can anyone explain the meet and greet to me that happens on thursday night prior to PIR?

Is just for families to meet eachother like ppl that u have been chatting with on N4. Its was cool I had a blast at the meet and greet

Rainforest Cafe in Gurnee Mills Mall is great but very $$$$$ if feeding a large group.

 

We had a group of 6 and the bill was over $100.00.  I love their food though and the portions are rather big.  Two people could split a meal if they wanted.  We "adopted" a sailor over PIR weekend and has never been to Rainforest Cafe and he was at awe with all there was to look at.  He hardly touched his meal because he was so busy looking around.

Silos Restaurant, Pizza, Ribs, pasta, etc.  was great.  Food was excellent, service was great.  Very comfortable casual atmosphere...Big TVs,  Casual attire,  prices were very reasonable and they serve the Sailors a complimentary specialty appetizer.  The best part is you are away from the crowds and can visit with your guys!  We thoroughly enjoyed it and it was just minutes away from the base.

does anyone remember the link to order the division shirts or sweatshirts?

 

in which discussion?  can't find it.

Thanks Skyler!!!  It was early this morning...lol

Emma, thanks for posting Silo's website, we found it accidentally when we put in my dau. GPS under restaurants, ( we are in Calif.) so didn't know anything about the area.  Their food was wonderful, varied menu, really anything you could possibly want to eat and they were so gracious.  The sailor's get special treatment the huge dish of sidewalk fries with parmesan cheese and ranch dressing on the side were to die for.  Hope you all try it.  I can't say enough for them!

Hi guys!

I am so excited I can't even sit straight!!!

My hunny's grandma is here for PIR tomorrow and we have a wheelchair.

Anyone know how the process works with a wheelchair?  We are taking the shuttle from the Residence Inn to base.

 

Also where is the closest place to drill hall?  Shuttle or drive in?

We went downtown on Saturday and took the train right from GL. It was the best way to go as we didn't have to worry about parking or finding our way around. Also, my SR wanted to go to the Shedd Aquarium as his g/f hadn't been. We got there about 1pm and the line was over 2 hours to get in. Well, my youngest son went to this area called "Accessible"-- (it is to the right of the main entrance lines). He told the lady that he was with his brother that just graduated and we didn't have much time and the line was so long...long story short, she let us in that way. It is usually for parents with strollers and possibly handicapped but our wait time was only 15 minutes compared to 2.5 hours. If you don't ask, you won't know!

i am wondering about the restaurants around the area to take my SR to?  she LOVES crab legs, and i have no idea where to go for these.  i really do not know if she would even want to eat them, considering how messy they can be.  anyone have any ideas?

I was just wondering if the location where they have the PIR is indoors or outdoors?

 

 

I believe it is indoors.

I have heard pros and cons to driving and the shuttle. My SR's grad date is 4/22. His sister and I are the only ones going right now (his brother might also go). We are getting a rental car, but I'm unsure of driving to PIR. I've heard it's nice driving because then you get that time with them in the car, and that's really special. However, you do have to go through the inspection and parking and walking.. which can take some time. We plan on getting there VERY early. But I've always heard waiting for the shuttle after can take time with all the loads of people trying to get on. If anyone here HAD to choose today, what would you do? Why?

Annamichael- I am planning on taking a taxi/van to PIR.  Because I do not want to worry about traffic or anything like that.  I heard afterwards there are taxis lined up to go where ever.  Then the rest of the weekend I will drive and pick up/drop off as needed.  Even if you do the shuttle you will still be spending time with them.  Since he is staying in GL, we will have up to 5 hours to wait while he checks in.  So we can take a taxi to the hotel, get some lunch and drive back in our car to pick him up.

My daughter will be 4 months when we go to my husband's PIR in May.

I'm thinking shuttle taxi is the best choice rather than driving or a shuttle bus. Thank you, everyone, for your input! I'm SO excited! Only three more weeks for me :)

Hello Everyone!

