"We're off to see the wizard…the wonderful wizard of Oz!"
If you're anything like me, you've sung this at least once in your life, or once a year. Because The Wizard Of Oz is one of the greatest classic films of all time, it's no surprise that it would inspire more than just Broadway spin-offs, but real-life interpretations as well.
In 1970, Land of Oz opened in Beech Mountain, North Carolina. During its first year of operation, it was a top attraction, bringing in 20,000 guests on opening-day. However, the steam that got the ship moving let out fast. The man behind the park, Grover Robbins, passed away only a few months before the park opened. With him went a lot of the spirit to keep the park up and running, as the real estate market in the area was not booming.
After shutting its doors nearly 40 years ago, Land of Oz began to briefly open every fall starting in 2009 with the Autumn At Oz events. Inspired by this, the park will now be open every Friday in June and July, with the first Friday having already sold out of tickets!
When the park first opened, it took its character inspiration from the book rather than the popular film. Except for Dorothy; she wore ruby slippers around the park instead of silver, like in the book.
Visitors were able to walk down the yellow brick road, escape the cyclone that took Dorothy to Oz, and even travel to the Emerald City. While there, they'd meet the Wizard.
The park also hosted a ski lift, which was created to look like a hot air balloon that could show visitors a bird's-eye view of Oz.
In 1975, Emerald City, one of the park's biggest attractions, burned down. The fire destroyed a few priceless artifacts, like a dress Dorothy wore in the film.
It is rumored that the fire was started by a few disgruntled former employees who had been let go.
By 1980, it was decided that it was time to close.
After the park shut down, it quickly fell into despair. Many of the park's props were either vandalized, stolen, or left exposed to the elements.
However, not all of the park was left in ruins. Parts of the yellow brick road, a few munchkin houses, some of the later costumes, and sections of the witch's castle were all preserved.
In 1991, the park was opened for one day as part of Beech Mountain's Independence Day celebration.
In the late '90s, the park had some restoration work done by the new owners, but it continues to remain closed for most of the year.
By 2009, Autumn at Oz began as a reunion event and continued each fall.
Inspired by all of the media attention, the park is finally opening its door again to the public.
Every Friday in June and July, visitors can come to the park to meet Dorothy and all of Oz's other characters.
The park's organizers say tours with the character Dorothy from 'The Wizard of Oz' will take place every hour between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Ticket entrances to the park cost $12.50, plus $10 for a roundtrip lift ticket.
Don't forget to SHARE this incredible theme park with all of your friends who love The Wizard Of Oz!
