National WWII Museum - visiting there on VE Day

As the title states, my family is going to be making a trip to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, LA. The museum was formerly known as the D-Day Museum. We'll be taking my 85 year old grandfather, a WWII veteran from the ETO and look to mark the 65th anniversary of VE Day on May 8th. (He was stationed in England as a surgical tech)

I've talked to others who have visited the museum in previous years and all have indicated it is well worth the trip from Missouri. Wanted to post on here in case others might have any tips or suggestions as the museum has certainly been changed some in recent years due to their renaming and expansion efforts. I'll be sure to post some pics to share the experience with others.

Thanks in advance.

 

Thanks guys. I know the family is certainly looking forward to the trip and I'm rather pleased that our plans could account for us being there on the 65th anniversary of VE Day. Grandpa will always know where he was at on the original VE day and we'll always remember where the family was on the 65th anniversary.

Ever since his Honor Flight to DC last fall, he's shown a rekindled interest in his war memories. While not having served on the front lines, he was a surgical tech/assistant at the 156th General Army Hospital in England. I know he saw a lot of the carnage of war and probably preferred to forget most of those stories and images. He seems geniunely excited to make the trek to New Orleans and see this museum in person. Thanks again for the quick responses and I'll be sure to keep this posting updated.

 

We made our trip this past weekend to New Orleans to visit the WWII Museum. Great family trip and what an awesome place. They don't allow photos in the main display areas but I did take several pics in the open vehicle display area. There is so much to see there that a person can definitely use 2 days to see and read each display. Great staff and pleasant volunteers all around!

Their newly opened restaurant, The American Sector, was great. Food and service was amazing. With the restaurant now on site, you don't have to walk or worry about where to grab lunch while viewing the museum. Although we did learn that reservations are highly recommended. They did manage to work us in as we got there at 11 when they opened for lunch. I think perhaps having a WWII Vet with us might have helped them find a spot for us, ha.

Beyond All Boundaries. Breathtaking. That might be the only word needed to describe the movie experience. They claim it is 4-D. I think it is just code for breathtaking. We knew we were in for a treat when everywhere we went the day before, the locals all stated, you have to take in the movie! This production takes IMAX to an all new level. Let's just say my entire family jumped when the Japanese sniper rifle went off in the jungles of Guadacanal and when the German 88's went off in the Battle of the Bulge! The simulation of Little Boy over Hiroshima still has us wondering how they created such a bright white flash. Unreal.

I highly recommend the museum and all their attractions to others. I knew we'd enjoy being there to commemorate the 65th anniversay of VE Day. Just didn't know we'd have such a great experience all round.

Below are some of the pics from our trip.

Lunchtime:







The band was there to help commemorate VE Day.























4 Generations:






I found this review as one of the better detailed write ups on Beyond All Boundaries. It really does a great job of describing the movie.
http://www.nola.com/movies/index.ssf/2009/11/world_war_ii_museums_beyond_al.html

 

great photos fricker , the displays look well and not too clustered together, i love the aircraft pics

looks like you had a great day and your grandfather looks great

 

Out of salutes already this morning, have some rep instead. Thanks for sharing the pics, and your family looks super. They all seem to be healthy and happy. Thanks again for the photos.

 

Reps coming to you! thanks for posting!