The ERG and friends traveled to Charlottesville, VA for the weekend and, of course, did an escape room. This time, there were 6 of us, and we would need it.
We’ve been to Cville Escape Room before (we escaped Spy’s Demise for Jason’s birthday a while back), but they recently moved a few blocks away from their original space. So, not only did we get to play their newest room, we got to check out their new space (and the Wonka-vator-esque elevator out front), and talk shop with owner, Jessie.
Additionally, they now have a key wall, dubbed the “Lock & Key Club,” where once you’ve completed 4 rooms, you get a ribbon with your names written on with a small, antique key. For every additional room you complete, you get a smaller key pin added to the ribbon. Looking forward to getting ours up there. (Picture below)
Have you done any of the rooms at this location? What was your experience like? You can add your comments to this post.
Stay tuned for our review of Conspiracy X. Check out and follow our social media channels below to be notified when new postings and interviews are published.
Are there locations or rooms you’d like us to scout out?
Dr. Walter Brandt is a high-ranking chemical weapons specialist for the United States government, part of a secret department that is only recognized by a series of mysterious numbers and letters. He has been developing powerful viruses capable of eradicating enemy forces with swift pace and deadly accuracy.
Foreign powers have noted Dr. Brandt’s work and have recruited him to develop a powerful virus capable of killing their enemies in hours. He has gone rogue and has become a threat to the US and potentially the entire human race.
You are a team of scientists investigating Dr. Brandt’s abandoned laboratory. You’ve been tasked with finding the only known antidote to virus TS-51 before it gets passed into enemy hands.
However, during the investigation a clumsy member of your team bumps into a shelf, sending vials of the highly contagious virus crashing to the ground. One of them breaks and sends plumes of deadly vapour into the air.
Immediately, everyone is infected but that isn’t your biggest problem. The chemical detection sensor has picked up the threat and shutdown the facility. Total decontamination will begin in 60 minutes (eliminating all biological organisms inside)!
Your only chance of survival is to scour Dr. Brandt’s laboratory to find the antidote. He has hidden it from the government through a series of riddles, puzzles and codes that only the smartest can figure out.
If you do not find the security override code and antidote within 1 hour the facility will self-destruct, and there will be no escape.
Rely on your team, intellect, and keen sense of observation to solve the riddles and unlock the secrets to find the antidote and to escape the facility.
Time is of the essence. Do you have what it takes to defeat Dr. Brandt and save yourselves and the World from destructive chemical warfare?
Difficulty (1-10): 6.8/10
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $29
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 2-6 (not actually listed, but you can’t do this with only 1 person)
Staging Area: Stars and Strikes is a bowling alley with a small arcade, bar, private party rooms, and 3 escape rooms in the back (by the bar)
Metro Access/Parking: This place is in Huntsville, AL. I don’t recall seeing any public transit, so you’re going to want to drive. Large parking lot, though.
OUR EXPERIENCE
This is the video I took before we entered the room:
This is the video I took just after we completed the room:
Logistics:
Description of the room: The room is essentially a lab. There are cabinets, rolling carts, transparencies, tubes, beakers, etc. Felt like we were actually in a lab.
Understanding of the Mission: You’re investigating the Doctor’s lab to find the only known antidote to the virus he created and someone on your team accidentally exposes everyone. You now find it even more urgent to find the antidote and escape.
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 2:07 remaining
Our Suggested Party Size: 4
Did the room challenge the entire team? For the most part
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Dwayne, Patrick, Mike, Jeff
Worth the time and money? Yep
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:
We didn’t go anywhere: There was a bar outside the escape room.
Part of my trip back to Colorado Springs was to get back out to Locked In Escapes, where I had previously escaped from the Shattered Kingdom. Having emailed back and forth with Ken, and expressing interest in wanting to work together, I found it necessary to come try out another room.
We went through Darkness Falls this time (review is not ready yet), which is actually the one I wanted to do when I was there last year. However, I didn’t think it was appropriate for Marco and Holly’s first escape room.
That said, we escaped (it was close), and we’re coming back for another room in August, but while I was there, Ken and Dawn sat down with me for a few minutes to answer some questions on film (aka, an interview). They were also nice enough to give us a whopping 30% discount code, ERGuys30, so go on, book a room there. You know you want to!
Stay tuned for my review of Darkness Falls. Check out and follow our social media channels below to be notified when new postings and interviews are published.
Have you done any of the rooms at this location? What was your experience like? You can add your comments to this post.
Are there locations or rooms you’d like us to scout out?
As we’ve stated before, any time either of us travel, we try and throw an Escape Room on the itinerary. This work/pleasure trip to Colorado Springs I made was no different.
I reached out to Pikes Peak Escape Room to let them know I’d be in the area and would like to try and escape one of their rooms. They were happy to oblige. We were originally scheduled for Death Row, but as no one booked Lost Kingdom at the same time, we were showed into that room instead (to be followed by Death Row unbeknownst to me; a pleasant surprise).
