Yesterday I began a clockwise tour of the Germany Pavilion and ended with the Kunstarbeit in Kristall shop located at the back of the platz. Today we continue our journey.
Behind the Kunstarbeit in Kristall shop is a large fortress. The Imagineers based this structure on Stahleck Castle located in the Rhine Valley and Eltz Castle found in the hills above the Moselle River.
Castles were common throughout Europe during the Middle Ages and were built by nobility. It’s interesting to note, castles are usually considered to be a fortified residence of a lord or noble. A palace was the home of nobility, but not fortified. And a fortress was usually not a residence, but built for the protection of the community.
The castle built in the Germany Pavilion was to serve two purposes. First, it would house the biergarten, a place where guests could imbibe and feast. And second, a ride-through attraction was to be built behind these walls. The River Cruise was to sail guests along the Rhine, the Tauber, the Ruhr and the Isar. Along the way, passengers would view Germany’s cultural heritage of the past and their high tech presence of today (much like Maelstrom in the Norway Pavilion). Sights would include the Black Forest, Oktoberfest, Heidelberg, Cologne Cathedral, and the industrial Ruhr Valley, among others.
During the initial construction of EPCOT Center, a portion of the attraction structure was built behind the Germany Pavilion to house the Rhine Cruise. Unfortunately, budget cuts put the attraction on hold and eventually, into obscurity. Today, this building is used as a storage area, workshop, and rehearsal space.
The entrance to the Rhine Cruise would have been through the right arch at the back of the pavilion. Here is an artist’s rendering of the loading area.
The big attraction in the Germany Pavilion is the Biergarten Restaurant where Oktoberfest is celebrated twelve months a year. Here, the Imagineers recreated the atmosphere of a 16th century town in Rothenburg.
Inside the castle, you’ll find yourself in the center of the city platz where it is perpetually night time. Long tables of eight are positioned around a semicircle on three tiers, all facing a stage. Around the perimeter of the courtyard portions of the town can be seen including homes, shops, a waterwheel, and trees. In the sky, a full moon shines down on guests.
Meals are served buffet style. Offerings include salads, traditional sausages, rotisserie chicken, roast pork, fish, sauerbraten (dinner only), sauerkraut, red cabbage, spaetzle, schnitzel, and much more. And let’s not forget the beer which flows in abundance. It’s impossible to leave here hungry or thirsty.
Besides the food, entertainment plays an important part of the biergarten experience. Numerous times each day, musicians take the stage and provide guests with some wonderful oompah music, comical cow bells, and resonating alpine horns. There are several different shows which rotate from one set to the next. All of the performances will definitely bring a smile to your face. Dancing is encouraged.
I am often asked for recommendations for dining at Walt Disney World. Of course, this is a very subjective topic. Everyone has their own favorite restaurant and dish. But when first-time visitors to Epcot ask me where to eat, I always say the Biergarten Restaurant. It’s not that this is my favorite World Showcase eatery. It’s not. But I think this establishment epitomizes the World Showcase experience. You would be hard pressed to find another restaurant outside of Disney that offers the complete package of food and good times you can find here.
Seating at the Biergarten Restaurant is at tables for eight, so in all likelihood, you will be sharing your table with another group. Don’t let this bother you. I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not a fan of making small talk with strangers. But at Disney World, it’s easy. Just start the conversation with “Where are you visiting from?” Then ask what their favorite ride is. In no time at all, the conversation will be flowing as freely as the beer. Here you see my friends Donald, Eddie, and me having a great time with total strangers.
Near the entrance to Biergarten Restaurant is Sommerfest. This very small counter-service eatery is a great spot to order a beer and a snack. Offerings include Bratwurst and Frankfurter (both served with sauerkraut and roll), pretzels, Black Forest Cake Roulade, Bavarian Cheesecake, and Apple Strudel. Numerous tables are on hand in the platz where you can sit and relax. While dining here, be sure to notice the beautiful mural of the German countryside.
The centerpiece of the Germany Pavilion is the clock tower. Inspired by a similar timepiece in Freiburg, the Disney version also includes a scaled-down glockenspiel as can be found on the Neues Rathaus (New City Hall) in Munich. Here, Hummel-esque figures appear each hour to chime a large bell. In addition, a cuckoo-style rooster emerges above the clock face, flapping his wings to a melody especially composed for Epcot.
