I have been frequenting Mission Escape in Arundel Mills and I would typically recommend this location to others for a guaranteed fun experience. My last experience there has made me extremely hesitant to do so in the future.
When attempting to book the room for 2:10, I was informed that our group would not receive the full time. When asked why the full time could not be guaranteed, we were told that another group was planned to be arriving for the 3:10 appointment; however, you are allotted 50 minutes to solve the puzzle, which still left ample time in between bookings. When bringing it to the associate's attention that this should not be an issue, she offered a time 2 hours later to another room (I've already completed all the other rooms that this location offers). When the associate was informed that this option would not work for us, she walked away without any explanation as to why or next steps. Another associate had to come out and assist our group when he noticed that we were waiting for no reason, and asked the associate that walked away to escort us to the room.
After expressing our displeasure at this information and wasting an additional 10 minutes in debate with staff, my group was allowed to enter the room at 2:20. However, another male associate (not the one who ACTUALLY helped us) accompanied our group, making comments that he wanted to "ensure that she was safe," referring to the other associate who walked away as she was helping us. He insinuated that we were hostile and did not feel comfortable with us in the building. The whole of our interactions only consisted of asking why we would not receive our full time. We simply disagreed with the team member. No one was touched, harmed, threatened, called anything other than the name given at birth, or any other action that one would typically refer to as hostile.
The room in question was extremely difficult (which was to be expected); however, staff were not forthcoming with clues and information as we requested assistance in the room. It felt as though we were ignored in our requests, and it felt as though the reasons were based upon the negative interaction that we received at the time of booking. The intercom was pressed and several minutes would pass before we received acknowledgement. When acknowledged, the clues were not helpful and unclear, which is a shame, as the staff at this location are usually extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and courteous.
At the end of the experience, we left and became aware that there was no other group booked at 3:10 (the place was literally empty), so the issue of another booking following our group turned out to be a moot point and essentially a lie.
I have completed every other puzzle at this location, and the inclusion of a new one gave me a sense of excitement because I really enjoy the product that this company provides. Every single time is pleasant and enjoyable, as it should be, regardless of how I felt about the puzzle itself. However, this time was the exception. I don't understand the intention behind the interaction that we received at Mission Escape this experience, but in the multiple years I have been frequenting this location, I've never been treated like this before. read more