Expert: Allan Hoffman - 10/15/2004

Question
What background music is playing at Epcot's world showcase Germany? I like the melody very much. I have heard that it is a Mozart piece but this is unconfirmed. If you know the artist and title please let me know. Thanks

Answer
Germany -with a live music trio that brings the spirit of "gemutlichkeit" to the Biergarten and the German courtyard. Performances daily.

A fountain with a statue of St. George slaying a dragon, is the centerpiece of the cobblestoned German platz (plaza) in the World Showcase's Germany. The architecture reflects a diverse cross section of German regions, from the replica of the medieval castle to the fairy tale Bavarian style buildings. The clock tower features a glockenspiel that chimes a special melody on the hour. A miniature German village houses three model trains much to the guests' delight.

Traditional German food served in an Oktoberfest-style atmosphere, is found in the Biergarten. Open for lunch and dinner, the all-you-can-eat buffet contains assorted sausages, rotisserie chicken, child's Frankfurters, assorted salads, breads, red cabbage, wine kraut, potatoes and spatzle. Desserts include apple strudel and German-style cheesecake. The dinner buffet also includes smoked pork loin and sauerbraten, in addition to those items previously mentioned. Guests are seated at long communal tables and as they enjoy the hearty cuisine, are treated to traditional German entertainment. Folk dancing, yodelling and folk music amuse and delight visitors here.


The Sommerfest is a counter service restaurant that serves bratwurst and frankfurter sandwiches, sauerkraut, soft pretzels and apple strudel. While there is no ride or attraction in the German pavilion, shoppers will enjoy the wide assortment of shops here. Der Teddy bar is a toy shop with stuffed animals, dolls, puppets, miniature trains and of course, teddy bears. In the Volkskunst, you'll find beer steins of all sizes and to fit all pocketbooks, clocks, watches, and hand crafted items such as cuckoo clocks, nutcrackers, music boxes and woodcarvings. English books about Germany and other German souvenirs and gifts are found in Der Bucherwurm.

If you enjoy fine wines, you must visit the Weinkeller. The Sussigkeiten is the place to satisfy that sweet tooth with an assortment of baked goods, nuts, pretzels, chocolate and candies. It is Christmas year round in Die Weihnachts Ecke where you'll find Christmas decorations of all kinds. Collectors of Hummel figures will be delighted with the treasures to be found in the Glas Und Porzellan shop. The Kunstarbeit In Kristal offers crystal jewelry and glass items.

FUN FACTS:To say “hello”(good day) in German, say “gutten tag” (GOOT-en tahkh).

HIDDEN MICKEYS:Facing Germany, look at the second floor of the building to the right where there are three suits of armor.The crown of the third one has a Hidden Mickey.Also check out the mini-train area andthe iron work holding the hanging baskets near the teddy bear shop.


Experiencing the excitement of Oktoberfest, complete with a festive dinner show? Watching men in liederhosen tap the keg, of course.

Germany
Be transported to authentic surroundings inspired by towns along the Rhine and in Bavaria and be sure to check your guide map to see when a German trio will perform outside the Biergarten restaurant.

Das Kaufhaus - This shop stocks an assortment of limited-edition steins and glassware.

Der Teddybar - Lively mechanized displays dance to German folk tunes in this unique toy shop offering one of the best selections of toys at Walt Disney World. Ware include expensive stuffed keepsakes from Steiff and wonderful dolls that can even be created to your personal specifications.

Die Weihnachts Ecke - It's Christmas any time of the year in this shop that features ornaments, decorations, and gifts manufactured by various German companies.

Glas und Porzellan - If you pronounced the phonetic spelling correctly, you've already guessed the contents of this shop... glass and porcelain items made by the German first of Goebel including their famous Hummel figurine collectibles.

Kunstarbeit in Kristall - This shop features Austrian and crystal jewelry, beer mugs, wine glasses, and crystal decanters.

Sussigkeiten - A tiny confectionery shop that features luscious chocolate cookies, butter cookies, gummy bears, and Lubkuchen, the spicy crisp cookies traditionally baked in Germany at Christmas.
Oktoberfest Musikanten
Experience the excitement of Oktoberfest with a festive dinner show in the Biergarten.
Daily at 1:15, 2:15, 3:15, 4:45, 5:55, 7:00 & 8:05pm
Length of show: 25 minutes
Oktoberfest Celebration Trio
In the courtyard.
Sunday, Friday & Saturday at 2:45, 3:45, 5:15, 6:25 & 7:30pm
Length of show: 15 minutes