Shadowland Laser Adventure is now open in Chantilly — but it's not just laser tag. "It's part sport, part video game, part problem-solving and a whole lot of adventure," says Randall Briggs, president of Concepts 21 Ltd, Shadowland's parent company.
It was created inside a 9,200-square-foot addition to the Dulles Expo Center at Route 28 and Willard Road, near the Holiday Inn. There's a hexagonal-shaped arena that may be rearranged in various ways to suit the game. Altogether, patrons play on about 6,500 square feet of space on two different levels.
Included are educational and meeting rooms, a game room and snack bar. Hours are Monday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (but private groups may rent it by the hour then); Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Saturday, 10 a.m.-midnight; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Lock-ins for overnight parties are also available. Phone 703-263-1004.
Shadowland Laser Adventure Centers have operated in Maryland since 1997. Briggs began considering Fairfax County after Northern Virginians traveling to his Gaithersburg facility asked him to bring one here, too.
It should prove popular at its Chantilly site, said Briggs, because moms could attend a show at the expo center while their 10- and 12-year-olds have fun at Shadowland. "It's very safe," he said. "Our main age group is 6-12. On a typical winter weekend, 60-75 percent of our sales are birthday parties."
Midweek, the facility attracts more corporate groups, plus after-school birthday parties. (Reservations required). Although individual walk-ins are welcome — every third game, the public can join in — birthday parties, youth groups and corporate gatherings are the company's mainstay.
Shadowland creates scenarios for physical laser adventures that also require thinking and strategy. That's why they're good for teaching team-management to groups and corporations, as well as teamwork to student-government leaders.
"You could have several teams playing at a time," said Briggs. "We have hundreds of different games and scenarios and we're constantly coming up with new adventures."
Players are given special suits to wear, laser handsets and operating instructions; then teams play for 15 minutes. "There's a radio on the suits and a computer screen on the back of the handsets," explained Briggs. "You tag your opponent by infrared remote control."
In addition, hardware GEMS — game-enhancement modules — are mounted around the arena. Players can tag them — and they can tag the players. Said Briggs: "When you tag people or GEMS, you get points and credits to purchase powers to enhance your ability to score more points."
Afterward, team members discuss the game and bond over their shared experience. And, added Briggs, "It's a great way to bridge the gap between parents and children."
Cost is $7.25/half-hour adventure; $14/two adventures; $19.50/three adventures. And three-hour, Tech Challenge field trips are available to school classes, teaching students how Shadowland's computer technology, laser equipment and infrared radios all interact together.
Shadowland opened March 29 in Chantilly, and business has been good. "A lot of people came by and toured the facility," said Briggs. "We've had a dozen birthday parties, so far — we had three parties booked, that first Saturday. And with the kids off from school, next week, we're hoping to do even more business."