LOCATION: Phoenix, Arizona, USA Photo above is property of The Nemesis Club Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Mogollon Monster 📅 DATE PLAYED : August 22, 2022 🎬 GENRE : Survival, Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 6.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 4-8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $35.00/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You've just arrived as a new trainee at the Monster Rangers campsite and already you've been tasked with an extremely difficult job. They want you to lure the Mogollon Monster onto the campsite and take a photo of it as proof of the monster's existence before the camp gets shut down within an hour. Are you up for the challenge? Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE We absolutely loved the intro for this game. Besides the game master being an excellent ranger, the way they set the scene gave us goosebumps before we even started. We definitely felt the fear of being in the middle of the woods and the only protection between us and the monster is a flimsy old tent. Just like in " EVIL Robots ", the creator thought of a clever way for us to figure out a way in. The mission for this adventure was very clear. We had to come up with ways to lure the monster to the camp. I loved the puzzles that they came up with in order to prepare the lure. All the props in the game would be something you'd find at a campsite and surprisingly they were all used in someway or another. When in camp, there are always silly moments that might happen around the campfire and we definitely experienced a few in this game. The set design had a little bit of a horror movie scene vibe especially when paired with the lightning and sound effects. I honestly thought the game master wore a monster outfit and came into the room at one point. But there's no live actors in this game, it's all in my imagination (I'm very good at scaring myself). The conclusion was spectacular. It totally rocked my world (you'll get my pun after playing this game). 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Absolutely nothing. We loved everything about the game. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? The moment we entered that tent, we no longer felt like we were in an escape room. We had been transported into the world of Steam Crow's Monster Rangers, Mogollon Monster: Scouting for Arizona’s Bigfoot . The puzzles felt a bit more difficult in this room than in " EVIL Robots " mainly because there were a few more logic and deduction types and a little more "search and find". Everything was spot-on from beginning to end. Both games were amazing in their own ways. So if you ever make it to Phoenix, AZ, this is a location that you will have to carve out time for. But you'll have to find the way into the club first (check out our YouTube video for some guidance). Word of advice, don't get distracted by the yummy milkshakes (that's your first challenge)! Photo above is property of The Nemesis Club ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking right in front. Soda Jerk Co. Milkshake Bar attached to the escape room. Lobby with seating areas Merchandise available for sale. (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 The Nemesis Club for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Survival #UrbanLegend #TheNemesisClub #USA #Arizona

LOCATION: Phoenix, Arizona, USA Photo above is property of The Nemesis Club Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : EVIL Robots 📅 DATE PLAYED : August 22, 2022 🎬 GENRE : Sci-Fi, Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 4-8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $35.00/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You are just on a normal tour at the Experiment Virtual Intelligence Laboratory (EVIL). All of a sudden, the assistant tells you that they are having an emergency lockdown because a menacing robot just powered himself on. Since you are the only ones on the premises, it's up to you to stop his evil plan. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The game master did an amazing job with acting out her character. The intro video wasn't the normal ones you see at most of the escape rooms on TV, it's actually a prerecorded skit being presented in a very creative way within the escape room. It was as if we were part of a show. The set design reminded me of " The Jetsons ". It felt like we were in a futuristic cartoon. The objective was very clearly introduced at the beginning but in case you didn't pay attention, there was a list in the room as well. There were a lot of tech used in this room which complemented well with the futuristic laboratory theme. One of our favorite moments was discovering something we never thought could be possible to be utilized in solving a puzzle. That "aha" moment was gratifying. Special effects were found everywhere in this game. Smoke, fog, laser, water, various types of lighting and more! This is a production! We love the feeling of having to break into the lab but not just by finding a normal key or entering a code. All the puzzles were designed to feel like real life situations. The plot was engaging and of course having a twist at the end is always a plus. Let's not forget that touch of humor as well! Sometimes you just want to take a break from solving puzzles and have some plain old fun. We had an opportunity to do that in this game. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK If we had to nitpick on a perfect game, towards the end, some controls were a bit difficult to maneuver (not sure if it was intentional) and dragged on a bit before we saw the finale. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? When we got out of this room, a guy walked into the laboratory (yes, you can get lost inside the Nemesis Club) and was like "I'm lost". We thought this was still part of the game still and there were more surprises waiting for us. Truthfully, we just didn't want it to end. I probably used this terminology quite a few times in reviews before but this time I really felt it, "Disney Quality". From the set design to puzzles to storyline to cinematic effects, Nemesis Club hit the bullseye on everything. Just like how they advertised on their website, this is an attraction you don't want to miss when visiting Phoenix, AZ! But you'll have to find the way into the club first (check out our YouTube video for some guidance). And don't get distracted by the yummy milkshakes (that's your first challenge)! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking right in front. Milkshake bar attached to the escape room. Lobby with seating areas. Merchandise available for sale. (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 The Nemesis Club for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #SciFi #Adventure #TheNemesisClub #USA #Arizona

LOCATION: Reading, United Kingdom Photo above is property of Deadlocked Escape Rooms Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Reading Witch 📅 DATE PLAYED : June 3, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Horror 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 4-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 120 Mins. 💰 PRICE : £160.00 (4 ppl), £180.00  (5 ppl), £200.00  (6 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Join forces with a group of TV detectives and explore the eerie forest rumored to be the home of the enigmatic Reading Witch. Unusual noises and ritualistic chants have been reported in the area, yet no one has ever returned from the cabin. Do you believe you can debunk the myths, or will you become ensnared in the witch's trap? 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE I love the creativity involved in crafting this storyline. If someone told me I was going to play a horror witch game, I'd probably say "No way" (being the scaredy-cat that I am). But if you tell me I'm just on a TV set trying to debunk a witch rumor? I'm all in! We have a peculiar fascination with any game involving cabins, so when we entered the forest with a creepy cabin, our eyes lit up, eager to find a way in, only to be surprised by yet another twist... The balance between scare moments and puzzle-solving was perfect, giving players a chance to "breathe" and clear their heads when finding solutions. Once that's done, you get to enjoy a short dramatic scene just like in the movies. The props played a unique role in the story, and we really loved the "engagement" required to unlock and reveal certain secrets with them. We played as a duo, so we had to divide and conquer at times. There were moments where the creators intentionally designed different "encounters" for us, allowing us to share different stories with each other after the game. The finale had a big twist that truly brought joy to our faces when we escaped. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK We thoroughly enjoyed this game. The only suggestion we might have is to challenge yourself to create an even longer version...Too soon? 