About I-day

[md403]

As someone that lives in Naptown, we normally recommend to our plebes families if they want a hotel, to get a suite out by BWI airport (cheaper--Marriott has special rates for military members/families, Navy Lodge, or hotels across the Bay bridge). They are normally all within 15-20 minutes of USNA but cheaper that than the outrageous prices in downtown Annapolis. If your looking for reasonable prices try the inn by Chick And Ruth's (they also sponsor plebes) and they try to cut the prices for USNA families they also have great food that most wont be able to finish http://www.chickandruths.com/

Happy New Year to everyone and congratulations to those who already have an appointment... to those like myself still waiting, good luck and try not to kill the computer as you wait for the portal to update your status. For those who know that they are getting a BFE via portal, try not to stalk and maim the postal carrier-lol

 

[OtB]

Correct, once the Bancroft doors close the "official" I-Day events are over. There are still plenty of "extracurricular" activities to do in and around the area once most of the crowd is gone. The Yard is somewhat relaxed without the full complement of Midshipmen, faculty, and staff on board. Take some time to tour the Yard on your own, walk the perimeter and stop by places like Triton Light, Sea Wall, and the cemetery. In downtown Annapolis (DTA), get a taste of Iron Rooster, Sofie's, Kilwin's, Mason's, or Annapolis Ice Cream (AIC). It will give you a heads up for subsequent visits such as Plebe Parents Weekend (PPW).

 

[Maplerock]

+1 Maplerock, spend time with your plebe-to-be before I Day. My DS's report time was 6am, we didn't see him until after the oath ceremony and then BOOM! It's over! We arrived 3 days early and toured the Yard, DTA and the surrounding area at a leisure pace. Also, don't forget the Mid Store and all the USNA and c/o 2020 SWAG you can buy. I recall we had access to the Mid Store the day before I Day.

Ah yes... the mid store. I could have retired earlier if not for all the money we spent there.

 

[usna1985]

Look into renting a house. That is what we did for Iday and Plebe Parents Weekend it is totally worth it.

Let me offer an "opposing" view. I-Day activities are really one day. You drop off your kid at Alumni Hall. There are things for the parents to do during the day but you won't see your kid again until the Oath of Office ceremony around 5:30 pm. Then you're done. So a max of two nights for most people (night before and night of I-Day).

The beauty of a hotel room is that you don't have to cook or make beds, etc. I-Day is pretty draining Assuming you can financially afford a hotel, enjoy the freedom of having someone else cook and clean. Ditto for PPW. There, your kid mostly wants to relax, watch TV, eat food that isn't King Hall, etc. (room service si SO nice). And your plebe has to be back at Bancroft every night. Being in a downtown hotel makes that return so much easier.

The one exception is if you plan to bring an army of relatives or are coming from Hawaii/Alaska such that you need several days to adjust your kid's body clock. Recommend not bringing everyone -- I-Day is stressful enough and having 20 people there won't make it better for anyone. Ditto for PPW -- not sure that's the best time to bring extended family.

BTW, different advice for Commissioning Week as firsties. There, you have a full week of activities and lots of family members will probably want to come. A house can be a terrific way to save money, have lots of time with family, etc.

Understand the OP found a house to be a great option and it may well be for some. Just consider your personal and financial situation and decide what works best for you.

 

[time2]

^^ Agree, that was our experience as well. I-day & PPW are really not the best time for scores of family members to attend. Commissioning activities last for an entire WEEK, so renting makes a lot of sense, provides more flexibility and simplifies the logistics for what you are planning and many reasonably priced homes are available in the area. I-Day is basically one day. When making hotel reservations, be sure to ask about parking arrangements since many nearby hotels do NOT have onsite parking, while the hotels near the mall do. (Avoids surprises when you arrive and find you have no onsite place to park and need to use a remote parking garage.)

Hotels often say 'within walking distance' are subject to interpretation.