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| image=GermanplazaGermanplaza3.jpg| caption='''The plaza in the Germany pavilion at night's St. Georgsplatz.Photo credit- Disney'''

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==Pavilion Layout and History==The During the initial development of World Showcase, Imagineers knew that Germany pavilion was would be one of the original concepts for World Showcase, and it was ready in time for Epcotcountries represented. Between American's opening day. The pavilion is themed familiarity with the country, the opportunity to look like create an Oktoberfest dining location, and a small plethora of German village set sometime between the 12th and 17th centurycompanies interested in sponsorship, Germany seemed like a perfect fit for [[EPCOT Center]] <ref name="progress"/>. One mitigating factor in the buildings architecture from the Rhine regionpavilion's creation however, Bavaria and North was the fact that at the time Germanywas still a divided country. Although Germany is this division was not home at an represented in any official sense, Imagineers based the pavilion on West Germany, specifically Bavaria and the other surrounding German states<ref name="attractionprogress" it does feature two restaurants and four shops/>. The center piece of [[Image:RhineRiverconcept.jpg|400px|thumb|Concept art for the unbuilt Rhine River Cruise attraction.]]When designing the Germany pavilion is a large clock tower, based Imagineers drew on a time piece located in Rothenburg. Southern Germany also holds the distinction of having one 's Baroque architecture<ref name="progress"/>. The pavilion is made up of architectural styles from the two Friendship Boat docks, which take guests to 13th through the World Showcase entrance17th century. Original plans for Because of this, the structures in Germany pavilion called for do not feature aspects of modern construction. Initially, Imagineers had planned on constructing a boat ride attraction. Like the titled [[MalestormRhine River Cruise]] in [[Norway]], and the [[Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros]] in [[Mexico]] this boat pavilion. This ride was going to take guest through would have taken guests on a historical tour, down the Rhine River, where they would experience Germany’s history of Germanyand culture <ref name= "Imagineer"> http://www. The 1982 bookimagineeringdisney.com/blog/2012/2/17/rhine-river-cruise-mysteries.html </ref>. Along with this feature attraction, Walt Disney's Epcot featured a short discription of plans for the attraction:{{Quotation|"The future River Ride promises pavilion also called for a tourism area to be as enjoyable as it is informative. An early concept has visitors boarding built, which would have held small exhibits and a travel agent who would help guests plan a trip to Germany <ref name= "cruise boatSpence" for a simulated ride down > http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/10/germany_pavilion_part_one.html </ref>. While neither the Rhine and other rivers, River Cruise nor the trip affording tourism area were a visual impression in miniature part of the cultural heritage of Germanypavilion by opening day, a large show building was constructed for the River Cruise's past loading and the highlights of its present. Among the detailed models envisioned are scenes in the Black Forestunloading areas, with the Oktoberfest, Heidelberg, idea that the industrial Ruhr Valley . attraction would open at a later date as a part of EPCOT Center’s Phase II <ref name= "Imagineer"/>. . the possibilities are limited only by According to the planners' imaginations."|Walt 1982 book “Walt Disney's Epcot (1982)}}Center: Creating the New World of Tomorrow”:

[[Image:rhineconcept.jpg{{Quotation|200px|thumb|Concept art "The future River Ride promises to be as enjoyable as it is informative. An early concept has visitors boarding a "cruise boat" for a simulated ride down the proposed Rhine Riverand other rivers, the trip affording a visual impression in miniature of the cultural heritage of Germany's past and the highlights of its present. Among the detailed models envisioned are scenes in the Black Forest, the Oktoberfest, Heidelberg, the industrial Ruhr Valley, the possibilities are limited only by the planners' imaginations." <Ref> Beard, Richard R. Walt Disney's Epcot Center: Creating the New World of Tomorrow. New York: Harry N. Abrams,, Publ., 1982. Print.]]</ref>)}}

