Escape Room Frequently Asked Questions
What is an escape room?
Escape rooms are live physical action-adventure games in which you and your team are put into a scenario where you must work together to find clues, uncover secrets and solve problems. They are great for team building and a lot of fun.
Am I really locked in a room? What happens if we can't escape.
No, you are never truly locked in the room and can leave if you wish.
If you cannot complete the room within the time limit, then the game is over. We will show you the remaining solution(s) if you would like.
Who can play the LIFT LOCK ESCAPE experience?
Pretty much everyone!
Are there any age restrictions?
Our stories are suitable and enjoyable for all ages. However, since this is a group activity and for practicality, we recommend a minimum age of 8 years old, but there is no maximum age.
If you want to bring in your child who is younger than 8 no problem, but remember this is an adult game and therefore younger children probably will not enjoy it. There must be at least one player over 18 years of age present in the room at all times.
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Can I play in a room on my own?
Our games are all designed for 2 – 8 players. You can always try one of our virtual reality escape room games by yourself.
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Can you handle larger groups?
Of course! Contact us in advance and we arrange this with you.
How do I play the escape room?
As for the details of each game, that is a secret! You will have to figure it out yourself by playing. Let's say it is one of the most stimulating ways to spend 60 minutes with your family/friends, whether you escape or not.
As for the logistics:
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Show up, solve the mystery, and escape. As simple as that!
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Please arrive 5-10 minutes earlier than your scheduled game time. When you arrive at Lift Lock Escape the Game Master welcomes you at the front desk, where you will tell us your name, pay, and sign the waiver forms for all the participants.
When everybody is gathered we will start with a brief explanation of the game and how everything works. You don’t have to bring anything with you, just your wits and curiosity.
After the orientation, you are locked into the room.
There is an escape button installed in each room that force opens each door! So if you feel claustrophobic, need to go to the restroom, or have to take an important call, you can exit and re-enter the room anytime.
The game starts when the Game Master closes the main door. You will see a countdown timer indicating your remaining game time.
Now everything is on you and your teammates. Figure out the way to your escape!
There is no physical strength needed for any of our games. What you will need is your mental force. You have to solve puzzles, quizzes, and brainteasers, using strategy, creativity, and logic on your quest to freedom.
If you cannot figure out something, you can call for hints. In each room, there is a way to communicate with your Game Master, who will give you a hint to move forward.
“Tick tock” – beat the clock!
Remember, whether you manage to escape or not, you are here for the fun and the experience.
Hopefully, you be at our game and make your escape, if not, the Game Master will let you out after your time run down, and explain the missing puzzles to your freedom.
We invite you to take some photos after your game is finished, (or sometimes before the game) which can take up an extra 5 minutes.
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So how long does the adventure last?
Each adventure is 60 minutes long and we suggest you arrive 5-10 minutes before game time for the story briefing and/or completing the possible waiver.
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Do I need to be very strong?
No physical strength is not needed at all. Whether you are a petite person or a bodybuilder, you can play in our rooms. We kindly ask that at no time during your experience do you use excessive force to open or move any objects in our rooms. The only outcome of this would be damaging our equipment.
So leave your muscles at home, and bring your skills, such as logical reasoning with you.
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Will it be too difficult for me?
Pay careful attention to story briefing, work in a team, and put your best effort into the adventure. We have built and tested our rooms to provide varying levels of difficulty. If you are stuck, call for a hint. We will not give you the answer, because there is no fun in that, but will guide you in the correct direction. So remember to call for us to come and unstuck you when you are stuck!
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What if I don’t “escape”?
Based on the objective of the room you are playing, you may die, the humanity may vanish, or you may be sentenced to life in prison...
But we guarantee you will still enjoy yourself!
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What if I need to leave the room mid-game to visit the bathroom?
Players can leave the room at any point during the play. But we encourage everyone to take care of “business” before they enter the room. In this way, you can enjoy every minute of your game, and you won't disturb everyone else's experience either.
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Can I come back in and continue playing?
