FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
* ESCAPE ROOMS *
Are tickets per person?
Escape room ticket pricing is per person, not per group.
OPEN RAIN OR SHINE?
Yes! We are an indoor facility, and have overhangs outside, too.
How do I get Escape Room tickets? Do I need a reservation?
Yes, tickets can be booked online in advance for Escape Rooms, as part of a game session reservation. Each session allows 6-10 players to participate, depending on the escape room. If your gaming group exceeds the maximum capacity, please book multiple sessions or arrange a private party (limited availability). If your gaming team has less than 6-10 players, please be mindful that you will likely be placed with other players during a session. This may sound unsettling… being locked in a room with strangers. Remember: escape rooms are team-building atmospheres. More brain-power increases your team’s chance of a successful escape! This season, we’re offering the R.I.P. Pass for all escape challenges — each ticket includes an Escape Room experience, a VIP “skip the line” pass, and the full “House of Horror” Haunted House experience, after your scheduled room time. Experience the whole haunt in one night! This special package deal is limited while time slots remain.
Do you book private parties or corporate events?
Yes, please send us a message to make a special reservation. Thursdays are sometimes reserved for private parties and events. We can also accommodate different days and larger parties on a case by case basis. Reservation pricing can vary, and requires blocking out the venue.
Can I purchase ticket vouchers for someone?
We do not offer ticket vouchers. However, please feel free to purchase a ticket as a gift for someone.
Which Escape Rooms are open, on what dates and how much does it cost?
While our escape room attractions are often open throughout the year, the schedule may change from month to month, especially during the Halloween season (September – November). The Fall season opens in September and ends in November. Choose from our signature, horror themed escape rooms — Get full room details here. Each reservation is a R.I.P. pass that includes an escape room experience, a VIP “skip the line” pass, and the haunted house. Schedule and availability vary each season. The Escape Room ticket page always has the latest information about which rooms are open, what dates and time slots are available with the prices. Tickets vary by experience — please check the ticket booking app to confirm ticket price for your slot.
Are players really locked in a room?
No, although it may appear as though you are. The rooms include puzzles, obstacles and mysteries to overcome that include unlocking doors with keys and various kinds of locks. Don’t worry, though: each game is closely-monitored in real-time via audio communications and surveillance systems by our Game Moderator. The moderator can be reached immediately at any time should you need any assistance.
Are “Escape the Movies” and the other rooms scary?
The rooms are horror movie themed. It’s a completely different experience for everyone. We’ve recently rated the rooms as scary (rated 1 – 5, with 5 as the scariest) and difficult (1 – 5, with 5 as the hardest) on the Escape Room page with details about each room. We’ve written special notes about each Escape Room, along with some important disclaimers about what to expect. Please read all those notes! The attraction “Escape the Movies” features scenes from some of the most popular horror movies in history, which creates a bit of a “creepy” atmosphere for our gamers. If you are afraid of horror movies, you might find “Escape the Movies” a tad on the scary side. Keep in mind, the rooms are inside of an old, abandoned, haunted movie theater.
Will the lights be turned off?
Occasionally. The rooms are designed to challenge your mind and senses, along with your fears. The lights will not turn off and stay off, but they will dim and the room lighting may change to increase the fear factor, enhance the experience, and possibly unveil hidden clues. Again, do not worry: our Game Moderator is always watching and available to assist in any way.
Can you personalize a private reservation for a special occasion?
Absolutely! You may book a private party for birthdays, anniversaries, corporate outings, wedding parties, alumni reunions, and date nights. The sky is the limit! Feel free to to contact us directly with your special requests — it’s recommended that you send a message using the form. We are happy to personalize a clue with someone’s name, age, a special date, etc. A special personal connection during an escape attempt session can be an unexpected fun surprise! Imagine seeing your name smeared across the bathroom walls… that’s an experience you’ll never forget!
When should I make a reservation?