The Germany pavilion, sans the Rhine River Cruise was one of cruise and the attractions that Disney delegated tourism area, opened with the rest of [[EPCOT Center]] on October 1, 1982. The pavilion is themed to look like a German plaza in Bavaria set in eternal Oktoberfest <ref name= "Phase IISpence" />. The platz, called St. Georgsplatz, features a large clock tower, a central fountain which is guarded by a statue of Epcot St. George (due to limited fundsthe patron saint of soldiers)and a dragon, then following their decision as well as various storefronts <ref name= "Spence" />. Shops that opened with the pavilion in 1982 included: Glas und Porzellan (a ceramic and glassware shop), Porzellanhaus (a china shop), Süssigkeiten (a bakery), Weinkeller (a wine shop), Der Bucherwurm (a bookstore), Volkskunst, and Der Teddybär. The pavilion also included the [[Biergarten]] restaurant. Since Germany opened in 1982, the pavilion has seen a substantial amount of changes. In 1988, a small crystal cart was added to only create attractions if they were sponsoredthe pavilion <ref name="intercot"> http://www.intercot.com/edc/wsfoodshop.html#ger </ref>. The next year, plans in 1989, Porzellanhaus was renamed Die Weihnacts Ecke, which features predominantly Christmas decorations <ref name= "Epcot"> The Epcot Explorer's Encyclopedia: A Guide to Walt Disney World's Greatest Theme Park </ref>. Also in 1989, a sign that the planned Rhine River Cruise was perhaps shelved came when the counter service [[Sommerfest]] restaurant opened near the [[Biergarten]] <ref name= "Epcot"/>. Sommerfest opened in front of the planned location for the attraction were scrappedRhine River Cruise's entrance. During When the pavilions initial construction howeverGermany pavilion originally opened, part guests could see a large set of doors that led to the attraction 's partially built show building . Today, If guests go to the back of [[Sommerfest]], they will find a large mural painted on the wall. This wall replaced the original Rhine River Cruise doors. In a similar fashion, in 1990, a new shop called Kunsterbeit in Kristall 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 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 builterected 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 is used today for storagethe 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, workshop Glas und Porzellan was closed in 2010 (after sponsor Goebel did not renew their contract) and rehearsalthe location became Karamell-Kuche (a confectionery) <ref name= "Epcot"/>. Also  On April 07, 2016, Germany got a new outdoor stage <ref> 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. ==Current Pavilion Layout==[[Image:Dragonstatue.jpg|340px|thumb|The statue of note St. George that sits in the center of the Germany pavilion, . Photo by Norm Lanier.]]The Germany pavilion is centered around a large fortress located 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 back German city of the pavilionFreiburg. The Secondly, a large medieval castle was looms over the square. This fortress based was modeled on two 12th century castles, Burg Eltz (which is located on the Elzback River) and Burg Stahleck Castle (which is located in on the RHine Valley Rhine). The center of the square features a fountain guarded by a statue of St. George and Eltz Castle found above the Moselle Riverdragon. It holds Surrounding the plaza is the Germany pavilion's main resturant (an attraction)stores, the Bierharten Restaurantwhose exteriors were based on real buildings. The Bierharten is a buffet style restaurant which Imagineersinterior of each of the original Germany pavilion shops, themed were designed to look like a 16th century town compliment the merchandise sold within. Shops currently found in Rothenburgthe Germany pavilion include- Der Teddybär, Die Weihnachts Ecke, Karamell-Kuche, Weinkeller, Kunsterbeit in Kristall, Volkskunst, Das Kaufhaus, and Glaskunst. Inside The final structure in the Germany pavilion, is the three story [[Biergarten]] restaurant is always themed , which was initially designed to night time hold both the restaurant and live music is often played for gueststhe unbuilt Rhine River Cruise. Currently, the exterior facade features two archways, one which leads [[Biergarten]] and the second which leads to [[Sommerfest]], a counter service restaurant.

Although not specific to ItalyAt this time, guests travel to the Germany pavilion when playing the interactive Kim Possible World Showcase Adventuredoes not feature any attractions.

