Planning PIR trip

[long linguine legs mom]

Hello this is my first post to this so please forgive me if I seem confused.  Our son is graduating on December 21st.  Not exactly the best timing!  We received the brochures but I wanted to know if there is any other information besides this.  It seems that you are pretty much on your own to figure things out. Since it is right at x-mas we really dont want to rent a car to save $$ but is that possible to get around without rental car?  Is there any packages available?  We woundn't miss this for the world, but really have to do on the cheap because of time of year. Does the Navy have anything for parents to do before the PIR or after?

 

If any of the moms could give advice, I would greatly appreciate it.

[A Proud Navy Mom]

Absolutely!   They bypass all the vehicles in line and drop you off at the entrance gate that opens at 6:30 am.   I requested a 6 AM pickup and when we arrived, we were 30th in line and there were about 50 cars in line already..  While we were getting processed and walking to our seats, everyone who drove was still waiting to get through the security gate and had to park their car.   If you choose to use Sarge, his shuttles run all day until everyone has been returned to their hotels.  They all line up around the "loop" where the fighter jet is.  You will see this plane when you are walking to the hall.  I was nervous that there would be this mob scene and would get bumped out of a ride but it was not like that at all.  My son joined us, we walked over to the van, and got right to the lodge.  Then, we had Enterprise pick us up to get our rental.   If you don't mind getting up very early and getting in line to get through security and if your son gets signed out quickly like my son and you don't mind waiting in line to get off base, then take your car.  If your son is scheduled to ship out that night, he will have to pack up everything which can take up to 3 hours or he may have to do watch.  Most parents returned to their hotel to wait for their sailor to call to pick them up.  Many do drive their own cars.  It depends on you.  We like convenience and no hassles.  Definitely go to the Meet & Greet at the Sundance Saloon.  You will get a ton of tips and info there.  If you do decide on Sarge for shuttle service for PIR, call him and book him ASAP and tell him what time you want to leave for PIR.  Most people sign up at the M&G and want 6:15 - 7:30 am.   I am an early bird and wanted the best seats.   Hope this helps :)

[MommaJeri]

A Proud Navy Mom: thank you! very, very helpful information. :)

[A Proud Navy Mom]

Update, NavyMomMary . . .I just spoke to a Navy mom who I have become good friends with.  Her son just graduated this past weekend.  She rented a car but followed my advice about taking the shuttle to and from PIR . . . .said it was the best decision she made :).

[marysuemcc]

that was so helpful !!!!!!!! thank you ................how did you arrange for the shuttle service ?

i am travelling alone and have never been to this area of the country at all................

[MommaJeri]

marysuemcc: some of the hotels offer shuttle service, you should ask when making your reservation. Also, check here: Recommended List (clickable link) for other suggestions. :)

[GMA of a Sonar Tech]

Thank you very much for your information and Congratulations on your son becoming a Sailor...we are booked at the Navy Gateway Inn which is on base...do you know any information on this...and do we need a shuttle for PIR or since we are already on base can we drive our car?

[Angie]

The Gateway Inn isn't on the RTC base, it is on the base across the street.  So you will have to drive, otherwise if you want to get a taxi you have to meet them outside the gate as they are not allowed on the bases.

[GMA of a Sonar Tech]

Help?...this is getting very confusing to me...which is better to stay at the Navy Lodge or the Inn or should we just get a hotel off bases...my husband is retired Navy and we usually stay at a Navy Lodge in Coronado and that is simple...but this is all more complicated...we will have a rental car...Thank you in advance for your suggestions....

[lemonelephant]

It is up to you.  You would be eligible to stay at either. 

The Navy Gateway Inns & Suites is located on the main base, about 1.5 miles from RTC. Only those with military IDs can access the base to stay there.  http://dodlodging.net or 1-877-NavyBed (1-877-628-9233).  I think this one is less expensive.

The Navy Lodge is located 1.9 miles off base from RTC and guests of graduation are allowed to stay there.  https://reservations.staydod.com/hotelSearch.do?action=View&pro... or 847-689-1485.

You would still need to arrive at the RTC when the gates open at 6:30 am because traffic gets really bad the closer you get to PIR time.

[Not so Blue]

very helpful. thanks.

[bama mom]

I was curious about that.  A friend of mine that was stationed there told me to fly into O'hare and take the train to my hotel. Then take the shuttle to graduation.  Safer and quicker is what she said, at least for a lady traveling alone. I haven't gotten my hotel yet, but should by tomorrow. 

 

Thanks for the information!

[photomom CTN/AO]

Just curious as to how your trip turned out. My daughter grads on 02/01 and I am trying to make plans. Did you take train to hotel?