A Train Trip Through A Miniature Bavarian Countryside at EPCOT's World Showcase

This is a post which I have intended to write for months. My time has been very limited as of late and so this was put on the back burner.

Let me begin by saying that I love things created in miniature or on a scale much smaller than real life. You know, like tiny houses and buildings, landscape scenes that look as if you are viewing the real scene from a great distance. These often include people going about their daily routines, animals and even railways with functioning tracks.

When I posted about Disney's Yacht Club at Christmas, I included pictures of the miniature railway and ski village on display in the lobby. If you missed that post, "Snow at the Yacht Club," or would like to revisit it you can go to this link:  http://mimimine.blogspot.com/2013/12/snow-at-yacht-club.html. This picture is from that post. Isn't it a fabulous display of miniatures?

Miniature Railway at Disney's Yacht Club at Christmas

Today's post is about another miniature railway and village exhibit at Disney World. This one is a permanent attraction, located in Disney's EPCOT Center in the World Showcase. It can be found at EPCOT's Germany Pavilion and it is an outstanding example of miniature scenes. There are several little trains running throughout the many vignettes. The greenery and "trees" in this display are comprised of living plants! The following photo is of the interior portion of the Germany Pavilion at EPCOT and is where the shops and restaurants are located. The miniature village is located on the outside area of the pavilion and to the right of these buildings on the side of the main entryway to the Germany pavilion.

EPCOT's Germany Pavilion at Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL

Please, climb aboard with me at the Railroad Station as we embark on a scenic train trip around this magical little miniature world. For a fun stretch of imagination, we will call it  "Little Germany." Ours will be a short trip, but if you love miniatures as much as I do, you are certain to enjoy the ride!

We board the little red passenger train at the railway station in town.  We can see a church in the background and lots of homes and shops. The townspeople are busily milling about as we take off on our miniature tour.

Railroad Station in the Miniature Village in EPCOT's Germany Pavilion

One of the first sights we see as we peer out the window of our car and to our left is this scene high up in the hills. We see many homes dotted along the slopes, nestled among the evergreen trees.

Some of the Houses in the Landscape Along the Miniature Railway  at EPCOT's Germany Pavilion

We see another hillside scene, with a Bavarian chalet in the distance, far back in the spruces. Our train's tour guide tells us that the food they serve here is delicious and there are many trails for hiking. As our train glides smoothly along, we cannot help but wonder what it would be like to spend some time up there. We decide we will stay over for a short holiday on our next tour up here. We all agree it will be great fun!

Germany Pavilion at Disney's EPCOT Center-Miniature Village

We note that the train is slowing down. It comes to a stop in a vale. Our guide advises that we can get off the train here to stretch our legs. We take a little walk up the pathway and breathe in the fresh air and take time to appreciate the beauty and solitude of this place. How peaceful and serene is this wonderful little chapel, nestled cozily among the fragrant junipers and rustic and natural surroundings! We enjoy a few moments in the little chapel, having only positive  and contemplative thoughts in this sweet and special place in the vale.

Church in the Miniature Village at Disney's Germany Pavilion in EPCOT Center

When we board our train again, we cross over a train trestle and we can see a shed below on our left. A train is sitting on another track that runs perpendicular to and under the trestle bridge. It is on the ready, waiting for busy workers to complete the task of filling the train car sitting on the side of the shed.

Trestle Bridge Located in the Miniature Village at EPCOT's Germany Pavilion

We look closer and observe the commercial train engine just peeking out from under the shed. A man is diligently working with a shovel to complete the filling of a train car on the side of the shed and we wonder if he might live in the pretty yellow cottage we passed and can still see as we look back.

A Man Works to Shovel Material into a Train Car to be Towed Somewhere by the Waiting Train

Our train is quickly approaching the end of our round trip journey. When it comes to  the final stop, we disembark at the Germany Pavilion and browse through the shops in the pavilion. Since it is the Christmas season, we make a point to stop in at the Christmas shop. What a feast for the eye! There are many trees in the shop, decorated in different themes.

We see one decorated in a festive bird theme. How bright and beautiful! Here is a close shot of the ornaments:

Bird Themed Tree in a Shop at EPCOT's Germany Pavilion

Here we take another close shot of some of the bird ornaments on the bird themed tree:

Bird Themed Tree at Germany Pavilion at EPCOT in Walt Disney World

There is also a tree with gorgeous blown glass ornaments! Here is a close up shot:

Blown Glass Ornaments at EPCOT's Germany Pavilion

There is one with European glass ornaments which celebrates with an Octoberfest theme, including beer bottles and beer steins in beautiful bronze and blue colored ornaments. How beautiful they are!

Beautiful Octoberfest Tree at EPCOT's Germany Pavilion

Here, we have a close shot of the Octoberfest tree:

Octoberfest Theme Tree at EPCOT's Germany Pavilion

Disney World would be remiss if there was not a tree decorated with Bavarian style European glass ornaments of Disney characters. To name a few, there is Cinderella's Pumpkin carriage, Peter Pan,Winnie the Pooh, Mickey and, of course, that bad little German boy puppet, Pinocchio.

Disney Character Themed Tree at EPCOT's Germany Pavilion

A close up of the Character Tree:

Close Up of the Character Tree at EPCOT's Germany Pavilion

And, of course, no German Christmas would be complete without hanging a pickle ornament. Therefore, it is no surprise that there would be a "Pickle Ornament" tree. Just look at all those pickles!

Pickle Ornament Tree at EPCOT's Germany Pavilion

Another shot of the "Pickle Ornament" tree:

Pickle Ornament Tree at EPCOT's Germany Pavilion

Today's post about the miniature village and train at EPCOT's Germany Pavilion is but a very small portion of all there is to enjoy at EPCOT's Germany Pavillion. I have endeavored to show you some of the wonderful details within the exhibit through some still, close shots. If you are at all like me, you can pretend and imagine that these wonderful little scenes are real and you can find some childlike pleasure as you "step inside" these magical little vignettes.
As for the pictures of the trees at the Christmas shop, I could not resist throwing a little Christmas fun into the mix!

I found a short video on Youtube and I think it is quite good. If you would like to see the little trains in action, you can check it out here:www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyHgO4itnjk.

It was great fun reliving this memory as I shared it with you in composing this post. I hope you enjoyed coming alongside me for the short ride through this miniature village! I wish you a beautiful and blessed week ahead. May your hearts and homes be filled with much joy and happiness!