Five things you need to know about EPCOT Germany Pavilion

Imagineers chose to evoke the feel of centuries-old buildings that reflect different eras and regions in Germany. But the main inspiration came from the medieval town of Rothenburg in Bavaria. Most of the buildings are not replicas of real buildings elsewhere, with one exception. Das Kaufhaus (department store) is modeled after the historic Kaufhaus in Freiburg, Germany. The original building had four statues of the Habsburg emperors, but Epcot’s version could only accommodate three statues: King Philip I, Emperor Charles V, and Emperor Ferdinand I. (Look for the hidden Mickey in their crown.)

Another “eye-catching” feature of the German Pavilion is the bell tower. The centerpiece of the Oktoberfest architecture is a chiming clock based on Munich’s famous carillon (literally “playing bells”). Every hour, it plays a tune composed especially for the German pavilion. Two Hummel statues ring the bell on the hour. It’s a lot of fun and worth scheduling a visit to the pavilion to enjoy the “show”.

2. There is an unprecedented attraction.

The German Pavilion opened on October 1, 1982. When the Imagineers made their plans, they included an attraction called the Rhine River Cruise. Guests will ride along Germany’s major rivers and highlight modern German industry. It is similar in style to the maelstrom attraction in the Norway pavilion.

While the ride itself was never built, a large portion of it remains today. As you enter the arch of the Oktoberfest building, you’ll see a wall with a beautiful mural. “Herzlich Willkommen” (Hearty Welcome) below the text depicts the German countryside. This wall was originally supposed to be the entrance to the Rhine River cruise procession. When plans for the attraction were scrapped, huge wooden doors obscured the open space behind. Later they were demolished and replaced by the present wall. Today, the area behind the mural is used as storage and rehearsal areas.

From the square itself, you can see the top of a Germanic-style castle overlooking other rooftops. The castle may have carried part of the journey.

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

I really like the food in the German pavilion. I blame heredity: my mother’s side of the family came from that part of Europe two generations ago. Growing up in Milwaukee, we always had sauerkraut, brats, and other German delicacies. Now that you know my bias, let’s talk about the food lineup at the German Pavilion.

Biergarten is the only table service venue, open for lunch and dinner. This is a loud, lively place to dine; Oktoberfest, Disney style! You will sit at a long table with other people. The buffet offers a variety of delicious German cuisine. There was also plenty of beer on hand, served in one-liter beer glasses. Every hour, talented musicians perform German folk music on a variety of instruments, and you can dance the polka in front of the stage. It’s fun, fulfilling, and festive!

The same building also houses the Quick Service Sommerfest. Open for lunch and dinner, it features sausages, pretzels and a variety of German beers and wines. You can find more beer and pretzels at the Bier Stand and Bier Und Brezeln Cart. (You guessed that was the “Beer and Pretzel Truck,” right?).

But everyone’s favorite here is Karamell-Küche. The taste alone is enough to attract you into this store! Once inside, you’ll find a dizzying array of caramel treats, from freshly popped caramel corn to candies to desserts, all featuring Werte’s Caramels.

While Weinkeller’s isn’t technically a restaurant, it’s worth mentioning. You can taste a range of German wines (mostly white wines, but don’t miss the ice wines as well). And it’s usually not too busy!

4. This mini-Germany is filled with shop opportunities!

Depending on which locations you include, there are up to nine shopping locations within the pavilion. Das Kaufhaus offers sports-related sports equipment and more. Der Teddybar (I guess you don’t need a translation) sells dolls, Steiff bears and other toy brands. Volkskunst (“Folk Art”) is where authentic German cuckoo clocks are sold – but be warned, prices can exceed $1,000! You can also find other homewares here.

Die Weihnachts Ecke (Christmas Corner) sells non-Disney decorations and holiday items year-round. (There are plenty of Disney ornaments, too.) The most famous are the pickle ornaments: A fun German tradition claims that the first child to find a pickle on the tree gets an extra gift from Saint Nick!

Kristall’s Kunstarbeit (“Crystal Artwork”) is the place to go for fine glassware, jewelry and crystal figurines. Glaskunst (“Glass Art”) is an outdoor stall that also sells glassware and collectibles. Glaskunst also offers the option to create your own crafts. Stein Haus has the largest selection of beer by the glass, so if that’s what you’re looking for, stop by (there’s also wine!).

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

5. Not taking a bus or watching a movie? There are still attractions.

There are no rides, but the German Pavilion has one of my favorite things to do. this miniature train village Located between the German Pavilion and the Italian Pavilion. The detail here is outstanding. Every now and then one is moved by the actors (not while you’re watching). Small banners hanging around the village will also change to reflect the seasonal festivals currently taking place at Epcot. It was so fun to watch the train route! There is also a Mickey hidden in the village if you look towards the castle and church.

There is an outdoor stage for musical performances and you can meet Snow White. Check the My Disney Experience app for times. Of course, like every World Showcase, you’ll find a children’s playground.

Bottom line.

The German pavilion is my favorite for many reasons. I love taking my grandkids to Oktoberfest. I love sharing caramel corn with them at Karamel-Küche. I love Schiffenhof beer. Besides the food, I loved the little train village and I think Walter would have loved it too. It may not have rides, but there’s plenty to see and enjoy. Prost!

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