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This game is absolutely is a step up compared to all the other Deadlocked Escape Rooms we've experienced! From the incredible set design to the captivating storyline, the inclusion of real-life actors, stunning special effects, and mind-bending puzzles, we were completely immersed! Normally, I'm not a huge fan of horror because I either end up being chased or become too scared to concentrate on solving puzzles. But this game nailed it, offering those suspenseful moments like in a scary movie where you expect something to happen, but nothing does—until the unexpected takes you by surprise. It's an exhilarating adventure, and if you're even a tad curious about the world of witchcraft, it's absolutely worth the trip to Reading, UK, to dive into this fun and thrilling escapade. Plus, who wouldn't want the chance to be famous on a TV show set? You might even bump into an A-list celebrity or two on set... ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking for customers. The escape room is located down one flight of stairs. Small lobby with seating Minor crawling is required Live actor "Sensory friendly" and lower player count available by request. 18+/Parental Advisory Photos above are property of Deadlocked Escape Rooms Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, an interview with the owners, the room(s) (no puzzle spoilers) and more: Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (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 Deadlocked Escape Rooms for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #DeadlockedEscapeRooms #Horror #Witch #Reading #UnitedKingdom

LOCATION: Wappingers Falls, New York, USA Photo above is property of Escape Time Adventures Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Master of Illusion 📅 DATE PLAYED : October 12, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Mystery, Magic 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 6.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 4-8 ppl (Ages 12+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 90 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $32.95/ pp or $171.80/ group (8 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY The Great Nivek, a renowned magician, died during a performance at the Magic Mansion's main stage. Venue owner Peter Zabar, a friend and illusion expert, is the primary suspect and has expressed deep sorrow over what witnesses describe as a bizarre accident. As private investigators, your task is to uncover the truth and differentiate between illusion and reality before you disappear. Gather evidence to build your case. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE We really enjoy the theatrical introduction at this location before each game. Every game transports you to a different era, enhanced by a captivating performance from the GMs, and experiencing it firsthand is a must. Be sure to check out the "peculiar items" they've collected over the years. The set design for this room is truly breathtaking. The array of magic props and posters includes both familiar items from historical magicians and intriguing pieces you might not have seen before. The designer's meticulous attention to detail in every prop is impressive. The sound and lighting significantly elevate the overall experience. The in-game character appears at precisely the right moments to expertly guide players through the experience while also unfolding a bit of backstory, enhancing the immersion profoundly. The special effects, magic tricks, and illusions in this game are on an entirely different level. We were continually amazed by the reveals, and to this day, the methods remain a mystery. I guess that's why they call it magic! The puzzles are ingeniously integrated into the props and storyline. As we uncovered solutions, we also gathered the evidence needed to unravel the mystery. Just when you think you've made quick progress, you'll be astonished by how much more awaits. It's definitely strategic to divide and conquer in this room, especially towards the end. Many of our favorite puzzles were here, demanding substantial logic and teamwork. The flow of this experience was seamless. We encountered no issues during gameplay. As I documented the information we discovered as evidence, I truly felt like a detective on a mystery case and forgot how much time has passed by. This is the level of immersion we are always looking for! 🧩 MISSED THE MARK This game is nearly a perfect experience for us. A more dramatic ending in how to reveal the conclusion would have made it a flawless performance. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? We were really excited to be able to experience this room after seeing it in its preproduction stages! The anticipation was worth it, and we couldn't be more excited! We absolutely adore magic-themed rooms, especially those that seamlessly weave in real magic tricks. With the owner's background in magic, he knows exactly how to bring the magic to life. This game is a dream come true for magic lovers, murder mystery fans, and anyone looking for an extraordinary escape room experience—it's a fully immersive journey from start to finish. The special effects and magical reveals will leave you spellbound, asking, "How did they do that?" Be sure to put this game at the top of your "must-visit" list for your next escape room adventure! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking right in front of the location Lobby with seating area Merchandise available for purchase Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, an interview with the owner, the room(s) (no puzzle spoilers) and more: Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (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 Escape Time Adventures for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #EscapeTimeAdventures #Mystery #Magic #NewYork #USA

All photos are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers We embarked on our cruise on November 1 st , 2025. The Carnival Cruise Jubilee marks our inaugural experience with Carnival Cruise Line, as well as our first departure from the Galveston, TX cruise port. As seasoned cruisers, we naturally intend to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of this cruise line in comparison to others we have experienced, such as NCL, Virgin, MSC, Princess, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean. In this blog, we will primarily focus on the culinary offerings, while also providing tips that we hope will be useful in planning your next Carnival cruise. The Carnival Jubilee embarked on its maiden voyage on December 23, 2023, departing from Galveston, Texas. The ship measures 1,130 feet in length and has a gross tonnage of about 183,521. It can accommodate 5,374 guests at double occupancy, supported by a crew of 1,735. The vessel includes 18 passenger decks and can host up to 6,630 people when the crew is included. Preboarding Preparation Don't forget to download the Carnival Hub app! It's super handy since you can check the ship's time, see what's happening daily, find out where to grab food or drinks, check your room account balance, book excursions, see your casino tier and balance, book the onboard rollercoaster, reserve restaurants, get an internet package, and view the ship's deck plans. Make sure to print out your embarkation papers, or you'll end up having to wait in another line at check-in to get it printed by an employee. It was pretty annoying because they didn’t mention this, and we always just used the app before for other cruise lines. But they're really strict about needing a paper ticket for everyone. If you've got drinks in plastic or your own bottles, you'll need to toss the liquid. You're allowed to bring a 12-pack on board, but make sure they're in metal cans. Bringing a water bottle was a lifesaver since there aren't any cups in the gym. You'll either have to use the water fountains or bring your own bottle. The TV channels on board are pretty limited. You can get movies on demand, but you'll have to pay for them. It's a good idea to download a bunch of movies beforehand so you have something to watch. They do have movie nights on certain days, but it can get a bit repetitive. Onboard Cruise Tips: If you didn't pick a dining time when you booked your cruise, make sure to use the app to check in when the Pacific or Atlantic restaurant is open. They usually let you check in a bit earlier on the app. Once your table's ready, they'll send you a notification. It's much better than hanging around in the crowd by the restaurant. On sea days, everyone wants to do brunch at Pacific. We checked in pretty early but still ended up waiting about an hour for our table. Cucina del Capitano and Chibang are two special dining spots you can try out for free on your first visit, and then it's just $8 per person after that. Make sure to check in on the app