Germany (Epcot)

Infobox Disney ride
name=Germany Pavilion
logo=Germany at Epcot.png

caption=Entrance to the Pavilion
park=Epcot
land=World Showcase
designer=
manufacturer=
type=Themed Pavilion
theme=German Village
soft_opened=
opened=October 1, 1982
closed=
host=
music=
length=
attraction_height=
site_area=
audio-animatronics=
sponsor=
fastpass=
single_rider=
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cc=The Germany Pavilion is part of the World Showcase within Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort.

History

The original design of the pavilion called for a boat ride along the Rhine river. It was to have focused on German folklore, in a similar manner to the Mexico and Norway rides. According to the Walt Disney Company's 1976 annual report the ride was to be " " ... a cruise down Germany's most famous rivers -- the Rhine, the Tauber, the Ruhr and the Isar. Detailed miniatures of famous landmarks will also be seen, including one of the Cologne Cathedral." [ [http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/print/2772.aspx Jim Hill blog] ]

Though the building was built, the ride wasn't and is now used as storage space. You can see the main entrance hall, as it's now the dining area for the Biergarten. The ride building is used for storage for floats, a workshop and cast member rehearsal space.

Layout

The Germany Pavilion is designed to look like a German town, but with architecture from different eras and regions. The Platz (square) is decorated with a statue of St. George and the Dragon and a clock tower. The Biergarten, at the rear of the courtyard, sells traditional German food. The pavilion also has numerous small shops selling German goods, including dolls and cuckoo clocks. The area near the pavilion is decorated by an extensive model village with working model trains.

Characters from the Walt Disney animated feature "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", which was inspired by the version of the tale attributed to the Brothers Grimm, make appearances in and around the pavilion.-

Attractions and Services

Dining

* Biergarten Restaurant, a buffet restaurant designed to look as though Oktoberfest is being celebrated there. Schnitzel, strudel and beer offer a taste of Bavaria at the Biergarten Restaurant. It features live entertainment and beer served in 33-ounce steins. The dining hall is actually in the entrance area for the never built boat cruise down the Rhine.
* Sommerfest, a quick-service restaurant

hopping

* Das Kaufhaus
* Der Teddybär
* Die Weihnachts Ecke

Other

* Miniature Train and Village: A small outdoor model garden railway. It was originally created for the Flower and Garden Festival, but was kept due to its popularity.
* Glockenspiel: The clock that overlooks St. Georges Platz.
* St. George: A large statue of St. George slaying a dragon.

References