Difference between revisions of "Germany"

From The Mickey Wiki: Your Walt Disney World Encyclopedia!
Jump to: navigation, search
(Created page with "{{Template:Infobox Disney ride | | image=Germanplaza.jpg | caption='''The plaza in the Germany pavilion at night.''' | Country=Germany | land=World Showcase | park= Epcot | op...")
 
(Fun Facts and Trivia)
 
(72 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{Template:Infobox Disney ride |
 
{{Template:Infobox Disney ride |
| image=Germanplaza.jpg
+
| image=Germanplaza3.jpg
| caption='''The plaza in the Germany pavilion at night.'''
+
| caption='''The Germany pavilion's St. Georgsplatz. Photo credit- Disney'''
 
| Country=Germany
 
| Country=Germany
 
| land=World Showcase
 
| land=World Showcase
Line 7: Line 7:
 
| opened=October 1, 1982
 
| opened=October 1, 1982
 
| custom_label_1    = Number of Attractions
 
| custom_label_1    = Number of Attractions
| custom_value_1    = 0
+
| custom_value_1    = Zero
 
| custom_label_2 = Number of Restaurants
 
| custom_label_2 = Number of Restaurants
 
| custom_value_2= Two}}
 
| custom_value_2= Two}}
  
 +
Germany is a pavilion located within World Showcase in [[Epcot]]. It is located between the [[China]] and [[Italy]].
  
==Pavilion Layout and History==
+
==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:
+
During the initial development of World Showcase, Imagineers knew that Germany would be one of the countries represented. Between American's familiarity with the 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 the pavilion's creation however, was the 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"/>.  
{{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)}}
+
[[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 River Cruise]] in the pavilion. This ride would have taken guests on a historical tour, down the Rhine River, where they 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 this feature attraction, plans for the pavilion also called for a tourism area to be built, which would have held small exhibits 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 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”:
  
[[Image:rhineconcept.jpg|thumb|Concept art for the proposed Rhine River.]]
+
{{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>)}}
 +
 
 +
The Germany pavilion, sans the Rhine River cruise and the 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= "Spence"/>. The  platz, called  St. Georgsplatz,  features 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 (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 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>.
 +
 
 +
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 erected 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 for the 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, 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"/>.
 +
 
 +
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 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, 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.
 +
 
 +
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 counter service restaurant.
 +
 
 +
==Attractions==
 +
At this time, the Germany pavilion does not feature any attractions.
  
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.
 
 
==Restaurants==
 
==Restaurants==
'''Biergarten'''- This table service restaurant celebrates Oktoberfest all year long! Here guests can eat a traditional German meal while entertained by live performers.
+
'''[[Biergarten]]'''- Set during Oktoberfest, this table service restaurant offers guests a traditional German meal.  
  
'''Sommerfest'''- This counter service restaurant specializes in Bratwurst.
+
'''[[Sommerfest]]'''- This counter service restaurant specializes in 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'''
  
 
==Shopping==
 
==Shopping==
 +
'''Der Teddybär'''- This toy store sells dolls and stuffed animals, including Steiff teddy bears.
 +
[[Image:GermanChristmas.jpg|400px|thumb|Die Weihnachts Ecke opened in the Germany pavilion in 1989.]]
 +
'''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>.
  
'''Der Teddybar Toy Shop'''- As it's name would suggest, this shop sells dolls and toys. Guests can also buy Steiff teddy bears here.
+
'''Karamell-Kuche'''- This confectionery sells caramel and other candies. Sponsored by Storck USA, the store replaced Glas und Porzellan in 2010. The name Karamell-Kuche is translated to "Caramel-Kitchen" in English.  
[[Image:Biergarten.jpg|thumb|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.
+
'''Weinkeller'''- This wine store allows guests to buy over 50 kinds of vintage German wines, as well as taste over 20 varieties. Weinkeller translates to "Wine Cellar" in English.
  
'''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.  
+
'''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. The store opened in 1990.
  
'''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.
+
'''Volkskunst'''- This store used to sell craft art, but recently it has carried more general German souvenirs. Volkskunst translates to "Peoples Art" 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.
+
'''Das Kaufhaus'''- This shop sells various athletic wear, including merchandise by Puma. Das Kaufhaus opened in the former location of Der Bucherwurm in 1999.
  
'''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.  
+
'''Stein Haus'''-True to its name, this store sells beer steins and other beer related merchandise. Stein Haus opened in the former location of  Süssigkeiten.  
  
==Characters==
+
'''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. 
'''Snow White'''- Snow White can often be found just outside Karamell Kuche
+
===Former Shopping===
 +
'''Porzellanhaus'''- 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.
  
 
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
 
==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  
+
* At one time, the Germany pavilion was host to a "WorldKey" 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, was going to be a German travel bureau where guests could book a trip to Germany.
+
* The Germany pavilion's clock was a unique design created by Imagineering <ref name="progress"/>.
  
==References==
+
* 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="progress"/>.
http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/10/germany_pavilion_part_one.html
+
  
http://epcot82.blogspot.com/2009/10/what-could-have-been.html
+
* From the pavilion's clock tower, a glockenspiel plays a melody composed specifically for Disney<ref name="progress"/>.  
  
