Pretty epic flight simulator! It's not often you get to pilot a plane in a ultra realistic flying experience. If you're a flight simulator pro, or great with a game controller, it's worth the experience. I got this as a gift and enjoyed it immensely.
Definitely take the up-sell and try your hand at the pre-flight checks and the whole process of actually pushing off from the gate. The experience adds a whole level of challenge and complexity.
Gabriel (my flight instructor) knew the right times to take the control and kept us in the air when I got distracted by the instruments, and general activity of ACTUALLY flying a passenger jet.
Over all, the experience is ultra realistic... I can't high-light that enough. It is a 1:1 replica of the flight deck of a 777. All the knobs, buttons, screens, and switches are the real deal. Not only that, you can turn the fasten seat belts sign on and off... SKY LAW styles! If you're a rebel, turn off the No-Smoking light and watch the lawsuits 'fly'...
The pre / post flight experience is pretty light. There's not a lot to do when you're not in the simulator so don't expect to arrive and 'hang-out'. That said... it would only be a distraction to the awesomeness of the simulator.
Would definitely do it again... would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to experience the other-side of flight travel.