfest. Open for lunch and dinner, you’ll find bratwurst, pretzels and a variety of German beers and wines. You’ll find even more beer and pretzels at the Bier Stand, and the Bier Und Brezeln Cart. (You guessed that’s “beer and pretzel cart,” right?).

 

But everyone’s favorite here is Karamell-Küche. The smell alone will draw you into this shop! Once through the door, you’ll find a dizzying array of caramel treats, from freshly popped caramel corn to candy to desserts, all featuring Werther’s caramel.

While not technically a restaurant, the Weinkeller is worth mentioning. You can enjoy a flight of German wines (mostly white, but don’t miss the Eiswein). And it’s not usually too busy!

4. This mini Deutschland is big on shopportunities!

Depending on which places you include, there are up to nine places to shop in this pavilion. Das Kaufhaus offers sports-related athletic gear and the like. Der Teddybar (I’m guessing you don’t need that translated) sells dolls, Steiff bears, and other toy brands. Volkskunst (“folk arts”) is the place for authentic German cuckoo clocks – but be aware that the prices can exceed $1000! You’ll find other housewares here as well.

Die Weihnachts Ecke (the Christmas corner) sells non-Disney ornaments and holiday items all year round. (There are lots of Disney ornaments, too.) Best known is the pickle ornament: a fun German tradition asserts that the first child to find the pickle on the tree gets an extra gift from Saint Nick!

Kunstarbeit in Kristall (“artwork in crystal”) is the place to go for beautiful glassware, jewelry, and crystal figurines. Glaskunst (“glass art”) is an outdoor stand that also sells glassware and collectibles. Glaskunst also has a create-your-own crafting option. Stein Haus has the biggest selection of steins, so if that’s what you’re after, stop in (there’s wine, too!).

We already counted the Weinkeller and Karamell-Küche in the restaurants. But if you count them as stores as some do, that brings the number of shops in this pavilion to nine.

5. No ride, no movie? There are still attractions.

There’s no ride, but the Germany Pavilion has one of my favorite things to do. The miniature train village lies between Germany’s courtyard and the Italy pavilion. The detail here is remarkable. The people are moved around by Cast Members (not while you’re watching) from time to time. And the tiny banners hanging in the village change to reflect whatever seasonal festival is currently going on in EPCOT. It’s just plain fun to watch the trains run their route! There’s a hidden Mickey in the village, too, if you look toward the castle and church.

There’s an outdoor stage that’s used for musical performances, and you can Meet & Greet Snow White. Check the My Disney Experience app for times. And of course, like every World Showcase Pavilion, you’ll find a Kidcot Fun Stop.

The Bottom Line.

The Germany Pavilion is a favorite of mine for a lot of reasons. I love taking the grandkids to Oktoberfest. I love sharing caramel corn with them at Karamel-Küche. I love Shöffenhoffer Bier. Besides the food, I love the little train village, and I think Walt would, too. It may not have a ride, but there’s a lot to take in and enjoy here. Prost!

Have you been to the Germany Pavilion? What’s your favorite part?