Someone please tell me about Biergarten...

[My2QTs]

anything.....Im so scared to try it. Does beer come with the meal for DDP. or is it extra? If so, is it good beer or weird beer?

 

[LuvsBlueDiamonds]

We tried it for the first time in August. 4A, 2C. We LOVED it. Good, good German food and plenty of it. Love the beer hall setting The kids enjoyed the band. We did sit right next to the stage, so they got plenty of attention! Yes, we will go back. I'm getting fed-up with crappy food at WDW! This was a refreshing experience. And, no we're not German, just like the cuisine.

We were not on the DDP. I doubt beer comes with it.

There are a lot of varities to chose from... careful... too much and the walk around EPCOT is a blur! LOL

 

[MyTwoPrincesses]

The beer is extra and is very good. Not sure what you mean by weird beer? But there are wonderful choices. You can get a giant stein but they also have flights. The food is good and plentiful. My favorite things on the buffet were the spaetzel, pretzel bread, and potato and leek soup. There are tons of choices. The polka band comes out for a 10 minute set every 30 minutes or so - check the entertainment schedule. I was unsure about it when I booked it last year, but wanted to see the theming. I'm so glad I booked it as it is our families #1 must return!

EDIT: Beer is never included on DDP.

 

[missminniemouse]

Be aware that unless you are a party of 8, you will be seated with other people. This can be both good and bad. We normally had good conversations with our dining companions, until a few years ago. We had our 2 young children with us. We were a group of 4 and there was supposed to be another group of 4 with us. They checked in as 4, but showed up at the table with 5. We graciously said our youngest could sit at the end of the table to make room for their extra person. Even though we went out of our way, this group was totally nasty the entire time we were there. They evidently had been drinking even before they arrived at the restaurant and continued to drink heavily. Their language was bad, especially considering there were 2 young children present. This is only one experience at this restaurant, while we had many other good experiences over the years. Just be aware that you can get stuck with some real jerks.

As for the food, it is good, but not what it once was. For those of us who have gone to this restaurant over the course of the last 20 years or so, there has been a change in the food, and not for the better.

I'm not normally a beer drinker, but have found some very nice ones that I have enjoyed a lot here. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the DDP.

This used to be an "always return" restaurant for us. It isn't anymore. If you've never been there before, I'd say give it a try. Everyone enjoys something a little different and I wouldn't hesitate to try it if I were you. The tastes of our family have evolved over the years and it's not our favorite anymore, but it just might be something you'd enjoy. The entertainment is worth a trip all by itself.

 

[2girls4me]

I was not a fan. WE had DD (2) with us, and there was really nothing for her to eat. Yes, she is picky, and I know it's German food, but she only had a few bites of the soup.

She was more interested in the chocolate they gave out. Next trip we'll skip it and eat in Italy instead.

 

[rubato]

I've eaten here 3 times now. Loved the food the first two, but didn't enjoy it the last time (I think it was just an off night).

The beer is wonderful. I am a beer drinker. I love German beers and especially like the Oktoberfest at the Biergarten.

The seating is great. I love meeting the new people that we are sitting with each time. Sometimes, they are kind of duds, but, for the most part, lots of fun.

 

[Skoolie]

Beers are extra but they are huge. I usually order Becks.

There are a few key things I think are important to remember. I've been going here for awhile and while I'll agree some of the food has actually been less german in recent years. They no longer serve veal weiner schnitzel which to me is the most authentic schnitzel.

Anyway I think the buffet has something for everyone if you look.

1. Some things I've seen on the buffet line. Chicken schnitzel, salad greens, veggies, mac and cheese, pretzel bread, sausages, munster cheese and deli meats, etc. seems to me anyone could find something they like no matter how picky.

2. Group Seating - this has been mentioned but familys of 6 to 8 usually have their own table.

3. The show is fun for all ages from little kids to adults - even after going so often I still enjoy it.

4. The desserts are decent. I like the apple strudel and I belive it's a bavarian cheesecake.

5. Did I mention the beers are as large as your head. I believe the large beers come in two types both Becks, a lighter and a darker.

 

[eva]

I was not a fan. WE had DD (2) with us, and there was really nothing for her to eat. Yes, she is picky, and I know it's German food, but she only had a few bites of the soup.

She was more interested in the chocolate they gave out. Next trip we'll skip it and eat in Italy instead.

Did you see that they have a child's buffet area? I know that in May they had one with things like mac and cheese.

We usually enjoy going to the Biergarten. We've probably been close to 10times over the last 15 years. I love the spaetzel and red cabbage. Our DGD (4) loved this place in May. She was really in to fruit this last trip. So most restaurants were fine with her as long as they had plenty of fruit. But the dancing and the band were her favorite. We had to drag her out of there after staying for the show three times. Sitting with others is hit or miss. We have had great table mates most every time. However this last time we were seated with a couple and a young daughter about the same age as our DGD and they were completely silent the entire time. We tried our best to make conversation with them. But it just wan't happening.

 

[2girls4me]

Did you see that they have a child's buffet area? I know that in May they had one with things like mac and cheese.

