Difference between revisions of "Germany"

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Germany is a pavilion located within World Showcase in [[Epcot]]. It is located between the [[China]] and [[Italy]].
 
Germany is a pavilion located within World Showcase in [[Epcot]]. It is located between the [[China]] and [[Italy]].
  
==Pavilion Layout and History==
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==Pavilion History==
The Germany pavilion was one of the original concepts for World Showcase, and it was ready in time for Epcot's opening day. The pavilion is themed to look like a small German village set sometime between the 12th and 17th century. the buildings architecture from the Rhine region, Bavaria and North Germany. Although Germany is not home at an "attraction" it does feature two restaurants and four shops. The center piece of the pavilion is a large clock tower, based on a time piece located in Rothenburg. Germany also holds the distinction of having one of the two Friendship Boat docks, which take guests to the World Showcase entrance. Original plans for the Germany pavilion called for a boat ride attraction. Like the [[Malestorm]] in [[Norway]], and the [[Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros]] in [[Mexico]] this boat ride  was going to take guest through the history of Germany. The 1982 book, Walt Disney's Epcot featured a short discription of the attraction:
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While the Germany pavilion was one of the original concepts for World Showcase, the pavilion that opened with the rest of EPCOT Center in October of 1982 was very different than its original design. Initially, Imagineers had planned on constructing a boat ride attraction titled “Rhine River Cruise” which would have taken guests on a historical tour (down the Rhine River) where they could experience Germany’s history and culture. Along with the feature attraction, plans for the Germany pavilion also called for a tourism area which would have held small exhibits along with a travel agent who would help guests plan a trip to Germany. While neither the Rhine River Cruise nor the tourism area was a part of the Germany pavilion by opening day, a large show building was constructed for the River Cruise, with the idea that the attraction would open at a later date as a part of EPCOT Center’s Phase II. According to the 1982 book “Walt Disney's Epcot Center: Creating the New World of Tomorrow”:
{{Quotation|"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 Rhine and 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."|Walt Disney's Epcot (1982)}}
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[[Image:rhineconcept.jpg|200px|thumb|Concept art for the proposed Rhine River.]]
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{{Quotation|"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 Rhine and 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."| Walt Disney's Epcot Center: Creating the New World of Tomorrow (1982)}}
  
The Rhine River Cruise was one of the attractions that Disney delegated to "Phase II" of Epcot (due to limited funds), then following their decision to only create attractions if they were sponsored, plans for the attraction were scrapped. During the pavilions initial construction however, part of the attraction building was built. The area is used today for storage, workshop and rehearsal. Also of note in the Germany pavilion, is a large fortress located in the back of the pavilion. The castle was  based on the Stahleck Castle located in the RHine Valley and Eltz Castle found above the Moselle River. It holds the pavilion's main resturant (an attraction), the Bierharten Restaurant. The Bierharten is a buffet style restaurant which Imagineers, themed to look like a 16th century town in Rothenburg. Inside, the restaurant is always themed to night time and live music is often played for guests.
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Although sans the Rhine River cruise and the tourism area, the German pavilion did open with the rest of EPCOT Center on October 1, 1982. The pavilion was themed to look like a German plaza in Bavaria set in eternal Oktoberfest. The plaza features include a large clock tower, 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. Shops that opened with the pavilion included: Glas und Porzellan (a ceramic and glassware shop), Porzellanhaus (a china shop), Süßigkeiten (a bakery), Weinkeller (a wine shop), Der Bucherwurm (a bockstore), Volkskunst, and Der Teddybär. The pavilion also included the Biergarten restaurant.
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Since Germany opened in 1982, the pavilion has seen a substantial amount of changes. These changes include:
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* In 1988 a small crystal kart was added to the pavilion. This cart was later replaced in 1989 by Kunsterbeit in Kristall (an Arribas Bros shop).  
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* In 1989 Porzellanhaus was renamed Die Weihnacts Ecke. Die Weihnacts Ecke sells predominantly Christmas decorations.
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* In 1989 the counter service Sommerfest restaurant opened near the Biergarten.
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* In 1999 Der Bucherwurm was replaced by Das Kaufhaus, which sells various sportswear.  
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* In 2010, Glas und Porzellan was closed and converted into Karamell-Kuche (a confectionary).  
  
 
==Attractions==
 
==Attractions==
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'''Volkskunst'''- This store used to sell craft art, but more recently it has carried more general German souvenir. Volkskunst translates to "Peoples Art" in English.
 
'''Volkskunst'''- This store used to sell craft art, but more recently it has carried more general German souvenir. Volkskunst translates to "Peoples Art" in English.
 
