Frequently Asked Questions

Tea with Dorothy & Aunt Em is a Land of Oz experience that begins with a festive tea party celebrating the opening of the neighbors’ brand-new barn. Guests enjoy a live musical comedy performance featuring Dorothy, Aunt Em, and a few familiar Kansas faces. Be warned: you never know what nosy neighbor might be lurking about, ready to stir up a little trouble.

Following tea, guests are transported up the mountain to Land of Oz for a guided journey down the Yellow Brick Road. Along the way, you’ll encounter beloved characters from Oz, enjoy special photo opportunities, and experience the story in a unique and intimate setting.

Your experience also includes access to the Over the Rainbow Observation Deck, featuring breathtaking 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains across five states.

Your invitation to Tea with Dorothy & Aunt Em includes:

• Complimentary parking
• A festive tea experience with full tea service and lite bites
• A live musical comedy performance featuring Dorothy, Aunt Em, and friends from Kansas
• Shuttle transportation from Boulder Creek Event Venue to Land of Oz
• A guided stroll down the Yellow Brick Road
• Character encounters with a few good and wicked surprises along the way
• Access to the Oz Gift Shop
• Access to the Over the Rainbow Observation Deck featuring breathtaking 360-degree views across five states

Your ticket includes one guided journey down the Yellow Brick Road and is valid only for your selected date and time.

Parking and the first half of the event take place at Boulder Creek Events:

Boulder Creek Events
1001 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604

Please follow the signs for parking lots marked for Land of Oz.

After parking, proceed to guest check-in at Boulder Creek Events. Please arrive before your ticket time.

Doors open 30 minutes prior to each show, and seating is first come, first served. Doors close and shows begin promptly at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

At check-in, you will receive your festival wristband along with information about how you will enter the event and be transported to the park. You must have a wristband to enter the event.

When you arrive, we can scan either your printed tickets or your tickets on your phone. Please set your phone to full brightness before scanning.

We recommend keeping all tickets in one place and downloading the Showpass app before arriving. The app allows you to group all your tickets into a universal QR scan.

For ticketing issues, please contact Showpass customer support at (844) 307-7469 or email support@showpass.com.

Please gather any personal items you wish to bring into Land of Oz before entering the tea and performance. Following the show, guests are transported directly to the park by shuttle and will not return to their vehicles before departing for Oz.

Once you enter the park, please follow the directions of your tour guide. Your tour guide will recommend the best photo opportunities during the experience.

The average tour time through Oz is approximately 90 minutes.

There will be many opportunities for photos during the experience. We kindly ask that guests refrain from using phones and cameras during the live performance portion of tea.

Your journey begins in Kansas, where you’ll meet Dorothy, Aunt Em, Miss Gulch, Hunk, and other familiar faces from Dorothy’s hometown. Throughout the musical comedy experience, these beloved characters help bring the story to life with laughs, music, and a little mischief.

Once transported to Land of Oz, you’ll continue your guided journey down the Yellow Brick Road, where you’ll encounter Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West.

No. Tea with Dorothy & Aunt Em is a completely different experience from Autumn at Oz.

Autumn at Oz is a large-scale immersive theatrical event that recreates Dorothy’s entire journey to Oz. Tea with Dorothy & Aunt Em is a smaller, more intimate experience designed for a limited number of guests.

This exclusive summer event features festive tea service, an original musical comedy performance, transportation to Land of Oz, and a guided journey down the Yellow Brick Road with special character encounters.

Doors close and shows begin promptly at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Tea with Dorothy & Aunt Em is designed as a guided journey, with guests moving through each portion of the event together.

Your experience includes the musical comedy performance, tea service, transportation to Land of Oz, character encounters, and a guided stroll down the Yellow Brick Road. The schedule is carefully coordinated so guests can experience each part as intended.

Because Tea with Dorothy & Aunt Em is a guided experience, guests spend approximately 90 minutes at Land of Oz following the tea event.

The Yellow Brick Road is about 3/4 of a mile. The total tour is about 1.5 miles and includes walking over uneven terrain, ramps, and the historic Yellow Brick Road.

Full tea service and restrooms are available at Boulder Creek Events. Restrooms are available at Boulder Creek Event Venue before boarding the shuttle. Limited portable restrooms are available at Land of Oz.

At the conclusion of your guided experience, Land of Oz staff will provide transportation back to Boulder Creek Event Venue for all guests.

We recommend comfortable walking shoes. The experience includes approximately 1.5 miles of walking over uneven terrain, ramps, and the historic Yellow Brick Road. The mountain can have rapidly changing weather, so dressing in layers is recommended.

Official Land of Oz souvenirs will be available for purchase during your visit. Please note that the tea service and lite bites included with your ticket are the only food offerings available during this experience.

Tea with Dorothy & Aunt Em is a rain-or-shine event. The mountain can have rapidly changing and unpredictable weather, so it is best to be prepared. We suggest dressing in layers with comfortable shoes and bringing a poncho or small umbrella if rain is in the forecast. Be prepared for all weather.

All events at Land of Oz run in wind, rain, or shine. Refunds will not be issued due to rain, cold, or inclement weather.

