The Compendium

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers gathered from a decade of curious travelers. If your question isn't here, send a raven to contactus@gnomeandraven.com.

The Experiences

Are the experiences only for children?✦
NO! The rooms are designed for EVERYONE, from five year old child to seasoned escape room player. The puzzles differ depending upon the difficulty level you select!
Is adult supervision required?✦
YES! If the group contains anyone under 13 an adult (18+) is required in the room with the group.
Is there an age limit?✦
No! Our experiences are scalable and designed for all ages, although if you are under the age of 13, we REQUIRE that you are accompanied by an adult.
Is this scary?✦
No! Although our rooms are highly themed, this is not a haunted style experience.
Are there ambient lighting and audio moments that may not be suitable for all?✦
Yes. Wave lights and blacklight are used in our Shipwrecked, Wizard's Castle, and Magic Lamp experiences, and there are several quite loud and abrupt noises and flashing lights (not strobe lights) that some may find unsettling. Give us a call if you wish to discuss accommodations.
What should I wear?✦
We recommend comfortable clothes that you can move freely in, and close-toed shoes! FLIP-FLOPS AND CROCS NOT RECOMMENDED.
Can I leave the room if I need to?✦
Not to worry! We never lock the entrance door into our rooms (remember, your goal isn't to simply ESCAPE!), so you can leave at any time! Be warned, however: we WILL keep your clock running unless it's a dire emergency!
Are cell phones allowed in the room?✦
Yes, though we do ask that they remain in the main party room. We appreciate your help to keep our secrets secret!
Can we play the same room more than once?✦
Yes, however, for all guests, we ask that the puzzles remain a mystery to all new players so please do not spoil the fun and share the answers with anyone. If you succeed, try your skills in another room!

Difficulty Levels

Pre-Beginner✦
Recommended for ages 5–9, hardest puzzles removed, some clues added that are picture-based, Game Master offers nudges and hints freely!
Beginner✦
Does not mean easy! Recommended for ages 10–13 or anyone doing their first escape room ever, hardest puzzles removed, Game Master offers nudges freely!
Intermediate✦
Recommended for Teens or anyone who has done a few escape rooms, all puzzles included, Game Master offers hints only when asked!
Advanced✦
Recommended for seasoned escape room aficionados, bonus difficult puzzles added, Game Master will only help if asked, number of clues limited to 3!

Reservations & Booking

Where is the online waiver?✦
Do I need a reservation to play?✦
YES! A reservation is required to play. Find available reservations on our reservations page! Be certain you receive a booking confirmation — without this, your reservation may not be confirmed! Email contactus@gnomeandraven.com if you're unsure if your reservation went through.
Do you take walk-ins?✦
We encourage you to make a reservation ahead of time; bookings can often fill up quickly and so we rarely are able to accept walk-ins.
Help! More friends want to join in on the fun than I initially booked for. What do I do?✦
Worry not! No matter how many people you initially registered for, you can bring along as many guests as you please, up to the room capacity, day of, and we will adjust accordingly upon your arrival. Do note you are allowed a maximum of 12 in our CHRONOS and SHIPWRECKED experiences, a maximum of 10 in our WIZARD'S CASTLE, and 8 in MAGIC LAMP.
Can I bring more than twelve (12) people to play?✦
Regrettably, no. Our experiences have been designed with strategy and intention for up to twelve players (only ten in The Wizard's Castle, eight in Magic Lamp).
We have a larger group than the capacity for each game. How can you accommodate us?✦
Call us!
Help! I want to book the maximum number of children allowed, but I can't — the booking system won't allow it!✦
No worries! As our booking system requires that at least one adult be noted, we will assume that you are bringing the maximum number of children allowed.
How far out can I reserve an experience?✦
Sessions are available for bookings 3 months in advance. If you are interested in a date farther than 3 months out, please call us at (800) 769-1415 for assistance.
What happened to the available room on the reservations page?✦
Our booking software automatically removes a room three hours before its start-time. So if you are making a last minute booking give us a call at (800) 769-1415 and we can arrange your booking over the phone.
Help! I don't see a time that works for my party!✦
Call us at (800) 769-1415! We will work together to find the perfect time to host your event.
Is a deposit required?✦
Yes. A non-refundable 50% deposit is required to reserve each experience.
Do you offer a standard sixty minute escape room experience, priced per player?✦
Yes! Our experiences are available to book per player every day we are open (Wed–Sun). Do note that because EVERY experience is a PRIVATE experience, there is a four person minimum charge to reserve an experience.

