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| image=Germanplaza2Germanplaza3.jpg| caption='''The Germany pavilion's plaza at nightSt.Georgsplatz. Photo credit- Disney'''

During the initial development of World Showcase, Imagineers knew that Germany would be one of the countries represented. Between American's familiarity with the country, the opportunity to create an Oktoberfest dining location, and a plethora of German companies interested in sponsorship, Germany seemed like a perfect fit for [[EPCOT Center]] <ref name="progress"/>. One mitigating factor in the pavilion's creation however, was the fact that at the time, Germany was still a divided country. Although this division was not represented in any official sense, Imagineers based the pavilion on West Germany, specifically Bavaria and the other southern surrounding German states<ref name="progress"/>. [[Image:RhineRiverconcept.jpg|400px|thumb|Concept art for the unbuilt Rhine River Cruise attraction.]]When designing the Germany pavilion, Imagineers drew on Southern Germany's Baroque architecture<ref name="progress"/>. The pavilion is made up of architectural styles from the 13th through the 17th century. Because of this, the structures in Germany do not feature aspects of modern construction. Initially, Imagineers had planned on constructing a boat ride attraction titled [[Rhine River Cruise]] in the pavilion. This ride would have taken guests on a historical tour, down the Rhine River, where they would experience Germany’s history and culture <ref name= "Imagineer"> http://www.imagineeringdisney.com/blog/2012/2/17/rhine-river-cruise-mysteries.html </ref>. Along with this feature attraction, plans for the pavilion also called for a tourism area to be built, which would have held small exhibits and a travel agent who would help guests plan a trip to Germany <ref name= "Spence"> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/10/germany_pavilion_part_one.html </ref>. While neither the Rhine River Cruise nor the tourism area were a part of the Germany pavilion by opening day, a large show building was constructed for the River Cruise's loading and unloading areas, with the idea that the attraction would open at a later date as a part of EPCOT Center’s Phase II <ref name= "Imagineer"/>. According to the 1982 book “Walt Disney's Epcot Center: Creating the New World of Tomorrow”:

When designing the Germany pavilion, Imagineers drew on Southern Germany's Baroque architecture. {{Quotation|"The pavilion future River Ride promises to be as enjoyable as it is made up of architectural styles from the 13th through the 17th centuryinformative. Because of this, the structures in Germany do not feature aspects of modern architecture. Initially, Imagineers had planned on constructing An early concept has visitors boarding a "cruise boat " for a simulated ride attraction titled “Rhine River Cruise” in the Germany pavilion. This ride would have taken guests on a historical tour, down the Rhine River, where they would experience Germany’s history and culture <ref name= "Imagineer"> http://www.imagineeringdisney.com/blog/2012/2/17/rhine-river-cruise-mysteries.html </ref>. Along with this feature attractionother rivers, plans for the pavilion also called for a tourism area to be built, which would have held small exhibits and a travel agent who would help guests plan a trip to Germany <ref name= "Spence"> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/10/germany_pavilion_part_one.html </ref>. While neither the Rhine River Cruise nor the tourism area were affording a part visual impression in miniature of the cultural heritage of Germany pavilion by opening day, a large show building was constructed for the River Cruise's loading past and unloading areasthe highlights of its present. Among the detailed models envisioned are scenes in the Black Forest, with the idea that Oktoberfest, Heidelberg, the attraction would open at a later date as a part of EPCOT Center’s Phase II industrial Ruhr Valley, the possibilities are limited only by the planners' imaginations." <ref name= "Imagineer"/Ref>Beard, Richard R. According to the 1982 book “Walt Walt Disney's Epcot Center: Creating the New World of Tomorrow”Tomorrow. New York:Harry N. Abrams,, Publ., 1982. Print. </ref>)}}

{{Quotation|"The future Germany pavilion, sans the Rhine River Ride promises to be as enjoyable as it is informativecruise and the tourism area, opened with the rest of [[EPCOT Center]] on October 1, 1982. An early concept has visitors boarding The pavilion is themed to look like a German plaza in Bavaria set in eternal Oktoberfest <ref name= "cruise boatSpence" for />. The platz, called St. Georgsplatz, features a simulated ride down the Rhine and other riverslarge clock tower, the trip affording a visual impression in miniature central fountain which is guarded by a statue of St. George (the cultural heritage patron saint of Germany's past soldiers) and the highlights of its presenta dragon, as well as various storefronts <ref name= "Spence" />. Among Shops that opened with the detailed models envisioned are scenes pavilion in the Black Forest1982 included: Glas und Porzellan (a ceramic and glassware shop), the OktoberfestPorzellanhaus (a china shop), HeidelbergSüssigkeiten (a bakery), the industrial Ruhr Valley . . . the possibilities are limited only by the planners' imaginations." <Ref> BeardWeinkeller (a wine shop), Richard R. Walt Disney's Epcot Center: Creating the New World of Tomorrow. New York: Harry N. AbramsDer Bucherwurm (a bookstore),Volkskunst, Publand Der Teddybär., 1982The pavilion also included the [[Biergarten]] restaurant. Print. </ref>)}}