ahead of time, as the wait can get pretty long. We recommend hitting up other specialty dining places you’re interested in first and saving these for later in your cruise since most folks will have already tried them by then. These restaurants are also open for lunch on some sea days, but remember, the charge still applies if you've already used your freebie. There's no strict limit on how many dishes you can order at specialty dining spots. They seem pretty chill with you getting two or three appetizers and one main dish. At Cucina del Capitano and Chibang, the server mentioned you can even order two main dishes if you want. Just be friendly with your server and avoid wasting food, and I'm sure you'll get to try more than one dish in each category. On most sea days, the pools on the 8th and 16th floors are packed with kids. If you're looking for a chill spot, head to "Serenity" for adults on the 18th floor. It's a hidden gem (and it's FREE) that most folks don't discover until later in the cruise. Also, the towels there are a different color, so make sure you check in and check out when you return them, or you might get charged. We ran into a few problems like our stateroom not being super clean, a kind of broken balcony door, and some undercooked chicken at one of the restaurants. Just a heads up, you can ask them to take off the daily tips on the last day of your cruise, and then you can just tip the servers or stateroom attendants in cash if you think they deserve it. If you want to snag an early disembarkation time, the app is your best bet. Make sure to do it ASAP, because even if you pick the earliest time, you might end up in a later group since a lot of experienced carnival cruisers are on the same page. If you're into board games or cards, make sure to pack your own since there’s no spot on the ship that offers them. Also, there's no library, so don’t forget to bring something to read. But hey, you can grab crosswords daily at two bars—one on the 6 th floor and the other on the 8 th . There are a couple of cool free activities on board: a craft/color event on sea days and a virtual aquarium. You can color your own fish and watch them come to life in the display! Mini-golf is also free. The roller coaster costs $15/PP. If you go for the thermal suite option at the spa, just know that the "jacuzzi" pool only has one corner with bubbles; the rest is more like a lukewarm soaking tub. The steam room, aromatherapy room, salt therapy, and sauna are pretty nice, but sometimes people don’t shut the doors properly, and the heat escapes. The best time to visit is in the last few hours before they close at 10pm because it’s less crowded, and you can snag one of those hot stone beds. They charge $5 for texting in the Hub APP, but we found a little loophole. Somehow, our texts still went through to everyone in the outside world, even non-iPhone users, just by connecting to the free ship WiFi. So, definitely give it a shot before paying that extra fee you don't really need. Food Options Complimentary "Pacific Restaurant" - (you might also get "Atlantic Restaurant" for dinner, so just check your app to see which one you're assigned to) – They're open for brunch and dinner. The brunch menu stays the same, but for dinner, there's both an express dining menu and a full menu that changes daily. With so many food choices on this ship, we only managed to have dinner here once, on the last day. Big Chicken – We tried this on our first day on board. It's pretty saucy and fried, so if that's your thing, you'll probably enjoy it. They're open for lunch and also offer a light breakfast in the morning. Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse – They offer breakfast just like Lido, but if you're up for a change of scenery, give this spot a shot. They've got an ice cream truck and an espresso machine, so it's the only place to snag a free "specialty coffee." You can also grab a smaller lunch menu and a full dinner menu here. If you're willing to pay, they have ribs and wings. Our top picks were the brisket and pulled pork. Lido Market – This is your usual buffet spot. Unlike other ships with loads of stations, there are usually just one main station and some other stations that all serve the same stuff. In the morning, there's a separate area for omelets and bread, and some of the paid stations are open for dinner too. There's a salad station, but it doesn't have a huge selection. Lida is open late at night from 11:30 pm to 2 am. Blueguana Cantina –You can snag breakfast options like arepas and huevos rancheros, plus lunch burritos and tacos here. The best part? They've got a ton of toppings you can add to your dishes. Guy’s Burger Joint – They're open for lunch, and you can create your own burger. Everyone goes on about the Donkey sauce, but we thought it was just okay. Street Eats – There are three spots here where you can snag a free item each day, and they switch it up daily. There's a fries station offering different kinds of fries with all sorts of toppings, plus two Asian stations that sometimes serve bao, dim sum, or kababs. Everything's super tasty. Also, if you're in the mood for bagels in the morning, you should definitely check out what they've got. They've got all sorts of cream cheese and fun combos. The rainbow bagel was definitely our favorite. Fresh Creation –This salad bar spot is only open on seadays, not every day, so be sure to check the daily planner. They've got a few extra ingredients, but the salad dressing options are pretty limited on this ship. Coastal Slice – Pizza is open from 9am to midnight. They've got the same 5 types for free all the time, but the paid ones switch up every day. We loved the pizzas and went there A LOT. Swirls Soft Serve & Froyo – You can find these machines at Guy’s Burger Joint, Lido Market, and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse. They switch up the flavors every now and then. Beach Buns – They're usually open from 12 noon to 10 pm. They serve sandwiches, hot dogs, salad, soup, and the cheese melt is sooo good. Speciality Dining (Paid) Emeril’s Bistro 717 – We didn't check out this spot. It's not in a typical restaurant setting; instead, it's in an open seating area on Deck 6. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, focusing mostly on Southern and seafood dishes. The menu is a la carte. Cucina Del Capitano – The first time's free for everyone, and after that, it's $8 per person. They're open for both lunch and dinner. We only went for dinner and tried the Arancini, Nonna’s Meatballs, Caprese Salad, and the Rucola, Cracked Farro Salad as appetizers. The Arancini was really good, but the meatball was a bit overcooked, though the sauce was tasty. Both salads were just okay. For the main course, I went with the Paccheri Patate E Cozze since it’s the captain’s favorite, and my husband got the short ribs. The pasta was a bit too heavy for us, but we'd definitely come back just for those short ribs. For dessert, the Tiramisu was amazing, and the Apple Crostata was just okay for me, but if you like apple desserts, you might enjoy it. Chibang - Your first visit is on the house, and after that, it's $8 per person. We kicked things off with egg drop soup, slow-braised pork belly, spring rolls, and lettuce wraps for starters. The egg drop soup was delicious, the pork was a tad too fatty, the spring roll was just okay, but the lettuce wrap, even though saucy, was really good. Since this place mixes Chinese and Mexican flavors, we also tried the Queso Fundido as an appetizer. It was a bit salty, but the cheese was spot on. For the main course, I went with the beef and broccoli, and my husband chose the steak ranchero. They were both just alright. The appetizers definitely outshined the main dishes. Plus, there's a lion performance during dinner that's a must-see. Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse – We hit up this restaurant on the first day of our trip because they throw in a free bottle of house wine if you book on embarkation day. It's $52 for adults and $15 for kids 11 and under. We tried the pork belly, jumbo shrimp cocktail, baked onion soup, and tuna tartare. If you're into cool pics or videos, definitely go for the smoked oyster—the presentation is awesome. For appetizers, the onion soup and tartare were the real winners. For the main course, we had the cowboy steak and prime ribeye. My husband thought his cowboy steak was pretty bland and couldn't really taste the marbling. My ribeye was better since it had some seasoning, but it still didn't match up to a real steakhouse steak. The mac n cheese and Yukon gold mash were tasty, though they were a bit cold, like they'd been sitting out for a while. For dessert, we had the chocolate sphere and cheesecake. If you’re after a show, the chocolate sphere is the way to go. It was also my husband's birthday celebration. Usually, on other cruises, they give you a separate cake for birthdays (we were celebrating my husband’s), but here they just brought out a plate with "happy birthday" written on it. It didn't feel as "special." Rudi’s Seagrill – It's $52 for adults and $15 for kids 11 and under. We started with tuna, blue mussels, oysters, and scallops. My husband thought the scallops were buried under too much mashed potato and there weren't enough scallops, but I enjoyed the mash, so it's really up to personal taste. The tuna and mussels were super fresh. The oysters had too much sauce, which kind of overpowered their natural flavor. For the main course, I went with the full 9 oz lobster, and my husband had a surf and turf. There's no extra charge for that, but you'll get half a lobster tail instead of a whole one, which the waiter said was about 5 oz. It was really good, and we were both pretty stuffed afterward. For dessert, we tried the apple cheesecake and key lime pie, and they were both pretty tasty. Seafood Shack – You'll find this spot in the Street Eats area, and they're open for both lunch and dinner. They offer an à la carte menu. It was pretty busy on our cruise, so we didn't get a chance to try it. The Chef’s table – They're open for dinner and you'll need to make a reservation. It's $124 per person. We didn't get a chance to try it on this cruise, but the menu is heavy, so make sure you arrive hungry! Donuts & Biegnets –This spot at Street Eats serves breakfast with an à la carte menu. All things Wings – This spot at Street Eats serves lunch with an à la carte menu. Empanada & Pie and Masala Tiger - Both spots are in Lido Market. They offer an a la carte menu for both lunch and dinner. Bonsai Sushi – This spot is right next to the Teppanyaki. They serve lunch and dinner with an a la carte menu and stay open late. Bonsai Teppanyaki - It's $49 per person, and it's right near Bonsai Sushi. You'll start with a set menu featuring four appetizers: teppanyaki white shrimp, pork belly yakitori, spicy tuna on the rocks, and your choice of miso soup or salad. For the main course, you pick one entrée—I think the combo options are the way to go since you get to try both a meat and a seafood dish. These come with fried rice and stir-fried veggies. To wrap it all up, you get a chocolate bento box with green tea ice cream for dessert. If you like a bit of a show with your meal and don't want to fuss over too many choices, this spot is perfect. Java Blue Café –This spot offers desserts, sandwiches, and coffee, all available a la carte. Tea Time in Atlantic Restaurant – On certain sea days, there's a tea time from 3-4pm where you can enjoy some specialty teas (the coconut one is awesome) and pastries. The App doesn’t list this as a “fee” event, and when you go, they just give you a tea box without a menu. You’ll find out later that there’s a charge for the tea bags. It feels a bit sneaky if you ask me. We managed to get the charge removed, but it’s a good idea to ask before picking your teas. The front desk mentioned there’s also a free tea event in the Lido Market, but it’s not listed anywhere on the App. Occasionally, they also have special dining events here. For example, on this cruise, they had a birthday breakfast ($15 for adults and $10 for kids) with a theme (this time it was Thing 1 & Thing 2).   In Conclusion We thoroughly enjoyed Carnival's diverse food options, high-quality shows, and the abundance of entertainment available around the ship. Seating is never a concern, as there are plenty of seats everywhere. The ice maker is consistently operational, ensuring a plentiful supply of ice, unlike the issues we've encountered with other cruise lines. However, we believe that the service, particularly the cleanliness of the ship, sanitation (no "washy-washy" staff at the port or in front of the lido), the warmth of the staff, and conveniences to enhance passengers' experiences (especially during embarkation and debarkation), do not yet match the standards of other cruises we've experienced. We hope to see improvements in these areas over time, but for now, we'll likely return to our preferred cruises that truly make us feel at home. #CiciCao #travel #Cruises #Carnival #traveltips #food

LOCATION: Montreal, Quebec, Canada Photo above is property of A/MAZE Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Possessed 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 20, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Horror 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 Players) : 4/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $40/ pp (pending on group size) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes [28:00] 📖 THE STORY An old Victorian house has stood abandoned for decades after a series of gruesome deaths — suicides, unexplained fires, and whispers of rituals gone wrong. You and your team of paranormal investigators are sent to uncover the truth behind its curse. But once inside, the air thickens with dread, objects move on their own, and an unseen force begins to take hold of your thoughts. To survive, you must unravel the house’s dark secrets before something ancient and malevolent consumes your souls. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The room feels professionally built, with a large and thoughtfully designed space that gives a strong sense of exploration. Moving between areas feels natural and satisfying, and the layout adds depth to the overall experience. Props and set pieces are of high quality, with a realistic and authentic look that enhances the story’s believability. Everything from the furniture to the small decorative items feels chosen to reinforce the theme rather than just fill space. As the game progresses, the presence of the occult grows stronger — subtle hints give way to darker symbols, eerie lighting, and an unsettling atmosphere that builds steadily. The pacing of that shift makes the environment more and more immersive. The room strikes a good balance between exploration and focus. There aren’t piles of random items to sort through, but there’s enough material to make the world feel rich and lived in. It keeps you searching without feeling cluttered or chaotic. Special effects are present but light — they help establish tone without taking over. While subtle, they contribute to the eerie vibe rather than relying on cheap jump scares or loud surprises. The puzzles offer solid variety, including searching, logic, decoding, and decryption. There’s a good rhythm to how they appear, and they feel well integrated into the story rather than disconnected tasks. Many puzzles naturally encourage teamwork — some require multiple people to interact with objects simultaneously, while others simply flow better when the group communicates. It creates a nice sense of shared progress. While the narrative loses a bit of strength once the gameplay picks up, the ending still provides closure and wraps up the story in a satisfying way. It feels complete without dragging on. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Although the game offers both a “scary” and “non-scary” mode — which is a great concept — the scary version isn’t actually frightening at all; the tone is more eerie than terrifying. For players who enjoy the horror genre, this lack of intensity might feel like a missed opportunity. The environment sets the stage for horror but never truly leans into it. That said, for players who prefer atmosphere over fear, the lighter tone might actually be a relief and make the experience more enjoyable 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "Possessed " is a perfect gateway escape room for people looking to experience a light horror game with a strong aesthetic and an interesting selection of puzzles. The nonlinear puzzle format also offers an opportunity for larger teams to stay engaged throughout. ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO There is no parking available on site. There are some available spots on the surrounding residential streets. There are also good bus links to this location. There is a lobby area with comfortable seating and secure lockers for your belongings. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (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 A/MAZE for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #RyanDriver #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Horror #AMAZE #Montreal #Canada

