I-Day accommodations

[MidCakePa]

If you’re determined to tour the Yard around I-Day, do so a day or two before. It’s much more relaxed, much less crowded. You’ll see some of the setup going on. You’ll pass other P2Bs. You’ll be less rushed in seeing the attractions. And you can get a lay of the land for where you might set up for the post-oath meet-up. (Think shade: Scout out good trees and the direction of the sun.)

Staying within a mile or two of the Yard is good for burning off the P2B’s nervous energy on I-Day. We stayed in Eastport and that brisk, wordless, 20-minute walk at 6am to Alumni Hall was what DD (and we) needed to mitigate the butterflies. Let your P2B set the pace and mood. It’s their day.

If you grab your now-plebe a sandwich and drink for the meet-up — and you should — make sure the fluid is clear. Water, clear Gatorade or Vitamin Water, Sprite will work. A big purple stain on fresh whiteworks is a very conspicuous way to march into Bancroft. Not to mention, it could be immortalized in one of those ubiquitous I-Day videos on YouTube.

 

[USNAhopeful2025]

Lots of advice given so far. I agree given experience last summer that I-Day is not the best time for family and friends. Drop off was spread over two days June 29th and 30th with the swearing in ceremony on the 30th. DS drop off was on 30th at 1130a.

We arrived in Annapolis on Monday night as DS wanted one day in DTA to get acclimated. We walked over to the Yard on Tuesday but DS did not want to step foot anywhere near a gate. We convinced him to take one picture outside Gate 1 and then he quickly moved us away.

On Wednesday, we dropped him off at Alumni hall about 15 minutes before his report time. We then went and got lunch and then returned to Yard around 1. We parked at Noah Hilman Garage and walk back to Yard to go Gate 1 security. While they did not limit family members everyone had to have the Plebe to Be PTR letter. There were a few activities for the parents on the Yard (Yard boat tour, Mid Store, Supe talk, etc) but was VERY hot and humid. We choose to have the box dinner from Dahlgren and ordered an extra for DS. Swearing in was at 7pm and we were way in the back standing with not much to see. After ceremony we got to see DS for a few minutes and all he wanted was cold drinks (which unfortunately we did not have nearly enough) and a little food.

Note that the only place to buy snack food on the Yard was the mid store which closed I believe around 4. There is also a water bottle vending machine in Dahlgren. You can always leave and return but everytime you have to go through security.

Note PTR was received Mid May but you need to book hotel much earlier.

Plebe Parent weekend is much better as you dictate your time. The only restrictions are that they have curfew every night and have to be in uniform the whole weekend.

An even better time to go is during Fall Football. If you time it right your Plebe can request one overnight liberty (subject to change). Go to a Friday parade (much cooler than PPW parade) and you might be able to give them hug back at Bancroft. Go to football and enjoy the tailgating and then take Plebe to hotel for the night. If it happens to be a three day weekend they may even Sunday night leave!

helpful hint - I walked over to T-court on the oath day around 10 am (our plebe was dropped off the day before) and saved some front row seats to see the oath - worth it for sure - we were able to see it all. our plebe walked right by us to get seated with her company - after the oath she said she did not even see us - eyes were focused and straight ahead - it was brutally hot even that night - we saw many of the detailers pass out while standing during the ceremony. bring lots of water for your plebe and a small bite to eat! make sure to bring lots of water too for you and family attending. if all is normal it is a very moving event to be at!

 

[brewmeist]

I walked over to T-court on the oath day around 10 am (our plebe was dropped off the day before) and saved some front row seats to see the oath - worth it for sure - we were able to see it all.

I'm glad that worked out for you. We had nice seat location as well. Then a family walked right in front of us just as the ceremony started, and stood on the landscaping. The mom was literally standing on top of a shrub. Then the dad put his kid on his shoulders.

I was about to go all Jersey on the group, but my wife begged for me to stay calm. It wasn't easy...

 

[TugJr'sMom]

helpful hint - I walked over to T-court on the oath day around 10 am (our plebe was dropped off the day before) and saved some front row seats to see the oath - worth it for sure - we were able to see it all. our plebe walked right by us to get seated with her company - after the oath she said she did not even see us - eyes were focused and straight ahead - it was brutally hot even that night - we saw many of the detailers pass out while standing during the ceremony. bring lots of water for your plebe and a small bite to eat! make sure to bring lots of water too for you and family attending. if all is normal it is a very moving event to be at!

What did you have to do to save the seats?

 

[USNAhopeful2025]

I'm glad that worked out for you. We had nice seat location as well. Then a family walked right in front of us just as the ceremony started, and stood on the landscaping. The mom was literally standing on top of a shrub. Then the dad put his kid on his shoulders.

I was about to go all Jersey on the group, but my wife begged for me to stay calm. It wasn't easy...

oh my goodness - I would have lost it too!!! I really wanted to see! we were literally front row by where the plebes walked in.

 

[brewmeist]

oh my goodness - I would have lost it too!!! I really wanted to see! we were literally front row by where the plebes walked in.

It's just a reminder that people are people, and there are all types. Sometimes you need to keep things in stride to make the most of a moment.

 

[USNAhopeful2025]

What did you have to do to save the seats?

