Think Escape Games - "Smoke & Mirrors"
- Cici Cao
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
LOCATION: Orlando, Florida, USA
Photo above is property of Think Escape Games
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
📝 ETR DECODER
🔑 GAME: Smoke & Mirrors
📅 DATE PLAYED: February 16, 2025
🎬 GENRE: Mystery
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 5.5/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: Up to 8 ppl
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.
💰 PRICE: $40.00/ pp
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes
📖 THE STORY
A group of local magicians purchased an old theater, once a venue for Houdini's performances, with plans to turn it into a museum. They believe the dressing room is haunted by Houdini's spirit because of unusual events. Your paranormal team has been called in to investigate and appease the spirit before investors arrive in an hour, since a haunting revelation might threaten the theater's prospects.
Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE
Occasionally, we really enjoy a room that satisfies our desire to open numerous locks, and this is one of those rooms.
Many props were used, all perfectly suited to the magical theme. Some puzzles required players to actually perform a magic trick, which was ingenious.
Certain moments of insight, when a mystery was unraveled, seemed as if a "spirit" played a role—or was it magic? Either way, we were delightfully surprised.
🧩 MISSED THE MARK
Some props need updating. One in particular was essential for revealing a clue, but the wording was so worn out that it was hard to see, especially in dim lighting.
This room could benefit from more storyline rather than just solving one puzzle after another. We weren't clear on why the theater is haunted or what the final action accomplished as a conclusion.
One of the props was used twice for puzzles, which could be easily overlooked by experienced players accustomed to a "one and done" rule.
Some props for the final puzzle were introduced too early. We were unsure how to use them and wasted time trying to incorporate them into the current puzzles we needed to solve.
🏹 TAKE A SHOT?
Just like Houdini's fascination with locks, there's a treasure trove of mystery to explore in this room! While it may not boast high-tech gadgets, it brilliantly weaves basic magic tricks into a charmingly simple setting. Get ready to divulge yourself in magic by cracking puzzles, and you might even sense a spirit orchestrating some of the enchanting happenings! This adds an exhilarating twist you won't find in your typical magic escape room. So don't count on a mere "Abracadabra" to set you free; you'll need to rely on your wits and teamwork to escape this haunted theater!
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO
Free parking lot in front
Merchandise available for purchase
Beverages available for purchase
Lobby area with seating available
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 Think Escape Games for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.
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