LOCATION : Ponchatoula, Louisiana, USA Photo above is property of The Escape Warehouse Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : SHHH! 📅 DATE PLAYED : October 12, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Horror 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 90 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $34.99/ pp (Min. 2 ppl required) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You and your friends have joined a haunted tour through the outskirts of New Orleans, where your next stop is an abandoned schoolhouse shrouded in mystery. Decades ago, thirteen children vanished within its walls, and their bodies were never found. The locals still whisper that the building is cursed—and tonight, you’ll find out why. What begins as a harmless ghost tour quickly turns into something much darker when you make contact with the spirit of one of the missing children. Guided by this ghostly companion, your group must piece together the truth behind the disappearances and uncover the tragic secrets that have kept the school’s halls haunted for generations 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE " Shhh! " nails the fundamentals of good escape room design. The puzzle flow is excellent—cohesive, logical, and rewarding throughout. Despite being a longer experience than many of Escape Warehouse’s other offerings, it never drags or overstays its welcome. The designers struck a perfect balance between variety and challenge, offering plenty of different puzzle types that push the story forward while keeping teams engaged from start to finish. The set design is also a standout feature. Every corner of this decrepit schoolhouse is packed with small, thoughtful details that make it feel authentic—aged furniture, weathered chalkboards, and eerie remnants of a long-forgotten classroom. Each new area feels distinct yet cohesive, and simply exploring each room becomes part of the fun. The designers clearly poured their passion into worldbuilding, and it shows in the level of polish across the entire experience. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK While the story is engaging, some of the exposition comes across as more “tell” than “show.” The delivery of key story moments—particularly through dialogue—feels slightly forced and unnatural at times, which briefly pulls players out of the immersion. These moments don’t ruin the experience by any means, but a little more subtlety in the storytelling could elevate the emotional connection even further. The other small drawback was the timekeeping mechanic. Because there’s no visible timer in the room, a child’s voice periodically provides updates every 15–20 minutes. While we appreciated the effort to integrate this diegetically, it occasionally interrupted puzzle-solving flow. A few times, our group paused mid-solve, thinking the update was story-related, only to realize it was just a time reminder. It’s a creative idea, but one that could use slight refinement to better blend with the gameplay pacing 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " Shhh! " is pure, haunting fun. It’s atmospheric, spooky, and full of personality. Escape Warehouse leans hard into the horror theme—teasing players with promises of frights—and delivers on them effectively without going overboard. The fact that there’s no in-room game master yet the room still maintains tension and immersion speaks volumes about the quality of design and automation. The scares are well-timed, the tone consistent, and the story’s dark mystery remains compelling until the end. The puzzles fit naturally into the environment, making sense within the world of the schoolhouse. While not every puzzle contributes directly to the overarching narrative, each one reinforces the setting and keeps players engaged. A few moments caused unexpected reactions—like puzzles solving automatically or appearing solved before completion—but these were rare and didn’t detract much from the experience. The set design deserves special recognition once again. The use of verticality and light physical interaction makes this game stand out among U.S. escape rooms. It’s refreshing to see a design that doesn’t shy away from giving players a more dynamic space to move through and explore. One of the most exciting aspects of Escape Warehouse is their interconnected storytelling. Each of their games—while playable in any order—contributes to a larger universe of mysteries and lore. Shhh! deepens that world beautifully and showcases just how much this team continues to learn, innovate, and grow with every new creation. Escape Warehouse has proven itself as a studio with creativity, ambition, and a love for storytelling. Shhh! is a strong example of what indie escape room creators can achieve with imagination and care. It’s eerie, smart, and full of surprises—an experience that leaves players both unsettled and smiling. If this is any indication of where Escape Warehouse is heading next, the future looks incredibly bright… and maybe just a little bit haunted. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Photos above are property of The Escape Warehouse ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Game Specific Basic physicality is recommended as there are stairs and crawl spaces Venue Specific Free Parking next to venue (Follow signs to correct door) Lobby with plenty of space and drinks and merch for purchase Private lockers for supplies during games Located ~10mins off of highway 12 and 55 between Baton Rogue LA and New Orleans LA Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (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 The Escape Warehouse  for providing a media discount on the tickets for this game. Although discounted admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever. #MikeSchnurr #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #TheEscapeWarehouse #Horror #Louisiana #USA

LOCATION: Glen Rock, New Jersey, USA Photo above is property of Escape Much Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Lost Artifact 📅 DATE PLAYED : October 10, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-10 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $36-40 PP (pending on the amt of ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You are Ohio Smith, a daring archaeologist. A mysterious government agency contacts you about a stolen ancient ceremonial dagger from a Mayan Temple in the Amazon. Suspecting your rival, Pilote, you learn the artifact could have apocalyptic consequences if mishandled. The agent insists you recover the dagger at all costs. Despite suspecting the agent's hidden motives, your love for adventure prevails. Pilote's greed drives him to the highest Black Market bidder, so you gather a trusted team to track him. Amidst competing interests, you are certain of one thing: the relic belongs in a museum! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Entering this room feels like stepping into an archaeologist professor's office, with a museum clearly visible right next door. The spaciousness makes you feel like there are numerous puzzles waiting to be solved.. The game balances the perfect amount of reading to offer context on Mayan culture and essential clues for finding the right solution, without overwhelming players with excessive reading. One of the puzzle we really enjoyed integrates information typical of a professor's study with elements from his daily life, creating a complex, multi-step challenge. The room utilizes various props in innovative ways to craft visual puzzles that captivate our attention throughout the game. Several hidden reveals emerge during the game, perfectly aligning with the theme as we aim to discover where the stolen items are concealed. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Several clues were drawn or stickered in different areas of the room. We believe these could be presented more aesthetically, enhancing their integration with the room's decor more. Additionally, one clue's visibility is compromised by its coloring. The placement of a clue might confuse players because it matches the shape of a nearby input. We recommend relocating it to a different spot. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? If you're a fan of Da Vinci Code-style cryptic puzzle-solving themed rooms, this challenge is perfect for you. You'll face some puzzles that are commonly found in other escape rooms, making it ideal for beginner escapees to learn the ropes. Additionally, there are a few multi-step puzzles that are very satisfying for enthusiasts to solve. Act quickly, as this game may change soon. If you want to experience this version, head to Escape Much now! ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Lobby with seating Limited free parking spaces in front and on the side. There are metered parking spaces across the railway station as well. The intro videos for this location provide valuable hints about what you'll encounter in the room. You might appreciate these insights or feel they diminish the surprise element. However, if you view them as helpful hints for the game, you'll gain an advantage over other players. So, be sure to pay attention. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (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 Escape Much for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #EscapeMuch #Adventure #NewJersey #USA

