NOLA attraction has visitors running for the exit

NEW ORLEANS, LA (WVUE) - A new attraction downtown has visitors scrambling for the exit.

Escape My Room pits guests against a slew of puzzles, riddles and clues to find a way out of a locked room before the clock runs out. The idea is new to New Orleans but has created buzz around the country.

"We saw it in New York and San Francisco and it just seemed like an interesting concept to bring to New Orleans, where we had really unique stories to tell and an interesting history here that we thought we could weave in," said Andrew Preble, who runs Escape My Room.

Preble's installation circles around the fictional story of Odette Delaporte, a New Orleanian who needs help finding her daughter. Up to seven players get an hour to complete the escape, but according to Preble, only about 30 percent actually finish in time.

"It was an adrenaline rush and then it was like, 'Success!' but then it was like, 'Ah, another clue!' so it was back to the drawing board again, and then the clues got longer and longer so you really had to think thoroughly to get to the next level," said Greg Harris, who completed the escape.

For some people, the experience takes over as they try to solve the clues.

"It's an incredibly immersive experience. It's like being part of a movie. It's like watching a movie, but being able to do it as well, and if you're in any way competitive, it's a lot of fun because you get to do it with your friends and family," Jason Seidman said.

Preble expects to have a second room that continues Delaporte's story ready for players by the fall and will eventually open more rooms in the future.

For more information on Escape My Room, click here.

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