A Magical Adventure: Our Trip to The Land of Oz
At the end of summer, the weekend after Labor Day, our family stepped right into a fairytale as we visited The Land of Oz, nestled in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. From the moment we arrived, it felt like we had been transported into the enchanting world of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Yellow Brick Road!
The Journey Begins
After a scenic drive through winding mountain roads, we finally arrived at The Land of Oz, and the magic truly came alive. As soon as we stepped through the gates, we were greeted by none other than Dorothy herself. The kids were wide-eyed with excitement, and honestly, I felt like a kid again too. From the start, we were drawn into this magical world, and the adventure began!
Walking the Yellow Brick Road
The highlight of the visit was walking along the iconic Yellow Brick Road. This winding path took us through some of the most memorable parts of Oz—the beautiful countryside, Munchkinland, and even a spooky trip through the Wicked Witch’s Haunted Forest! Along the way, we encountered characters like the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and Glinda the Good Witch, each putting on mini-performances that brought the story to life.
The kids were thrilled to interact with the characters, ask questions, and even join in on the performances. The live reenactments were such a hit with our little ones—they couldn’t stop smiling and skipping down the brick road.
Munchkinland Magic
Munchkinland was one of the most colorful and lively stops on our journey. Here, we took a break to admire the whimsical houses and vibrant atmosphere. The kids loved exploring the quirky little homes and seeing the munchkins sing and dance. We grabbed a snack and soaked in the playful energy of this magical place.
The Emerald City Experience
Finally, we made our way to the grand finale—The Emerald City. This glittering green paradise was where we met the great and powerful Wizard of Oz. The kids were in awe of the performance, and the whole experience wrapped up with a feeling of wonder and magic. It truly felt like we had been part of something extraordinary.
Final Thoughts
Our day at The Land of Oz was nothing short of magical. From meeting beloved characters to exploring the Yellow Brick Road, it was an unforgettable experience for our family. If you’re a fan of the movie, or just looking for a unique family adventure, this hidden gem in the mountains is a must-visit.
Mom’s Tips for Visiting the Land of OZ
- The Event Only Happens Once a Year – The Land of Oz is open for just three weekends in September, so planning ahead is key.
- Tickets Sell Out Fast – And by fast, I mean the same day! Be ready when they go on sale, because they’re gone in a flash.
- Set a Ticket Alert – Head to their website and enter your email to be alerted when tickets go on sale. (I had a reminder set in my calendar to make sure I didn’t miss it!)
- Free Parking – You’ll park at the ski resort, and parking is free, which is a nice perk!
- Shuttle to Oz – After you check in, you’ll wait for a shuttle that transports you up the mountain to the Land of Oz, and it will take you back to the parking lot at the end of your visit.
- Dress Up for Fun – Both adults and kids get into the spirit and dress up like characters from The Wizard of Oz. It adds to the magic, so don’t be shy to join in!
- Wear Comfortable Shoes – There’s a lot of walking on uneven terrain, so comfy shoes are a must for both kids and adults.
- Be Prepared for the Weather – The show goes on rain or shine, and tickets are non-refundable. We learned this the hard way when we didn’t pack umbrellas, and the morning was foggy and rainy! Thankfully, once we arrived at the Land of Oz, the sun came out and the day was beautiful. So, be ready for anything!
- Enjoy the Sights and Have Fun – Take your time, soak in the magic, and enjoy every moment of this unique adventure!
Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll share more about the beautiful destination we stayed at and our incredible first experience at an Airbnb—complete with stunning mountain views, cozy evenings by the fire, and even a hot tub!