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| image=GermanplazaGermanplaza3.jpg| caption='''The Germany pavilion's plaza at nightSt.Georgsplatz. Photo credit- Disney'''

While During the Germany pavilion was one initial development of the original concepts for World Showcase, Imagineers knew that Germany would be one of the pavilion that opened countries represented. Between American's familiarity with the rest 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 October of 1982 the pavilion's creation however, was very different than its original designthe 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 construction. Initially, Imagineers had planned on constructing a boat ride attraction titled “Rhine [[Rhine River Cruise” which Cruise]] in the pavilion. This ride would have taken guests on a historical tour (, down the Rhine River) , where they could 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 the this feature attraction, plans for the Germany pavilion also called for a tourism area to be built, which would have held small exhibits along with 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 was 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”:

{{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>)}}

Although The Germany pavilion, sans the Rhine River cruise and the tourism area, the German pavilion did open opened with the rest of [[EPCOT Center ]] on October 1, 1982. The pavilion was is themed to look like a German plaza in Bavaria set in eternal Oktoberfest<ref name= "Spence"/>. The plaza platz, called St. Georgsplatz, 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<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 Süssigkeiten (a bakery), Weinkeller (a wine shop), Der Bucherwurm (a bockstorebookstore), 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 cart was added to the pavilion<ref name="intercot"> http://www. This cart intercot.com/edc/wsfoodshop.html#ger </ref>. The next year, in 1989, Porzellanhaus was later replaced 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 by , 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 (an Arribas Bros shop)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 1989 Porzellanhaus 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 renamed Die Weihnacts Eckeerected in the Germany pavilion <ref> http://www. Die Weihnacts Ecke 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 predominantly Christmas decorationsvarious 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.

* In 1989 On June 29, 2009, the counter service Sommerfest restaurant opened near Germany pavilion got a proper meet and greet area for the Biergartenpavilion'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, 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"/>.

* In 1999 Der Bucherwurm was replaced by Das KaufhausOn April 07, which sells various sportswear2016, 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.

* In 2010==Current Pavilion Layout==[[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, Glas und Porzellan which was closed 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 converted into 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.  The final structure in the Germany pavilion, is the three story [[Biergarten]] restaurant, which was initially designed to hold both the restaurant and the unbuilt Rhine River Cruise. Currently, the exterior facade features two archways, one which leads [[Biergarten]] and the second which leads to [[Sommerfest]], a confectionary)counter service restaurant.

'''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.

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

'''[[Sommerfest]]'''- This counter service restaurant specializes in Bratwurst bratwurst, 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'''-True to its name, this store sells beer steins and other beer related merchandise. Stein Haus opened in the 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. ===Former Shopping==='''Porzellanhaus'''- This store used to sell craft artsold Hutschenreuther porcelain. Porzellanhaus opened on October 1, but more recently it has carried more general 1982 and closed in 1989, before reopening as Die Weihnachts Ecke.  '''Der Bucherwurm'''- This shop sold books, sheet music, and other German souvenirsouvenirs. Volkskunst translates Der Bucherwurm opened October 1, 1982 and closed in 1999 to "Peoples Art" 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 English2010 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