Just wondering what is the best way to attend PIR on the 4/8/11.  Drive my rental car or take shuttle bus?  Staying at Navy Lodge and want to arrive at 6:30 am. I would love to hear some feedback.  Thanks  :)   GO NAVY

How early should we arrive at the gate for PIR to avoid long lines of traffic and be able to get good seats? Also, does everybody have to sit up in the balcony seating or is there seating on the floor level too?

we are going to be driving a rental car, so I told my in laws we needed to be at the gate super early to get good seats.....can't wait for May 13.

I have a quick question:  What is the difference between the Navy Lodge and the Navy Gateway Inn & Suites?  I will be spending some extra time up in GL after PIR, and was wondering which one to stay at....looks like Gateway is about $30 cheaper per night, and I am a Navy spouse with military ID, so I believe I am eligible to stay at either place...correct me please if I am wrong!  Was just wondering about information on both places...thanks!

We stayed at the Navy Lodge. Nothing super special but it meet our needs for the quick short time in Great Lakes. They havea bag breakfast that we were able to carry into the PIR and toss the trash before the PIR began. Internet wasn't very good we didn't try to access it but another family said it was not good.  The ride time to base was short and easy. Locals told us to line up for 6:15 so to avoid the long lines. I don't know anything about the Navy Gateway.

Hope that helps. Oh adn we stayed under our recruits name.

I thought they set you, not as you came in, but by division?

Anyone know anything about the Red Carpet Inn? My SR's graduation is in 3 weeks and we still haven't gotten a hotel or car. RCInn says they are only 59.00 a night. Any other suggestions??

Anna- it comes down to anywhere you stay make sure you know the route to teh base and give yourself enough time to get there. Also see if they have a shuttle and if it's free. When it comes to your weekend for PIR seeing your Sailor is the only thing that really mattters. and pack a set of shorts adn tshirt for your sailor to just hang in the room in the long shower that they LOVE to get.  Congrats!

True. I am looking at four different hotels and RCInn is the cheapest - but that's not always the best thing. All of them have a shuttle and are within 5 miles from RTC.

I can't wait.. only 20 more days! :)

I've heard a lot of good things about the Ramada Inn on here and they have a Navy Graduation package. I think I'll go with them. When/how can I get a rental car?

LMC - did you take a shuttle or the rental car? It will only be his sister and I, so I'm not sure what would be best. I don't want to wait for a shuttle to leave PIR to go back to the hotel, because I've heard you have to wait a while and there will be tons of people.. But I would love to be dropped off right there at the door and not have to go through the car inspection and have to park far away. What do you think?

My son's PIR is 05/13.  We already made reservations at the Ramada Inn.  Did it for 2 reasons - 1) The Meet and Greet is there and 2) It has the free breakfast and an indoor pool.  We are paying $79/night and it's only 3-4 miles from the base.  It does have the shuttle, but the shuttle doesn't leave until 7:30 a.m. and PIR begins at 9 a.m.  We're driving to the base, but leaving before 7 a.m. 

Ohhh, did not know it didn't leave til 7:30. We are for sure driving then. We will get there at 6:30 probably. Thank you so much for the info!

Just called the Ramada and the first shuttle leaves at 7am.

WE live in Cleveland Ohio area adn we drove our 12 seater van to PIR Had the hubby, one son (other cson had to take his ACT so he had to miss it. ) and the sailors GF with us. We stayed at teh Navy Lodge. ended up meet a Mom Gma and sister who took Amtrak into Chicago and had no car. Since we had a big van we offered to drive them to the PIR but then they would be on their own. They loved that idea.  Get the train info from your hotel as to the times for Sat if you want to go into Chicgo. We parked on base and meet our sailor and walked to the train stop. IT's about 10-15 minutes but it was June. Caught the first train out aht we could. DO NOT plan to take the last train back to base. Our out going train broke down TG! it was the am if it had been on the way back sailor would of been late to return. Being Late for curfew is BAD and effects all the division. One girl used the excuse I got confused with military time. WRONG answer she then had duty all day Sat. and olny like 2 hours free. Hey sad for her but she didn't follow the directions given.

Good luck to all of you hope this helped. PM me if you want more info. :D

 

I have a suggestion for those of you with infants. I would use a "front pack" rather than a stroller. The baby will be sleeping most of the time (Hopefully) and will feel snug and secure being close to mom. I would think it would work great for nursing also.

