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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." <Ref> Beard, Richard R. Walt Disney's Epcot Center: Creating the New World of Tomorrow. New York: Harry N. Abrams,, Publ., 1982. Print. </ref>)}}

Since Germany opened in 1982, the pavilion has seen a substantial amount of changes. In 1988, a small crystal cart was added to the pavilion <ref name="intercot"> http://www.intercot.com/edc/wsfoodshop.html#ger </ref>. The next year, 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 Rhine River Cruise's entrance. When the Germany pavilion originally opened, 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>.

==Current Pavilion Layout==

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.

==Attractions==

==Restaurants==

==Shopping==

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

'''Die Weihnachts Ecke'''- This store (whose name means "The Christmas Store" in English) sells Christmas merchandise year round. Die Weihnachts Ecke replaced Porzellanhaus in 1989 <ref name= "Epcot"/> <ref> http://disneyparksearchive.com/assets/maps/ep/EP1989VerA.pdf</ref>.

* The statue of St. George and the dragon was sculpted out of fiberglass and then painted to look like stone<ref name="progress"/>.

==References==