As previously mentionedSince Germany opened in 1982, the Germany pavilion,sans the Rhine River cruise and the tourism area, opened with the rest has seen a substantial amount of EPCOT Center on October 1, 1982changes. The pavilion is themed to look like In 1988, a German plaza in Bavaria set in eternal Oktoberfest small crystal cart was added to the pavilion <ref name= "Spenceintercot"> http://www.intercot.com/edc/wsfoodshop.html#ger </ref>. The pavilion's plaza features a large clock towernext year, in 1989, Porzellanhaus was renamed Die Weihnacts Ecke, a central fountain which is guarded by a statue of St. George (the patron saint of soldiers) and a dragon, as well as various storefronts features predominantly Christmas decorations <ref name= "SpenceEpcot" > The Epcot Explorer's Encyclopedia: A Guide to Walt Disney World's Greatest Theme Park </ref>. Shops that opened with the pavilion included: Glas und Porzellan (a ceramic and glassware shop)Also in 1989, Porzellanhaus (a china shop), Süßigkeiten (a bakery), Weinkeller (a wine shop), Der Bucherwurm (a bookstore), Volkskunst, and Der Teddybär. The pavilion also included sign that the Biergarten planned Rhine River Cruise was perhaps shelved came when the counter service [[Sommerfest]] restaurant.opened near the [[Image:RhineRiverconceptBiergarten]] <ref name= "Epcot"/>.jpg|400px|thumb|Concept art Sommerfest opened in front of the planned location for the unbuilt Rhine River Cruise attraction's entrance.]]Since When the Germany pavilion originally opened in 1982, the pavilion has seen guests could see a substantial amount large set of changesdoors that led to the attraction's partially built show building. These changes include: * In 1988 a small crystal cart was added Today, If guests go to the pavilionback of [[Sommerfest]], they will find a large mural painted on the wall. This cart was later wall replaced the original Rhine River Cruise doors. In a similar fashion, in 1989 by 1990, a new shop called Kunsterbeit in Kristall (an Arribas Bros shop)opened in the location formally earmarked for a German tourism office <ref name="progress"> http://progresscityusa.com/2011/05/09/examining-epcot-the-germany-showcase/ </ref>.

* In 1989 Porzellanhaus 1995, to celebrate the International Flower and Garden festival<ref>AUTHORS NOTE: Some sources site the 1995 Food and Wine Festival as the debut of the railway</ref>, a miniature railroad display called the Garden Railroad was renamed Die Weihnacts Eckeerected in the Germany pavilion <ref> http://www. Die Weihnacts Ecke thisdayindisneyhistory.com/Apr15.html </ref> . After being set up and torn down for a series of festivals, the display proved to be so popular that Disney decided to leave it up year round. Subsequently, in 1999 Der Bucherwurm was replaced by Das Kaufhaus, which sells predominantly Christmas decorations various sportswear <ref name= "Epcot"/> . The Epcot Explorernext change came in 2002, when Glaskunst opened in the Germany pavilion's Encyclopedia: A Guide to Walt Disney World's Greatest Theme Park former WorldKey location </refname="intercot"/>. At this time, the crystal cart that had opened in 1988 closed.

* In 1989 On June 29, 2009, the counter service [[Sommerfest]] restaurant opened near Germany pavilion got a proper meet and greet area for the [[Biergarten]] pavilion's popular Snow White interaction <ref> https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/germany/news/29jun2009-snow-white-meet-and-greet-construction-at-the-germany-pavilion-now-complete.htm </ref>. Another opening day shop, Glas und Porzellan was closed in 2010 (after sponsor Goebel did not renew their contract) and the location became Karamell-Kuche (a confectionery) <ref name= "Epcot"/>.

* In 1999 Der Bucherwurm was replaced by Das KaufhausOn April 07, which sells various sportswear 2016, Germany got a new outdoor stage <ref name= "Epcot"> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/germany/news/07apr2016-photos---new-entertainment-stage-completed-at-epcots-germany-pavilion.htm </ref>. Since the stage opened, musical acts have performed throughout the day in Germany at this location.

* In 2010==Current Pavilion Layout==[[Image:Dragonstatue.jpg|340px|thumb|The statue of St. George that sits in the center of the Germany pavilion. Photo by Norm Lanier.]]The Germany pavilion is centered around a large outdoor plaza called St. Georgsplatz. The square is overlooked by two large structures. The most prominent, is the pavilion's large clock tower, Glas und Porzellan which was closed modeled after towers found in the German city of Freiburg. Secondly, a large medieval castle looms over the square. This fortress was modeled on two 12th century castles, Burg Eltz (which is located on the Elzback River) and converted into Burg Stahleck (which is located on the Rhine). The center of the square features a fountain guarded by a statue of St. George and the dragon. Surrounding the plaza is the Germany pavilion's stores, whose exteriors were based on real buildings. The interior of each of the original Germany pavilion shops, were designed to compliment the merchandise sold within. Shops currently found in the Germany pavilion include- Der Teddybär, Die Weihnachts Ecke, Karamell-Kuche (a confectionery) <ref name= "Epcot"/>, Weinkeller, Kunsterbeit in Kristall, Volkskunst, Das Kaufhaus, and Glaskunst.

