PIR Reference Information

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A permanent place for information about PIR. Forum discussions have been created to serve as file folders for specific details regarding different aspects of PIR. Please post information in the appropriate forum discussion. Thank you!

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Carol(ship12 Div.091)

Don't forget, bring the children's birth certificates. They do check them and if you don't have them they don't get in.

Mar 16, 2011
nikosmom ( CVN 70, Seaman )

I had no problem bringing extra people to PIR. all they did was ask who you were here to see and they stamped our hands.

Mar 16, 2011
Mom2aSailor

I think I am going to go to DMV and get them all photo ids.. my 14 yo has one for Boy scout outings, and I just think it will be easier if the rest have it also.

Mar 16, 2011
CDanielleR

Hi, I didn't see this anywhere in the discussions. But I saw alot of information about airline flights. But I was considering catching the AMTRAK to Chicago, its not really far from where I live. And I know there is a Metra Train that can take you to Great Lakes. I was wondering has anyone done it this way? If so how was your experience?

Mar 17, 2011
Tnmimom

Hi TxLadyJane! Enjoyed reading your PIR story! From what I have been reading, it seems convenient to take the hotel shuttle in the morning! What is the situation after PIR however-very crowded/long wait to catch the shuttle back to the hotel ? I am interested to hear various comments!

Mar 17, 2011
Mom2aSailor

I am taking Amtrak from NY to Chicago.. overnight train.. we are looking forward to it... w/5 kids, they'll hopefully sleep all night! :)

Mar 18, 2011
YMM (Ship 12 Div 98)

Last summer, my youngest son and I took Amtrak from central KS to Chicago and on to the East. We took a small soft-sided cooler with snacks and drinks for the trip.We were not in a sleeper car, so had to sleep in our seats. We took light weight blankets, and wished we had taken comfortable pillows. The pillows Amtrak provides are tiny. Have a great trip!

Mar 18, 2011
himmiemom

I had birth certificates and SS cards for my two minors and they do check both of them!!!! All the adults needed were a valid Id or valid DL and to know your sailors Division number.

Mar 18, 2011
cocojazz

Please share any info or ideas on great restaurants to take our Sailor to after PIR, and fun things to do that we can get our boy back by 8:00 at night on Saturday. Yeah!!! Can hardly wait. Almost there.

Mar 19, 2011
TxLadyJane(ET Nuke Mom)

Bravo Zulu

Mar 20, 2011
CorpsmansGirl08 (station:GL,IL)

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

Mar 22, 2011
Zahi Merz

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

Mar 22, 2011
himmiemom

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

Mar 22, 2011
himmiemom

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.

Mar 23, 2011
Carol(ship12 Div.091)

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.

Mar 23, 2011
Redfly

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

Mar 23, 2011
Redfly

in which discussion? can't find it.

Mar 24, 2011
Redfly

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

Mar 24, 2011
Carol(ship12 Div.091)

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!

Mar 24, 2011
davysnavywife (Groton CT)

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?

Mar 24, 2011
Junebug (Ship 2 Div 918)

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!

Mar 26, 2011
sherilyn

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?

Mar 26, 2011
Melhugsnavymom

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

Mar 26, 2011
ebigirl

I believe it is indoors.

Mar 26, 2011
annamichael

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?

Mar 27, 2011
Sherri0210 PIR 4/22(Ship 3/148)

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.

Mar 27, 2011
SubWife2011

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

Mar 29, 2011
annamichael

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 :)

Mar 30, 2011
Claudia

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

Mar 30, 2011
SubWife2011

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?

Mar 30, 2011
SubWife2011

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.

Mar 30, 2011
TropikalParadize

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!

Mar 31, 2011
LMC -mom of 2 Sailors!

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.

Mar 31, 2011
annamichael

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

Apr 1, 2011
annamichael

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??

Apr 1, 2011
LMC -mom of 2 Sailors!

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!

Apr 1, 2011
annamichael

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! :)

Apr 2, 2011
annamichael

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?

Apr 2, 2011
annamichael

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?

Apr 2, 2011
Mama C (PS E-Class 1202-1)

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.

Apr 2, 2011
annamichael

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!

Apr 2, 2011
annamichael

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

Apr 2, 2011
LMC -mom of 2 Sailors!

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

Apr 2, 2011
ebigirl

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.

Apr 2, 2011
Mama C (PS E-Class 1202-1)

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.

Apr 3, 2011
sherilyn

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

Apr 3, 2011
LMC -mom of 2 Sailors!

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.

Apr 3, 2011
Ms. Ampi USS Germantown

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-

Apr 3, 2011
Ms. Ampi USS Germantown

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!!!

Apr 3, 2011
Claudia

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!!!

Apr 3, 2011