Shared posts

19 Feb 11:54

Swing and a Miss

11 Dec 11:01

Tanzpartner (28.01.2018, Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung)

by Elias




02 Oct 10:31

Guest Review: Dinner at Epcot’s Biergarten at the Germany Pavilion

by Kim

A favorite place to dine at Walt Disney World is Epcot’s World Showcase.

With unique restaurants featuring tastes from around the globe, Epcot offers a smorgasbord of dining locations. Today, guest author Rebecca Elliott shares her dinner experience at the Biergarten located in the Germany pavilion. Prost!

Epcot is designed to replicate a permanent World’s Fair with pavilions dedicated to innovation and international culture.

Future World highlights technology while the World Showcase, on the other side of World Showcase Lagoon, celebrates international culture.

The Charming Biergarten Entry Way

The Charming Biergarten Entry Way

There are 11 pavilions in the World Showcase, each themed and dedicated to a specific country. The décor can be old fashioned and kitschy, but the cast members, many of whom travel from their home countries to work in the World Showcase, give it an air of authenticity.

The restaurants are by far the main attraction. Many pavilions have two or more restaurants that serve food inspired by their representative countries. I say “inspired” because the food is not necessarily authentic, but it has elements of authentic dishes and is served in a fun atmosphere with incredible theming.

Instead of dining at our usual spot (Chefs de France in the France pavilion), my family and I decided to try something completely new on our most recent visit. This is how we found ourselves at Biergarten in the Germany pavilion.

When You Step Into the Dining Room, You Are Transported to a Lively Oktoberfest Party

When You Step Into the Dining Room, You Are Transported to a Lively Oktoberfest Party

Atmosphere

Biergarten is located in the back of the Germany pavilion, which is the fourth pavilion in if you enter the World Showcase from Future World and start from the left. Disney’s original plan was to feature a boat ride here, similar to the one at the Norway pavilion, but these plans fell through. The main entrance of the boat ride is now the dining area for Biergarten.

The setting for Biergarten is a quaint Bavarian village celebrating Oktoberfest. You are seated in the town square at communal tables, ready to enjoy traditional German music and food. It is dusk (no matter what time of day you eat), and the atmosphere is celebratory.

Stage Area and Seating

Stage Area and Seating

We checked in with a cast member at the hostess desk outside the restaurant who reminded us that seating would be shared at communal tables and asked if we were okay with this. We said we were, and made our way to the waiting area.

When our buzzer went off a few minutes later, we were corralled with two other families by a sweet hostess wearing a dirndl who reminded us again that seating would be shared. This was the second time since we arrived that we were told we’d be seated with people we didn’t know at our table. My family and I were fine with this. It seemed to lend itself to the Oktoberfest atmosphere and offered a fun way to meet other Disney enthusiasts.

Seating Area and Old World Charm

Seating Area and Old World Charm

One of the families immediately had a problem when we were seated. They wanted to sit across from each other, but because of the odd numbers in the other families, it didn’t work out. My husband and I offered to break up our party, but they chose to go with the original setting and sulk instead. This bugged me, because we were told several times that we would be sharing a table. Why not go with the flow and join the fun?

A Traditional Oompa Band Performs

A Traditional Oompa Band Performs

The whole time we ate, we were entertained by a traditional oompah band. I’ve heard that the same family has been putting on this show for years. They were a delight, playing all the traditional German instruments, including the accordion and the alpenhorn. They even played “It’s a Small World” on the bells.

Playing “It’s a Small World” on the Bells

Playing “It’s a Small World” on the Bells

There is a dance floor in front of the stage, and the crowd is encouraged to sing and dance along. Children especially enjoyed this.

Dancing the Night Away

Dancing the Night Away

Eats

We were quickly greeted by our server, a German gentleman in lederhosen who took great delight in explaining the buffet and describing the foods we could expect there. Before letting us loose, he took our drink order. In true Oktoberfest tradition, guests were encouraged to order beer by the liter! Our tablemates did just that.

Liter of Beer at Biergarten

Liter of Beer at Biergarten

We all headed to the buffet, which was stocked with traditional German food and some not so traditional foods to accommodate the less adventurous. The buffet is two-sided, and the left and right lines are almost identical, so don’t be worried that you’re missing something on the other side.

