Iday

I know this thread is from 2017, but I had a question re: I-day 2018. Our family is looking forward to attending I-day on June 28th. I read that once DS walks into Alumni Hall, we will have a chance to see him following the Oath of Office ceremony for 30 mins. or so. My question is what have other parents done between the report time and oath ceremony? We (the parents/siblings) have never had the opportunity to visit USNA as we live nearly 5,000 miles away. Given that we cannot just 'come up for a long weekend' we wanted to make the most of our limited time there. From previous I-day itineraries, which I assume does not change much from year to year, I see there are tours, a picnic, and a parent's briefing. We will be arriving in Annapolis a day and half prior and will be within walking distance so have flexibility. We certainly want to hit the Mid Store and get all things Navy we can. Maybe we should do that prior to I-day and avoid some of the rush? Any suggestions from those who have walked this road before us would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.
 
I know this thread is from 2017, but I had a question re: I-day 2018. Our family is looking forward to attending I-day on June 28th. I read that once DS walks into Alumni Hall, we will have a chance to see him following the Oath of Office ceremony for 30 mins. or so. My question is what have other parents done between the report time and oath ceremony? We (the parents/siblings) have never had the opportunity to visit USNA as we live nearly 5,000 miles away. Given that we cannot just 'come up for a long weekend' we wanted to make the most of our limited time there. From previous I-day itineraries, which I assume does not change much from year to year, I see there are tours, a picnic, and a parent's briefing. We will be arriving in Annapolis a day and half prior and will be within walking distance so have flexibility. We certainly want to hit the Mid Store and get all things Navy we can. Maybe we should do that prior to I-day and avoid some of the rush? Any suggestions from those who have walked this road before us would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.


The Mid-store will likely be packed in the days before I-day, but your plan to go early is good. The store usually extends its hours during I-day week. Plan to spend 2-3 hours in the store, and plan for a return visit to buy more of the stuff you saw on the first visit but didn't purchase. Bring an empty bag or two (or more) for all your new Navy gear. Explore DTA, and definitely eat at the Iron Rooster. There are many other excellent restaurants in Annapolis as well. (CRAB CAKES!!!). When we there, there was a charming little coffee shop that served bagels, etc, and the coffee shop allowed people to bring dogs in.

It will be very hot and humid-dress accordingly. but bring an umbrella just in case. Bring water bottles. Wear walking shoes, the sidewalks in DTA are cobblestone, a salute to Annapolis's colonial days. There is a fascinating multi-story Navy museum in Preble Hall. It displays thousands of USN and USNA artifacts. We spent 3 hours there and still did not see everything. Admission is free. Definitely go to the parent briefing-many of your questions will be answered. Bring a blanket so your plebe will be able to sit down on the grass-he will be wearing whites, and the plebes are/will be absolutely terrified of getting any stains on their clothing.

Enjoy your visit- take pictures so you can create a scrapbook of memories for your son.
 
I know this thread is from 2017, but I had a question re: I-day 2018. Our family is looking forward to attending I-day on June 28th. I read that once DS walks into Alumni Hall, we will have a chance to see him following the Oath of Office ceremony for 30 mins. or so. My question is what have other parents done between the report time and oath ceremony? We (the parents/siblings) have never had the opportunity to visit USNA as we live nearly 5,000 miles away. Given that we cannot just 'come up for a long weekend' we wanted to make the most of our limited time there. From previous I-day itineraries, which I assume does not change much from year to year, I see there are tours, a picnic, and a parent's briefing. We will be arriving in Annapolis a day and half prior and will be within walking distance so have flexibility. We certainly want to hit the Mid Store and get all things Navy we can. Maybe we should do that prior to I-day and avoid some of the rush? Any suggestions from those who have walked this road before us would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.


