My family will be going to Disney World Jan 13 - 18, 2025. It so happens that Festival of the Arts will begin that Friday, Jan 17. We are mostly interested in the rides and usual Epcot offerings, but since the festival is occurring while we’re there, I thought we would go, but I’m concerned about the crowd, being the opening weekend. Would I be better off going Friday or Saturday? I would think Friday during the day might be better than Saturday, even if Friday is the first day.
Before the festival dates were announced, I was planning on going to Epcot on Monday, Jan 12 to take advantage of the predicted Extended Evening Hours. I was going to do all day there, but if I go to Epcot on Friday, I would probably park hop to Epcot on Monday later in the evening.
Thoughts?
Friday and Saturdays are jammed packed anyway at EPCOT. I heard all the vlogges the first weekend make it worse. I arrive on the 17th, but contemplating saving EPCOT to the following Monday. Although … I have also contemplated a stake out to get a peek at some of my favorite vloggers. 
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I am thinking of a trip 17 to 21, didn’t realize the festival started this weekend. Have been wondering the same thing. Keep this weekend or move to Feb 7 to 11.
The crowds at MK and AK will be relatively low that weekend (5 & 6), so unless you are visiting specifically to hang out at EPCOT, I wouldn’t worry about changing the dates of your trip. It seems like EPCOT is always busy on the weekends no matter when you visit.
Thank you! Trying to schedule when children are out of school is difficult.