We recommend booking as far in advance as possible. We need to plan ahead in order for us to accommodate your desired date, time, and number of players. We do not allow walk-ins unless there are time slots still available that night — in that case, you can purchase passes at the door (as long as there is enough time for your group to make the time slot). It is strongly recommended that you make an online reservation in advance. Please keep in mind that our escape rooms book quickly, sometimes weeks or months in advance, limiting your date options. The month of October has a special schedule due to the Halloween season with the haunted house attraction open at the same time. Some room, dates and times may not be available in the Fall.
What if I can’t make my reservation time slot? What is the cancellation and refund policy?
We understand that your personal schedules may change. We allow changes to reservations UP TO 72 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF YOUR RESERVATION. We cannot change your reservation within 72 hours of your session. WE DO NOT OFFER REFUNDS, however, we will be happy to reschedule the session for you — provided that you give us at least 72 hours notice. This policy is in place to accommodate all scheduled reservations for the day and ensure that each session has the optimal number of of players to maximize each gaming experience.
How long is a session?
Each session lasts one hour. Your time slot will begin with a 15-minute introduction and briefing, then the challenge begins with a 45 to 50-minute game. You must escape in 45 (and sometimes 50) minutes or less! See game details on the Escape Room page.
How early should I arrive?
You should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your reservation time slot.
What if I’m running late for my reservation?
We require all players to arrive at our location at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled reservation time slot. This allows us ample time to set up your game, and brief all players on our rules and policies — to maintain a safe and fun experience for everyone. If you are concerned about a potential late arrival, please contact us as soon as you can so that we can plan appropriately. All players in attendance will begin their game session at the scheduled time. You may join your group upon your arrival, however there are no discounts or pro-rated refunds due to not participating in the entire session by your own accord. It is your responsibility to arrive in a timely fashion. Your team depends on you!
Do I need to wear anything special?
No. We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes, and be prepared to search for clues high and low. You are welcome to participate in the horror theme or arrive in costume if you like, but do not wear anything that might prevent the Game Moderator from identifying you. LADIES (or men): please, no high heels. You will be frantically searching for clues in all kinds of ways, so please do your part to prevent any injuries that could potentially be caused as a result of your choice of apparel. We are not liable for those.
Where are you located?
We are in the Laurel Shopping Center: 935 Fairlawn Avenue, Laurel, MD 20707. Call for directions: 240-294-8444. Or, view a map.
What is parking like?
There are two parking lots at Laurel Shopping Center. One is located within the shopping center and the other located behind the theater on the back right hand side. We recommend parking in the back right hand parking lot behind the shopping center — it is much closer to our entrance and a shorter walk for you.
Is the location Handicap accessible?
Absolutely! Whether it’s stumping you with puzzles or scaring the “you know what” out of you, everyone is welcome to our escape rooms, and Laurel’s House of Horror! If you or any members of your team have special needs, please contact us after purchasing your reservation so that we can make arrangements that will comfortably accommodate you.
Can children participate?
Yes, but only with adult supervision. Children under 13 should be accompanied by an adult. Children and teens seem to particularly enjoy the puzzles and challenges that escape rooms present! Since “Escape the Movies” is horror-movie themed and we all perceive things differently — you know your children and their scare tolerance best and are the best judge of whether they will enjoy the experience.
Do I need any prior experience solving puzzles?
No. There are multiple difficulty levels after every room is solved. Nothing too hard or extreme. Just be prepared to look high and low, “think outside the box”, and be creative. Clues are EVERYWHERE.
What if my group is stumped and has not progressed?
Here’s where our Game Moderator steps in! Each team will get 3 – and ONLY 3 – “bonus clues” during your entire one-hour game session. These are similar to “lifelines” or “phone a friend” that you may have seen on popular TV game shows. USE THEM WISELY! Communicate with your team before contacting the Game Moderator for your bonus clues, because once you have used up all 3 of your bonuses, the rest is up to you!
What are the rules concerning drinking?
For your safety, we kindly ask that you do not show up intoxicated for your adventure. This is for your own personal safety, as well as for other guests. We are in an old movie theater — our floors are often slanted, and we have many delicate props and custom-made décor. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REMOVE A GUEST for safety reasons, particularly if they cannot control themselves due to inebriation. Please save your “party time” for after your game! We will gladly tell you where great bars are in the area once you finish your game. Thanks!