Absolutely.
How do I pay?
We do accept Debit, cash, and credit cards onsite.
Do you offer a discount for bigger groups?
Yes, we do. Call our front desk to hear about our ongoing promotions.
What if I have to cancel my adventure? Is the payment refundable?
Cancellations or changes made to bookings more than 24 hours away:
We will fully refund your purchase/deposit to the credit card that was used when making the booking. Please allow 3-5 business days for the refund to process.
Cancellations made within 24 hours of gameplay start time:
No refunds will be provided, but we will issue you a Gift Certificate for the full dollar amount deposited to use towards a future booking.
No shows:
A booking is considered a no-show if we aren’t notified about a booking cancellation at least 1 hour before the start of the booking. No refunds or credit will be given for no-shows.
What if I accidentally break something?
All our props and rooms are carefully designed and built to withstand the rigors of day-to-day use. If it truly is an accident we will assess the situation and make a fair decision. If you’re just being silly, you will have to pay. We have cameras in all the rooms for everyone’s safety so we will just review the video to see what happened.
How to book your game?
Please go online and visit our booking page. Choose your game, and pick the best available date for you. Or call us at 705-874-3100.
Do I need to make a reservation?
Our games are live and in session with a set schedule. Hence, we encourage you to book your game in advance, so you are not disappointed if there are no slots available, when you walk in.
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How long is the game?
Our games are 60 minutes long. Please arrive 15 minutes earlier for game orientation and to pay. Prepare to stay for about 80 minutes.
When should we arrive?
Please arrive 5-10 minutes earlier for game orientation and processing payments.
What happens if I show up late for the game?
Please note that our games are live games and in session with a set schedule. We have a five-minute grace period. But after five minutes, the game clock will start and you will play with less time. If you arrive after 15 minutes of the game clock starting, you"ll have missed too much and will no longer be allowed to enter.
Can I make a reservation for a special occasion or for a large group?
Yes. please contact us in advance to arrange this. Check out our birthday party and corporate booking page.
Can I make a corporate team-building reservation?
Yes. Please contact us in advance to arrange this. More info here.
Is the game scary?
Our game themes are not designed to be scary. However, if you feel uncomfortable for any reason and need to end the game, you can get out immediately at any time, by using the panic button.
Can I play the game even when I am claustrophobic?
Our game rooms are of a comfortable size, and we do not let in more people than is recommended. However, if you feel claustrophobic, you can leave the room immediately at any time, by using the panic button.
Where can I park?
There is public parking on all the streets around. Street parking is free on the weekends, and anytime after 6:00 pm. Also, you can use the Charlotte mews parking lot just a block away from our location for $1/hour. In addition, you may utilize the parking space in the transit center. The first hour is free, and after that, there is a $1 per hour charge.
Finally, there is a parking space below the movie theater.
Can I get to LIFT LOCK ESCCAPE, by transit?
Yes. The main city transit center is half a block away from us.
What are your business hours?
Please check our hours here.
Am I allowed to take pictures or videos during my game?
Sorry but no one likes spoilers! We don"t want any secrets to leak out so there are no pictures/video/social media/etc allowed inside the rooms. You"re welcome to take pictures in the waiting room.
We recommend you lock your phones in the lockers we have at our location.
Aren't escape games best suited to fans of math, science and physics?
Left-brained, right-brained and undecided-brained players will find themselves equally entertained, engaged and challenged by our games.
Can I use my mobile phone to help me advance through the games?
No. We require all of the participants to avoid using their phones for the entire duration of their game to allow for optimum levels of challenge, overall enjoyment, and satisfaction. Besides, you will have your hands more than full with the clues, props, keys, and other accessories that you will need to make use of to find your way out.
Can I purchase a gift card for someone?
Absolutely. Visit us in the store to purchase your gift card. Check here for more info.
I have played all your rooms, when will you introduce a new theme?
What are your prices?
Our current prices are shown on our pricing page.
Did not find the answer to your question? Contact us today, our team is always ready to help.