The Mid-store will likely be packed in the days before I-day, but your plan to go early is good. The store usually extends its hours during I-day week. Plan to spend 2-3 hours in the store, and plan for a return visit to buy more of the stuff you saw on the first visit but didn't purchase. Bring an empty bag or two (or more) for all your new Navy gear. Explore DTA, and definitely eat at the Iron Rooster. There are many other excellent restaurants in Annapolis as well. (CRAB CAKES!!!). When we there, there was a charming little coffee shop that served bagels, etc, and the coffee shop allowed people to bring dogs in.

It will be very hot and humid-dress accordingly. but bring an umbrella just in case. Bring water bottles. Wear walking shoes, the sidewalks in DTA are cobblestone, a salute to Annapolis's colonial days. There is a fascinating multi-story Navy museum in Preble Hall. It displays thousands of USN and USNA artifacts. We spent 3 hours there and still did not see everything. Admission is free. Definitely go to the parent briefing-many of your questions will be answered. Bring a blanket so your plebe will be able to sit down on the grass-he will be wearing whites, and the plebes are/will be absolutely terrified of getting any stains on their clothing.

Enjoy your visit- take pictures so you can create a scrapbook of memories for your son.
Thank you Sandydesert...Wonderful suggestions. Iron Rooster keeps coming up, so will have to make a stop there for a meal and thank you for the heads up re: a blanket to sit on as to not stain the white works. Thank you so much...
 
Lots of older threads on this topic with a variety of advice. It is generally VERY hot/humid in Annapolis that time of year, so plan accordingly. Bringing a large entourage of family/friends is probably not the best idea.
 
I will start and let me say Congratulations!!! 5,000 miles.....Alaska or Hawaii?? It is a long day but goes by fast. Hit the mid store the day before but then you will want go back the next day to get more Navy stuff!!!:) The mid store also has snacks and cool drinks and was pretty easy to get in and out that day. Bring blankets to sit, or lay down at some time in the many beautiful areas. The day ends up being pretty full as they have activities for parents. I believe their is a talk or 2 to attend. Lunch also (I believe we had to get tickets but you should get info on that) but at the lunch they had many vendors for all things that may help your plebe as well as parent/alumni clubs. You should be getting an itinerary at some time (someone with better memory jump in on this). It is a long day and can be muggy hot sometimes so watch the weather and bring water, umbrella's or whatever weather calls for. My DW and I opened up a Navy Federal Account near the midstore area for our plebe that day and their was a get 50$ cash reward for this so watch for specials! Hard for me to remember a lot as I was still in shock after hugging my DD goodbye in the AM:eek3:. But I remember the oath when the final words are spoken in unison LOUDLY in the ceremony and it echoes in the court as one of the most memorable moments in my life! We got to the Tecumseh court area late and was hard to see. I would recommend getting to that portion of the events early! You have about 30 mins after the oath to hang out with your now plebe The may be pretty exhausted/nervous/butterflies in the stomach. Someone several years ago posted about having some light snacks and cold water for them at this point and I think that is an awesome idea as they may not have eaten much. My goal for those moments was to be just supportive and remind her how proud we were of her and she can do this and really let her lead the talk (or the quiet). I overheard a grandparent near us say " I bet you are wondering what you got yourself into" which might be about the worst thing to ever say. Of course they may be thinking this but don't say this! One thing that helped my DD immensely was that she had connected with 10-12 other plebes to be on social media and we met for a low-key dinner the night before at Galway Pub and to meet other these super kids from all over was a huge help I believe. We have a DS aiming for class of 2023 who is going to NASS and a current class of 2019 midshipmen who has loved it and embraced the experience. She has been to Florida, San Diego, Hawaii, Morocco, Spain, El Salvador, and Colorado and has not yet finished her third year. She looks at it as a huge adventure. Best of luck and enjoy the day!