Some Traditional German Cold Salads Including Sausage Salad (left) and Herring Salad (right)

Some Traditional German Cold Salads Including Sausage Salad (left) and Herring Salad (right)

First up were the cold salads. There were several to choose from, with a variety of tastes and textures, from creamy and mild to crisp and tangy.

A Variety of Cold Salads Including Cabbage Salad, Bean Salad, Beet Salad, Chopped Tomato Salad and Cucumber Salad

A Variety of Cold Salads Including Cabbage Salad, Bean Salad, Beet Salad, Chopped Tomato Salad and Cucumber Salad

This is also where we found the rolls, including Biergarten’s famous pretzel rolls, which I swear I could eat by the basket full.

Yummy Rolls, Including Biergarten’s Famous Pretzel Rolls

Yummy Rolls, Including Biergarten’s Famous Pretzel Rolls

Next came the hot items. Many traditional German dishes were represented, including schnitzel, spaetzle, rouladen, and different sausages with sauerkraut. There were also items like roast chicken and green beans for those feeling less adventurous. They needn’t worry – nothing is spiced too strongly. There is a nice selection of sauces and chutneys if you feel your dish needs a little extra oomph.

Brown Gravy, Spaetzle and Green Beans

Brown Gravy, Spaetzle and Green Beans

Pork Schnitzel and Zesty Paprika Sauce

Pork Schnitzel and Zesty Paprika Sauce

Fresh Cod in Mustard Cream Sauce and Roast Chicken

Fresh Cod in Mustard Cream Sauce and Roast Chicken

Roasted Potatoes and German Sausages with Sauerkraut

Roasted Potatoes and German Sausages with Sauerkraut

Carving Station with Roast Pork and German Meatloaf

Carving Station with Roast Pork and German Meatloaf

Traditional Beef Rouladen

Traditional Beef Rouladen

Pot Roast Bavarian Style, Potato Dumplings, and Brussel Sprouts with Bacon Vinagrette

Pot Roast Bavarian Style, Potato Dumplings, and Brussel Sprouts with Bacon Vinagrette

Red Cabbage and Nudel Gratin

Red Cabbage and Nudel Gratin

Top Your Selections with a Variety of Chutneys and Sauces

Top Your Selections with a Variety of Chutneys and Sauces

Just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, we sampled some desserts. There were many to choose from, including some traditional German delights like apple strudel and linzer squares (both delicious). There were also shot glasses filled with Bavarian cream that could be topped with strawberry compote. My daughter loved those!

Traditional Apple Strudel

Traditional Apple Strudel

Mmmm.... Linzer Squares...

Mmmm…. Linzer Squares…

 

Overall

Biergarten is a festive restaurant with an abundant selection of German-inspired dishes. There is enough variety on the all-you-can-eat buffet for everyone to find something to enjoy. Our early reservation ensured the selections were well-stocked and the staff was friendly and attentive.

The only challenge was not having any control over who was seated at our table, and we ended up with a couple of duds. If you are looking for a quiet, romantic meal, or if the thought of sharing a meal with people you don’t know is not your cup of tea, Biergarten is not your best choice. If you like polka music and have a penchant for schnitzel and spaetzle, you’ll have a great time!

Rebecca Elliott writes and hosts the food blog Home Cooks Unite! She is a dedicated foodie and Disney enthusiast whose latest trip to the Magic Kingdom included some incredible dining experiences.

Has your family dined at Biergarten? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and:


Related posts:

  1. Guest Review: Biergarten in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion
  2. Review: Biergarten in Epcot’s Germany
  3. Disney Food Pics of the Week: Epcot’s Germany Pavilion
22 Aug 08:46

Loop

Ugh, today's kids are forgetting the old-fashioned art of absentmindedly reading the same half-page of a book over and over and then letting your attention wander and picking up another book.
27 Jan 12:26

Walmart Knows How to Do Valentine's Day

Walmart Knows How to Do Valentine's Day

Submitted by: Unknown

24 Jan 08:20

Der Anfang vom Ende: Facebook wird laut Studie bis 2017 zur Geisterstadt

by Steve Haak
In den nächsten drei Jahren wird Facebook 80 Prozent seiner Nutzer verlieren. Das haben Wissenschaftler errechnet. In ihrer Studie vergleichen die Forscher das soziale Netzwerk mit einer Seuche. (Studie, Soziales Netz)

07 Oct 12:49

Dude Problems: "You Should Shave Before We Go Out Tonight!"

