During October the Food and Wine Festival is in full swing and gives the visitor the opportunity to sample speciality dishes from, not only the cuisines of countries permanently represented in Epcot but also from several other guest countries whose temporary stands, dotted around the lagoon, cannot fail to attract those with an appetite to try something a little different.

We tend to enter the park via the International Gateway and stroll in an anti clockwise direction in the hope of timing our visit to coincide with a performance from the Japanese drummers whose energetic and rhythmic routines are truly exquisite.

This spot is also provides a great photo opportunity with the Japanese arch set against a red sky with the familiar Spaceship Earth globe as the backdrop.

We’ll probably get a quick bite to eat from one of the temporary stands, the Australian Kangaroo steaks can be recommended, and then walk towards the American Garden Theatre which probably holds around a thousand people. This is located adjacent to the Great American Adventure and is attractively set amongst trees with fairly lights suspended from their branches.

The concerts last for half an hour appeal to all tastes. Artists such as Sheena Easton, Sister Hazel and David Cassidy were all performing during the Food and Wine Festival.

The culmination of the day’s events is the Illuminations, Reflections of Earth firework spectacular which takes place every evening at nine o clock and visitors tend to claim their favourite vantage spots up to an hour before. In our opinion this just isn’t necessary because viewing all around the lagoon is more or less unobstructive.

We tend to ease our way around the United Kingdom pavilion which not only provides great views of the lagoon but also givers us the opportunity to slip quietly out of the park once the fireworks have finished.

If there is anybody reading this that hasn’t yet seen Illuminations then we can tell you that, in our opinion, this is the best firework display in Disney and should not be missed.

Half way down the street is a collection of small shops and bars. There you will find Craft shops, Art galleries, Antique stores, Eclectic shops, an ice cream parlour, cafes and several bars and restaurants. Its fun to browse and spend a while dipping in and out of the quaint stores – who knows what you’ll find!

There is always something going on. Over Winter/Spring they hold Poker runs on Saturday evenings. The Lemon Bay Playhouse performs comedy/drama several times each week. There are drop-in sessions held in the Master Library where you can come along and talk to local experts on a wide range of subjects from quilting to gardening.

“Cruizin on Dearborn” happens on the first Saturday every month late Spring to early Autumn. Car collectors and enthusiasts come along and set up with their T-Birds, Chevy’s, Oldsmobiles, etc. People come for miles to walk up and down admiring the cars and chatting to the proud owners. Many of the cars are with the original owners or have been restored to former glory. They go to great lengths to make the cars as authentic as possible. One of my favourites had a drive-in-movie snack tray attached to the window!

“Easy Rider Night” happens on the second Saturday every month. It is described as “Hog wild fun with Rock-n-Roll and big bikes” As yet we have not attended but I suspect it is  similar to the car rally – but for bikers.

Halloween Safe Walk is great fun. We were luck enough to be there for Halloween ’08. The whole street is lined with stalls full of candy and treats to give away to the kids (young and old). Buildings are decorated; one car park border was turned into a “Spooky Graveyard” with hands and limbs appearing through the gravel. The Adams Family Band entertained us with jazzy tunes. Cousin It was a big hit on the saxophone. Everyone is in fancy dress and the children are accompanied by parents and grandparents. There was a lovely family feel as hoards of people strolled up and down on a very pleasant evening.

There are musical events such as “Saturday Night Live” and “Bluegrass Jam”. The Bluegrass Jam is held in the park where you can come along and listen to traditional folk, country and bluegrass.

Throughout the year festivals and events are held. There are Art Festivals, Cracker Fairs, Parades, Santa Shopping Events. If you want to know more or to find out what’s on when you are in the area check out the website.  www.oldeenglewood.com