If you think of it like a full participation theatrical show that kind of gives you a starting point. Your 'experience' is time allocated and scripted, it would be chaos otherwise and wouldn't seem 'real' to the kids. It's built from scratch each year, beautiful detailing, excellent theatrical staff in full character.
There is a bit of scene setting initially, an introduction, bit of elf fun. Then change locations for the kids put together some toys to help out FC, after that move locations again to decorate a gingerbread man and listen to a story / have a chat with Mother Christmas. Free time after that, ice rink, post office, restaurant (over priced yes, deal breaker no way), husky dogs/trainers to chat with, magic keys to buy if u don't have chimney, nice toilets, gift shop if u want to buy a decoration.
At your FC time you are shepherded to another marque to wait for your elf escort, all in hushed voices double check kids details, escorted thru winding, tree lined snowy paths to a log cabin and FC, so wonderfully done, he checks they are on the good list, talks to them about the special details you register when u buy tickets, a few photos taken, gorgeous husky dog soft toy given.
Escorted from log cabin, walk snowy paths to exit, on way see real reindeer and life size sleigh. Into exit cabin to collect your photos (not free but lovely) and off back out into the car park.
I'm seeing Wicked on stage soon for £50 and that show runs night after night for years. I think it's understandable that a show that only has two months to run each year will be quite pricey.
The level of detail is breathtaking.