Photo above is property of Beadle & Grimm's Company: Beadle & Grimm's Game: Murders at Karlov Manor: The Case of the Three Blade Knife Country: USA 🇺🇸 Language: English Type of Game: Tabletop Games 📬 Genre: Mystery Date Played: February 7, 2025 Difficulty (based on 6 players): 7/10 Size of Team: 1+ Players (Ages 14+) Time: Unlimited (Approx. 60-120 Mins.) Price: $49.99 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Three murders have taken place that have stumped the Ravnican Agency of Magicological Investigations (RAMI). Lead Inspector Tam Sennic has reached out to you and handed the case file to you, hoping for your assistance. As a junior detective, this might be the mystery that can jump start your career. Are you ready to bring a killer to justice? Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ Folding open the package, we find a lot of organized notes to what looks like 3 murders, each with interviews, suspect list and more. There is also an additional envelope for Stage 2 that states not to open it until told to do so. Some other stand out items are the map of the tenth district and the beautiful Ravnican Agency of Magicological Investigations (RAMI) badge. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 The game rules were impressively thorough, taking us step by step on how each stage works and when to proceed to the next one. A complete checklist of documents for each stage was also provided. All of this is helpful for beginners or anyone new to these types of games. From there, we were directed to the introduction note, which welcomed us as junior detectives in the Ravnican Agency and pointed us to what to look at first. One standout item was the RAMI badge, a solid metal collectible that would make a nice display piece afterwards. The badge also integrated with the Pinfinity app, which utilized AR technology for hints, code cracking and where we would submit our solutions to continue. This was a clever piece to make the game more interactive. The highlights of the game were how well designed the documents were with the posters, map, artwork and police case file notes. It was packed with Ravnican lore. We had one player who plays Magic: The Gathering and specifically the Murder at Karlov Manor set, who enjoyed the references and easter eggs sprinkled throughout. One downside of the game is the amount of reading involved. With our 6 players, we found it challenging to keep track of all the information as there were many documents and details to manage. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 The game had a few basic puzzles and ciphers for those who enjoy decoding. The bulk of the challenge was the deduction and making connections through the various documents. The first stage required us to find the suspect who had the opportunity to commit the murders. However, with so many notes and documents to dig through, we would recommend a white board or something large enough to share notes for everyone to see. Using the RAMI badge was where hints were provided. Though simple, they were direct in what key information to look at to progress in the case. One aspect that seemed unbalanced was the pacing of the stages. The first stage took us almost 2 hours to complete while the second one took about 15 mins. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 " The Case of the Three Blade Knife " was a detailed, lore-full mystery, hidden in the high quality documents, that needed to be unearthed and connected. Careful deduction and attention to details was needed to solve this difficult case. With 6 players, we found it difficult to keep track of everything. We would recommend no more than 4 players, though 2 players would be ideal. This game was excellent for a rainy day with a few hours to kill. Rather than reading a book, you can immerse yourself in the lore of Ravnica. You don’t need to know anything about Magic: The Gathering for this game but fans of Ravnican will appreciate the connection and small details. As a bonus too, the RAMI badge is a beautiful piece to cosplay with or just keep around and display after you have solved the case. This game is currently sold out, but support their new projects on Kickstarter! (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 Beadle & Grimm's for providing us with samples of the game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MatthewLui #AtHomeGames #TabletopGames #PuzzlesByMail #OneOffs #Mystery #BeadleandGrimms #USA

Photo above is property of Thames & Kosmos Company:    Thames & Kosmos Game:   Spy Labs: Digital Snake Scope Country:    USA 🇺🇸 Language:     English Type of Game:    Tabletop Games 📬 Genre:   Adventure, Treasure Hunt Date Played:     October 30, 2025 Difficulty (based on 2 players):    N/A Size of Team:    1 Player to set up, 1+ Player to find (Ages 8+) Time:   N/A Price:     $43.95 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈: The Digital Snake Scope isn’t a “story-driven” experience or game in itself, but rather a tool you can bring into your own adventures. Think of it as spy gear waiting for a mission: a gadget you can deploy when designing your own mystery, crafting a kid-friendly secret op, or even doing some grown-up snooping (the legal kind). 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞: For something designed for ages 8+, the Snake Scope feels surprisingly sturdy and satisfyingly gadget-y. The aptly spy-ish black-and-red plastic exterior has a toy vibe, but one that adults will still want to play with. The handheld display unit features a 2.3” color LCD screen, and attached to it is a 26” flexible arm that bends into just about any angle you want and largely stays put until you reposition it. On the end is a tiny waterproof camera paired with an LED light. There’s even a removable shade hood for cutting glare if you’re sleuthing outdoors. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈: Operating the Snake Scope is very intuitive: one trigger for powering the camera, a separate button for toggling the LED light. The flexible “snake” arm functions well: it’s quite easy to shape, fairly steady once positioned, and incredibly useful when peering around corners, behind furniture, or down ominously dark basement stairs (gotta be sure there’s no ghosts down there…). The LED light is bright enough to illuminate darker spaces and dramatically improves visibility, especially since the camera leans toward a darker, grainier image without additional lighting. Colors and details become much clearer when the light is on, though in sunlit or bright environments you may not need it at all. And if you’re doing more subtle reconnaissance, keeping the light off can help you stay sneaky. Everything functioned smoothly, though the power trigger is a little sensitive, so we turned it off by accident a few times. The one-page instructions are enough to get you started, and, at <1lb, the whole unit is light enough to carry around on your missions with ease. We didn’t test the waterproof claim, but the idea of using it to investigate underwater coins or mysterious puddle-dwelling secrets is undeniably fun and adds to the endless possibilities of how you can use it! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂: This isn’t a puzzle experience in the traditional sense, though it can absolutely enable puzzles, clue hunts, and espionage hijinks of your own making. 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂: Overall, the Digital Snake Scope is a delightful little gadget, both for imaginative spy-play, themed puzzle adventures, and even potentially some practical real-world tasks. The flexible arm is fantastic for checking high, low, or awkwardly tucked-away spaces, and the LED light significantly boosts the clarity so you can read that hidden code, identify the correct colors, or clearly see the design details. No, it’s not cinematic-quality footage, but for kids, puzzle events, or household reconnaissance (“which vent did the cat slither into this time?”) it gets the job done and then some. We can see this being a hit in spy-themed parties, DIY missions, escape room–style scavenger hunts, and off-the-cuff detective games. And honestly? We’re already plotting ways to use it in our own puzzle adventures, and maybe to see what actually lives under the fridge in our old farmhouse… Note : This is part of Thames & Kosmos’ extensive Spy Lab series, which has lots of other fun little mission gadgets. Requires 3 AAA batteries, along with a small Phillips head screwdriver. Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Check out our interview with the creators to understand more about the development side of the game: Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (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 Thames & Kosmos for providing us with samples of the game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #DaveBristol #AtHomeGames #TabletopGames #PuzzlesByMail #OneOffs #ThamesandKosmos #Adventure #Spy #Espionage #USA

