I Entered the Squid Game (And Lived to Tell the Tale)

If you told me last year I'd be standing in front of the Young-hee doll from "Squid Game," preparing to play Red Light, Green Light like my life depended on it, I probably would’ve laughed. But when your husband is a superfan of the series and there’s a live Squid Game Experience just a train ride away from your family in Jersey… you say “yes” to the chaos.

And honestly? I’m so glad I did.

The Squid Game Experience Was the Wildest Hour of My Life

To celebrate my husband's birthday, I splurged on tickets to the Squid Game Experience, a fully immersive event that brings the Netflix phenomenon to life. From the second we arrived, the details were on point. We were given our own player numbers (just like the show), posed for official entry photos, and were immediately immersed in the eerie, adrenaline-pumping world of Squid Game.

The entire experience lasted about an hour and consisted of five different games, some directly from the show and others modified for the live format. Think: Glass Bridge, but instead of jumping across one by one, each person had to memorize and follow their own pattern of 7 panels. Challenging? Yes. Heart-racing? Absolutely.

As we played, each challenge awarded points based on performance. It felt competitive in the best way, everyone wanted to win, but there was still plenty of cheering and laughing.

Face to Face with the Front Man

Once the five games wrapped up, we were taken to a final surprise room: a high-stakes "dining room" showdown where the Front Man himself made an appearance. What happens here depends on your point total and your experience, so I won't spoil anything just in case you decide to visit.

(Just know this, things are not always what they seem.)

Inside the Squid Game VIP Lounge

We opted for the VIP upgrade, and it was 100% worth it. We were handed our own gold animal mask, just like the VIPs in "Squid Game," and were escorted into a private lounge complete with plush couches, themed décor, and live TV feeds of other players still competing.

The cocktail menu was another standout. I ordered the Gganbu-Rita, made with Casamigos Blanco Tequila, lime juice, agave, and topped with spicy mango marbles. It was sweet, tangy, and had just enough kick to keep things interesting. Later, I tried One Step Closer, a blend of Johnnie Walker Black Label, lemon, ginger, cherry blossom, and broken sugar glass. It was bold, fragrant, and maybe I felt a bit like a high-class roller.

No Rulebook, Just Survival Instinct

My only complaint? I wish they explained the rules of each game a little more clearly. At times, it felt like we were thrown in with only half the instructions. But honestly, maybe that was the point. It’s Squid Game, after all.

Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just looking for something completely different to do, this live experience is thrilling, weird, and unforgettable. Just remember to bring your game face.