* On April 07The final structure in the Germany pavilion, 2016is the three story [[Biergarten]] restaurant, Germany got a new outdoor stage <ref> http://www.wdwmagicwhich was initially designed to hold both the restaurant and the unbuilt Rhine River Cruise.com/attractions/germany/news/07apr2016-photos---new-entertainment-stage-completed-at-epcots-germany-pavilion.htm </ref>. Since Currently, the stage openedexterior facade features two archways, musical acts have performed throughout one which leads [[Biergarten]] and the day in Germanysecond which leads to [[Sommerfest]], a counter service restaurant.

'''Disney Phineas and Ferb: Agent P's World Showcase Adventure'''- On At this interactive adventuretime, guests use a "F.O.N.E." (Field Operative Notification Equipment) to help Agent P. stop Dr. Doofenshmirtz, by looking for clues throughout World Showcase. The adventure is based on the Disney cartoon Phineas and FerbGermany pavilion does not feature any attractions.

'''[[Sommerfest]]'''- This counter service restaurant specializes in Bratwurst bratwurst, as well as other German cuisine.

==Entertainment=='''SussigkeitenDurch and Durch'''-Debuting in March 2018, this band plays German pop rock music. ===Former Entertainment==='''Wies N Buam'''- Debuting in January 2017, this band played original renditions of Bavarian folk music. Wies N Baum performed in the pavilion from January 2017 until July 5, 2018 <ref> https://touringplans.com/epcot/attractions/wies-n-buam </ref>

==Former Entertainment=='''Wies N BuamMargret Almer & The Bavarian Band'''- Debuting in January 2017, this band plays original renditions of Bavarian folk music. Wies N Baum performed in the pavilion from January 2017 until July 5, 2018 <ref> https://touringplans.com/epcot/attractions/wies-n-buam </ref>

'''Karamell-Kuche'''- This confectionery sells caramel and other candies. The Sponsored by Storck USA, the store replaced Glas und Porzellan in 2010. The name Karamell-Kuche is translated to "Caramel-Kitchen" in English.

'''Weinkeller'''- This wine cellar allow store allows guests to buy over 50 kinds of vintage German wines, as well as taste over 20 varieties. Weinkeller translates to "Wine Cellar" in English.

'''Kunsterbeit in Kristall'''- This shop sells jewelry, vases , and other crystal works of art. Kunsterbeit in Kristall translates to "Art Work in Crystal" in English. The store opened in 1990.

'''Volkskunst'''- This store used to sell craft art, but recently it has carried more general German souvenirsouvenirs. Volkskunst translates to "Peoples Art" in English.

'''Stein Haus'''-True to its name, this store sells beer steins and other beer related merchandise. Stein Haus opened in the former location of Süssigkeiten.  '''Glaskunst'''- This small shop sells glassware, crystal , and even personally engraved steins. Glaskunst opened on March 3, 2002, in the former location of Germany's WorldKey kiosk. At this time, the glassware kart that had resided in the Germany pavilion closed.

'''Porzellanhaus'''- This store sold Hutschenreuther porcelain. Porzellanhau Porzellanhaus opened on October 1, 1982 and closed in 1989, before reopening as Die Weihnacts Weihnachts Ecke.

'''Der Bucherwurm'''- This shop sold books, sheet music , and other German souvenirs. Der Bucherwurm opened October 1, 1982 and closed in 1999 to make way for Das Kaufhaus.

* At one time, the Germany pavilion was host to an a "Earth StationWorldKey" kiosk. From here, guests could video chat with a Disney cast member <Ref name= "Spence"/>. * The Germany pavilion's clock was a unique design created by Imagineering <ref name="progress"/>. * Every hour a rooster emerges from the clock, followed by a Bavarian boy and girl who hammer out the hour on a bell<ref name="progress"/>. * From the pavilion's clock tower, a glockenspiel plays a melody composed specifically for Disney<ref name="progress"/>.  * The statue of St. George and the dragon was sculpted out of fiberglass and then painted to look like stone<ref name="progress"/>.

* The building that is currently houses Kunstarbeit in Kristall was originally going to be a German tourism area where guests could book a trip to Germany pavilion's entrance plaza is known as "St. Georgsplatz" <ref> httphttps://progresscityusawww.comdisneydocs.net/2011_files/05/09/examining-epcot-the-germany-showcaseugd/ 5db718_0b875a96406e4bc4a103b184e3d1dc11.pdf </ref>.