A deep dive into the Germany pavilion at Epcot (snacks, beer, best fireworks views)

One of the most unique and best parts of Epcot is the World Showcase, which is home to a total of 11 countries.

While many guests are consumed with riding all of the attractions or drinking around the world, more people should take the time to explore the ins and outs of each country pavilion.

There’s so much to see, eat, drink, buy, and explore. And, depending on the country, there’s exclusive entertainment and sometimes even characters to meet!

If you want to know more about the Germany pavilion at Epcot, go no further. Here we take a deep dive into the country that is a favorite for many.

Overview

• Location: World Showcase (between China and Italy)
• Restaurants: 4 Quick Service (Sommerfest, Karamell-Küche, Bier stand, Bier und Brezeln cart); 1 Table Service (Biergarten)
• Shops: Glaskunst, Das Kaufhaus, Volkskunst, Der Teddybar, Kunstarbeit in Kristall, Weinkeller, Stein Haus, Die Weihnachts Ecke
• Entertainment: Live German music at Biergarten (dining reservation required)
• Attractions: Groovin’ Alps
• Characters: Snow White
• Popular snacks and drinks: Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Hefeweizen Beer (Bier stand, Bier und Brezeln cart, Sommerfest), Original Hand-Crafted Caramel Popcorn and Caramel Butter Bar (Karamell-Küche), Jumbo Pretzel (Bier stand, Bier und Brezeln cart, Sommerfest)
• Not-to-miss: The miniature train area (aka The Garden Railway), the clock tower in the center of the pavilion striking at the top of every hour, Snow White

Germany Pavilion Map

Dining

There are 4 Quick Service restaurants and 1 Table Service location in the Germany pavilion. Each dining location serves German-inspired cuisine and beverages. One spot also celebrates Oktoberfest!

Quick Service Restaurants

Sommerfest

Sommerfest offers a range of German snacks and drinks.

You can order a bratwurst with sauerkraut, a jumbo pretzel, pretzel bread pudding, and, of course, beer. Mobile Order is available here.

Karamell-Küche

While not officially listed as a Quick Service location, you can order delicious caramel-inspired desserts here (both in-person and via Mobile Order).

The Original Hand-Crafted Caramel Popcorn and Caramel Butter Bar are two favorites.

Bier stand

This stand is simply labeled “Bier”. Why? Well, because it sells beer.

You can also get non-alcoholic drinks, like sodas, and Germany pavilion’s famous jumbo pretzel.

The cart is right outside store Das Kaufhaus.

Bier und Brezeln cart

“Bier and Brezeln” is a cart towards the water and picnic table area.

This is yet another spot where you can order beer, wine, and the massive soft pretzel.

Table Service Restaurants

Biergarten Restaurant

Prost! Biergarten Restaurant is the place to visit in Epcot if you want to celebrate Oktoberfest.

There is German cuisine and lively entertainment you can watch as you eat and drink your way through the buffet offerings.

Biergarten is open for both lunch and dinner. Reservations are highly recommended.

Seating Areas

There are several outdoor seating areas scattered around the Germany pavilion.

First, there is the line of picnic and standing tables along the water that offer great views.

Warning: these don’t have coverage, meaning the section can become very hot in the sun and on those boiling summer days.

There are also tables in the middle of the pavilion with chairs. But, again, these aren’t covered, so you can’t usually find shade.

Shops

Germany has a lot of shops for you to explore.

Glaskunst

You can find Glaskunst across from the miniature train area and restrooms.

The outdoor stand includes glassware and steins featuring etchings, engravings, and glass-blowing techniques.

Das Kaufhaus (temporarily unavailable)

Das Kaufhaus has name-brand athletic clothing, including football (aka soccer) items.

Volkskunst (temporarily unavailable)

Volksunst is a great shop, especially because here is where you can buy authentic German cuckoo clocks!

Der Teddybar (temporarily unavailable)

In Der Teddybar, you can shop uniquely German teddy bears, toys and gifts. 

Kunstarbeit in Kristall

Kunstarbeit in Kristall is a store with fragile items, like glassware, crystal figurines, tiaras, jewelry, and other merchandise, including clothing.

Weinkeller

If you’re a wine lover, you’ll definitely want to check out Weinkeller.

Here you can even purchase German wine to either drink at the park or to take home as a souvenir. Yes, there’s even a bar here!

Stein Haus

Stein Haus is where you can purchase a wide selection of themed-steins and other beer souvenirs.

Die Weihnachts Ecke

Do you love Christmas year-round? Or do you need some Christmas presents?

Die Weihnachts Ecke (The Christmas Corner) features all kinds of holiday items, including ornaments.

Outdoor Kiosks

Germany is known for having several outdoor merchandise kiosks. Whether these are used for festival items or other apparel and accessories, these are usually worth a browse.

Entertainment

Sometimes you can find German bands in the pavilion performing on the stage to the left of where the festival food booths are, like the Groovin’ Alps above.

You’ll be able to find entertainment listed in the My Disney Experience app, which lists the daily schedule.

Of course, you can also ask a working Cast Member if there is any entertainment for the day.

There is also entertainment inside Biergarten Restaurant.

If you’re lucky enough to snag a reservation, you can listen to some German music as you eat and drink!

