We were offered the option of flight directors but I chose to fly raw data instead. Hero
The whole session lasted just over an hour. Incidentally the motion base was broke - he asked us if we wanted to wait or go anyway - we went for it. My sim partner said he found it easier, I thought it was trickier without the motion.
If you can afford it, I highly recommend going to OAT and booking some time in the 737-400 sim there. It's very very similar to the -800, and you can fly any or all of the likely SIDs and STARs that you can expect on the day.
Cheaper than Virtualaviation too, by a looooong way.