Ikea has opened in Orlando. I thought about resisting an opening day visit. After all, it's a waste of gas. I didn't actually need anything from there. And, it would be packed. And it was. In the end, I could not resist. Following my DD's creative and patient explanations that she had been hoping to see such an event herself, I caved. I assure you that after visiting atleast 11 Ikeas in 3 countries, I needed little urging.
After parking 1/2 a mile away and pushing the stroller through dirt, freshly mowed hay and small trenches, we then joined thousands of people in the store. We could not move without someone in yellow directing us towards the arrows. I wanted to tell them I knew how these things worked. However, they didn't really seem to need or want my snappy replies. and so we went on. After approximately 50 yds upstairs, and an absolutely packed cafeteria, we went back dowstairs. after fortifying ourselves with Cheese Strombolis, meatballs for my little carnivores and cinnamon rolls for all we decided on a new plan.
DD wanted to go to the play area. So off she went to the supervised, ball packed, kid place. I took DS and explored the downstairs. After watching hordes of people decide on which plates, shelves and Swedish cookies to purchase I retrieved DD.
We skipped freebie umbrellas and deeply discounted opening day specials. If the lines had not covered half a football field in length and width it might have been harder. As it was, I felt relieved to have found nothing I "had" to have...other than cinnamon rolls.
And so it was, we finally went to an opening day at Ikea. We felt as though we had seen something truly special. A birthing of shopping madness and a cultural icon right her in Orlando. Now, Orlando is truly more than Mickey Mouse :)
As for me, I think I don't need to do this opening day thing again. Atleast not until the day I try a campout for the best deals on breakfast and shelving.
