Local Pubs Vol 1 – EPCOT: Germany & United Kingdom

OK, so I still haven’t made to the pubs that are truly local to Disney Holiday Townhome (DHT). However, I did manage to make it to EPCOT to check out beers from Germany and the UK. I love going to EPCOT. In fact, my entire family loves EPCOT. Maybe it’s because the kids enjoy traveling to Europe. Maybe it’s because they enjoy learning about other cultures. Heck, maybe it’s because they enjoy technology and the rides at EPCOT. Who knows! All I know is that EPCOT has the best beer of all the major theme parks. And that’s why it tops my list of parks!!

Germany: Sommerfest – Prost!

Even in the heat of summer, I enjoy hanging outside, in the shade of the German pavilion, drinking a really good Bavarian beer. I was not disappointed! While I didn’t go into the Oktoberfest indoor dining area, I still managed to find a very good soft pretzel and a liter of Spaten Optimator – a strong, dark “Doppelbock” beer. While the pretzels can measure up (in size or flavor) to the gargantuan pretzel you’d find at a typical Biergarten in Munich, they certainly beat any soft pretzel you’d get a your local mall! There is also plenty of other German fare located outside at Sommerfest. As with most of the countries around EPCOT World Showcase, the food is very good and fairly close to what you’d get if you were actually visiting the country.

I’m a huge fan of Bavarian beers. But this is Germany, not just Bavaria, so you’d expect a variety of beer from throughout Germany. Disney doesn’t disappoint! In addition to Spaten and Franzikaner Weissbier (wheat beer), which are Bavarian, you also had northern beers, such as Becks. German wines, such as Riesling, are also available. If you are going to be at EPCOT anyway, you should definitely check out Germany – Hey, it’s not all about the kids!

UPDATE: My family and I had lunch at the Germany pavilion on Memorial Day (2008), and they had added Spaten Oktoberfest to their menu. I didn’t ask if this was a seasonal or permanent change, but I made sure to help myself to a liter! Ah, nectar of the gods!!!

United Kingdom: Rose & Crown – Cheers!

The Rose & Crown pub in EPCOT’s United Kingdom may be your best bet for full-blown authenticity. Folk music, a raucous (usually filled with several Brits on vacation!) crowd, and a lively staff all make for a great experience.

I enjoyed a couple of pints of Guinness, but the usual pub beer lineup can be found here, including Harp and Tennents. I can’t remember if they had Bass, but it wouldn’t surprise me. We ended our visit to EPCOT in the UK, and it was great to be able to cool down and relax in the R&C before the trek back to the car.

Rides, Culture, and Beer!

OK, so it’s “touristy culture” neatly packaged by Disney. Even though it’s mainstream culture, it is fairly authentic. Taken for what it is, EPCOT’s World Showcase is a blast! The kids get to ride rides and learn about other cultures, and you get to drink beers from around the world. How cool is that?

Next Up…

I’ll check out some more minor attractions around DHT.