As we continue our clockwise tour around the platz, we next come to Der Teddybär Toy Shop. The construction style here is another good example of timber framing or half-timbering (fachwerkhäuser). As the store’s name implies, this is the spot to shop for playthings. Costumed dolls, miniature dragons, and knights on horseback are just a few of the toys available. German candies and cookies are also sold here. But the real attraction is the Steiff teddy bears.
The Steiff Company began with Margarete Steiff, a seamstress who in 1880 founded her own company making toy stuffed animals. In the beginning, elephants were the animal of choice, but in time, other creatures joined the line-up such as dogs, cats, and pigs.
Margarete’s nephew, Richard Steiff is credited with creating the Company’s first toy bear, which debuted at the Leipzig Toy Fair in 1903 to few accolades. Just as the fair was coming to a close, an American purchased Richard’s entire lot of 100 bears and ordered another 3,000. At the Saint Louis World’s Fair in 1904, the Steiffs sold 12,000 bears, securing themselves a top spot in the toy world. Authentic Steiff bears have a small metal “Steiff” clip in the ear and have become collector items.
Next to Der Teddybär is Volkskunst (People Art). In the early years of Epcot, this shop sold craft-type items that were handmade in small shops throughout Germany. A testimony to this can be seen in the stained-glass window of the shop depicting a young man building a birdhouse. Now-a-days, this shop sells music CDs, cookbooks, clothing, and other German-themed souvenirs.
One of the latest souvenirs to be offered around World Showcase are mouse ears tailored to reflect each nation’s personality. Here is the set designed for the Germany Pavilion.
However, not everything in the Volkskunst shop falls into the souvenir category. This store also offers a large selection of cuckoo clocks, a commodity synonymous with the Black Forest region of Germany. In addition, hand-painted eggs, created onsite, are available.
While shopping in Volkskunst, be sure to take a look at the facility. Once again, the woodwork is superb and the attention to detail outstanding. And don’t forget to look at the ceiling.
The last building in our tour of the Germany Pavilion (Das Kaufhaus – Department Store) is modeled after Historisches Kaufhaus (Historical Merchant’s Hall) found in Freiburg im Breisgau. This structure was built between 1520 and 1521 and was once the hub of economic affairs for the region.
Have you ever wondered who the three monarchs are that grace the second story of this Epcot reproduction of Historisches Kaufhaus? Well to answer that question we must first look at the original building in Germany. Here we find Emperor Maximilian I, King Philipp the Beautiful of Castile, Emperor Charles V, and Emperor Ferdinand I. These were considered the four most influential and commanding leaders of the Hapsburg dynasty when the Historisches Kaufhaus was being constructed and the statues sculpted by Sixt von Staufen.
Since the Epcot version of this building is a scaled down reproduction of the original, there wasn’t room for all four leaders. Someone needed to be omitted and poor Maximilian landed on the cutting room floor. When facing the building, the remaining figures are, from left to right, King Phillip I, Emperor Charles V, and Emperor Ferdinand I.
An interesting side note involves the sculpting of these three kings. The original photographs sent to the artist were shot from ground level, distorting the statues and making it impossible for the artist to reproduce the figures accurately. So a local Freidburg photographer was hired to reshoot the originals. To capture face-on likenesses, he rented a cherry-picker to raise himself up to the level of the statues for a more complete photo shoot.
Das Kaufhaus sells sporting items, clothing, and accessories. Many of these items bare the Puma brand name. Puma is a German company that produces high-end athletic shoes and sportswear.
This completes my tour of the Germany Pavilion. As I said earlier in this article, a village like this never really existed – but yet it does exist. It exists in the memories of any traveler to Germany once they return home and recollect on their journeys.
As always, I have created a video highlighting the Germany Pavilion. Enjoy.
I second that you should write a book about World Showcase–you’ve done so much research and given us such great history! I love the Germany Pavilion–for the beautiful work they’ve done on the buildings and the Biergarten restaurant. I try to fit in a trip to Biergarten at least once a year!
Last Thurs during my F&W visit I sat on a bench next to woman and her preteen daughter. She asked us if there was anything worth doing across the lake- we were sitting by Duffy’s photopass spot. I wish I had a copy of one of your blogs in my bag. Both my Mom and I launched into, ” well you have to visit Norway and see the trolls and you have to go to Morocco and see the mosaics, and you have to go to China and see the clay soldiers, There is so much to find “inside” the pavillions..too many people just walk on by….Could you consolidate all your World Showcase Blogs into a book for me ?