 
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I will start and let me say Congratulations!!! 5,000 miles.....Alaska or Hawaii?? It is a long day but goes by fast. Hit the mid store the day before but then you will want go back the next day to get more Navy stuff!!!:) The mid store also has snacks and cool drinks and was pretty easy to get in and out that day. Bring blankets to sit, or lay down at some time in the many beautiful areas. The day ends up being pretty full as they have activities for parents. I believe their is a talk or 2 to attend. Lunch also (I believe we had to get tickets but you should get info on that) but at the lunch they had many vendors for all things that may help your plebe as well as parent/alumni clubs. You should be getting an itinerary at some time (someone with better memory jump in on this). It is a long day and can be muggy hot sometimes so watch the weather and bring water, umbrella's or whatever weather calls for. My DW and I opened up a Navy Federal Account near the midstore area for our plebe that day and their was a get 50$ cash reward for this so watch for specials! Hard for me to remember a lot as I was still in shock after hugging my DD goodbye in the AM:eek3:. But I remember the oath when the final words are spoken in unison LOUDLY in the ceremony and it echoes in the court as one of the most memorable moments in my life! We got to the Tecumseh court area late and was hard to see. I would recommend getting to that portion of the events early! You have about 30 mins after the oath to hang out with your now plebe The may be pretty exhausted/nervous/butterflies in the stomach. Someone several years ago posted about having some light snacks and cold water for them at this point and I think that is an awesome idea as they may not have eaten much. My goal for those moments was to be just supportive and remind her how proud we were of her and she can do this and really let her lead the talk (or the quiet). I overheard a grandparent near us say " I bet you are wondering what you got yourself into" which might be about the worst thing to ever say. Of course they may be thinking this but don't say this! One thing that helped my DD immensely was that she had connected with 10-12 other plebes to be on social media and we met for a low-key dinner the night before at Galway Pub and to meet other these super kids from all over was a huge help I believe. We have a DS aiming for class of 2023 who is going to NASS and a current class of 2019 midshipmen who has loved it and embraced the experience. She has been to Florida, San Diego, Hawaii, Morocco, Spain, El Salvador, and Colorado and has not yet finished her third year. She looks at it as a huge adventure. Best of luck and enjoy the day!
Thank you landlock! Wonderful advise and best to your DS in his application for 2023.
 
can someone tell what time is the check in on I-Day? thx!
 
Midstore for sure to get your class of 2022 stuff if you haven't already. There is an afternoon lunch picnic on Hospital Point (ticket purchasing info will arrive with P2B permission to report package) . Also on Hospital Point a separate huge tent with various parent clubs and local info for parents etc. There are a few freebies available too. Administration will have a briefing in Alumni Hall. You'll hear from The Supe, The Dante, The Dean, The Athletic Director... all in air conditioning!
 
One small tip to stack on all the great advise here...we saw families, our best friends included, spend an inordinate amount of time (2-3 hours) at Gate 1 trying to obtain DoD Long Term Visitor cards to drive on and park on the yard, both on I-Day and Parents' Weekend. The way USNA is set up, it's quite easy to park close and walk on through the normal security lines, rather than give up that most precious time you'll have with your DS/DD. Since you're 5000 miles away, maybe it's worth it to try on those super busy times, but we did our long term cards during a weekend he earned last fall and it was an 8 minute process. We are 1500 miles away, but we saved a ton of time by simply parking close and walking on until the crowds died down.
 
Another good option for parking is to park at the stadium and take one of several shuttle buses that run back and forth. Shuttles run regularly so the wait is not bad. As I recall, stadium parking with shuttle buses is available both I-Day and PPW. Planning to park on the Yard is probably not a good idea with all of the construction going on. You will eventually get a parents pass that is good until your Mid graduates/commissions which will allow you to drive onto the Yard and pick up your mid and/or park if you can find a space. Most weekends when there isn't a major event it's pretty easy to find a place to park.

I-Day is great and awful at the same time, but try to enjoy it as much as you can. Plebe summer and even Plebe year seem to last a long time for you and your Mid, but all of a sudden your Mid is signing their 2 for 7 and thinking about service selection. Somewhere prior to I-Day for my Mid I read that the USNA experience can be broken into 1/3's that seem to be about equal once you've been through it and are able to look back - 1st third is Plebe summer, 2nd third is Plebe AC year and the last third is the rest of the time (3C to 1C years). That seems about right.
 
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