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Land of Oz theme park reopening for 30th anniversary of Wizard of Oz festival

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land of oz theme park

The annual Autumn at Oz event includes an immersive theatre experience.

North Carolina’s Land of Oz theme park reopens later this year for the 30th anniversary of its Autumn at Oz festival.

Land of Oz, inspired by The Wizard of Oz, originally opened in 1970. The park features a replica of Auntie Em’s house and a yellow brick road.

After closing in 1980 due to financial difficulties, the owners started restoring the attraction and hosting the annual Autumn at Oz event in the 1990s.

This year’s Autumn at Oz festival is being held on three weekends: 8 to 10 September, 15 to 17 September, and 22 to 24 September.

land of oz theme park

The event offers an immersive theatre experience, with visitors going through a tornado and down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City.

Guests will also meet the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, as well as the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys, and Glinda in Munchkinland.

Additionally, there will be arts and crafts, memorabilia and F&B vendors, the ‘Over the Rainbow’ observation deck and a chairlift ride.

Elsewhere, Warner Bros. Movie World in Queensland, Australia has announced the world’s first The Wizard of Oz-themed area with two new family-friendly rides.

The Wizard of Oz-themed experiences

Opening in 2024, the themed zone will boast a suspended coaster, a boomerang racer and immersive elements, including a yellow brick road.

“Movie World fans in Australia will get to step into Oz like no fan has done before,” said Peter van Roden, SVP of global themed entertainment for Warner Bros. Discovery.

The Wizard of Oz is 1939 musical fantasy film produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Images: Land of Oz

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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