Road trip, fellow Ozians! In celebration of 85 years of The Wizard of Oz, the Land of Oz, located in Beech Mountain, North Carolina is once again throwing “Autumn at Oz,” a fan experience to top all fan experiences and it consistently sells out. Fellow Oz-lovers, this five-and-a-half hour getaway from Nashville is for you (where-to-stay options are included below). Here’s what to know:
Tickets on Sale for “Autumn at Oz”
Tickets on Sale for “Autumn at Oz”The Land of Oz operated as a theme park from 1970 to 1980 when the Washington Post declared it the nation’s number one tourist attraction. After that, a fire and financial crisis closed the park, but it reopened in the 90s. Today, the park holds nine days of Oz experiences over three September weekends known as “Autumn at Oz.”
The immersive experience includes Dorothy’s Kansas farm house with dancing farmhands, plus Dorothy emerging to sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” That’s just the beginning. You tour the house, learn of a coming tornado and descend into the storm shelter for the tornado experience. Next, follow the Yellow Brick Road to meet Glinda, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion. Naturally, the Wicked Witch shows up with her famous cackle and Flying Monkeys.
All through the two-and-a-half hour experience, costumed characters perform from the farmhouse, to Oz and back with guests walking through and enjoying skits and photo ops along the way. “Autumn at Oz” receives good reviews and high marks from Oz fans all across the Internet.
Tips for Visiting The Land of Oz
- The park is family-friendly but bumpy for strollers or wheel-chairs.
- Some fans wear costumes.
- Children may be scared of some characters.
- Photo ops (with waiting lines) are everywhere.
- You walk through the experience at your own pace and can stay as long as you like.
Updates for 2024
Updates for 2024- Brand new costumes for all main cast members.
- Restoration of the original 1970s psychedelic artwork inside the interactive “Kansas Twister” scene.
- Performances along the Yellow Brick Road.
- The “Over The Rainbow” overlook showcases a five-state view.
Autumn at Oz runs three weekends only: Friday, Sept. 6 – Sunday, Sept. 8; Friday, Sept. 13 – Sunday, Sept. 15; and Friday, Sept. 20 – Sunday, Sept. 22. All dates are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; timed-entry. Tickets range from $6.50 – $60. Land of Oz is located at 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC, 28604. The phone number is 844-307-7469. Accommodations in Beech Mountain can be found at exploreboone.com; AirBnB; and beechmtn.com.
Photos courtesy of Land of Oz.
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