Stop in for a cup of coffee

You need at the minimum a full a day there. Do the museum, movie and cyclorama first to get a refresher on the battle. I highly recommend walking the corn field where Pickets charge happened then you really understand why they got slaughtered. Desert rules there PLENTY of cold water usually hot as hell and humid in July. Sunblock also is a good idea. You will be in and out of the car a lot also, big place.
Last year we came in Wednesday. Thursday was like early bird shopping. Not a lot of buyers there, but the sellers were ready.
Your right the crowds showed Friday and were gone Saturday night. Made two of my bigger buys Sunday, sellers didn't want to haul them home.