A year and half after the start of the pandemic, and OC, MD was my first overnight adventure. Of course, an Escape Room was on the list. I discovered Ocean City only has two ERs (each with multiple locations though). Captive Escape Room was the first one we visited during our stay.
Staff: The staff was very friendly. We were greeted in a timely manner.
Location: This location has a weird smell to it (smells like bathroom mixed with sea water and something I couldn't figure out). The room we played could have used some cleaning, but I wasn't really sure if it was "meant" to be part of the experience. It's small in size, so only one party can really be in the waiting/reception area. On the plus side, it was uniquely decorated to fit the ER theme.
Parking: This location is right at the Boardwalk. As such, it costs to park ($3/hr.). There is a little alleyway next to the building that has maybe seven spots. Across the street, you'll find more pay on the street parking, and a municipal lot.
Cleanliness (COVID): Neither of the staff wore a mask, but given that restrictions have been lifted in the area, it's their right. I don't know if they clean the rooms in between each group, BUT, based on out experience, it does not seem like it. There wasn't any hand sanitizer stations, either. So for all the Covid-19 conscious people, keep this I'm mind.
The Room/Experience: My group and I (3ppl) played Charlotte's Attic, which is supposedly one of their harder rooms. Without any spoilers, you get one hour to (1) escape the house in which a father was accused of murdering his daughters and then killing himself, and (2) solve the murder. The room itself was fun to solve, BUT it lacked a challenge. We finished the game with nearly 15 minutes to spare, but stayed in the room a little longer to check and see if we missed anything because we couldn't believe it was so easy. When we were satisfied we try to leave, but had to wait for one of the game masters who was going through an introduction with another group. That was probably the most awkward moment. We never needed a clue, and there were no cameras for the GM to watch you. If you did need a hint, there was a button near the entry door.
Overall, the storyline was cool, but the entire experience was okay.
Would I recommend? Depends. If you're like my group and I, who have nearly 30 rooms under our belt, then you probably should skip if you're looking for a challenge. HOWEVER, if you've played a few and wouldn't consider yourself an expert at ERs, then you may like. Nevertheless, everyone's experience is different, so for $30/pp,...
Read moreThis place is very very cute! The staff is very friendly and excited to help you escape! A couple things people should know: THERE ARE NO TIMERS! You don’t know how much time you have unless someone is wearing a watch. We were told that we would hear a buzzer every 15 mins but unfortunately we only heard one when we were 15 mins in, after that we were not given time updates. This needs to change somehow. The excitement of “beating the clock” is lacking here. Maybe it was just an oppsy! We weren’t told either way but we did let someone know. Additionally some of the locks are not friendly for women who have nails. My husband had to do them for me but I am sure that the staff would be willing to help if called! The level of difficulty was very competitive! Multiple levels for everyone to enjoy! Very cute place and lots of potential however did not have a 100% awesome experience here. I have a feeling that this was just an off experience and would love to possibly try again but nervous to spend the money again if it is the same experience…. Very very cute though! And so friendly! And the games themself are intriguing! Just some...
Read morewe did charlottes attic- it was decent but i was sort of let down. i liked how it was all dark except for the flashlights youre given and maybe it couldve been a better experience if the circumstances werent so unlucky. however, the puzzles were mediocre and one of the first clues you're given basically gives away the whole ending. it's advertised to be a lot scarier than it was. without spoiling, it definitely does not take place in attic. additionally, they needed to cut a lock for us because it was broken, which i wouldn't mind, but we received no coupon or voucher to make up for it. i work at an escape room and thats common courtesy when things go wrong. there were also no cameras in the rooms so they had no idea that we had the right combo but the lock was broken so we wasted a lot of time scrambling over what we had wrong and debating whether or not to use a clue. they did give us a few extra minutes to make up for that. also due to the lack of cameras, the clue system was sort of wonky. i think its an okay room for someone who is not advanced and is easily scared but i left feeling rather...
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