Is Biergarten at Epcot worth it?
Unlimited eats. Live music. Culturally accurate atmosphere. One fixed price.
If I told you all that was available to you in one place in Walt Disney World… would you believe me?
I know it sounds too good to be true, but trust me, it’s not!
In fact, it’s been hiding right under your nose all along smack in the middle of your favorite, magical World Showcase… That’s right!
I’m talking about Biergarten Epcot in the Germany Pavilion today.
So, if you’re ready to learn all about the restaurant where the pretzel rolls and sauerkraut just keep coming, then keep reading so you’ll know exactly what to expect at your next dining reservation at Biergarten in Epcot!
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Biergarten at a Glance:
- You can expect to spend $49 per adult and $27 per child (3-9)
- It’s a buffet dining experience at Epcot theme park
- You will enjoy German food and beer such as Traditional Sausages, Spätzle, Schnitzel, Nudel Gratin and Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Hefeweizen beer!
Keep reading see get my full review of this Epcot restaurant.
Backstory of the Biergarten Restaurant at Epcot
Biergarten Epcot opened in 1982, or in other words, at the same time Epcot itself opened.
So, it’s not only an interesting place to visit to immerse yourself in German culture and food, but it also is one of those few attractions that has stayed relatively the same since Epcot originally opened!
The idea behind Biergarten at Epcot was to recreate an authentic German dining experience, specifically with Oktoberfest in mind. But, what exactly does that mean?
Well, as is typical in German tradition, even today, Biergarten restaurants have long tables of open seating.
Meaning you seat yourself wherever there’s a spot; and oftentimes that means sitting next to strangers.
Even though this is vastly different from American culture, since they opened in 1982, the Biergarten restaurant did a great job simulating this experience.
AKA: having long tables of 8 and filling them up with various parties of guests.
Biergarten restaurants in Germany are also known for having plenty of beer, warm pretzels, and live music. And Biergarten at Epcot certainly didn’t disappoint recreating these details!
…But I’ll get more into that below.
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Celebrating Octoberfest in Epcot at Biergarten
Additionally, the second big idea behind Biergarten in Epcot was to recreate the famous German Oktoberfest festival, 365 days per year.
Typically, Oktoberfest lasts two and a half weeks in Munich, from mid-September to early October; but in Biergarten Epcot, Imagineers decided, Oktoberfest would happen all day every day!
Historically, the festival was first celebrated in 1810 to commemorate a royal wedding among German monarchs, but soon became a long-standing annual German tradition.
Some of the most memorable experiences being live music, energetic dancing, seemingly unlimited beer, and plenty of food!
And as you might be able to gather, from the live music stage and buffet style menu, almost all guests leave Biergarten Epcot with their hunger for German culture and food satisfied! Well done Disney Imagineers!
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Biergarten Epcot Menu Options
To most guests delight, Biergarten in Epcot is a buffet/family style setup… meaning you pay one price per person and can eat however much you want!
So, do keep that in mind as I present the menu items below – because you’ll be able to eat as much of each item as your heart (and stomach) desires without affecting the final bill!
Appetizers:
- Warm Pretzel Rolls (easily their most popular item)
- Pasta Salad
- Cucumber Salad
- Beet Salad
Entrees:
- Sauerkraut
- Spaetzle
- Roasted Potatoes
- Rotisserie Chicken
- Traditional Sausages
- Green Beans
Dessert:
- Apple Strudel
- Bavarian Cheesecake
Kids Menu (Ages 3-9):
- Roasted Chicken
- Hot Dogs
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Green Beans
Drink Menu (Alcoholic Beverages not included in fixed price):
Beers
- German Beer Flight
- Schofferhofer Pink Grapefruit Hefeweizen (by the half liter or liter)
- Konig Ludwig Weissbier (by the half liter or liter)
- Beck’s Pilsner (by the half liter or liter)
- Warsteiner Dunkel (by the half liter or liter)
White Wines
- German White Wine Flight
- Villa Wolf Pinot Gris, Pfalz (by the bottle or glass)
- J.H. Selbach Blue Label Riesling, Mosel (by the bottle or glass)
- Dr. Loosen, Dr. L Riesling, Mosel (by the bottle or glass)
- Valckenberg Madonna Riesling Spatlese, Rheinhessen (by the bottle or glass)
Red Wines
- August Kesseler Pinot Noir Spatburgunder, Rheingau (by the bottle or glass)
- Heinz Eifel Shine Dornfelder, Rheinhessen (by the bottle or glass)
Schnapps and Shots
- Jagermeister
- Barenjager Honey & Bourbon (my favorite)
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What’s New After the Pandemic for Biergarten at Epcot?
