CHANDLER, AZ — Move over word searches and crossword puzzles, there are three new puzzles to try in Chandler.
Escape The Room, who runs escape rooms in Scottsdale and throughout the country, recently opened three of its game rooms in Chandler Fashion Mall's outdoor village. The themed rooms take over the former spaces occupied by Cold Stone Creamery and Johnny Rockets between BJ's Restaurant and Harkins.
In an escape room, groups of people have to work together to solve "clues" in the room through a variety of switches, buttons and puzzles to effectively beat the game and leave the room before the time runs out, which is typically set at 30 minutes to an hour, but can vary.
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The Chandler location has three rooms currently open, but will eventually have four, said Steve Kopelman, principal and chief operating officer with Escape The Room.
Here is a look at the rooms open now:
- Outbreak: An evil scientist has infiltrated the U.S. water supply and you have an hour to get the vaccine to everyone. Up to 10 people can participate in this room.
- The Theater: This room is described as a "little bit of Toy Story and Howdy Doody," referring to the Disney animated movie series, and TV series. Puppets have taken over the theater and your group has one hour to get it under control. Up to eight people can play in this room at a time.
- The Clock Tower: The clock tower is acting up and the timekeeper is trapped. Groups will have to "travel through the future and past to save him." Up to 10 people can play in this room at a time.
Kopelman said "Outbreak" is the newest theme for the company and Chandler is the first location in the country to have it. He did not say what the fourth room's theme would be nor when it would open.
Reservations can be reserved online, at escapetheroom.com/phoenix. The cost is $28-$30 per person.
