I made it to IKEA Sunrise first thing this morning.  I didn't take any pictures this time around...it was a bit too crowded to get the shots I would have wanted. 

This was my first trip to an IKEA in about 5 or 6 years.  (I used to live in North New Jersey and often made it to the one in Elizabeth, NJ.)  The Sunrise location did not disappoint.  Every room in the showroom upstairs was fully decorated and while it was really crowded up there, I was still able to see everything.  The Marketplace downstairs was a bit less 'packed' and the checkout line was actually better than most Pubix stores around the area!  The restaurant seemed to be way to crowded for my taste.  Maybe if I get to go on a weekday, I can report back on it.

Here are some of my hints that might make your trip to IKEA run a bit smoother. 

-  Get there 30 minutes prior to opening on the weekends.  This place will be packing them in for a few months and parking will be a challenge.  You might have to wait outside...but it's worth it.

-  You don't have to walk through the whole store if you don't want to.  The upstairs contains the Restaurant and the 'showroom'.  While you should walk through the showroom at least your first time, just know that you can skip it and get right to the Marketplace.  There are signs once you get upstairs that say 'Shortcut to ...'.

-  Get a pencil and a card when you walk in.  If you see something in the showroom, you will need to write down the name of the item and where it is located to purchase.  Most of the furniture will have a 'bin and aisle number' listed...the small stuff will have the department name in the Marketplace.

-  Don't take the 'yellow bag' they push when you get upstairs.  You really won't need a bag or cart until the Marketplace downstairs.

-  Get a cart when you get downstairs to the Marketplace.  It's a looong way back when you are 1/2 way through and you have an armful of stuff.

-  Do a final inspection of everything prior to checkout.  Not for damages...but the "do I really want this" factor.  IKEA floods you with so many product, you often find yourself thinking something is really cool at first glance.  Then reality sets in...You have no place to put it at home.

-  Buy the blue bags.  They are only $.59 and soon IKEA will be charging a nickel for any plastic bag.  The large blue bags are actually quite handy for more then shopping at IKEA.  You can keep in your trunk and use it for groceries.

-  There is a 'shuttle' on weekends and holidays at the Bank Atlantic Center.  I'd just plan to get to the store early so you can park in the store's parking structure.

Hope these tips help.  If you have any, please feel free to leave a comment.