Plebe Parents Weekend attendees

[SailorMum]

I haven't come across this thread yet, so hope I'm not being repetitive. For PPW, are there restrictions on who can attend, such as immediate family only? My parents are very close to my son and would like to travel with my husband and me for this special weekend, but will they be issued the same type of passes to attend events? In photos from previous years, it looks like siblings can attend. I didn't seem to find much info when I googled it, so maybe someone out there can give us advice about PPW. I do realize it stands for Plebe PARENTS weekend, but I know it'd be meaningful for my son to have his grandparents there too. Thank you!

 

[NavyHoops]

There are lots of old threads on this usually in PPW discussions. There are no tickets and anyone can attend. It can be a long, hot, taxing day on families. If you have been to USNA you know it won’t be a short walk that day. Depending on the age and mobility for grandparents it can be a tough day for some to get around. On some of the older threads attendees have mentioned leaving grandparents at hotels or houses for the initial part of the day and then having them come over for the ceremony. This can help limit walking especially if hot and humid. Many of these older threads cover recommendations for the day.

 

[time2]

Lots of older threads on this subject. Anyone can attend PPW, no tickets are necessary and the title of the event has nothing to do with who can participate. HOWEVER, your plebe will most likely be fairly exhausted from Plebe Summer and just want to relax (i.e. sleep) at your hotel and not be a tourguide for all things related to Annapolis.

 

[helmsdown]

My .02. There are some hotels just a few blocks from the Yard. They are sort of pricey but if you book now they will be less. Historic Inns of Annapolis. The Gov Calvert House is 2 blocks from Gate 3. This is good for the end of the day when plebes must return to Bancroft. No they don't get to spend the night with you.

Tip 2. When you go to I day. Go very early and get yourself a DoD ID card. This will allow you to drive onto the Yard. You can drop off elderly family members. Get in line before they open or you will be there for hours.

 

[SailorMum]

Thank you all. I obviously don't yet know how to search previous old threads , but I now see the Search box above. I did make sure to get accommodations where my son can go and rest, and we can certainly explore Annapolis on our own. My parents ski double black runs at high altitude in Colorado, so they're pretty active, but will plan for the heat, humidity, and lots of walking! Appreciate your time.

Lots of older threads on this subject. Anyone can attend PPW, no tickets are necessary and the title of the event has nothing to do with who can participate. HOWEVER, your plebe will most likely be fairly exhausted from Plebe Summer and just want to relax (i.e. sleep) at your hotel and not be a tourguide for all things related to Annapolis.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

Go very early and get yourself a DoD ID card.

They are issuing DOD ID's or passes to parents now ? Are you sure that's not limited to Retired Military, or others that have official business ? (BGO's can request a pass to drive vehicles onto the Yard, but I can't really imagine them offering that up to parents and family, particularly during PPW and other busy periods).

 

[USMA96]

They are issuing DOD ID's or passes to parents now ? Are you sure that's not limited to Retired Military, or others that have official business ? (BGO's can request a pass to drive vehicles onto the Yard, but I can't really imagine them offering that up to parents and family, particularly during PPW and other busy periods).

Yes, they are issuing them to parents as well. The category is “Long Term Visitor” and is good for 2 years.

 

[usna1985]

This thread seems to conflate I-Day and PPW. I-Day offers VERY, VERY limited time (read 30 minutes total) with your plebe. It's very stressful for plebe and parents and most people recommend limiting attendees to parents and siblings. Some bring GF/BF. Not lots bring GPs but you can certainly do so.

Much more time with plebe during PPW (basically 2.5 waking days). Much more fun for all! Still may not want cast of thousands for the entire WE but IMHO a better time for extended family to participate.

 

[Sandydesert]

Annapolis is extremely hot and humid in the summer. PPW 2016 was the same ( think 3 days living in a sauna; walk outside, take 3 steps, and you are already pouring sweat). Bring a large water bottle with you and fill it at the hotel. Your plebe will be exhausted-the last place they want to be is on the Yard. Mine wanted to go to the Annapolis mall and just walk around for a few hours. He also wanted to visit Washington D.C. If you drive to Washington, the parking there is very limited and extremely expensive. The heat and the humidity are the same in Washington, if not more so.