*There are NO SPOILERS and NO PUZZLE CLUES for Universal’s Great Movie Escape in this article*
Looking for Universal-sized fun outside the theme parks? Check out Universal’s Great Movie Escape – an immersive, heavily-themed escape game and walk-through experience at CityWalk! Including two distinct rooms based on some of Universal’s most famous and popular IP’s (Jurassic World and Back to the Future), Universal’s Great Movie Escape features fun storytelling, detailed sets, stunning special effects, and challenging tasks for a fun evening or afternoon with family and friends.
In this article, we’re going to talk about the attraction’s logistics as well as some of the general differences between the two games. Don’t worry. I’m not going to discuss any story spoilers or puzzle clues. But I do want you to have the necessary information to choose the right experience for your group.
Universal’s Great Movie Escape
Universal’s Great Movie Escape is located next to Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food (some visitors may remember it as the old Groove building) inside Universal Orlando’s CityWalk. Upon arrival, escape room players will check in at the front desk before watching a short safety video describing some of the rules and regulations of the experience. After your briefing, you’ll be directed to the room of your choice (either Jurassic World: Escape or Back to the Future: OUTATIME) to begin your exciting journey!
Jurassic World: Escape
From the Universal Orlando website:
Find yourself in a secret genetics lab on Isla Nublar and use your wits to solve a serious problem: an apex predator has broken free and is headed your way. This escape room has more teeth (and claws) than anything you’ve experienced before.
The first room we experienced was Jurassic World: Escape. Taking place within the events of the first Jurassic World movie, guests will play the part of geneticists in training. But watch out! A hungry predator is on the loose and heading straight for you!
Like most people, I love dinosaurs, so I was super excited to experience this Jurassic World themed escape challenge. While this room did deliver a fair bit of nostalgic imagery from both the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World movies, you need to know that this experience is very screen heavy. You will get a satisfying amount of dinosaur content. However, if you’re used to more traditional escape room tasks using physical objects and complicated puzzles – you may be disappointed by some of the scenes in this game.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fun, dinosaur-themed experience; Jurassic World: Escape is a great option. But if you’re looking for a true escape room challenge, you should try Back to the Future: OUTATIME instead.
It’s important to note that Jurassic World: Escape includes loud sound effects, heavy fog, darkness, and jump scares. Use discretion if your group includes small children or other sensitive guests.
Back to the Future: OUTATIME
From the Universal Orlando website:
Great Scott—Biff’s at it again! He’s stolen Doc Brown’s newest time travel device to sabotage the timeline for his gain. Follow Doc’s clues to find the prototype, track down Biff and save the day before you’re outatime. No escape room in the past, present or future has ever been like this.
Instead of running concurrent with the movie’s storyline, Back to the Future: OUTATIME features a stand alone continuation of the iconic tale. However, in order to locate Doc Brown’s stolen device and save the universe; we will need to visit iconic locations and scenes from all three Back to the Future films.
Full disclosure: I’m not a huge fan of the Back to the Future franchise. I’ve seen the movies and enjoyed them, but I’m not nearly as familiar with the story as I am Jurassic Park. Thankfully, you only need a basic understanding of the three films and their characters in order to appreciate the scenes and puzzles in the OUTATIME game. This room included more physical props and fewer screens than it’s dinosaur counterpart – which I found added a lot more realism and visceral participation to the overall attraction. And, of course, there’s a ton of remarkable storytelling and effects to make this room a highly-themed experience for theme park fans or Back to the Future enthusiasts.
While Back to the Future: OUTATIME still includes loud sound effects and fog, there are far fewer jump scares or frightening images than you’ll find in Jurassic World: Escape – making it a much friendlier option for younger guests.
Visiting Universal’s Great Movie Escape
You can reserve your trip through Universal’s Great Movie Escape on the Universal Orlando website. Prices start at $44.99 depending on your chosen date and time slot. Unless you book a private experience (starting at $270 for up to 8 guests), you may be paired with other parties.
Annual passholders get a discount at Universal’s Great Movie Escape! Buy your ticket in person at the attraction to present your pass and snag your deal. If you don’t have an annual pass, make sure to buy your ticket online to get FREE PARKING! (Just present your pre-purchased Great Movie Escape ticket at the Universal parking toll to redeem).
Freaky Thoughts: Universal’s Great Movie Escape
Universal’s Great Movie Escape offers a unique experience for theme park lovers, movie buffs, and escape room fanatics. Both rooms provide exceptional storytelling with distinctive styles and feels. I loved both games, and I highly recommend this attraction!
As a final note, be aware that the Jurassic World escape game is a darker storyline with jump scares and frightening imagery. It does include plenty of dinosaurs, but there’s also a large emphasis on screen-based tasks.
In contrast, the Back to the Future room is a more cohesive storyline with physical tasks and traditional escape game puzzles. Though the subject matter may be a bit boring for smaller children, it is also less intimidating with a lighter atmosphere and fewer frightening scenes.
No matter which room you choose, Universal’s Great Movie Escape features immersive storytelling, memorable experiences, and fun for your whole family or friend group. Check out Universal’s website and start planning your visit now!