You need to check out the Google Doodle today.
Jack what IS your favorite WDW restaurant? (I’m sure you have several answers depending on the category! 🙂 )
Jack’s Answer:
Most outstanding restaurant: Victoria & Albert’s
Best deluxe restaurant: A tie between Citricos and Flying Fish
Best Theme Park Table Service Restaurant: Bistro de Paris — Brown Derby is second
Best Theme Park Counter Service Restaurant: A tie between Columbia Harbour House and Yakitori House
Best “middle of the road” Resort Restaurant: Sanaa
Best Buffet: Boma
Jack, it’s Max again.
Loved the second part, the resemblance of the Historisches Kaufhaus in Freiburg is astonishing!
But when did they change from selling Adidas products to PUMA?? I never knew that!
And before anybody asks: Yes, the shop used to sell products made by Adidas. Why Adidas? Adidas indeed is a German company, the name stands for it’s founder Adolf (short Adi) Dassler – AdiDas!
And did you know that the founders of Adidas and PUMA were brothers who got into a huge fight and thus separated into founding two companies that to this day are huge competitors on the worldwide sporting goods market. I think that makes the fact the where Adidas was sold you now can find stuff by PUMA 🙂
Jack’s Answer:
I have no idea when they switched from Adidas to Puma. It’s all I can do to keep track of everything else. LOL I generally don’t pay that much attention to merchandise.
As far as i know the carrot cake cookie was a seasonal thing, they introduced it just about two days before i had to leave.
Have you ever had the chance to try the german chocolate cookie? It contained nuts, chocolate chips, coconut and something else yummy that i cant think of right now. Same shape as the carrot cake cookie, so just about as many calories but soooo darn good! And heres a little bit of trivia:dont be fooled by the name, the cookie had nothing to do with german chocolate. Its just that the original recipe contained chocolate from a company called “germans” and thats how name came to be!
And i think i wrote you this probably about two years back but i also have never heard about the pickle tradition though it might be possible that it used to be a very regional thing somewhere in the north (im from munich down south)
One of the funniest memories I have of the Germany pavillion was when I was there during Christmas and the miniature villiage was decorated for Christmas as well. It was a nice sunny day and the little lizards were climbing all over the villiage to sun themselves. The villiage looked like it was under attack by giant lizards.
I also found out that with the beer flowing freely in Germany that you can not have any alcoholic beverages in your hand if you plan on getting your picture taken with a character. Something to keep in mind.
Thanks for the great article. Germany is my favorite pavilion. I am so happy to read the background for the architecture. I’ll be sure to look more closely at the interior of the various shops next time I am there. By the way, I miss the nutcrackers! So sad that Disney has made the Christmas merchandise so generic at all their shops. One of the best things about the “old days” in Epcot was the uniqueness of the merchandise offered at the various countries’ shops.
Jack, another great series as usual!! Someone else mentioned a book on EPCOT. I think it would be a great idea if YOU wrote a book on EPCOT!!! It could include all of the blogs on the different countries, plus I am sure that you actually had more information than you put into these articles that you could add to a book! Including the back stories on each building, shop, or attraction with pictures as you have done here would be absolutely wonderful! Just a thought!
I had a moment at the Germany pavilion (along with a cold beer) where we decided to rest and my family “stopped to smell the roses.” We were sitting outside Teddybar Toy Shop after purchasing my daughter a Rapunzel doll. A family came by doing one of the Kim Possible adventures. I was amazed that with that small remote to finish a journey the Stein Haus’ doors on the 2nd level open up similar to the glockenspiel nearby. I hate to ask if you have ever seen it, but did not know if you did not want to mention due to giving away the adventure or maybe I saw something that Jack has not yet seen…..wow, that would be neat!
Jack’s Answer:
I have only done one Kim Possible adventure. Although I think this is a fantastic activity for kids, I haven’t been inclined to try it in every country. (I did the Japan assignment.) So you have indeed seen something at Epcot I have not.
Hi Jack!
Thanks for your blog!