We met with Sarah and Les prior to going into the Lost Kingdom, and Les was happy to sit down with me for a brief interview. We continued to talk shop for a while after he gave me a sneak peak at one of their upcoming rooms and now I can’t wait to get back out to CO Springs in August.
Additionally, they have a Summer Kickoff special going on through September which will get you into an escape room for only $19.75 (down from $30 per person), no code necessary. I suggest you take advantage while you can.
Stay tuned for my reviews of Lost Kingdom and Death Row. Check out and follow our social media channels below to be notified when new postings and interviews are published.
Have you done any of the rooms at this location? What was your experience like? You can add your comments to this post.
And because I said I would post a picture of it in case I missed it in the video (which I didn’t):
Are there locations or rooms you’d like us to scout out?
Description (from the company website): It was on this day, almost a year ago, when the bell tolled signaling the king’s death. Ever since, the kingdom has become violently fractured. Thieves rule the marketplace. Vagabonds litter the streets. Even the wealthiest nobles have been reduced to rags. Lords are fighting to claim territory all across the realm. It seems that there is no end to the chaos. If the kingdom remains this way any longer, it will surely shatter. A proclamation from the castle rings through the streets; the king’s last will and testament is being read in the public square. The royal herald clears his throat and begins, “The kingdom will be united by the discovery of the foretold objects. Whosoever finds these objects and restores the family crest triumphantly shall be crowned King of the Realm. Any person may attempt the quest, beggar or lord, but know that the price of failure is death.” Running as fast as your feet can carry you, you race to gather a worthy band of comrades to attempt the late king’s Royal Quest. Arriving at the castle you discover that you and your comrades only have 60 minutes to complete the trial and seize the throne. If you are not successful, the guards will find you and execute you. May the gods be with you.
Difficulty (1-10): N/A
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $30
Identifier: R1
Party Size: Up to 8
Staging Area: Small staging area with lockers. This is one of the few places I’ve been that requires you to lock up your devices and such.
Metro Access/Parking: There is a parking lot for the building Locked In Escapes is in, so plenty of room.
OUR EXPERIENCE
Logistics:
Description of the room: You start out in a small chamber, almost a servants quarters, scarcely decorated but for a table and an ornate trinket.
Understanding of the Mission: As the Kings final decree, anyone who can solve the riddles in the throne-room can claim the throne. So you and your friends have gathered at the castle to try and do just that, becoming the kingdom’s new rulers in the process.
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 10-ish minutes
Our Suggested Party Size: We were 7; I would say there is enough to do for the allotted size of 8, but 5/6 might be the sweet spot.
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Marco, Holly, and 4 other folks
Worth the time and money? Yes, if for nothing other than how you exit the room…
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:
Rocco’s Italian is the closest place (but we didn’t go there).
There’s a Carl’s Jr close by as well (but we didn’t go there either; I think we just went home).
We never rest from doing escape rooms, even while on vacations or weekend trips. So, when we headed South from Alexandria, VA to Williamsburg for the weekend, we researched a few of the local rooms and decided to check out Room Escape Williamsburg and their Return from Wonderland room.
While we were there, we had the opportunity to do an audio interview with Jay, one of the managers.
Stay tuned here for our reviews of Return from Wonderland AND Quest for the Holy Grail. Check out and follow our social media channels below to be notified when new postings and interviews are published.
Have you done any of the rooms at this location? What was your experience like? You can add your comments to this post.
Are there locations or rooms you’d like us to scout out?
While visiting a friend down in Lynchburg, VA, we headed over to One Way Out Escape Rooms to check out their Search for the Lost Professor and The Experiment rooms (we also spontaneously ended up doing a third room as well… The Shuttered Room).
We were fortunate enough to be able to talk to Kristina, one of the managers, as to what makes One Way Out unique from other locations in the area.
Stay tuned here for our reviews of Search for the Lost Professor, The Experiment, and The Shuttered Room. Check out and follow our social media channels below to be notified when new postings and interviews are published.
Have you done any of the rooms at this location? What was your experience like? You can add your comments to this post.
Are there locations or rooms you’d like us to scout out?
The Otherworld needs a warrior. Team up with the last fairy guardian, Addie, and set out to rescue the sacred Heart of Eire. Hang on tight as you soar above the lush landscapes and mystifying powers of the Otherworld. Prepare to battle the dark forces on this motion simulator, virtual reality ride.
Will you be a hero? Take flight and fight the evil Dark Lord, Balor, to bring light to the darkness. Test your courage and send your spirit soaring on this one-of-a-kind, thrill ride.
A 360-degree virtual reality adventure
Minimum Height Required: 42″
Thrill Level: Moderate
Length of the Experience: Roughly 5 minutes (simulation time only)
Cost: Included with admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg (located in the Ireland section of the park)
Ride Type: Family Ride
Staging Area: The line starts at the entrance to a castle, and progresses indoors through a series of corridors.
