Before Christmas (December 19), Mama Nomad and I went out on a date for the afternoon and evening. She found something that she thought would be interesting. I had never heard of it before. But, as I am game to try anything she suggests at least once, we headed on to The Panic Room.
What is the Panic Room? Actually, the company is called Panic Room LLC and they were “founded to challenge participants while providing a safe and fun real-life adventure!” What they do is create different rooms with challenges that you are supposed to uncover and follow clues in order to solve a mystery and get out within a specified time period.
The one we went to was located at 37 North Ave, Suite 107, Norwalk, Connecticut.
We arrived at the building, went to the left, down the hall on the right and arrived at the door to their office. When we entered, we went to the front desk, signed in for our particular room and waited for the other team members to arrive. They pair you with other people until the total count is between 8 to 10 total team members, if there is enough interest during your time slot for your room.
While we waited, there were puzzles on the table for you to warm your mind up with. Solved the ones sitting there except for the Celtic Coaster. If you solve it, you actually get one free to take home. Additionally, while we waited, there is a sheet that describes how to open different locks. Useful tip: study this sheet. You will get one when you are in the room. But knowing the different types, how to clear them and open them will save you valuable time.
We chose Psych 101, which is described (from their website) as “Welcome to the office of Dr. Elesdy, a nationally recognized and highly sought after psychiatrist. You’ve been summoned to aid in an ongoing criminal investigation into his allegedly controversial treatment methods. Can you expose his dark secret or will you fall victim to his twisted therapy?”
I am not going to go into any details about the room or how to solve it. That would just ruin it for others. Besides, they change the rooms every 90 days. However, I will give you a few pointers, from what I observed, that may help you.
- Whether you know everyone in your group or not, having everyone go in different directions will cost you time and create confusion. Take a moment to discuss a strategy or plan. Do not take more than a minute or two. But, having a plan will help. If you meet your team members before entering the room, use the time in the waiting room for this.
- You will get 3 hints, if you ask for them. Do not use them all at the beginning but do not wait until the very end. I would suggest finding the easier clues and then ask for you first hint.
- Do not over think things. You will want to over-analyze and complicate matters. If you have a kid in your group, ask them what they think about the clues. They are commonly less cluttered and complicated in their thoughts and go for the obvious answer, which is the correct one most of the time.
That’s all the pointers I am going to give out. Any more than that and it will give you an unfair advantage. Mama Nomad and I really enjoyed ourselves and we will be looking for similar type places as we continue our Nomadic Journey. If you are in or around the Norwalk, Connecticut area and want a safe and entertaining experience, go check out The Panic Room. Safe Travels.