Living in The Netherlands, near te German border we’re familiar with the German culture and architecture. Travelling to the US/ Florida is something we l-o-v-e (we’re Disney-freaks), but not something we can do every year. We’ve been tot WDW in 2008 and 2010 for a 10 day stay.
That’s why we always skip the Germany Pavillion, because we have the real deal close to home. And we’re not quite into the Oktoberfest-scene so we never made ADR’s for the Biergarten.
But…I think we really should consider dining at Biergarten te next time we’re there. I love the story behind the imagineering of the Kaufhaus! Didn’t know that one! We’re planning a trip with our parents (65+)next year, to show them WHY we love Florida and WDW so much. I think they would really appreciate the Biergarten.
Jack,
When you provide an in depth look at the World Showcase Pavilions. You often show pictures of structures, along with historical information from those country’s, that inspire Immagineers to duplicate that in the World Showcase. Are there any books available at Epcot, that one can purchase to use as a reference when touring the World Showcase? If not, I will have to take your reviews along with us. Thank you, for the detail in which you provide. – Anthony Goulet
Jack’s Answer:
The only book available is “The Imagineering Field Guide to Epcot.” Similar books have been written for each park. These books give some interesting information about each World Showcase nation, but are lacking greatly compared to what I provide. Plus, they do not have pictures of the “original” buildings. Sorry.
Great blog as always. I can’t remember how many times we have visited Epcot (and the other parks)but have missed so much by not “stopping to smell the roses” – it could be something to do with travelling with teenage daughters who want to rush from one attraction to the next at super fast speed. However, our girls will soon be going to university (and maybe not want to come on holiday with us any more?) – so I wondered – when we are no longer restricted to UK school holidays – what time of the year do you think is best to visit WDW?
Thanks
Ruth Woodhouse
Jack’s Answer:
When to visit is a subjective decision, but here’s what I think. Wait a full week after American Thanksgiving (sometime around the beginning of December). Between December 1st till about the 18th, the crowds are minimal, the weather is near perfect, and all of the parks and hotels have been decorated for Christmas. This is a great time at Walt Disney World. After the 18th of December (approximately), the Christmas rush begins and the parks are unbelievably busy. The weeks after New Years are also good, but it can get cold. Also, the crowds are light after American kids return to school in September. Several weeks in later September are good, but it can still be very hot. Once the Epcot Food and Wine Festival begins, crowds return.
Great blog entry as usual Jack.
I’m a bit of an architectural geek, but my favorite style is Art Deco, so I’ve located most of the “real-world” counterparts to the buildings found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. That’s about the only architectural style that I have the energy and resources to study. This is why I so much appreciate the names, stories and photos of the “real-world” buildings that inspired the buildings of World Showcase.
I absolutely adore the Biergarten. What a fantastic way to really, really over-eat! I always treat myself to a tasty non-alcohol beer. The flavors complement each other so well that I just indulge. The entertainment and meeting strangers at your table is a huge plus too!
There have been occasions that the Friendship Boats back to World Showcase Gateway are a necessity, especially if I’m pushing my dad around in his wheelchair. After such an obscenely huge meal the idea of walking all the way back almost seems like an impossible hike.
You really put me in the mood for the Biergarten, but then I remembered that I’m taking my dad over to the Food & Wine Festival on Friday. So much food, so little time! 😉
Since I’ve lived down here for more than 20 years now, and have had an annual pass the whole time, I’ve had the luxury of taking my time, and taking note of details both indoors and out, but until I started reading your blog entries, I rarely knew any of the back stories behind the designs.
I also relate to your comment response, acknowledging the change in interests that seem to have come along with age. Things I had absolutely no interest for in school, I find down right fascinating now.
Thanks again for all of your hard work and professionalism. It truly is greatly appreciated.
Great job as usual. Love the little bits of world history you throw in there–these blogs really embody the idea of World Showcase being a destination to embrace and learn about new cultures! Looking forward to seeing the rest after the Food & Wine Festival!
I’m always super excited to see another blog entry! 😀
Y’know, as much as I love finding out new things about the pavilions (and I always do), I think I might love even more seeing things I have noticed before. Gives me that “I remember that!” nostalgic feeling. I don’t know; I’m a weird kid.
Someone needs to actually invent that Trek transporter so that I can go back to the Biergarten for lunch today.
Hi Jack,
Fantastic blog as usual. This is one of my favourite pavilions especially at Christmas time. Many years ago they used to have two very large nutcrackers in the courtyard along with the Christmas decorations but they weren’t there the last two times we visited in December.