Characters

There is one character you can meet in Germany — Snow White!

You can take photos with her by the wishing well, which is located directly to the left of Karamell-Küche.

You can also find times she meets listed in the My Disney Experience app, along with her exact meeting location.

Activities

There are several different activities in the Germany pavilion that you can enjoy with and without a beer and caramel popcorn.

The Mural

In the back of the pavilion by the ordering window for Sommerfest, you’ll find a really cool mural. It makes for great photos!

Plus, it was originally supposed to be the entrance to a boat ride that was going to be built called “The Rhine River Cruise”.

Kidcot Fun Stop

There are 11 total Kidcot Fun Stops in the World Showcase, with one in each country.

The stops are a great family-friendly activity that keep little ones interested as you walk around to each country, not to mention the activity is also educational.

Better yet, these stops are completely complimentary. Talk about an affordable activity — and souvenir!

All you have to do is visit each station and collect an activity card detailing facts and activities featuring the culture and traditions of each country.

Germany’s Kidcot Fun Stop is currently located inside Die Weihnachts Ecke, the Christmas-themed store.

The stop is also right next to one of the entrance’s of Karamell-Küche.

Save this checklist and have your little one check off each Kidcot Fun Stop as you make your way through each country.

Miniature Train

You must visit the miniature train area, aka the “Garden Railway.”

The tiny German village features model trains, homes, people, and foliage. It’s such a fun and perfectly-themed part of the pavilion.

Tip: The tiny flags in the village change with each festival, so be sure to take a look!

Clock Tower

The clock tower in the center of the pavilion chimes every half-hour. But, it’s the top of the hour you want to see — trust us.

Along with it, a mini-show occurs, similar to the clock at “it’s a small world.”

You’ll get to see a wooden German girl and boy pop out of the tower and dance. Sometimes the timing is off, so be sure to stick around for a few.

If you happen to have time or are in the area around this time, be sure to watch!

Coin Press Machine

For $1.00, you can use this coin press machine to create German and Disney-themed pressed pennies. Some are even Snow White-themed!

You can either pay $1.00 for each or $5.00 for all 8. Germany’s coin press machine is next to Sommerfest.

Picture Spot

While there isn’t a Disney PhotoPass photographer in Germany, there is a suggested PhotoPass picture spot where you can take a nice photo in the pavilion.

Best Harmonious Views

There are actually several unobstructed areas in the Germany pavilion to watch the nighttime spectacular. 

There’s a section near the Italy pavilion, which has a great view and one that’s a little bit closer to the barges.

There are even some areas with standing tables, which is nice if you want to eat and drink while you wait. 

And you just might end up waiting awhile if you grab a viewing spot early.

Germany also has a wheelchair accessible viewing section for guests in wheelchairs and anyone in their party.

This area will be roped off. It’s also first-come, first-served. They can fill up quick, so make sure you arrive at a decent time.

Other reasons Germany makes a great spot to watch Harmonious:

• The pavilion has restrooms (necessary if you snag a spot way before showtime)
• Tasty food and drinks for both kids and adults
• Activities to keep little ones entertained (coin press machine, miniature train, Kidcot Fun Stop)
• Lots of shops to walk through if someone in your party needs a break while waiting
• Close to Italy pavilion and Refreshment Outpost for other food, drinks, shopping, and activities

What to look out for:

• Be on the lookout for the islands and trees; Germany has several spots that have partially obstructed views, so try to position yourself with as few things in front of you as possible.

Here’s what Harmonious’ view looks like from Germany:

Be sure to grab a spot for Harmonious at least 60 minutes before showtime. Space can fill up quickly.

You can find showtimes listed in the My Disney Experience app.

Harmonious Viewing Map

Friendship Landing Boats

Usually beginning at 11 a.m., the Friendship boats will start running across World Showcase Lagoon.

Boat schedules can vary depending on several factors, like weather.

There are two internal routes: one that runs between Canada and Morocco and the other that runs between Mexico and Germany.

The boats typically run about every 15 minutes. They will cease running at a certain point each evening. A final departure time will be posted at each dock, so pay attention to that.

The boats certainly can’t run during fireworks, hence why they stop running them at a specific time.

Restrooms

There is a set of restrooms in Germany next to the miniature train area as you walk toward the Italy pavilion.

Festival Exclusives

Like every other country in the World Showcase, different festival exclusives can be found in the Germany pavilion.

This is for all 4 Epcot festivals: Food and Wine, Festival of the Holidays, Festival of the Arts, and Flower and Garden.

These include (to name a few):

• Festival food booths, like Bauernmarkt at Flower and Garden and the Germany Food and Wine booth
• The unforgettable Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Miss Piggy and Kermit Flower and Garden topiaries
• Special dining packages available for booking at Biergarten Restaurant
• Beautiful holiday decor for Festival of the Holidays
• Art kiosks during Festival of the Arts
• Outdoor merchandise kiosks for festivals

Don’t just go to this pavilion to get beer. Germany has a lot to offer, so explore it!

VIDEO: Explore the Germany Pavilion

Germany Pavilion Checklist

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What’s your favorite thing about the Germany pavilion at Epcot? Tell us in the comments!