Sometimes you can sneak in a little time on Friday afternoon/evening (although not usually--you just might have a sneaky cadet); otherwise they are released to be with family & friends after the A-Day parade--you will arrange a time and place to meet with you kid; he or she will have his phone back the week prior. People often meet at a statue or a monument. (Getting a picture of that first hug is tradition!). Then you have your kid until late late at night. You can pick your cadet up early on Sunday morning. It is important to recognize that the first day of school is Monday. So, you might get your kid early, go lunch, go shopping, he or she might nap or whatever, but your cadet may wish to get his or her head in the game and organized for the first day of school. We would normally take off around 2 in the afternoon for the drive back to DC.
It is such a great weekend! You will be so happy & proud!
Edited to share: If you had to pick between R-Day and A-Day. Pick A-Day...this is where you see your cadet and spend time with your cadet. It is a celebration!