I just took some tape and school paper and put them on the seats. there were many people there doing the same. I had no idea to do that but a friend who had a midshipman just graduate told me to do it. She called me that morning early and said get over there and get some seats!! Also I did ask some USNA staff that were setting everything up if it was ok - they were like sure!!!

 

[USNAhopeful2025]

It's just a reminder that people are people, and there are all types. Sometimes you need to keep things in stride to make the most of a moment.

very true!!!

 

[TugJr'sMom]

I just took some tape and school paper and put them on the seats. there were many people there doing the same. I had no idea to do that but a friend who had a midshipman just graduate told me to do it. She called me that morning early and said get over there and get some seats!! Also I did ask some USNA staff that were setting everything up if it was ok - they were like sure!!!

Very good to know. Thank you!!

 

[LST271]

make sure the fluid is clear

Never thought of that! Thanks.

 

[AF6872]

Along with that clear fluid bring a cheap picnic tablecloth for them to sit on along Stribling. No grass stains on white works

 

[USNAhopeful2025]

Along with that clear fluid bring a cheap picnic tablecloth for them to sit on along Stribling. No grass stains on white works

Yes!! Have to have a blanket to sit on!!!

 

[LT360]

Along with that clear fluid bring a cheap picnic tablecloth for them to sit on along Stribling. No grass stains on white works

We actually borrowed a few folding chairs that where down near Mahan from the booths that were set up earlier in the day . Others followed suit. After Plebes reformed and marched into Mother B, I took them back to where I found them.

 

[mac6578]

IMO, after doing this twice: IDAY…a shorter and laid back, casual time with only the mid (we even left siblings at home). Keep it simple. Arrive a day or two before, and leave day of drop off. It’s an emotionally charged time. You *probably* won’t want to hang around after Iday. But rather go home and….cry? Jump for joy? Clean a room?? Idk. But I was team cry. From emotion.

Parents weekend? Bring the whole family. It’s a celebratory, exciting adventurous time. Your plebe will be excited, instead of nervous.

Iday, we stayed within walking distance each time. POW? Rented a small house AWAY from the Yard.

And we would do it this way again.

Congrats!

Thanks for this honest advice! Can I ask the reason for staying away from the Yard for POW?

Also, great advice above as to when we should/shouldn’t include grandparents.

 

[WolfPackGrunt]

Thanks for this honest advice! Can I ask the reason for staying away from the Yard for POW?

Also, great advice above as to when we should/shouldn’t include grandparents.

Rationale for staying away from the Yard on PPW is for your Mid- they will likely be apprehensive about running into upperclass, detailers, officers, etc.

 

[mac6578]

IMO, after doing this twice: IDAY…a shorter and laid back, casual time with only the mid (we even left siblings at home). Keep it simple. Arrive a day or two before, and leave day of drop off. It’s an emotionally charged time. You *probably* won’t want to hang around after Iday. But rather go home and….cry? Jump for joy? Clean a room?? Idk. But I was team cry. From emotion.

Parents weekend? Bring the whole family. It’s a celebratory, exciting adventurous time. Your plebe will be excited, instead of nervous.

Iday, we stayed within walking distance each time. POW? Rented a small house AWAY from the Yard.

And we would do it this way again.

Congrats!

Thank you for this advice! What are your reasons for staying away from the Yard for POW?

 

[mac6578]

Rationale for staying away from the Yard on PPW is for your Mid- they will likely be apprehensive about running into upperclass, detailers, officers, etc.

Thank you!

Thank you for this advice! What are your reasons for staying away from the Yard for POW?

disregard this- somehow it posted twice.

 

[LT360]

PPW-all the Plebe will want to do is sleep, eat and catchup on media (phone, music, snappychat, movies, etc). Remember that they will have to be returned each night to the Yard, they will be in summer whites when in public, there will be 1000 other Plebes heading back at same time and your Plebe will be deathly afraid of being late.

Each visit will get better and the MIDNs figure out what they want to do. PPW DS just wanted to sleep and to eat in hotel. During a visit in fall DS got overnight liberty on a long weekend and he wanted to see a movie and eat out. This past weekend he also got overnight liberty and he wanted to go to DC, shop for supplies and eat out.

 

[justdoit19]

Rationale for staying away from the Yard on PPW is for your Mid- they will likely be apprehensive about running into upperclass, detailers, officers, etc.

Thanks for this honest advice! Can I ask the reason for staying away from the Yard for POW?

Also, great advice above as to when we should/shouldn’t include grandparents.

Yes, my Mid was able to let go and relax….away from the eyes of detailed. That will mostly not be in uniform or anything signifying they are USNA. We stayed in a quiet, secluded town close by. With a beach. It was so relaxing…and since my Mid was able to let his guard down, it was more enjoyable for the whole fam.

 

[mac6578]

Yes, my Mid was able to let go and relax….away from the eyes of detailed. That will mostly not be in uniform or anything signifying they are USNA. We stayed in a quiet, secluded town close by. With a beach. It was so relaxing…and since my Mid was able to let his guard down, it was more enjoyable for the whole fam.

Thanks! That’s what I’m wondering. If it’s better to do a VRBO where he can relax, and we can enjoy just being in his presence. Originally I was thinking being in walking distance would be best but I’m glad to have these forums to guide us. Thank you! Sound like we should be close for I-day and a bit out for parents weekend!