By Autumn Sirmeyer
My husband and I are always looking for something new and exciting to do here in Orlando and we are definitely two people who love games and puzzles. So, the new trend of escape rooms is PERFECT for us!
The Great Escape Room is just one of several escape game options in Orlando (Escapology is shown above in feature image). It’s actually becoming quite the trend in other cities. I can’t tell you how thrilled I was when I heard some opened up in Orlando.
The Great Escape Room is located in downtown Orlando and has the quirky address is 23 ½ South Magnolia Avenue. It’s nestled in between two Irish bars and can be easy to miss if it weren’t for the sign they have outside to let you know you have made your destination.
You’ll want to make reservations ahead of time online and note that you can have a maximum of 12 people in each party. Plan to invite several couples to join you; the more minds in the room the better. Some of the puzzles can be quite tricky. I made sure to include couples with various strengths. (NOTE: You must purchase a minimum of 10 tickets at one time to have the room exclusive to your group.)
You will have a staff member in the room with you making sure you aren’t breaking the rules and also offering clues (you can only have three). Only about 20% of groups actually solve the puzzles and escape, so don’t feel bad if it isn’t exactly “elementary.” My first group didn’t escape but on my second round we did. Each round takes about 60 minutes and you get 1 round (room) included in your ticket. No prizes for getting out on time; but the bragging rights are sweet.
As of right now, they currently offer two rooms: the Library and the Game Room. Both are equally challenging and fun. When booking it is best to book everyone at the same time since strangers could easily book your time slot otherwise. Tickets are $28 and include a processing fee of $1.80 as well.
Please also consider parking when you go. Most parking lots require you to pay but often if you buy some food at a local restaurant they may validate it for you. One of my go-to restaurants afterwards is Schumann’s Jager Haus.
ORLANDO’S ESCAPE ROOM GAME OPTIONS
The Great Escape Room
23 1/2 South Magnolia Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
386-385-8860
$28/person
It’s a Trap
6744 Aloma Ave
Winter Park, FL 32792
407-960-3824
$23/person
Escapology
11951 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32821
407-278-1515
$28/person
MindQuest Live
9938 Universal Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
407-392-0885
$23/person
America’s Escape Game
8723 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32819
407-412-5585
$35/person
The Escape Game Orlando
8145 International Dr
Orlando, FL
407-501-7222
$28/person