There are quite a few hidden secrets in Disney World.
Spaceship Earth
From tunnels underneath Cinderella Castle to shortcuts around the resorts, we’ve uncovered quite a few fun details in Disney World over the years. But one of the best hidden secrets is tucked away in EPCOT!
Did you know that there’s an abandoned ride in EPCOT? Back when the park was first constructed, the goal was to build not only Biergarten but a ride in the Germany Pavilion castle as well!
Germany Pavilion
The attraction was supposed to be a Rhine River Cruise, with a trip down the Rhine, the Tauber, the Ruhr, and the Isar. Along the way, you would learn about German history and culture, and the ride would even highlight today’s technology in the country. It was a similar concept to Maelstrom that was built in the Norway Pavilion.
Germany Pavilion
Along the Rhine River Cruise, riders would have been treated to sights like Black Forest, Oktoberfest, Heidelberg, Cologne Cathedral, and the industrial Ruhr Valley. Sadly, the attraction never came to be due to budget cuts when EPCOT was built. However, part of the attraction’s structure was indeed constructed in the back of the pavilion.
Sommerfest
To this day, you can walk into the back of Germany and knock on the wall next to Biergarten — you’ll be able to hear that it’s hollow! When the ride got canceled, they simply covered it up with a wall and some lovely artwork. But it stands as a homage to the ride that never was.
Currently, the space where the ride was supposed to go is used for storage and rehearsal area. And now, if we want to celebrate German culture, we have to plan a visit to Biergarten instead!
This could have been a ride!
Sadly, the Germany Pavilion still doesn’t have its own ride, but we can still hope for the future. In the meantime, we’ll drown our sorrows in caramel corn and stroll through the shops!
Click Here to See 50 Amazing Things You Never Knew Were in EPCOT!
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Building the River Cruise through Germany would be an easy, worthwhile project for Disney to do. Gursts would love it! Add some scenes along the Mosel River, too. Forget the controversial changes, like destroying Tom Sawyer’s Island and removing the riverboat.
I’d be happy with the Rhine River Cruise they originally planned. I love a boat ride, especially one the whole family can ride together.