For those of you who have been to this Disney restaurant before and are curious to know what’s different after the pandemic, we’re happy to report…not too much.
Guests who have attended Biergarten Epcot since Disney World’s reopening report that it feels almost like normal.
This is especially heartwarming for Disney guests since many buffet style dining options on property were closed and are slowly reopening.
And of course the same fate for Biergarten would have been devastating, since it’s a favorite of so many.
Nevertheless, here’s the changes you can expect upon your next dining experience:
1. No Mixed Seating
While we discussed in the backstory of Biergarten at Epcot above that part of its culturally sound experience is sitting amongst strangers at long tables, that is no longer true post-pandemic.
Previously Disney was not only seating guests within their own party, but are also spacing out which tables they seat as well. This has changed slightly since then with the tables being closer together.
2. The Biergarten Buffet is Back!
To be honest, this is a change that many guests are welcoming! Gone are the days of waiting for your server to bring you your food when you want more.
Now you can get up and grab as much as you like at ANYTIME until you’re good and satisfied!!!
How does the buffet work at Biergarten?
- Your table server will check in with you regularly to see how you’re doing and what drinks you would like more of.
- You will then get up and walk to the buffet area each time you want a refill on your favorite dish.
If you’ve ever had breakfast with Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse at Cape May Cafe, then this dining experience will be very similar to that food service wise.
3. QR Code Menus
Just like many other restaurants worldwide, Biergarten at Epcot wants a paperless, touchless experience for you.
That means that in addition to staying at your seat and receiving food, you also will have the opportunity to see menu options via a QR code at your table.
When you see the code, simply open up your phone’s camera app and tap on the barcode on your screen.
A website link will then pop up; click on that to scroll through the menu options or can just walk over to the buffet and view the menu items of that day!
One thing to note is that they are offering paper menus for alcoholic drinks such as beer and wine.
Hipster Power Tip: Do you know that you can have a front row seat to the ever popular Oktoberfest Musikanten live band, which is still playing inside hourly!
4. Closed Dance Floor
Speaking of live music, unfortunately the dance floor area in front of the band stage is still closed until further notice. However, the live band, Oktoberfest Musikanten, will still be jamming out throughout the day!
You can sometimes find their set schedule displayed in front of this Epcot restaurant.
But either way, let’s be honest, no one can stop you from busting a dance move at your own seat if that’s what your heart desires!
3 First-timer Tips for Dining at Biergarten in Epcot
Now that you know what to expect at Epcot’s Biergarten restaurant, let’s go through a few tips to help you make the most of your visit!
1. Make a Reservation ASAP!
Just like with any other restaurant on Disney Property, I highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time, this way you can ensure you will be seated at the time you want.
And, with policies subject to change at anytime due to the pandemic, this is even more true. So, be sure to visit up to 60 days before your park visit to schedule your Biergarten reservation.
2. Make Sure Your Phone is on You and is Fully Charged
As I discussed above, in this new paperless, touchless world, your phone is the key to accessing the Biergarten menu via a QR Code.
Of course Disney will have a plan B if your phone’s not cooperating with you, but I have to admit, it is pretty cool to have the menu options in the palm of your hand!
3. Don’t Use Your Disney Dining Plan at Biergarten Epcot!
Although Biergarten Epcot is an eligible 1 credit option on the Disney Dining Plan , you’ll actually be breaking even, instead of stretching your dollar, if you choose this restaurant as one of your daily sit down meals.
Why? Because it’s a fixed price restaurant, it’s actually cheaper to pay for this meal out of pocket to get your money’s worth of food rather than use your Disney Dining Plan credit (temporarily suspended).
