I was induced two weeks ago. I was given the pessary, then pretty much left to my own devices for 24 hours! Dh and I went for a looooong walk around the park next to the hospital, got some lunch in a cafe, watched a film on the ipad etc. I just had to be at my bed at set times for half an hour of monitoring. Contractions started pretty quickly, but only mildly. The midwives gave me paracetamol and codeine.
After 24 hours they examined me and I hadn't dilated, so had to have a second pessary - but I was being induced early due to pre-eclampsia, so my body wasn't ready yet.
24 hours later, another examination and I had dilated 1cm, enough for them to break my water. They then give you two hours to see how things progress, before putting you on the drip. I made my epidural request when they broke my water, so that I would be 'in the queue' and sure to get it when I needed it.
From that point things moved quickly for me, contractions came on strong and they moved me to a labour room within an hour of breaking waters.
The anaesthetist came and put in the epidural, which was wonderful, and then the drip was put in after that. Because of the epi I could feel when a contraction was happening (like a balloon being blown up in my tummy) but no pain. Dh and I went to sleep. I woke 4 hours later, the midwife examined me and said it was time to push. Ds was born an hour later, with sensation but no pain.
Personally I found the induction process long, but calm. I loved the epidural. If your hospital allows it do consider your dh staying overnight in hospital with you, mine slept on the floor and everyone else's did too, pack him some pants!
Best of luck, keep us updated with how you get on!