If you’re a fan of Dorothy, munchkins, cowardly lions and wicked witches, you may want to head along to North Carolina.
The Wizard of Oz theme park is opening this week in North Carolina. Image: MGM
Land of Oz theme park is opening this week to mark the 80th anniversary of the release of The Wizard of Oz movie’s release, and two special events will be held in the park. The first is the interactive Journey with Dorothy experience, which will allow visitors the chance to explore the theme park with Dorothy as a guide in search of the Wonderful Wizard. The second, Autumn at Oz, provides a full cast of characters, live shows, and collectable, craft and food vendors.
The Wizard of Oz theme park is opening this summer to mark the 80th anniversary of the movie’s release. Image: Land of Oz
“Journey with Dorothy is an immersive, interactive experience, where guests get selected randomly to play the characters from Oz opposite Dorothy herself,” Sean Barrett, artistic director of the Land of Oz tells Lonely Planet. “You get to skip down the Yellow Brick Road alongside her, and may even see Mom or Dad playing Glinda the Good Fairy or the Lion. It is a great way to not only experience Oz, but to live it with Dorothy.”
Visitors can play a character from the film. Image: Land of Oz
Located at Beech Mountain, Land of Oz was the first Wizard of Oz-based theme park ever built, originally opening in 1970. It included 44,000 glazed yellow bricks that were laid out to complete a winding road that spanned nine acres. The park’s only ride was a balloon journey that saw 24 replica steel balloons bringing guests along a circular track and down the side of the mountain, showcasing sweeping vistas and breathtaking views.
Visitors can explore the park with Dorothy as a guide. Image: Land of Oz
The park officially closed in 1980 following financial difficulties and changes in management. In the 1990s, the owners of the land began restoring the park, as well as hosting the annual Autumn at Oz event, which was originally a reunion for staff and expanded to the public. Now, this idea has widened to incorporate special events, including Journey with Dorothy, With both events, guests begin in Kansas, walk through the tornado and come out in Oz.
Familiar characters at the Land of Oz. Image by Land of Oz
Journey with Dorothy takes place on June 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 26-28 and July 5, 2019. Autumn at Oz takes place from September 6-8 and 13-15. Tickets and further information are available at the official website of the Land of Oz website.
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