This was my first time to an escape experience of any kind.
My friends and I were excited to try it out because we had heard good things about "escape places" in general and everyone rating this place on YELP has it highly rated. We purchased a groupon which discounted it 29% which I was quite happy for after our experience.
Our first impression was from one of the guides that brief you about your experience.
Ultimately her briefing was quite a hindrance to us having a great time.
She pronounced to us "don't do this" "dont do that"
- dont bring one item from a room to another, just leave them you wont need them
- dont pull on the doorknobs or I will personally come and take care of you
there was a waiver to sign to inform you that if you damage anything you're liable
All of us agreed that these prohibitions put a damper on the experience.
It discouraged us from trying to do things and it affected our effectiveness in solving the puzzles:
1. we were too afraid to touch some of the props needed to complete the puzzles
2. we didnt think we needed items because they were in the other room
Instead of discouraging interaction and play and preventing us from finishing the puzzles, it would have been much more enjoyable if they encouraged helpful behaviors or actions that would help us complete the adventure.
When I was finished, I lamented that I had just paid money for someone to put me thru a discouraging experience. IF that's what they're selling I wouldnt pay for it again.