We left CCR around 1hr before take off, we went to C64 and by the time we got there they just started priority boarding. This is a bit of a free for all, as lots of non priority people had started queuing. Word of advice, everybody waits by the line which says priority, however, they allow you to use any of the four lanes when priority boarding commences... position yourself by lane 4 and you'll be straight through.
First has its own entrance. We were greeted and escorted to our seats (3E and F). We had been uncertain whether to go for 1A/J or a middle pair. We were glad we went for the middle pair as the row 1s would have been too far away to communicate.
We were offered a glass of champagne prior to take off, 9:30am is never too early for champagne!
We were able to put hang our stuff up in our little cupboard, change into our PJs, even the carry on bag went in the cupboard. Such handy storage space. There is a little storage bin by your arm rest for all important bits you need to put in there. It was so calm and relaxed, while behind the curtain hundreds of people were fighting over overhead storage.
One thing to note, in the middle seats, there are no overhead lockers - this makes the cabin seem much bigger, but might be a bit annoying if you've gone a bit wild in the duty free shops and can't fit it all in your cupboard.
Take off was smooth - cannot believe how much quieter the A380 cabin is. We were soon brought more champagne served with warm nuts
We were given a personal greeting by the CSD soon after, this appeared to be given in status order, we were second, after a GGL person. At the end of the flight we were given a further message from the exec club saying they hoped we enjoyed our flight, which nobody else received. Possibly because by this point we had mentioned that it was our first time in first. We were referred to by name throughout the flight whenever we received service.