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Look at this review and see how you can be an active part in the beloved Wizard of Oz story, but hurry because it’s here for a limited time.
Getting There
The Land of Oz is located at Beech Mountain, North Carolina. This small mountainside community offers several outdoor activities including hiking and snow skiing in the winter.
Once you arrive in Beech Mountain, follow the signs to the Land of Oz. Along the windy path, you’ll pass amazing mountain homes with incredible views. Parking is free and graveled lots are provided along with shuttle buses to the entrance.
After checking in, you’ll receive a colored wristband that correlates with your entrance time. Behind the wristband distribution area, you’ll board buses to the entrance of the park.
Arrival
This theme park is like no other! Here, guests feel like they’re part of the Wizard of Oz storyline. There are so many photo opportunities and fun experiences. Take a look to see why I (Susan) loved it so much here and am definitely going back!
There are so many photo opportunities and fun experiences at the Land of Oz.
When we arrived, we took in the mountains in the backgrounds and the banners containing Wizard of Oz trivia. Be sure to go to the bathroom before you begin your journey because there aren’t any inside the park. Right outside the park entrance, you’ll find a couple of portable ones so you may want to stop before getting there.
The Story Begins
At the first large area, guests are treated to a series of 3 shows that begin the Wizard of Oz story. First, when Dorothy runs away from home, she meets up with Professor Marvel (the wizard in her dream), a carnival fortune teller.
Then, Dorothy skips through the forest to dance and interact with the farm hands (tin man, scarecrow & lion in her dream). It’s so much fun watching the playful characters interact with one another.
In the center, you’ll see the mean old bike riding lady. Don’t worry though, she is nice here, and even poses for pictures! In the third show, Dorothy sings “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” to a farm backdrop with her pup, Toto.
The events take place in sequential story order to make you feel like you’re part of the show.
However, things get a little rough after that with a twister coming!
Wonderfully Wacky House
There’s a separate line for the house. It’s like a crooked fun house. On the top level, you’ll experience colorful black light displays representing the tornado and everything swirling around it.
Next, guests go down a flight of stairs for even more fun. At this point, you’re still “in the tornado.”
Downstairs represents the aftermath of the tornado. Everything is crooked, even the house itself! It left me a little disoriented trying to walk when it was so topsy turvy, but cool to feel like we were part of the story.
Sweet Aunt Em is even waiting for you at the end of your house walkway ready to make you a home cooked meal.
Beware because someone sinister is waiting to sneak up on you right outside the house! She is not happy about this house flattening her sister!
Follow The Yellow Brick Road
If you’ve ever dreamed of following the yellow brick road, now’s your chance!
Once you “survive” the tornado and witch’s wrath, Glynda the Good Witch is waiting for your first photo op. She was so incredibly beautiful! All of the costumes were redone by a designer this year and they were all top notch.
Then, continue following the yellow brick road to encounter the lovable straw man. After a few minutes, Dorothy joins each of these characters in a song and dance. Afterwards, characters interact with guests.
The day we went it rained some of the day. But that didn’t stop the show. Characters were equipped with umbrellas and the show went on! The actors were very professional and took time with each guest.
Last, but certainly not least, we posed with the cowardly lion. Just look at the incredible detailing on his costume! After this, we veered off the path a bit.
Although there was a foreboding guard warning us along with a sign to “keep out” we continued our journey.
The Wicked Witch of the West had her own covered pavilion. This was my (Susan) favorite meet because she was so into character. All of the villains gathered here in one spot!
Munchkins
Towards the end of your adventure, you’ll encounter munchkins in their colorful space. There’s even one that’s excited to share that the wicked witch is officially dead.
Shops & Eats
After surviving our Wicked Witch encounter, we made it to the Emerald City. There are numerous vendors here with carnival type foods offered and places to sit.
To remember your day, be sure to check out the Wizard of Oz Shop stocked with t-shirts, jackets and just about everything Wizard of Oz.
When the Land of Oz originally opened, it offered balloon rides. There’s even one shown above to remember those good times.
Like in the movie, there’s an Enchanted Forest. We loved seeing the various trees along the Yellow Brick Road.
Before entering the Wizard of Oz finale show, we posed with hot air balloon props. During the show, all of Dorothy’s companions received what they were looking for. But, they were also reminded that they already had each of these gifts inside themselves.
As in the Wizard of Oz movie, Dorothy was left without a way to get home. Just look at the “Wizard” being revealed below. I love that the con man in the movie is also the “wizard.”
As you probably know, all’s well that ends well. Dorothy clicks her glass slippers to return home. At the end of the show, guests are invited to pose with the group of characters. There are photographers who will take your pictures on your phone for every character and show.
Other Things to Do
Be sure to save some time to explore this charming town, too. We loved all of the shops along the main road.
We ate dinner at the nearby Banner Elk Cafe and it did not disappoint.
They had an incredibly large menu with reasonable prices. I opted for the trout and it was the best I’ve ever tasted! Here, you’ll also find generous portions.
Important Details
The Land of Oz is only open for a limited time each year and tickets go super fast! This year, the Land of Oz opens to guests on the following September dates: 8-10, 15-17, and 22-24. Tickets cost $55 (plus tax and processing fee) per person. Children 2 and under are admitted free. Tickets go on sale in June. I recommend signing up on for their emails to be notified quickly.
Tickets go on sale in June for September weekend park visits.
There are a few add-on experiences not included in theme park admission. First, at the end of your trip there’s an Over the Rainbow Observation Deck. For an additional fee, guests take in an exclusive viewing experience 5,506 feet above elevation.
Instead of riding the bus, you can take a scenic chair lift right to the front of the park entrance. If you choose to buy this option, you’ll need to sign a waiver beforehand. Guests must be 36″ or taller to ride. Note that these are ski lift chairs and don’t include seat belts so that’s a no for me.
Have you visited the Land of Oz? Or would you like to go? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments and share this post with a Wizard of Oz loving friend.
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