We usually enjoy going to the Biergarten. We've probably been close to 10times over the last 15 years. I love the spaetzel and red cabbage. Our DGD (4) loved this place in May. She was really in to fruit this last trip. So most restaurants were fine with her as long as they had plenty of fruit. But the dancing and the band were her favorite. We had to drag her out of there after staying for the show three times. Sitting with others is hit or miss. We have had great table mates most every time. However this last time we were seated with a couple and a young daughter about the same age as our DGD and they were completely silent the entire time. We tried our best to make conversation with them. But it just wan't happening.

No, I didn't see the kids buffet.

To be honest, I don't think she was hungry. She wanted to run around the stage area and watch the show. No big loss. I chalk it up to lesson learned.

 

[eemmie1]

The beer is extra and is very good. Not sure what you mean by weird beer? But there are wonderful choices. You can get a giant stein but they also have flights. The food is good and plentiful. My favorite things on the buffet were the spaetzel, pretzel bread, and potato and leek soup. There are tons of choices. The polka band comes out for a 10 minute set every 30 minutes or so - check the entertainment schedule. I was unsure about it when I booked it last year, but wanted to see the theming. I'm so glad I booked it as it is our families #1 must return!

EDIT: Beer is never included on DDP.

The only meal that beer is included in is the Hoop Dee Doo.

 

[DonaldTDuck]

The beer is extra and is very good.
EDIT: Beer is never included on DDP.

Beer is included at Hoop de doo Revue, the Luau and Mickey's backyard BBQ, as well as wine. These are all 2 credit shows and tip is also included.

 

[MyTwoPrincesses]

Beer is included at Hoop de doo Revue, the Luau and Mickey's backyard BBQ, as well as wine. These are all 2 credit shows and tip is also included.

Never knew that! Good to know - I'e never looked into those experiences.

 

[eva]

The only meal that beer is included in is the Hoop Dee Doo.

Beer and wine are also included at Spirit of Aloha Polynesian Luau and Mickey's Backyard BBQ.

 

[MissionMouse]

anything.....Im so scared to try it. Does beer come with the meal for DDP. or is it extra? If so, is it good beer or weird beer?

Beer is extra with the brands sold including: Spaten(Munich DE) Lowenbrau (Munich DE) Beck (Bremen DE), sold in two sizes. Great theme and buffet line. Table is set for eight and families of 4 will most likely share their table with another family of 4. Last time we were joined by another family. Made our greetings and occasional comment, joke and comment. Great experience and if you have not tried Beirgarten I would recommend dining here if the menu sounds good to your family. Our two girls really enjoyed Biergarten too.

Stage Entertainment
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/epcot/p54243-biergarten-entertainme.html
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/epcot/p54369-biergarten-entertainme.html
Dining Area
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/epcot/p54370-biergarten-seating.html

 

[airhead]

We always have a good time and have been very lucky to sit with fun people! Give it a try!!

 

[OhThePain]

As a PP said, your opinion and experience could be affected by the people you are seated with. The last time we ate there was NYE 08 into 09. My girlfriend and I were seated with 2 other parties, a family of 4 and a couple in their early 40's. My girlfriend and I had a great time with the couple. They were very friendly and we really enjoyed drinking, laughing and chatting with them durring the meal. However, the family of 4 was very obviously uncomfortable. They didn't say much at all, not even to eachother and just looked like they didn't want to be there. I'm sure if you asked that family, they would not of had positive reviews of Biergarten. We, on the other hand, had a great time and would go back.

 

[Hopefully]

I am not a fan and probably will not go back. Last year we were a party of 8, so we had our own table, not that I would mind sitting with others. I waited 45 minutes in line just to check in at the outside kiosk. It was a mad house. We then waited another 25 minutes for our table.
I did not enjoy the food. I found the chicken schnitzle very dry.
I felt the entertainment was very short and I was disappointed. It just was not what I expected

 

[mdsoccermom]

We love Biergarten. My husband is half German so he (and I) is partial to German beer. Anything else is weird beer to us!

 

[FutureMrs.Incredible]

Biergarten is really fun! I doubt beer is included. I know that they have mostly German beers though, and they come in a huge stein. My dad got one on a trip in '06 and was feeling pretty good afterwards! He must have been feeling really connected to his German heritage, because he walked right over to the UK Pavilion and bought a huge family crest.

The food is pretty good. Mostly meat and potatoes. My little brother who must have been about 11 at the time. He feel in love with these things called "Meat Cakes". And then his breath was terrible for the next few days. I got home and looked them up on the Dis. They are made with liver! So watch out for the Meat Cakes!

Hahah! Obviously lots of good family memories are made at the Biergarten!

The show is fun too! Lots of polka! Also just the setting really cool. Its totally Disney. Walking in is like walking into a fairy tale. It looks like a mini-German village in there. Although warning - you will most likely be sitting with another family. The family we sat with was pretty nice. There's a chance that they could not be pretty nice though too...

 

[RMulieri]

We loved the Biergarten and enjoy the beer.We are a family of 3 and our 6 yr old loved it.There is NOT a traditional kids buffet.There is some Mac and cheese which my daughter did not like at all.They also have roasted chicken.My daughter LOVED the tiny sausages and pretzel bread.We were seated with a single mom with her 5 kids and it was crazy , but fun.