Escaping Cedar Rapids Might Be Harder Than You Think

My kids have been playing this web game called Poptropica, which is apparently pretty popular.  There's more to it than I know, I'm sure, but the level they're in involves figuring out how to escape. I used to play a ton of games like that, so I was naturally intrigued, and helped them "solve the puzzle".  I like to keep them thinking though, so instead of just giving them the answer, I kept asking them what they would do in the situation. That's exactly what a couple new area attractions have all their visitors doing... trying to escape.

A couple of weeks ago, I heard about the new "Underground Escape" attraction at the Shores Event Center. It sounds entirely intriguing to me, a fan of the "room escape" games. You are placed in a room with your group of others, and given 60 minutes to get out. You have to work as a team and analyze clues to figure out how to make that happen. You may even start out by being handcuffed to a chair. Say what?

While my wife says it's certainly not for her, I may have to check this out. Think of the adrenaline rush, as you're racing against the clock, ultimately knowing your life isn't it jeopardy, and you won't get hurt, although it certainly doesn't feel that way. It's all about the powers of observation, and trying everything you can, based off what you and your team know and learn. That, and a little luck and common sense I suppose. My only problem would be that if I fail, I'd want to try again and again. Of course, that will add up, as the experience is roughly $30 a person. Based off the track record, I probably will fail too, as reportedly only about 20% of groups escape. That's it, at least according to nationwide statistics, as this is a trend that's been sweeping the country. It has enough of an interest as there's 3 in this area alone: Underground Escape in Cedar Rapids, Outfox in Coralville , and Escape Cedar Valley in Cedar Falls. The latter two each have 2 different adventures.

Anyone willing to try? It looks like there's been quite a few escapes from Outfox's "Lost Will" room, with one group finishing in just over 35 minutes.  WOWZA! So maybe there is hope.