FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is this place?
Located in the heart of Boston, 5W!TS is the company producing TOMB. Participants get to play the role of hero in their own adventure, as they are confronted with puzzles, challenges, twists, and traps to test their bodies and minds. Sharp eyes, good ears, and quick wits will be required for any chance of successfully completing your personal adventure!
What is 5W!TS?
5W!TS is the production company and the venue hosting TOMB and working on your next great adventure! Find our contact information here.
So what exactly does a TOMB explorer do?
Your group is briefed by the Director, given flashlights, and makes your way to the Tomb entrance to try to discover a way in…Once inside, no one knows quite what will happen, but there are a few things you can be certain of: You’ll be using your mind and body to solve physical and mental challenges, working together as a team to progress through to the pharaoh’s burial chamber. Your choices matter in this hands-on adventure—no one said it would be easy, and there are consequences if you fail!
Is TOMB physical?
Yes, you will be walking through TOMB, on your feet, actively manipulating items in the TOMB. However, there is no crawling, climbing or jumping. TOMB is accessible to all.
How long is each adventure?
TOMB is roughly 45 minutes long – the exact time varies depending on the choices your group makes. A new show can begin as often as every 15 minutes (multiple groups can be in the show at once – you just don’t know anyone else is there!)
Do I need reservations?
If you have a group of 12 or more, you are welcome to make a reservation by phone for a private experience in the TOMB. Singles, couples, and small groups are welcome to purchase their tickets in advance online, over the phone (617-375-9487), or just walk-in and join our next available show.
Who typically goes to see a show at 5W!TS?
College students, singles, couples, groups of friends - Bring your friends to experience the newest option in entertainment! Families, birthday parties - Each show can accommodate all ages. Corporate groups, office outings, team building expeditions - 5W!TS can be an outing just for fun, or an opportunity to improve your group dynamics. School groups and field trips, camp groups, children’s clubs - Come for fun, for hands-on education, or some of both.
Is 5W!TS just for adults?
While adults will often find themselves fumbling through the traps and puzzles inside 5W!TS attractions, all of the content is accessible to, and solvable by, all ages. If your group, of any age, is having a particularly difficult time your guide may just point you in the right direction. However, your guide can only do so much and this IS a game you can lose!
Is it scary?
5W!TS shows often have scary and intense moments, but this is no haunted house. The point of the show is not to scare—our focus is on the puzzle solving and team-work aspects of your adventure. There are certainly moments of darkness, loud noises, and other plot elements that may test your courage, but the scares are part of the plot! There is no gore or questionable/ adult content in any 5W!TS production.
Are 5W!TS attractions suitable for small children?
While the content of the show is entirely “G-rated” and suitable for all ages, we recommend parents take caution with children aged 7 and under. Some of the special effects, loud noises and dark rooms, may be too intense for younger children, but we defer to the parents’ judgment.
Can you die?
Well, Yes...and No! You cannot die in the literal sense, of course, but your group can “die” within the storyline by not completing your tasks correctly or in time. Rumor has it that if you die, there is an alternate ending to the show...Death itself is an experience!
How much does it cost to see a show at 5W!TS?
Prices range depending on the day of the show. For more specific pricing information, click here.
How many guests participate in an adventure together?
Groups of guests as small as two and as large as fifteen at a time can adventure together. During busy times, a small party will likely be combined with others to form a larger group. Each group also has a Guide, to facilitate your adventure. If you have a group of 12 of more, you can reserve a private adventure, for just your party! Click here for more information.
Are there student rates?
From time to time there are Student Rush prices available for college students, call 617.375.9487 for more information. Presently we have a 25% discount for college students after 9:00 PM. Students must show ID, but one ID will get two people the discounted rate. We also have special rates and special programming available to elementary, middle and high school groups. Please call for more information.
When is 5W!TS open?
5W!TS is open year round. Certain weekdays may be closed for maintenance or private events. For our regular hours click here. For upcoming holiday hours, click here.
Where is 5W!TS located?
Our premier location is in the Fenway neighborhood, at 186 Brookline Avenue, Boston MA 02215, right across the street from the Fenway T-stop on the Green Line (D-Train). Just a couple blocks from Kenmore Square, 5W!TS Boston is directly across the street from the Landmark Center and the AMC Fenway 13 movie theater. For maps and directions, click here.
Do you serve food?
Yes! We have a variety of confections and desserts. On any day our fresh selections may include cakes, cookies, brownies, scones, tarts, etc. We also have soda, teas & coffees and all your favorite coffeehouse specialty drinks like cappuccino, espresso, café mocha and hot chocolate.
Where can we dine in the area?
We’re lucky to be located in a prime restaurant location here in the Fenway neighborhood. Located just across the street is Longhorn Steakhouse, and Zagat has a fantastic listing of local establishments.
What is the origin of the name “5W!TS”?
From renaissance literature, the five wits were (1) common sense, (2) imagination, (3) fantasy, (4) estimation, and (5) memory. Common sense is the outcome of the five senses; imagination is the “wit” of the mind; fantasy is imagination united with judgment; estimation estimates the absolute, such as time, space, locality, and so on; and memory is the “wit” of recalling past events. The five wits are often associated with the five senses.
“Four of his five wits went halting off.” — Shakespeare: Much Ado, etc., i. 1 From the Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, 1898 (E. Cobham Brewer, 1810–1897)
