Epcot Garden Railway in the German Pavilion
If you ask my Mr T what he wants to do at Disney he has one answers – TRAINS!. His perfect day would be to ride: a parking lot tram, the monorail, the Walt Disney World Rail Road, Tomorrowland Transit Authority and the train to Rafiki’s planet.
But after all the train rides his perfect day would end with 1-2 hours (yes hours) at the German Pavilion in Epcot watching the model trains. We actually use this as a reward- “If you are really good today, we’ll take your to see the train“. Yes, we are those parents.
Train Located Between Germany and Italy
The Beginning
Officially called the Epcot Garden Railway, this model train display was added to the German Pavilion for the 1995 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.
The guests enjoyed it so much that it has never been taken down.
The Trains
There are three independent loops. Each loop as a different train running on the tracks. For train enthusiasts all of the trains are Lehmann Gross Bahn (LGB) G-Scale Models. The running trains are engines only and carry no cars (the thought here is that it makes the trains less likely to run off the tracks).
The Garden
The Railway garden is filled with live “trees” and shrubs to provide as the surrounding country side. In addition there is a large bridge that guests can walk over giving viewing options on 3 of the 4 sides.
The Village
The village the trains run through is based upon a miniature 1950’s Bavarian village. The beautiful thing is the village is decorated for special events. This includes festivals and holidays.
The View From the Train
Over at the Disney Parks blog we can actually get an idea of what it would be like to be on that train zooming across this miniature country side
As you can see there is a lot to see here. The details are so numerous that it would take hours to see them all. (I guess that is why this little guy makes us stand there for hours.)
My son absolutely loved that train exhibit! We must have been there for a solid hour.
I have an 2 year old and 9 year old that would totally be excited to see those trains. What a neat place to check out.
My nephew would LOVE this train visit. It looks wonderful. This is a great place to check
My youngest son would LOVE this! He has always been obsessed with trains since he was super little.
We are headed there later this month and we’ll definitely be looking for the train! My youngest is crazy about trains!
We were just there August 20 and every year I look forward to the railway. Unfortunately it is closed. Shrubs are up all along it. Asked a cast member and they weren’t sure why.
Just got back from a disney trip and the railway is definitely still running. My son spent two hours watching it. There’s a Trans-Europe Express train now with a passenger car, and some of the other trains look different from your photos as well.