Location: 283 N. University Ave: Provo, UT
Time: 1 hour
Cost: Depends on the size of your group: 1-7 people ($18/person); 8-15 people ($15/person); 16 people ($12.50/person)
Description: Getout Games is the first live escape room experience in Utah County. It is a concept that has become one of the top ranked entertainment options throughout Europe and the U.S. The basic concept is that you are locked in a room for one hour. Your group has to investigate the clues inside the room in order to figure out the combination to open the lock that will let you out of the room before the hour is up. That basic concept is used as the core of all live escape rooms, though the details and themes vary from location to location.
Getout Games currently has two rooms which are both identical, allowing you to either compete against the other room or just work against the clock. Either way, you only have 60 minutes. The version we tried (Provo Heist) requires you to investigate the office of Provo's mob boss, find the safe, break it open, grab the gold and find the combination that opens the door before time expires. In order to do that, you have to search for clues, solve the puzzles, crack the codes, and decipher patterns in order to break open about 8 locks that hold keys or other clues that are necessary to find the safe and bust it open. The amazing thing is that about 80% of the things in the room were necessary to solve the mystery. The key was to figure out which ones were real clues, and which ones weren't.
You might think this would be nearly impossible, but the concept is designed to allow both beginner groups as well as advanced groups to be successful. Although you are the only ones in the room, you have someone helping you on the outside. There is a camera and a baby monitor device in the room that allows him/her to follow your progress. There is also a flat screen on the wall with the timer and the number of "hints" you have left. You can ask for up to four hints, but your observer will occasionally give you nudges in the right direction by typing additional information on the screen. We only used one of our official hints, but we received several others. In any case, we opened the safe and made it out with just over 10 minutes to spare. My daughters' group also succeeded, but with under two minutes remaining.
Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)
Things You Should Know: The rooms are kind of small. The minimum number you need to book a room is 2 people, with a maximum of 8 per room. I imagine two people would have trouble solving all the clues on time; while 8 people would get a bit crowded. Our group of 4 was about perfect.
- When I told my mom about the activity, her first comment was that she would get claustrophobic being trapped in a room like that. Although you are "locked" in the room, there is an emergency escape handle that you can pull at any time. Of course if you use it, you lose.
- Most of the clients we saw were high school or college age, and they all seemed to love it. It is a great activity for group dates.
- Kids under 12 can participate, but must be accompanied by an adult.
- You cannot take pictures inside the room, but they do have a group photo spot in the lobby. They also have a chest full of props or signs that you can use to jazz up your group shot.
- Your group should arrive 10 minutes before your start time.
- Getout Games is open Monday - Saturday - usually in the evenings. You can book a special engagement at other times by calling 801-810-7254.
- To book a reservation online, you must do so at least 3 hours prior to your appointment. For additional information go to: http://getoutgames.com/
Nearby: Laser Assault, 7 Peaks Water Park, BYU Legacy Hall, The BYU Creamery
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