Difference between revisions of "Germany"

Revision as of 13:21, 13 January 2017

Germany
The Germany pavilion's plaza at night.
Epcot
Land	World Showcase
Opening date	October 1, 1982
Number of Attractions	Zero
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 ^[1]. 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 ^[2]. 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'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 ^[1]. 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." ^[3])

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 ^[2]. 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 ^[2]. 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 bookstore), Volkskunst, and Der Teddybär. The pavilion also included the Biergarten restaurant.

Concept art for the unbuilt Rhine River Cruise attraction.

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 ^[4].

• In 1989 the counter service Sommerfest restaurant opened near the Biergarten ^[4].

• In 1999 Der Bucherwurm was replaced by Das Kaufhaus, which sells various sportswear ^[4].

• In 2010, Glas und Porzellan was closed and converted into Karamell-Kuche (a confectionery) ^[4].

On April 07, 2016, Germany got a new outdoor stage ^[5]. Since the time the stage opened, musical acts have performed throughout the day in Germa

Attractions

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. Doofenshmirtz, by looking for clues throughout World Showcase. The adventure is based on the Disney cartoon Phineas and Ferb.

Restaurants

Biergarten- Set during Oktoberfest, this table service restaurant offers guests a traditional German meal.

Sommerfest- This counter service restaurant specializes in Bratwurst as well as other German cuisine.

Entertainment

Wies N Buam- Debuting in January 2017, this band plays original renditions of Bavarian folk music.

Shopping

Der Teddybär- This toy store sells dolls and stuffed animals, including Steiff teddy bears.

Die Weihnacts Ecke- This store (whose name means "The Christmas Store" in English) sells Christmas merchandise year round.

Karamell-Kuche- This confectionary sells caramel and other candies. The name Karamell-Kuche is translated to "Caramel-Kitchen" in English.

Weinkeller- This wine cellar allow 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.

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

Das Kaufhaus- This shop sells various athletic wear, including merchandise by Puma.

Fun Facts and Trivia

• At one time, the Germany pavilion was host to an "Earth Station" kiosk. From here, guests could video chat with a Disney cast member ^[2].

• 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 ^[6].

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} http://www.imagineeringdisney.com/blog/2012/2/17/rhine-river-cruise-mysteries.html
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3} http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/10/germany_pavilion_part_one.html
3. ↑ Beard, Richard R. Walt Disney's Epcot Center: Creating the New World of Tomorrow. New York: Harry N. Abrams,, Publ., 1982. Print.
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3} The Epcot Explorer's Encyclopedia: A Guide to Walt Disney World's Greatest Theme Park
5. ↑ http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/germany/news/07apr2016-photos---new-entertainment-stage-completed-at-epcots-germany-pavilion.htm
6. ↑ http://progresscityusa.com/2011/05/09/examining-epcot-the-germany-showcase/