Explain to me Epcots Christmas celebrations

[lynzi2004]

So my family is heading down to WDW over Thanksgiving. We will have 5 day tickets. Planning one day at each park and 2 days at MK. Kids are ages 9,7, and 2. DH and I were just there in August to see what we thought of new protocols and procedures. Kids have been each year for the last 3-4 years so they definitely have their favorites and are big fans of rides. Plans right now are

Wed-Epcot (arrival day, should make rope drop)
Thurs-MK
Friday-HS
Sat-AK
Sun-MK (departure day, should have almost the whole day as its a late flight)

My understanding is that Epcot's Festival of the Holidays will start on that Friday. I realize it will be a toned down event from previous years, but what would we be missing by going on arrival day instead of waiting till Friday? The kids are mostly going to want the rides and I'm afraid that the bigger crowds that the festival will bring, will hurt ride times even worse. But I'm not sure? Opinions?

 

[Robo]

The kids are mostly going to want the rides and
I'm afraid that the bigger crowds that the festival will bring, will hurt ride times even worse.
1. But I'm not sure?
2. Opinions?

1. Be sure.
2. I think that you answered you own question.

 

[lynzi2004]

1. Be sure.
2. I think that you answered you own question.

I know! I agree, I just hear so much praise for Epcot's Christmas that I just didn't want to be missing out on something totally "wow!" lol

 

[MissionMouse]

Epcot's Festival of the Holidays equates to regional food booths along with Christmas decorations in my perspective. An important thing to consider is it will be scaled back. This could mean food offerings, number of booths and times booths are actually open. In the past we found not all booths stay open until close. We made the mistake of thinking we could visit a booth after dinner, only to find it close not that much later. If seems like once sunsets, some booths close. It will be interesting to hear how they work, but recommend early afternoon hours. Not sure this brings in the crowd as much as the cancelled Candlelight Procession which was also connected to TS ADRs for seating.

 

[yulilin3]

So my family is heading down to WDW over Thanksgiving. We will have 5 day tickets. Planning one day at each park and 2 days at MK. Kids are ages 9,7, and 2. DH and I were just there in August to see what we thought of new protocols and procedures. Kids have been each year for the last 3-4 years so they definitely have their favorites and are big fans of rides. Plans right now are

Wed-Epcot (arrival day, should make rope drop)
Thurs-MK
Friday-HS
Sat-AK
Sun-MK (departure day, should have almost the whole day as its a late flight)

My understanding is that Epcot's Festival of the Holidays will start on that Friday. I realize it will be a toned down event from previous years, but what would we be missing by going on arrival day instead of waiting till Friday? The kids are mostly going to want the rides and I'm afraid that the bigger crowds that the festival will bring, will hurt ride times even worse. But I'm not sure? Opinions?

Christmas at epcot will be pretty non existing compared to years past.
No candlelight processional
No words on holiday storytellers
No fireworks
Only voices of liberty, joyful performing and the holiday kitchens, that's it