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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 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 architectureconstruction. 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”:

Since The Germany opened in 1982pavilion, sans the pavilion has seen a substantial amount Rhine River cruise and the tourism area, opened with the rest of changes[[EPCOT Center]] on October 1, 1982. In 1988 The pavilion is themed to look like a small crystal cart was added to the pavilion. The next year, German plaza in 1989, Porzellanhaus was renamed Die Weihnacts Ecke, which features predominantly Christmas decorations Bavaria set in eternal Oktoberfest <ref name= "EpcotSpence"> The Epcot Explorer's Encyclopedia: A Guide to Walt Disney World's Greatest Theme Park </ref>. Also in 1989The platz, called sign that the St. Georgsplatz, planned Rhine River Cruise was perhaps shelved further came when features a large clock tower, a central fountain which is guarded by a statue of St. George (the counter service [[Sommerfest]] restaurant opened near the [[Biergarten]] patron saint of soldiers) and a dragon, as well as various storefronts <ref name= "EpcotSpence"/>. Sommerfest Shops that opened in front of with the planned location for the Rhine River Cruise's entrance. When the Germany pavilion originally openedin 1982 included: Glas und Porzellan (a ceramic and glassware shop), guests could see Porzellanhaus (a large set of doors that led to the attraction's partially built show building. Todaychina shop), If guests go to the back of [[Sommerfest]]Süssigkeiten (a bakery), they will find Weinkeller (a large mural painted on the wall. This wall replaced the original Rhine River Cruise doors. In wine shop), Der Bucherwurm (a similar fashionbookstore), in 1990Volkskunst, a new shop called Kunsterbeit in Kristall opened in the location formally earmarked for a German tourism office <ref name="progress"> http://progresscityusaand Der Teddybär.com/2011/05/09/examining-epcot-The pavilion also included the-germany-showcase/ </ref>[[Biergarten]] restaurant.

In 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 erected in the Germany pavilion <ref> http://www.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 various sportswear <ref name= "Epcot"/>. The next change came in 2002, when Glaskunst opened in the Germany pavilion's former WorldKey location <ref name="intercot"/>. At this time, the crystal cart that had opened in 1988 closed.

On June 29, 2009, the Germany pavilion got a proper meet and greet area for the pavilion's popular Snow White meet and greet 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"/>.

[[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, which was 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 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, Weinkeller, Kunsterbeit in Kristall, Volkskunst, Das Kaufhaus, and Glaskunst.

'''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.

'''Wies N Buam'''- Debuting in January 2017, this band plays 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>

'''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.

'''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 "WorldKey" kiosk. From here, guests could video chat with a Disney cast member <Ref name= "Spence"/>.