Dude Problems: "You Should Shave Before We Go Out Tonight!"

Submitted by: Unknown

28 Aug 21:52

TOP! Die größten Animations-Hits von Disney nur 101,99 Euro

by Sören

Schon seit mehreren Generationen begeistert Walt Disney viele Kinder und ganze Familien. Mit dem aktuellen Angebot von Buch.de könnt ihr euch den Family-Spaß im XXL-Paket nach Hause liefern lassen. Für 'Die gößten Animations-Hits' zahlt ihr dank eines 15-Prozent-Rabattcodes nur 101,99 Euro inklusive Versand. Die Box erscheint am 24. Oktober 2013 und ist mit 20 hochwertigen Blu-rays bestückt. Darunter sind einige Klassiker wie 'Der König der Löwen' und 'Das Dschungelbuch', aber auch neuere Movies wie 'Rapunzel - Neu verföhnt' und der Kultfilm 'Wall-E'.

Die Box ist noch nicht auf dem Markt und schon beginnt der Kampf um den besten Preis. Laut Idealo.de lässt sich die Box andernorts erst wieder zum Bestpreis von rund 116,99 Euro bestellen. Nutzt ihr bei Buch.de den Gutscheincode NEU15, schrumpft der Preis auf schmale 101,99 Euro. Demnach könnt ihr schon vor dem Erscheinungstermin einen Vorteil von sehr guten 13 Prozent herausschlagen. Zudem habt ihr auch bei Buch.de die Vorbestellergarantie - sollte sich der Preis vor der Veröffentlichung zu euren Gunsten senken, zahlt ihr den niedrigeren Betrag.

Disney

Freilich vergeht noch eine Weile bis Heiligabend, doch mit dieser Collection wäre man auch für das große Fest schon mehr als gut gerüstet. Für nur eine Blu-ray von Walt Disney zahlt man sonst gut und gerne 10 Euro. Ist es zudem noch die Diamond Edition, können die Preise pro Disc 15 Euro und mehr betragen. Sichert ihr euch 'Die größten Animations-Hits' über Buch.de in der Special-Edition, zahlt ihr pro Blu-ray umgerechnet nur rund 5 Euro! Vier der erfolgreichen Movies liegen obendrein als Diamond-Version bei.

Folgende Filme befinden sich in der Box:Disney

- Die Monster AG (SC Branding)
- Bärenbrüder (mit SC-Branding)
- Cap und Capper (mit SC Branding)
- Die Unglaublichen - The Incredibles (SC Branding)
- Bernard und Bianca (mit SC-Branding)
- Mulan SE (mit SC-Branding)
- Pocahontas (mit SC Branding)
- Das große Krabbeln (SC Branding)
- Robin Hood SE (mit SC-Branding)Disney
- Aristocats Special Edition (mit SC-Branding)
- Ratatouille (mit SC Branding)
- Findet Nemo (2012)
- Wall-E (mit SC-Branding)
- Die Schöne und das Biest - Diamond Edition (2010)
- Rapunzel - Neu verföhnt (mit SC-Branding)
- Der König der Löwen (2011) - Diamond Edition
- Aladdin 2013 (SC-Branding)
- Arielle - Die Meerjungfrau (Diamond Edition 2013)
- Das Dschungelbuch (Diamond Edition 2013)
- Tarzan (mit SC Branding)

Disney

Einschätzung:

Mit dem aktuellen Angebot von Buch.de sichert ihr euch die Collection schon vor dem Erscheinungsdatum zum absoluten Bestpreis und profitiert zudem noch von der Preisgarantie - selbst im Falle einer Preissenkung des Artikels habt ihr keine Nachteile zu befürchten. Der Code würde automatisch mit dem neuen Preis verrechnet werden. Eventuell ist in einigen Regalen daheim schon der eine oder andere Film aus der Collection vorhanden - aber auch in der Blu-Ray-Version? Vier Klassiker wurden komplett überarbeitet und als Diamond-Edition neu aufgelegt. Bei der Box handelt es sich um eine 'Limeted Edition' - allein die Verpackung ist schon ein Hingucker und die Bildqualität schlägt die der alten VHS-Videokassetten um Längen. Dass ihr die einzelnen Blu-rays in naher Zukunft noch einmal für rund 5 Euro pro Stück eintüten könnt, ist recht unwahrscheinlich.

Viel Spaß mit XXL-Familienpaket

wünscht Sören