<p>It is my understanding that the incoming class of '09 will be reporting on June 30th. Doc—or anyone who is familiar with the current process…What is your suggestion on an arrival date? We were thinking of arriving on the 28th, and having a “down day” with our son on the 29th. What do you think? What about hotels that might give a good rate for incoming cadets and their parents? And how does the day go? Will we say goodbye in the morning, or is it best to plan to leave C. Springs on the 1st of July?</p>
<p>I'd definitely plan on arriving at least the day prior... You don't want him to be the kid who encounters one little delay on the way and ends up having to inprocess way late (can attract a lot of attention and put him a little behind to begin with). My dad and I stayed at the Radisson Inn North the night before I inprocessed (and have stayed there every Parent's Weekend, etc.). It's not too bad, and it's right outside one of the gates. For inprocessing day, I'd suggest arriving somewhere in the middle, or at least not at the very end; the very beginning can be just as bad. Say goodbye as soon as you drop him off. If you want to see his class take the oath, you can stay for that. Just don't plan on actually seeing him (or him seeing you) once he leaves your sight on inprocessing day; that is your good bye.</p>
<p>Uncynical's advice is sound. There won't be many good deals on rooms because they know you have to show up. Arrive the day before. Arriving 2 days early and then having a "down day" probably isn't a good idea because you'll just be stressing out about it anyway. If they say show up between 0700 and 1100, be there at 0830. Give the parents a hug and move as quickly through all of the steps as you can, then get on the bus to the Hill and start it up...</p>