==Characters==
 
'''Snow White'''- Snow White can often be found just outside Karamell Kuche
 
  
 
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
 
==Fun Facts and Trivia==

Revision as of 12:37, 24 July 2014

Germany
Germanplaza.jpg
The plaza in the Germany pavilion at night.
Epcot
Land World Showcase
Opening date October 1, 1982
Number of Attractions 0
Number of Restaurants Two

Germany is a pavilion located within World Showcase in Epcot. It is located between the China and Italy.

Pavilion History

While the Germany pavilion was one of the original concepts for World Showcase, the pavilion that opened with the rest of EPCOT Center in October of 1982 was very different than its original design. Initially, Imagineers had planned on constructing a boat ride attraction titled “Rhine River Cruise” which would have taken guests on a historical tour (down the Rhine River) where they could experience Germany’s history and culture. Along with the feature attraction, plans for the Germany pavilion also called for a tourism area which would have held small exhibits along with a travel agent who would help guests plan a trip to Germany. While neither the Rhine River Cruise nor the tourism area was a part of the Germany pavilion by opening day, a large show building was constructed for the River Cruise, with the idea that the attraction would open at a later date as a part of EPCOT Center’s Phase II. According to the 1982 book “Walt Disney's Epcot Center: Creating the New World of Tomorrow”:

"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 Rhine and 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."

Walt Disney's Epcot Center: Creating the New World of Tomorrow (1982)

Although sans the Rhine River cruise and the tourism area, the German pavilion did open with the rest of EPCOT Center on October 1, 1982. The pavilion was themed to look like a German plaza in Bavaria set in eternal Oktoberfest. The plaza features include a large clock tower, 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. Shops that opened with the pavilion included: Glas und Porzellan (a ceramic and glassware shop), Porzellanhaus (a china shop), Süßigkeiten (a bakery), Weinkeller (a wine shop), Der Bucherwurm (a bockstore), 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. These changes include:

  • In 1988 a small crystal kart was added to the pavilion. This cart was later replaced in 1989 by Kunsterbeit in Kristall (an Arribas Bros shop).
  • In 1989 Porzellanhaus was renamed Die Weihnacts Ecke. Die Weihnacts Ecke sells predominantly Christmas decorations.
  • In 1989 the counter service Sommerfest restaurant opened near the Biergarten.
  • In 1999 Der Bucherwurm was replaced by Das Kaufhaus, which sells various sportswear.
  • In 2010, Glas und Porzellan was closed and converted into Karamell-Kuche (a confectionary).

Attractions

Although not specific to Italy, guests travel to the pavilion when playing the interactive Disney Phineas and Ferb: Agent P's World Showcase Adventure.

Disney Phineas and Ferb: Agent P's World Showcase Adventure- On this interactive adventure, guests use a "F.O.N.E." (Field Operative Notification Equipment) to help Agent P. stop Dr. Doofesnshmirtz, by looking for clues throughout World Showcase.

Restaurants

Biergarten- This table service restaurant celebrates Oktoberfest all year long! Here guests can eat a traditional German meal while entertained by live performers.

Sommerfest- This counter service restaurant specializes in Bratwurst.

Shopping

Der Teddybar Toy Shop- As it's name would suggest, this shop sells dolls and toys. Guests can also buy Steiff teddy bears here.

Inside the Biergarten restaurant, where it is always night.

Die Weihnacts Ecke- This store, who's name means "The Christmas Store" in English, sells Christmas merchandise year round.

Karmell Kuche- This shop which is sponsored by Storck USA, sells caramel and other candies. The name Karmell Kuche is translated to "Caramel Kitchen" in English.

Weinkeller- This whine cellar allow guests to buy over 50 kinds of vintage German wines. Guests can also taste 20 varieties of wine for 5-8 dollars. Weinkeller translates to "Wine Cellar" in English.

Kunstarbeit in Kristall- This shop sells jewelry, vases and other crystal works of art. Lunstarbeit in Kristall translates to "Art Work in Crystal" in English.

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

Fun Facts and Trivia

  • In the center of Germany's plaza, a statue of St. George and the Dragon can be found.
  • At one time, the Germany pavilion was host to an "Earth Station" kiosk. From here, guests could video chat with a Disney cast member.
  • At one time the building that is currently where Kunstarbeit in Kristall is, was going to be a German travel bureau where guests could book a trip to Germany.

References

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/10/germany_pavilion_part_one.html

http://epcot82.blogspot.com/2009/10/what-could-have-been.html

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/biergarten-restaurant/

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=157