Daydream Adventures - "Dream Portal"
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Daydream Adventures - "Dream Portal"

Updated: Apr 22


LOCATION:  Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Photo above is property of Daydream Adventures

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers


📝  ETR DECODER

  • 🔑 GAME: Dream Portal

  • 📅 DATE PLAYED: March 14, 2023

  • 🎬 GENRE: Fantasy, Witch

  • 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 Players): 5/10

  • 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 3-7 PPL

  • 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.

  • 💰 PRICE: CAD $33/PP + Tax

  • ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private

  • 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: YES

📖 THE STORY

The dream realm is responsible for sending good dreams out into our world, but Hilda – the fabulously dastardly witch of The Witch’s Forest fame – has captured the spirits of the realm and stolen their magic for herself. Rather than dreams, she is sending nightmares to the human world! She has stepped out for one hour, and you must find a way to free the spirits in order to restore peace and ensure a good night’s sleep to people everywhere…


🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

  • "Dream Portal" is unforgettable for the level of artistry evident in creating its world, which is at its peak in the game itself but begins the moment you enter Daydream Adventures, and even pervades the washrooms! The result is simply magical. They evoke two distinct feelings between the spirit forest – which is beautifully ethereal – and Hilda’s hut – which somehow manages to be simultaneously dark and creepy yet still endearing.

  • The designers facilitated very smooth gameplay, with a largely linear flow that is well-suited to both beginners and larger groups. They foster communication and involvement of more players by continuing to use the forest area for many of the puzzles within the hut. While the game may not overly challenge enthusiasts, we admired the clear signposting and still delighted in the whimsy and thematic nature of the puzzles, which were fluidly integrated.

  • Indeed, we were impressed by how they managed to create an incredibly rich and layered set without creating confusion as to what components might actually be in play for solves. We also enjoyed the varied ways they utilized several specific set elements within puzzles.

  • There is an utterly adorable hint mechanism…a small critter that you bring along on your quest, and you can press his tongue if you ever need any help!

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

  • There were a few very minor technical issues, where components were a bit fiddly, and a cipher where the symbols were perhaps a bit more similar than they needed to be (particularly for older eyes). However, these were all very minor and did not keep us from being swept away by the experience.

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

We had some idea of what we would be walking into in advance, as we knew this was the same set used when we played "The Witch’s Forest" online – though entirely different puzzles. However, being immersed in the environment is even more captivating and miraculous than seeing it on a screen. We recommend Dream Portal for all those who appreciate beauty and whimsy, and are ready for a magical, well-designed experience rather than a brain-burning session. The level of artistry is truly exceptional. Whether your childhood fairytale vision involved a sparkly rainbow forest populated by gnomes or a dark witch's hut filled with artifacts, this is your chance to live the dream!


🔎 HINT

There are some actual physical padlocks if you look around…

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers


ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

Daydream Adventures is located down a flight of stairs, with paid street parking available nearby. There is a seating area, a large locker for players of each of their games, and two washrooms. The facility really doubles as an art installation, and it is a gorgeous space to wait for your game to begin. The ambience hits you as soon as you enter from the street, with whimsical decorations in the hallways and stairway. The staff were friendly and enthusiastic, and we loved that they wore pins with their pronouns on them!

 


(If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!)


Disclosure: We thank Daydream Adventures for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.

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