My story starts last August - when my computer screen started briefly flashing white (due no doubt to the terrible way I travel with my mac shoved in my backpack). The problem has gotten progressively worse, so I finally made a Genius Bar appointment.
I went in at 2:30, found that I needed a new screen, was informed they had the needed part at the store (!), that the technician could get it done by 5pm, and that it would typically cost 600 dollars but it would be free because of my three year Apple Care Protection plan (thank God I bought that).
Picked up my 1/2 new laptop at 5.
Piece of cake.