Your videos always make me feel like I’m there.
Wendy
Wonderful as always. Germany is one of our favorite pavilions. It has such a cheery, bright atmosphere. We never miss the Biergarten. Your blog never disappoints! Thank you!!
Come On Jack!!!
What’s with those short blue shorts from the 70s in that picture at The Biergarten.
Every Trip to The World, we eat at The Biergarten.
Penny & I are coming to town for the last weekend of The Wine & Dine!!!
Jack’s Comment:
That was the style back then. LOL They look pretty silly today. I just bought a new pair of shorts and they come all the come all the way down to my knees.
Hi Jack,
Great, great blog. This is by far my favorite pavillion and the one I have spent the most time in. We eat at Biergarten each time we visit. I especially enjoy and appreciate all the details about the buildings. I remember noticing a hidden mickey on the crown of the first king on the left on my last trip and if you look closely you can see it in your photograph. Fun detail! Any other countries coming up soon? Have you done Canada?
Jack’s Answer:
So far I’ve written about the American Adventure, Mexico, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany. I’m currently working on Morocco. However, the Food & Wine festival somewhat interferes with my filming and Japan and Canada are currently undergoing major rehabs. After Morocco, I will probably have to wait a month or so before I finish the rest of the countries.
HI Jack,
I am behing in reading your blogs (new job taking way too much of my time) – This one was great. We were in Disney in Sept and enjoyed a quiet drink and apple studel in Germany but I still didn’t appreciate all that is there after reading your blog. DId you enjoy history in school because you have such fascinating detail that brings so much more to each nation you review. All of us fans TRULY appreciate the time and hard work that goes into them- they are a treasure to read and as always I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS. That is my form of meditation -it is so relaxing to watch them. I actually considered bringing down my video camera but yours are so great that I ditched that idea.
Hope you had a great vacation.
BOnnie
Jack’s Answer:
Actually, I hated history as a kid, but something happened to me as an adult. I love history now. I watch the History Channel all the time.
Thanks for another GREAT blog entry. Besides learning new things about the World, your blog keeps me going until our next Disney trip! All your hard work is appreciated.
What a great video and summary of Germany! We discovered the Beirgarten on our last visit and enjoyed it so much that we went back the next day! Very interesting to know that there was once a ride planned. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge with us!
Well, Jack…thanks for Part Two.
There’s something I meant to tell you in Part One: The thing I enjoy the most about your blogs (and what sets them apart from others’) is that when you post a picture showing the architecture of the buildings, you also include a picture of the actual structure for comparison….
I LOVE that! It makes it all the more interesting.
Oh…some good news just came in for me. Looks like I WILL be able to run down to Epcot this Friday. So, I won’t have to wait for next Wednesday to enjoy my Pretzen after all!
Jack,
Thanks again for a wonderful article. I never knew about the River Cruise. I would love that. It is too bad it was scrapped. I agree about the Beirgarten. I made the mistake of ordering the large beer on my first trip. I needed two hands to hold the stein and ended up needing help to finish it, so for me the small one from now on. I love the whole atmosphere and the band is so much fun. Are they no longer selling Hummel figures?
Jack’s Answer:
The shop selling Hummel figurines was taken over by Werther’s Original.
After reading the UK and the Germany blogs, we now realize that we need to slow down and actually look at what is around us. We always try to do something new on our WDW trips. That’ll be our “new” for our 2012 trip.
hey jack
great job on part 2. i have never eatin in germany before but i have always wanted to try it. I will also make sure to keep an eye out for all of the details that are shown. can’t wait for your next blog and as always keep up the great work.
Hi Jack! Thanks for Part 2. I really enjoyed all the history, especially about the Stahleck Castle.
The Biergarten Restaurant never disappoints. How can you go wrong with Oktoberfest 12 months of the year?!?!
Thanks again for a blog well done.
Does Jack respond to personal questions from viewers and readers of his blogs and posts and photos?Sincerely, Bill
Jack’s Answer:
I answer questions from my readers all the time — if I can. However, as you can imagine, my time is limited. If I don’t readily know the answer, I will NOT do extensive research to find out. I often tell readers “I don’t know” and tell them they’ll have to check with another source. But more often than not, I can answer their questions.