Instead, save those dining credits for restaurants that have a traditional a-la carte system!
Because one dining credit equals approximately $42, it makes more sense to save it for a restaurant that will cost you considerably more than that per person, not just a couple of dollars more.
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What to Know Before You Go to Biergarten at Epcot
Now that our Disney dining tips are out-of-the-way, let’s go through a few of the most commonly asked questions about this Epcot restaurant.
How much is the buffet at Biergarten in Epcot?
Currently a family style meal at Biergarten in Epcot is priced at $49 for adults, $27 for children aged 3-9, and FREE for anyone under the age of 3!
As I explained earlier, it’s a fixed price family-style menu, so you’ll pay the same price no matter how much you eat!
And yes, non-alcoholic beverages are included, and alcoholic beverages can be purchased a la carte (see above).
Currently, you’ll find the same menu options and price no matter what time of day you dine at Biergarten in Epcot.
What hours does Biergarten Epcot accept reservations?
At Biergarten Epcot, lunch is served from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.; and dinner is served from 4 p.m. until park close, 7 days a week. Look here: if you want to know ahead of time when Epcot will close on the day of your visit.
Post Pandemic, is Biergarten Epcot accepting large parties?
Yes! Biergarten has tables set up for up to 8 guests and they are happy to seat together parties that are traveling together.
However, as I mentioned before, due to the pandemic, you will only be sitting with your own party. Not with any strangers, as the restaurant typically encouraged a la German tradition.
Just know that this can change at anytime and I’ll be sure to keep this article updated.
What if I’m vegan or have allergies? Can Biergarten Epcot accommodate?
I’m happy to report that ALL restaurants on Disney Property, not just Biergarten, are happy to accommodate any and all dining requests. Whether those are related to dietary restrictions, allergies, or personal preferences.
More specifically, vegans can enjoy the AMAZING pretzel rolls, tomato salad, beet salad, fishless fillets, sauerkraut, roasted potatoes, green beans, beefless tips… and for dessert – berry compote!
Clearly, anyone and everyone will have a long list of dining options available to them when going to Biergarten at Epcot, but either way, be sure to request to speak with the chef before ordering.
That way you can be sure your food was prepared carefully and properly.
Can you watch the fireworks show from Biergarten in Epcot?
Unfortunately, because the restaurant is enclosed and indoors, Epcot’s Biergarten is typically not a good dining reservation to have if you intend on having a close-up seat for the nightly firework spectacular.
How long does it take to get from Epcot parking lot to Biergarten?
If you have a specific reservation time for Biergarten, then I recommend giving yourself at least 45 minutes to park and walk from the Epcot parking lot to Biergarten.
This is mainly due to the location of the restaurant which is towards the back of the park.
So, you don’t want to wait until the last minute to make your reservation as it will take a while to walk to this area of Epcot.
My Final Thoughts and Review of Biergarten at Epcot
Well ThemeParkHipster, I hope this answered all your questions about Biergarten at Epcot in general, and what it looks like after Disney World’s reopening.
Either way, whether you’ve never been to Biergarten restaurant before, or whether you’ve been but weren’t sure if you should go again among all the restrictions, I hope this article helped you realize that it’s still one of the top places to be, eat, and experience on Disney Property!
I recommend showing up to your reservation early to see if you can snag your table early.
Or, if you like to prepare ahead of time, go ahead and give (407) 939-3463 a call – they’ll be happy to answer any Disney dining related questions!
Final Disney Dining Score for Biergarten Restaurant at Epcot:
- Ambiance: 10
- Food: 7
- Prices: 9
- Drinks: 8
- Service: 10
We give this restaurant a 8.8 out of 10 on the ThemeParkHipster dining scale and we know you will definitely enjoy it too!
Anyways, “Bis zum nächsten Mal!” (that means, “Until next time” in German!)
Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Gina is a former Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line Cast Member who enjoys reliving the magic by writing helpful tips and tricks for future guests!
Check out more about her Disney adventures and writing endeavors here on ThemeParkHipster or Florida Hipster!
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(Original Article Date: January 10, 2021/Updated by Editor on April 28, 2024)