Birthday & Party Packages

What is the common thread in each of the party package experiences?✦
Each of THE PACKAGES includes a ninety minute private and hosted* party that includes an adventure to win the game and celebrate with birthday cake (provided!) and the use of the Hollywood-worthy party room (Which is built into the course) and the experience of your choice. *To ensure the safety of our guests and staff, your host will NOT be serving cake or dispensing utensils or paper products. Presiding parents must serve any and all food and beverages.
How does the birthday package booking work?✦
All experiences can be reserved online in advance! A minimum of 48 hours in advance is required to book online, but give us a call if you need one sooner, we will work with you as best we can. All bookings require a 50% deposit made via credit card through our secure payment platform. Each 90- minute birthday experience is priced at a flat rate associated with the package, rather than per player. The maximum number of players for your experience is dependent on the room chosen, as our largest rooms can hold 12 and our smallest can hold 8.
What if it's not my birthday but I really want to book an experience AND the time in the party room?✦
Ask and you shall receive! You may book an experience online, and simply note what, if anything, you are celebrating! Experiences booked within 48 hours of the start time will need to be reserved over the phone at (800) 769-1415.
Is the party room separate from the game?✦
No! Each one of our adventures has a built-in party space for your special guest, in keeping with each adventure's unique theme!
Can I wait in the party room while my kids play?✦
NO. That space is still part of the game and will be used to solve puzzles! Guests may wait in the lobby, or explore the expanse of Stony Point Fashion Park.
Is my party private, or is it a shared experience?✦
All experiences are private, and shared only with those whom you've invited. These magical experiences can be booked every day we are open (Wed–Sun)!
Do I need to stay at the party?✦
YES. Though your adventure is hosted by a gamemaster in character, the hosting parent must stay for the duration of the party.
Will there be a host to assist me in the party room?✦
A host will help you serve cake and drinks and wrangle the guests for the party portion of your experience. During the gameplay however, no; to ensure the safety of our guests and staff, your host will not be able to enter the game with you. Your host will, as always, be available to provide assistance from a safe distance throughout your game, and will assist with setting up and cleaning up after your party.
Do we charge for chaperones?✦
No — if your party has a chaperone, they are not charged nor count towards the room total capacity. Additional adults up and above the chaperone will be charged and counted towards the room total.
Does Gnome & Raven provide party set up and clean up?✦
Yes!
What time should my guests arrive?✦
Please arrive fifteen minutes prior to your experience, so that we may welcome and check you in. Your host in-character awaits your arrival!
We have small children! We'd like them to play!✦
Fantastic! We have a picture based game perfect for the smaller set. Do note: children under 13 MUST be accompanied by adults.

Food, Drink & Decorations

What food/drink items may I bring into the party room?✦
You may bring cake, cupcakes, cake pops and pre-packaged dry snacks and candy. You may bring your own pizza or arrange it to be delivered to your party (we recommend arranging the delivery time for 45 minutes past the START of your adventure, and leaving very detailed instructions). Water bottles, mini cans of soda and juice boxes are included in each package. We do not allow any other outside food or beverages. Please help us keep our highly designed sets precious by honoring this request!
Can I bring ice cream?✦
No. Due to the challenges involved with cleanup and storage, we are not able to allow ice cream, ice cream cake, or other frozen treats in our party rooms.
Are your cakes peanut free? Do you offer a peanut free choice?✦
We provide Ukrop's cakes, made in their peanut-free facility.
Will there be time for my guests to make a craft?✦
Not likely! If you'd like to provide a craft, please no glitter, glue, pens or markers.
May I use my own paper products in the party room?✦
Absolutely. Our paper products are classic and elegant, so if your birthday child is enamored of a theme or you prefer a primary color extravaganza please feel free to bring the paper products that fit your particular tastes.
May I bring decorations for the party room?✦
The only decorations we allow are themed paper plates/cups and special cutlery.
May I bring balloons?✦
No, balloons are not permitted.
May I bring my own goodie bags?✦
Yes!
Is there anything else that I should bring?✦
Not a thing at all. It is our pleasure to take care of every other detail.
Are drinks provided for non-party packages?✦
Bottle water is always provided. Other drinks upon request and for an upcharge.

Cancellations, Weather & Timing

What if I need to reschedule my party package?✦
We require at least 72 hours notice if you must cancel or reschedule your party. Your party must be rescheduled within three (3) months. Please remember that for cancelled parties, your 50% deposit is non-refundable.
What if I can't make it due to inclement weather?✦
During inclement weather events we will occasionally bend the rules of our cancellation policy. Give us a call at (800) 769-1415 and we can reschedule your event for you.
What if I am late for my scheduled time? What if my guests are late?✦
Our parties start promptly at the scheduled times! As there may be parties scheduled after your event, if you or your guests are late you may have reduced time in the experience and party rooms. Guests who arrive late will be escorted into your party room.

Location, Gifts & Contact

Where are you located?✦
We are located inside Stony Point Fashion Park, around the corner from P.F. Chang's and Southern Kitchen, and right next to CineBistro! If you park outside P.F. Chang's, turn right and look for the big red storefront on your right before CineBistro; if parking outside Dillards, turn left and look for us just past CineBistro!
Is it possible to purchase Gnome & Raven Gift Cards?✦
YES! You may purchase gift cards in any amount on site at our Stony Point Fashion Park location. Lucky gift card recipients can book their experience whenever they wish! You can also purchase gift certificates online by clicking here!
I've tried calling with a question and haven't received an answer!✦
The fastest way to receive a response to an inquiry is via email, at contactus@gnomeandraven.com! We are open by appointment only Wednesday through Thursday, and are often running about making magic on the weekends, which makes phone calls tricky to answer immediately. Of course, we will return any voicemails as soon as possible, and will give you a call back if you so request via email!

Ready to begin your adventure?

Book Your Quest