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/biergarten-restaurant/
+
* The statue of St. George and the dragon was sculpted out of fiberglass and then painted to look like stone<ref name="progress"/>.
  
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=157
+
* The Germany pavilion's entrance plaza is known as "St. Georgsplatz" <ref> https://www.disneydocs.net/_files/ugd/5db718_0b875a96406e4bc4a103b184e3d1dc11.pdf </ref>
 +
 
 +
==References==

Latest revision as of 15:02, 7 July 2022

Germany
Germanplaza3.jpg
The Germany pavilion's St. Georgsplatz. Photo credit- Disney
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

During the initial development of World Showcase, Imagineers knew that Germany would be one of the countries represented. Between American's familiarity with the 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 [1]. One mitigating factor in the pavilion's creation however, was the 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[1].

Concept art for the unbuilt Rhine River Cruise attraction.

When designing the Germany pavilion, Imagineers drew on Southern Germany's Baroque architecture[1]. 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 River Cruise in the pavilion. This ride would have taken guests on a historical tour, down the Rhine River, where they would experience Germany’s history and culture [2]. Along with this feature attraction, plans for the pavilion also called for a tourism area to be built, which would have held small exhibits and a travel agent who would help guests plan a trip to Germany [3]. While neither the Rhine River Cruise nor the tourism area 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 [2]. 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." [4])

The Germany pavilion, sans the Rhine River cruise and the 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 [3]. The platz, called St. Georgsplatz, features 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 [3]. 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 the pavilion [5]. The next year, in 1989, Porzellanhaus was renamed Die Weihnacts Ecke, which features predominantly Christmas decorations [6]. 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 [6]. 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 [1].

In 1995, to celebrate the International Flower and Garden festival[7], a miniature railroad display called the Garden Railroad was erected in the Germany pavilion [8] . 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 [6]. The next change came in 2002, when Glaskunst opened in the Germany pavilion's former WorldKey location [5]. 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 for the pavilion's popular Snow White interaction [9]. 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) [6].

On April 07, 2016, Germany got a new outdoor stage [10]. Since the stage opened, musical acts have performed throughout the day in Germany at this location.

Current Pavilion Layout

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, 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.

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 counter service restaurant.

Attractions

At this time, the Germany pavilion does not feature any attractions.

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

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 [11]

Margret Almer & The Bavarian Band

Shopping

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

Die Weihnachts Ecke opened in the Germany pavilion in 1989.

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 [6] [12].

Karamell-Kuche- This confectionery sells caramel and other candies. Sponsored by Storck USA, the store replaced Glas und Porzellan in 2010. The name Karamell-Kuche is translated to "Caramel-Kitchen" in English.

Weinkeller- This wine store allows 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. The store opened in 1990.

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

Das Kaufhaus- This shop sells various athletic wear, including merchandise by Puma. Das Kaufhaus opened in the former location of Der Bucherwurm in 1999.

Stein 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 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.

Fun Facts and Trivia

  • At one time, the Germany pavilion was host to a "WorldKey" kiosk. From here, guests could video chat with a Disney cast member [3].
  • The Germany pavilion's clock was a unique design created by Imagineering [1].
  • Every hour a rooster emerges from the clock, followed by a Bavarian boy and girl who hammer out the hour on a bell[1].
  • From the pavilion's clock tower, a glockenspiel plays a melody composed specifically for Disney[1].
  • The statue of St. George and the dragon was sculpted out of fiberglass and then painted to look like stone[1].
  • The Germany pavilion's entrance plaza is known as "St. Georgsplatz" [13]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 http://progresscityusa.com/2011/05/09/examining-epcot-the-germany-showcase/
  2. 2.0 2.1 http://www.imagineeringdisney.com/blog/2012/2/17/rhine-river-cruise-mysteries.html
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/10/germany_pavilion_part_one.html
  4. Beard, Richard R. Walt Disney's Epcot Center: Creating the New World of Tomorrow. New York: Harry N. Abrams,, Publ., 1982. Print.
  5. 5.0 5.1 http://www.intercot.com/edc/wsfoodshop.html#ger
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 The Epcot Explorer's Encyclopedia: A Guide to Walt Disney World's Greatest Theme Park
  7. AUTHORS NOTE: Some sources site the 1995 Food and Wine Festival as the debut of the railway
  8. http://www.thisdayindisneyhistory.com/Apr15.html
  9. https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/germany/news/29jun2009-snow-white-meet-and-greet-construction-at-the-germany-pavilion-now-complete.htm
  10. http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/germany/news/07apr2016-photos---new-entertainment-stage-completed-at-epcots-germany-pavilion.htm
  11. https://touringplans.com/epcot/attractions/wies-n-buam
  12. http://disneyparksearchive.com/assets/maps/ep/EP1989VerA.pdf
  13. https://www.disneydocs.net/_files/ugd/5db718_0b875a96406e4bc4a103b184e3d1dc11.pdf