My only child is 19 and  in bc as I write this. When he was 2 months old I flew with my MIL and used a front pack rather than buy an extra seat for him. It worked very well, and I didn't have to worry about lugging a bulky stroller around.

Annamichael - When I called the  Ramada last weekend, they told me the shuttle wouldn't leave until 7:30 a.m.  I guess it doesn't matter too much, because I think we'll be driving anyway.  Glad you got an answer from them.

when i called the ramada to reserve last week, they said the first shuttle left at 6:30.  have they changed the schedule?

Ask about cost. Some where charging last year. You could always arrange a cab and have it there for you. Make sure it's knows to only take you. just a thought. 

Hi, I noticed questions about the shuttle from the Ramada. If you take your own vehicle its best to drive in yourself EARLY!! My daughter graduated in January of this year and we stayed at the Ramada. The gates open at 6;30am and we were in line at 5:30am 10th in line. And within 6am the line was LONGGG.   Yes, its pretty early but its worth it cause it gets crowded fast.You get a better selection in your seating by your assigned DIVISION. They serve coffee. The excitement is worth for waiting for. My tip: If you get a new camera for this special moment... PLEASE learn how to use all the functions before the day. Silly, me I was frustrated trying out to figure my new camera out. ENJOY!!!  

My proud Sailorette-

Oh and so important.. there are alot of close hotels by the base. Which in my opinion its best to stay close in the area to enjoy every minute before your Sailor has to return to base at night. THEY CANNOT BE LATE!!! I'm excited for all of you!!!

Hellol NMoms  Today is a big day for  o4  808 and others, and I want to say a prayer for all of them.  Cant wait for PIR on the 8th!!!!

A big Thank You for all of the valuable information from all of you who have shared..May God Bless you and yours!!! 

 

Wow! On the early time frame for being in line!  I'm hoping I can talk my family into getting there that early!  I'm sure they will want to, but OM gosh!  Can't wait till 05/13!

Wow! Okay, definitely taking some notes! Okay - MAJOR question: My SR gave four names for graduation. Myself, his dad, brother and sister. His dad and brother cannot go, so that leaves myself and his sister. Can we bring someone else in the place of his dad or brother? I have heard you have to call because he gave THOSE FOUR names and they are expecting them. How does it work?

I would recommend you also join through Facebook "U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command" its a great place to ask direct questions from GL. They will help answer your questions regarding PIR. On a side note: Aside from the 4 listed names on are list. My nephew and his wife decided to attend last minute and they were not even on the list. What they do is first go by the list and then they allow the extra guests to attend who are NOT on the list. They wont turn anyone away with proper ID. Good luck!!!

Write recruit ask recruit to tell you who's name e is adding. You can suggest that so and so wants to go since Dad and Sib aren't able to come.As for extra folks they permit them IF there is SPACE.

Lady and LMC - I got a call yesterday!! I've been home sick from work and his division - 144 got a call. I told him about his aunt going and he said that yesterday was the last day to give final names. So, it worked out perfectly. Thank you both!

Where can I find an all black back pack? I have heard LL Bean, but on their site they have white and gray stitching and RTC said no stitching. I have also heard the NEX on the day of his graduation. I just really wanted to avoid that though because of the crowds.

Try special order thru an Ohio company. http://www.drifterbag.com/index2.htm

Google seaarch reads: 

drifterbag.com - American Made Bags - Lifetime Warranty

 - [ Skip intro ]

 

Have to say I brought all 3 of my boys their backpacks when they were in 4th grade. Paid about $55. for them but they have all used them thru high school graduation. And my middle sons had had to go in for repair (twice) but he is hard on everything.

They will even sew in like a pencil pouch in them.

If we are staying at Navy Lodge for PIR, do we need to have a military ID to check in? Or can anyone attending the PIR stay there? I have heard different answers.

When we stayed there we booked under our SR name and had no issue. I called them to set up the stay instead of doing it online. they walked me thru the online process. They said due the BC being at GL that one allows you to do that.  Hope that makes sense.