When guests, locals, experts, and newcomers mention good food in Disney World, the German pavilion usually isn’t in the conversation. You’ll hear the likes of Mexico, Hollywood Brown Derby, Le Celier, the restaurants in the Magic Kingdom hotels, Crystal Palace, and Be Our Guest before any mention of anything German. But I am here to prove that there is much more than meets the eye in this pavilion. It starts with the best macaroni and cheese within the 30 mile radius and one of the more underrated Disney treats.
Next to the Biergarten, the German buffet (that is also quite good, although rather anti-Vegetarian), is a small quick-service place that sports only a handful of tables and chairs. The menu isn’t very diverse, and the kitchen itself for the chefs doesn’t even seem that big. But the Nudel Gratin is the latest lunch item invented, and according to early reports its macaroni and cheese on quality steroids. Being a certified Mac and Cheese fan, I had to give this place a shot.
I ordered the Nudel Gratin as well as their potato salad. The nudel gratin is a delicious hunk of cheesy goodness that is thick and creamy on the inside, while boasting a crunchy cheesy outer core that only furthers its layers of flavor. Don’t let the $3.49 price fool you, this thing packs a heavy punch and with the right side you have yourself a good meal. The key difference between this work of mac art and the typical mac and cheese is all the custard involved. If you love lactose, than you’ll love this chunk of awesome. I can eat 4 of these in one shot, honestly.
But there’s the potato salad to worry about, which also packs a punch thanks to the think hearty slices of potato combined with plenty of eggs. Salads rarely can get more filling than this. All in all this looks-small-feels-tall meal cost me just north of $6, although that wa without dessert and their cake looked amazing. But I had bigger fish to fry.
Inside the winery is a special type of chocolate. They have these chocolates shaped like bottles. Now why do you ask? Maybe its because it has brandy inside. And not just a little, enough so that I can’t get any sort of discount since it has alcohol inside. Not baked, not lathered in, actual minimal shot of brandy once you bite into it. It is the gift that keeps on giving. There really isn’t enough love for brandy, not to the likes of tequila, rum, and Jack. But it works very, very well with German chocolate.
Now let’s say you would rather not mix chocolate and alcohol. What about caramel? Even though I do miss the selling of the massive bags of German chocolate and cookie treats, they made up for it thanks to the Werther’s Caramel section of the park. This gem boasts the one spot which allows you to see caramel popcorn being made on the spot in Disney World. The smell is intoxicating. There’s more than just caramel popcorn however as you’ll see fudge, fruit, pretzels, rice crispies, and many other items wrapped in caramel. I usually am a sucker for the cookies, but this time went with the marshmallows dipped in chocolate and then lathered in goblets of caramel.
Bottom Line: So the next time you are in Epcot and the lines for food are ridiculous practically everywhere, have no fret and just march on over to Germany. Although it is not as popular for food as the other spots, it is just as good an option for food beyond the typical German beer and massive pretzels. From the quick service spot to the caramel shop, Germany makes for a great pit stop to get something to eat.
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