LOCATION: Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA Photo above is property of Red Door Escape Room (Gaithersburg) Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Fair Game 📅 DATE PLAYED : June 4, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Action, Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 7.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-7 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $39.95/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY A mysterious circus has arrived in town, where things are not as they appear. Visit the Tooth Toss, explore the Funhouse, or watch a show. Employ a mix of cleverness and playfulness to unravel the hidden clues scattered throughout the fairgrounds. Distinguish between what is genuine and what is merely an illusion. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯    HIT THE BULLSEYE Upon stepping into this room, the lively carnival music and vibrant games immediately draw us in, creating a sense of excitement that permeates the entire experience. The plot unexpectedly shifted, and the set design cleverly reflected this twist. The room featured some unconventional puzzles that required a mindset akin to playing fair games in order to solve them successfully. 🧩   MISSED THE MARK There was an unexpected challenging puzzle in the first room that proved to be quite difficult for two people. We were not warned about this in advance. We managed to solve it through sheer luck. We enjoyed the first room more because the puzzles were clearer in terms of clues. The hints provided by the Game Master seemed like puzzles themselves and the speed could be more efficient. One of the puzzle props requires maintenance as it is challenging to operate. Additionally, the clue for that puzzle was hard to comprehend. I'm still unsure about the conclusion of this room. What's the story again? There was a cool puzzle design towards the end of the game, but it was confusing in terms of how to utilize it. Some clear directions would have been beneficial. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? We are truly passionate about carnival-themed escape rooms because they offer a unique and engaging experience that combines the thrill of solving puzzles with the excitement of playing games. However, it is crucial for the puzzles and challenges within the room to be seamlessly integrated into the overall logic of the game. In this particular room, some of the puzzle concepts may have felt a bit disconnected, which could have potentially disrupted the flow of the game and hindered the overall experience. To enhance the game flow and ensure a more cohesive and engaging experience, it may be beneficial to introduce more clarity and coherence in the puzzle design. One way to address this issue could be by providing clearer and more direct clues from the game master. By offering more explicit guidance and hints, players can better understand the objectives and solutions to the puzzles, leading to a smoother and more enjoyable gameplay experience. With some adjustments and enhancements, such as refining puzzle concepts, providing clearer clues, and ensuring logical coherence throughout the game, there is a great opportunity for this room to elevate the level of excitement and deliver an even more thrilling and memorable escape room experience for players. ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Street metered parking or garage near by Lobby area with seating & lockers Merchandise available for sale Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (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 Red Door Escape Room (Gaithersburg)  for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLEscapeRoom #EscapeRooms #RedDoorEscapeRoom #Adventure #Maryland #USA

LOCATION: Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA Photo above is property of Red Door Escape Room (Gaithersburg) Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Once Upon a Time 📅 DATE PLAYED : June 4, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Fairy Tale 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-7 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $39.95/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Three powerful magical items have been stolen and concealed within a castle. When wielded by the right individuals, they have the potential to bring prosperity to the realm. However, if they fall into the wrong hands, they will undoubtedly lead to destruction and despair. Journey through the enchanted forest, explore the castle, and recover the items before the tale reaches its conclusion! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯    HIT THE BULLSEYE Commencing a fairytale with an enchanted forest is always a captivating choice. We also appreciated a unique "entrance" that guided us deeper into the mystical realm as the game progressed. The incorporation of a character from the magical world to engage with the players and integrating puzzles into the interaction proved to be highly enjoyable for the participants. A straightforward physical puzzle provided a great deal of amusement. Several small props were utilized for uncomplicated puzzles, which unexpectedly became some of the most memorable moments in the game. 🧩   MISSED THE MARK There was a puzzle prop that didn't have clear input direction. We were puzzled about why an item should be placed there instead of here. Surprisingly, it still worked and led to the finale, which left us confused. There is room for improvement in the clarity and efficiency of how hints are provided. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? If you're into cool experiences that whisk you away to a world of magic and wonder, then diving into the enchanting adventure of a mystical forest might just be your thing. As you explore deeper into this fantastical realm, the mystery of the unknown calls out to you. This special room in the forest is designed with everyone in mind, so both kids and grown-ups can have a blast. The challenges are fun but not too tough, so people of all ages can enjoy the excitement of the quest. While wandering through the twisting paths and hidden corners of the forest, keep your eyes peeled for enchanted items waiting to be found. So, ready to take a leap into this magical world? You never know what amazing surprises are in store for you at the end of this thrilling adventure. ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Street metered parking or garage near by Lobby area with seating & lockers Merchandise available for sale Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (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 Red Door Escape Room (Gaithersburg)  for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLEscapeRoom #EscapeRooms #RedDoorEscapeRoom #FairyTale #Maryland #USA

Photo above is property of MysteryLocks Company:    MysteryLocks Game:   The Pyramid Country:    Romania 🇷🇴 Language:     English Type of Game:    DIY Escape Kits 🖨️✂ Genre:   Adventure Date Played:     October 22, 2025 Difficulty (based on 2 players):    8/10 Size of Team:    Unlimited Time:   120 Mins. Price:    $35.00 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Embark on an exhilarating adventure with The Pyramid, a printable escape room experience set in ancient Egypt. Explore The Pyramid of the Four Kings, discovering hidden canopic jars, secret sarcophagi, and complex mazes. Solve mysteries using ten diary pages and an interactive online platform as you delve into Ma'at's tomb. Prepare for an unforgettable journey through time! Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ When you purchase a game on MysteryLocks' website, you can immediately download and print the game at your convenience, whether it's a single copy or multiple. This game includes 3 instruction pages (optional for printing) and 19 game material pages. Although the company provided us with a printed copy for review, this option isn't available as an add-on on their website, which would be a valuable feature for players without printer access. The vibrant and beautiful colors of the game pieces captivate us, drawing us into the game instantly. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 On each page with game pieces, cut them out along the clear outlines. If assembly or folding is required, you'll see the outlines for that as well. We found that using double-sided tape instead of glue was much easier and less messy. Although the game's instructions were challenging for some assembly parts, following their YouTube instructions made it significantly easier. Once everything is assembled, you'll need a device to connect to the internet, though there is an offline option if you download it beforehand. This is where you'll access the storyline, input your answers, and receive helpful hints if you're stuck. When we played " The Box ", we enjoyed some cool interactive sounds that we wish this game included. One improvement we suggest is for the website to record your game progress, as currently, if the website freezes, you must re-enter all answers from the beginning. Having learned from previous experiences, we recorded our answers for this one, but re-entering everything is still inconvenient. Having a notepad and pen/pencil are invaluable for taking notes or solving puzzles. Organizational skills are crucial since there will be many game pieces after cutting. The creator excelled in visually indicating which pieces are needed for specific puzzles, and most are "one and done," allowing you to set them aside afterward. However, there was one instance where a visual match was missing and we had to figure it out ourselves. Main puzzle pieces, like the pyramid, may be used multiple times. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 We tackled numerous puzzles, approximately 10, and were impressed by the extensive playtime this print-and-cut game offered. An interactive story accompanied the solving process, and as we "peeled" away the pyramid, we felt immersed in the unfolding storyline. The puzzles presented a range of difficulties, with some relying on perception and others demanding logic and multiple steps to solve. One particularly enjoyable aspect was maneuvering the paper to reveal something previously unseen. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 This game is an exciting upgrade from "The Box" with both setup and playtime nearly doubling. It's absolutely worth the effort, especially if you're a fan of arts and crafts—it feels wonderfully meditative. The completed pyramid and ancient relics are colorful and beautiful. The storyline transforms a simple print-and-cut puzzle into an immersive experience, making you feel like a part of ancient tomb raider history. Once the tech aspects are fine-tuned, this game will be a seamless adventure. Are you ready to enter the secret passages of The Pyramid and uncover its hidden treasures? Whether you go solo or team up, you'll have a blast either way! And that's the magic of these at-home games. (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 MysteryLocks for providing us with a sample of this game. Although complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #AtHomeGames #DigitalGames #PrintNCut #Adventure #MysteryLocks #Romania

LOCATION: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Photo above is property of The Locked Room Photos above are property of The Locked Room 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Game Over 📅 DATE PLAYED : October 5, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Sci-Fi 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 4/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $37.75/ pp (2 ppl), $34.25/ pp (3 ppl), $30.95/ pp (4+ ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Oh no! The princess has been kidnapped and it’s up to you and your group to travel through Video Game Land, solve the puzzles, beat the boss in the final level and save her! “Let's-a gooo!” 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The room set was homemade, but they did not skimp on the quality. This was what I dreamed my childhood bedroom would have been like with many beautiful video game levels designed on the walls and beautiful props key to the experience. There were some props that were just for looks too and we were impressed with how much effort went into them. The entire room was a huge nod to retro video games which was amazing. Though there were many references, you didn’t need to know anything about video games to solve the puzzles. There were plenty of clever puzzles blended into the theme with some great variety but all fit the video game theme perfectly. They did a great job of making you feel immersed in the world of retro video games. There was great signposting for all the puzzles so we knew where everything went and what went with which lockbox. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There were no major misses in this room. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " Game Over " was such a fun, family friendly room. While the puzzles leaned on the easier side, the variety and clever design made them a blast to solve. The video game themed set design was spot on, which created the perfect nostalgic atmosphere. We tackled the room with one adult and two kids which worked perfectly but the room could easily fit a couple more players. Fans of retro video games or people who like creative puzzles would have a great time with this room and you wouldn’t even need the Konami Code or any extra lives to complete it. Photos above are property of The Locked Room ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking Lobby area with seating available Free sticker after completing the game Lockers available Photo above is property of The Locked Room (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 "!) #MatthewLui #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #TheLockedRoom #SciFi #VideoGames #Alberta #Canada

LOCATION: Lincoln, Rhode Island, USA Photo above is property of R1 Indoor Karting - TimeMission 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : TimeMission 📅 DATE PLAYED : May 30, 2021 🎬 GENRE : Sci-Fi, Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 6.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-5 ppl (Ages 14+, Ages 6-13 need accompany by 18+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins 💰 PRICE : $25.00/ pp (various packages available) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Public 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, the room(s) (no puzzle spoilers) and more: Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers TimeMission is an immersive gaming experience with 25 portals to choose from. Each portal is completely unique and different from each other, designed to test your intellect, endurance, and other abilities!! We love the idea of "The Largest Time Machine in the World", Before opening each door with your time travel bracelet, you'll know what year and theme you'll be traveling to. This concept kept us intrigued the entire time as behind every door was an amazing set design full of surprises. At times we're in a jungle and others we're in outer space (check out our YouTube video above for a sneak peek)! Although it's not like a typical escape room type of feel (there were two that we felt like could pass for a short escape room experience), the urgency of the timer in the room definitely made it feel similar. You have 1-2 minutes to figure out what you need to do and if you fail, you'll have to go back out and retry the room again. The high quality lighting and sound also enhanced our gaming experience. The puzzles in each room varied in levels of difficulty and type. Some were more focused on logic puzzles whereas others are more about the physical challenges. Before entering a room, make sure to check the room type printed on the plaque right outside on the wall. We tried every single room at TimeZone and by the time we finished the second one, we're already sweating. TimeZone really knew how to keep our adrenaline running throughout the entire time! Since there are 25 rooms and each one only takes approximately 1-2 minutes to play through, there's isn't really much of a wait time even if you go on a super busy weekend (like we did). The most we waited was 2 minutes for a room that we haven't played yet, but you can easily go somewhere else and return when that room becomes available. TimeMission's 25 Portals is sure to intrigue any individual that would like to teleport to another time and challenge themselves. We highly recommend checking out all of the rooms and seeing as much as possible while you're there. Because we were able to travel to different portals throughout time, it felt a lot like "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure"! If you've done Boda Borg in MA, this would be in the same category because each room felt like mini quests. The challenges were easier and actually doable at TimeZone as most of the time we knew what we did wrong and what we would have to do the next time. At Boda Borg, we had to use a lot of trial and error as sometimes you can just step into a room and fail. If you're the competitive type, definitely check out the score board. It's updated in real time with points your team has earned at each quest. We finished 4th on that day which probably means it's time to go back soon for another challenge! If TimeMission doesn't interest you, I'm sure R1 Indoor Karting has something else for you. Make a day trip out of it and check out their huge indoor go-kart track, axe throwing, arcade, and more! This place is perfect for events and parties of all ages! For our beloved followers, you're in luck! ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Parking lot in front Lobby area & Bar Indoor karting, axe throwing, arcade Event space available Dress code: sneakers & comfortable clothing Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Discount: Use "ROOMERS" for 10% off. (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 R1 Indoor Karting - TimeMission for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #ImmersiveExperiences #R1IndoorKarting #TimeMission #SciFi #Adventure #RhodeIsland #USA