'''[[Biergarten]]'''- This Set during Oktoberfest, this table service restaurant celebrates Oktoberfest all year long! Here offers guests can eat a traditional German meal while entertained by live performers.

'''[[Sommerfest]]'''- This counter service restaurant specializes in Bratwurstbratwurst, as well as other German cuisine. ==Entertainment=='''Durch 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> '''Margret Almer & The Bavarian Band'''

'''Der Teddybar Toy ShopKaramell-Kuche'''- As it's name would suggest, this shop This confectionery sells dolls caramel and toysother candies. Guests can also buy Steiff teddy bears here.[[Image:Biergarten.jpg|200px|thumb|Inside the Biergarten restaurantSponsored by Storck USA, where it the store replaced Glas und Porzellan in 2010. The name Karamell-Kuche is always nighttranslated to "Caramel-Kitchen" in English.]]

'''Die Weihnacts EckeWeinkeller'''- This wine storeallows guests to buy over 50 kinds of vintage German wines, who's name means as well as taste over 20 varieties. Weinkeller translates to "The Christmas StoreWine Cellar" in English, sells Christmas merchandise year round.

'''Karmell KucheKunsterbeit in Kristall'''- This shop which is sponsored by Storck USA, sells caramel jewelry, vases, and other candiescrystal works of art. The name Karmell Kuche is translated Kunsterbeit in Kristall translates to "Caramel KitchenArt Work in Crystal" in English. The store opened in 1990.

'''WeinkellerVolkskunst'''- This whine cellar allow guests store used to buy over 50 kinds of vintage sell craft art, but recently it has carried more general German winessouvenirs. Guests can also taste 20 varieties of wine for 5-8 dollars. Weinkeller Volkskunst translates to "Wine CellarPeoples Art" in English.

'''Kunstarbeit in KristallDas Kaufhaus'''- This shop sells jewelryvarious athletic wear, vases and other crystal works of artincluding merchandise by Puma. Lunstarbeit Das Kaufhaus opened in Kristall translates to "Art Work in Crystal" the former location of Der Bucherwurm in English1999.

'''VolkskunstStein Haus'''- This store used True to sell craft artits name, but more recently it has carried more general German souvenirthis store sells beer steins and other beer related merchandise. Volkskunst translates to "Peoples Art" Stein Haus opened in Englishthe 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. ==Characters=Former Shopping==='''Snow WhitePorzellanhaus'''- Snow White can often be found just outside This store sold Hutschenreuther porcelain. Porzellanhaus opened on October 1, 1982 and closed in 1989, before reopening as Die 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.  '''Glas und Porzellan'''- This store featured M.I Hummel figurines, and Goebel giftware. Initially sponsored by W. Goebel Porzeilanfabrik, Glas und Porzellan closed in 2010 and was replaced by Karamell -Kuche. '''Süssigkeiten'''- This shop sold cookies and other sweets. Süssigkeiten originally opened on October 1, 1982. It was replaced by Stein Haus.

* 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"/>.

* At one time the building that is currently where Kunstarbeit in Kristall is, The Germany pavilion's clock was going to be a German travel bureau where guests could book a trip to Germanyunique 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==References==http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/10"progress"/germany_pavilion_part_one>.html

http:* From the pavilion's clock tower, a glockenspiel plays a melody composed specifically for Disney<ref name="progress"//epcot82.blogspot.com/2009/10/what-could-have-been>.html

http:* The statue of St. George and the dragon was sculpted out of fiberglass and then painted to look like stone<ref name="progress"//disneyworld>.disney.go.com/dining/biergarten-restaurant/

http* The Germany pavilion's entrance plaza is known as "St. Georgsplatz" <ref> https://www.wdwinfodisneydocs.comnet/wdwinfo_files/diningugd/diningdetail5db718_0b875a96406e4bc4a103b184e3d1dc11.cfm?Restaurant.IDpdf </ref> ==References==157