Room Escape Artist

Mr. Elegoo’s Enchanted Emporium is one of the best games near Orlando. Here are our other recommendations for great escape rooms in the Orlando area.

Swish and Flick!

Location:  Ocala, FL

Date Played: July 14, 2024

Team Size: 2-8; we recommend 2-4

Duration: 60 minutes

Price: $29 per player

Ticketing: Private

Accessibility Consideration:  There is one point where everyone will need to crouch through an opening

Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

Throughout fantasy literature we are reminded that besides the mundane, there is often magic and wonder just beyond our fingertips. Whether it be through a wardrobe, looking glass, or even a train platform it only takes a small amount of belief to enter and take part in an adventure. Mr. Elegoo’s Enchanted Emporium brought this idea to life. I’ve started many escape rooms in an alley, often as cops or a rival gang breaking into a speakeasy, but that’s beside the point. This alley was definitely the most interesting, as the floating head of Mr. Elegoo greeted us, explained his dragon eggs had gone missing, and promptly told us he would only accept our help if we proved we were clever enough. Typical.

We went about our duties using outdated communication modes and completing tasks usually assigned to a handyman until Mr. Elegoo was satisfied we were fit for duty. At that point we hurried into his enchanted emporium and left the worn alley behind. Our senses were assaulted by mystical creatures, magical trinkets, and endless possibilities. Our adventure had begun! I was enthralled with everything I could interact with and gleefully dove into figuring out where the missing dragon eggs had been hidden.

The magic continued as we had to overcome obstacles and entreat magic beings to continue our quest. We combed through every nook and cranny of Mr. Elegoo’s Enchanted Emporium to reach our goal. As we victoriously brought order back to the shop we were congratulated on our success and hailed as heroes. We left the gamespace with our heads held high and a bounce in our step. This experience was well worth a visit and would be a fun romp for any age level.

Who is this for?

• Adventure seekers
• Puzzle lovers
• Scenery snobs
• Any experience level… beginner- and family-friendly
• Players who don’t need to be a part of every puzzle

Why play?

• To add a little magic to your life
• You enjoy a large variety of puzzles
• Unique interactions with the set and props

Story

After being taught the basics of magic wand usage and being told Mr. Elegoo’s dragon eggs had gone missing, we were led to a nondescript alley that was flanked by a payphone and a roll-up door that marked the entrance to Mr. Elegoo’s Enchanted Emporium. At the end of our path a whimsical box stood before us where we first glimpsed the elusive Mr. Elegoo. To enjoy the magic and wonder of his emporium, and get those eggs back where they belong, we would have to prove to be clever enough to gain entrance. Time was of the essence to return peace to the shop. Otherwise, magical mischief and mayhem would abound!

Setting

The set of Mr. Elegoo’s Enchanted Emporium set the stage for a magical and interesting experience. The alleyway we started in felt worn, forgotten, and a little too small, as if a wizard had warded the area against unwelcome guests. On the other hand, the emporium was warm, welcoming, and full of magic. There was plenty of room to explore and enjoy all of the oddities and inhabitants that Mr. Elegoo sheltered from the outside world. I felt included in this space as an integral part of the story, not just a passive puzzle solver in a painted room.

Gameplay

The Ocala Escape’s Mr. Elegoo’s Enchanted Emporium was a standard escape room with an easy level of difficulty.

There was some searching necessary along with a solid variety of puzzles and charming and unique interactions.

Analysis

➕ Most of the puzzles in the game could be done in parallel, which allowed our team to divide and conquer.

➕ The variety of puzzles allowed each team member to have an aha moment and their own moment in the spotlight.

➖ Inside the emporium, all of the interactions were along the walls, which left a big unoccupied space in the middle of the scene. I felt this was a missed opportunity to fill the gamespace and make it feel more like a cluttered magical shop.

➖ A few puzzles timed out, forcing us to re-enter the solution several times which became somewhat tedious.

➕ All of the puzzles were logical and once solved, gave positive feedback through lighting changes or sound cues, which allowed us to feel confident in moving forward.

➕ The finale was rife with pomp and circumstance, making it obvious that we had succeeded and we were encouraged to celebrate our victory. There were also some charming beats throughout the story including fun interactions with minor non-player characters and at one point, a truly magical moment.

Tips For Visiting

• There is ample public parking at this location
• Our team ate dinner at Mojo’s and enjoyed their eclectic menu

Book your hour with The Ocala Escape’s Mr. Elegoo’s Enchanted Emporium, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.