OUR EXPERIENCE
This is the video we took before we entered the ride experience:
This is the video we took just after we completed the ride experience:
Note: The ERG were given the opportunity to check out this experience for free, with the understanding that we would continue to provide an honest review and follow the same process we’ve used on all of our other ratings.
Logistics:
Description of the room: You start off outside a castle, and then traverse the line by roaming through corridors underneath the castle. There is an ante-room before you get into the VR experience, which is really cool (we’re not going to spoil the surprise) and then the VR room looks like a small movie theater, but each of the seats have a seat belt.
Understanding of the Mission: We have to help the last, remaining fairy guardian Addie (real name is Aednat, pronounced EY-nit) resume the Sacred Heart of Eire from the Dark Lord, Balor.
Did We Succeed: Yes, but we’re not going to tell you how (obviously)
Our Suggested Party Size: We had four, but they count as you enter the anteroom, so we’re guessing it can accommodate any party size as long as you can all fit in the theater.
Members of our group (other than the ERG): Heather and Steph
We donned the Emerald Helmets to secure our Enchanted Lenses to enter the Otherworld and save Ireland from the clutches of the Evil Lord Balor.
Worth the wait? Absolutely!
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:
You’re in Ireland (in Busch Gardens)! Check out one of the local pubs or restaurants.
Description (from the company website): Step on through the swingin’ doors and transport yerselves back to the late 1800’s town of Santa Fe. The American frontier held much promise for those who could make their way to the other side of the Mississippi. Survival of the fittest is the law of the land in these here parts. But something feels off in the Old West. Figure out what ain’t right and skedaddle before time runs out. Ready those quick reflexes and that sharp wit, ’cause this duel at high noon ain’t yer normal showdown.
Difficulty (1-10): Not rated
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $28
Identifier: R1
Party Size: Up to 8
Staging Area: The lobby has a bench, a water cooler, and a handful of locks on the wall with a story that somewhat teaches you how to use them.
Metro Access/Parking: It’s in NJ. Drive or get a cab/Uber/Lyft.
OUR EXPERIENCE
This is the video we took before we entered the room:
This is the video we took just after we completed the room:
Logistics:
Description of the room: The room looks like a saloon, wanted posters and all, but is severely lacking in bar-room furniture (other than the 3 bar stools).
Understanding of the Mission: Find your way into a mad scientist’s lab and disarm a bomb. (Wait, what?)
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: Under 10 minutes (watch the videos)
Our Suggested Party Size: No more than 4. The room is rated up to 8, but really you can do this with 2-4 easily.
Did the room challenge the entire team? Not particularly.
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Val
Just the 2 of us this time, Jason and Valerie.
Worth the time and money? Yes and no
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:
There are a bunch of restaurants nearby (Japanese, Chili’s, tex-mex); Google Maps to the rescue!
Play if… you have your own bunker or have one designed in your head.
Avoid if… the fear of being locked in an underground bunker by an automated computer system for the rest of your life makes you a little, um, well, uneasy.
Description (from the company website): Earth’s nuclear holocaust is over and after several years the air is finally breathable again. The shelter Network has unlocked the airlock for one hour. If the airlock is not utilized in that hour, the Network will assume everyone is dead and seal the shelter forever. It is up to you to follow the clues and unravel the puzzles the Caretaker created to ensure his safety. In the end it led to his demise…will it lead to yours??
Difficulty (1-10): 8/10
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $29 per person – Use ERGUYS15 to get 15% off per person when booking your reservation for any of their rooms
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 2-8
Staging Area: EXIT Plan has a great reception area (two, actually) with lots of chairs. There is a large flight of stairs to reach the main lobby.
Metro Access/Parking: This spot is in downtown Leesburg in the historic district. Lots of street parking, and there is a small lot right behind Macdowell Brew Kitchen.
OUR EXPERIENCE
This is the video we took before we entered the room:
This is the video we took just after we completed the room:
Note: The ERG were given the opportunity to try out this room for free, with the understanding that we would continue to provide an honest review and follow the same process we’ve used on all of our other ratings.
Logistics:
Description of the room: You start out in a very bare bunker with nothing but a flashing light [Kill me now… -Jason] and a locker and some stuff on the walls, but that changes quickly (in our case, at least).
Understanding of the Mission: A very straightforward mission: find your way out of the bunker into the airlock so that you’re not sealed in forever.
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 10:06 minutes
Our Suggested Party Size: This room is rated 2-8 people, and we had 6 experienced people, which should be good number.
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph, Heather, Steph
Team Disturbed Friends (Steph, Mike, Heather, Steph, and Jason) were able to emerge from the hidden bunker before being sealed in for eternity.
Worth the time and money? yes
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:
Macdowell Brew Kitchen – restaurant and bar right below EXIT Plan (the Hog Wings were awesome!)