Alternative programming may occur due to weather conditions to ensure the safety of our actors, staff, and guests. Performances may be paused, delayed, or relocated if severe weather is deemed unsuitable by management. This does not constitute a refund on tickets.

Any updates or changes to programming will be announced via email or our social media channels.

Facebook: facebook.com/Autumnatoz
Instagram: @landofoznc

Land of Oz Theme Park, built in 1970, has uneven paths, stairs, and steep ramps. It is not wheelchair or stroller-friendly. Certain accommodations may be provided upon request for guests with mobility issues. Please email info@landofoznc.com for accessibility requests.

Small umbrella-style strollers or backpacks work best for infants and toddlers. Large strollers may be asked to be broken down at check-in.

The Over the Rainbow Observation Deck requires approximately 290 steps to reach the pinnacle and is not ADA accessible. Guests requiring accommodations should contact info@landofoznc.com prior to their visit so our team can discuss available options.

No pets are allowed entrance to the park. Weapons are prohibited. No alcoholic beverages or smoking are allowed inside the park.

Making a weekend of your visit to Oz? We recommend staying in the Town of Beech Mountain, our preferred lodging partner. From cozy mountain cabins to slopeside condos and vacation rentals, Beech Mountain offers a variety of accommodations just minutes from Land of Oz.

For lodging options, visitor information, and trip planning resources, visit the Town of Beech Mountain Visitor Center.

There’s no place like Oz, and no better place to stay than Beech Mountain.

No. Your ticket includes one guided journey down the Yellow Brick Road and is valid only for your selected date and time.

Please email info@landofoznc.com.

We encourage fans to follow us on social media and visit our website for the latest updates on any future plans.

Autumn at Oz is a rain or shine event. Please visit here for a weather report. The Mountain can have rapidly changing and unpredictable weather. It is best to be prepared. We suggest dressing in layers with comfortable shoes, and bringing a poncho or small umbrella if rain is in the forecast for the day. BE PREPARED FOR ALL WEATHER.

No, tickets must be purchased in advance here.

Scenic Lift Ride Hours:

Fridays 11am–6pm
Saturdays 10am–6pm
Sundays 10am–6pm
Last ride down is 5:45pm.

Operation hours valid during the Autumn at Oz Festival.

Please email vendors@landofoznc.com for more information.

Please email info@landofoznc.com.

Tickets are not refundable.

However, if you cannot attend Autumn at Oz after purchasing your ticket, we suggest reselling them through a third party such as Facebook’s “Land of Oz — Beech Mountain, NC Original” page.

In 2026, we are celebrating our 33rd anniversary of Autumn at Oz!

Yes, there will be two (2) opportunities during the course of your journey to shop at our official Land of Oz Shops (Kansas Gale Farm and Emerald City).

Your journey through Oz is at your own pace. Average time: 2 hours.

After parking, proceed to the guest check-in at Beech Mountain Resort.

The Resort and Land of Oz Maps are listed below.

You may check-in on or after your ticket time, but not before.

You will receive your festival wristband along with information about how you will be transported to the park.

Wristbands are the only way you can enter the park.

Your ticket is only valid for the date you purchase it for. It is not valid for multiple days of the festival.

Autumn at Oz is a one-of-a-kind event that combines your typical festival atmosphere with an interactive, immersive theatrical experience. Guests walk onto the Gale’s Kansas farm, visit Aunt Em and Uncle Henry’s Home, escape into the Tornado Storm Cellar, and walk out into the world of Oz. Along the way, you meet all your favorite characters, see them sing and dance, and enjoy the natural scenery of this magical place that sits over one mile high atop Beech Mountain.

There are also food & craft vendors, official Land of Oz souvenirs and Wizard of Oz memorabilia for sale, face painting & much more!

At Oz, you don’t just watch it — you live it.

While the original Emerald City buildings no longer exist, Land of Oz builds a temporary structure during the annual Autumn at Oz Festival that includes the Oz Shop, Memorabilia Vendors, Food Vendors, and the Magic Moment Stage Show Theater.

Land of Oz is only open on select dates in June and July for Tea with Dorothy & Aunt Em and in September during our annual Autumn at Oz event.

Land of Oz was a fully functioning theme park that was in operation from 1970–1980 that provided an immersive theatre experience for guests to live the journey Dorothy took. The park was named the Number 1 Tourist Attraction by the Washington Post, and became an instant success after opening, seeing over 400,000 guests that first season of operation. While the park had many ups and downs throughout the decade, it would close its doors for good after the 1980 season. In the following years, the Emerald City Theater and Gift Shops along with the Balloon Ride were torn down, and a housing development was to be built on the property.

However, most of the park was saved including the Yellow Brick Road and the Kansas Farm. In 1988, a reunion of original employees sparked interest in those who wanted to revisit the park. High demand to return to Oz led to the park opening up to the public on July 4th, 1991. Over 4,000 people attended that first year, much to the surprise of everyone involved. In 1993, the Autumn at Oz Festival became an annual tradition that is still going strong today. Other events are scheduled throughout the year to cater to popular demand.

For any inquiries, please reach out to info@landofoznc.com.

The Land of Oz holds a special place in the hearts of so many, and we are always exploring ways to share its history and magic. Any future experiences will be shared as soon as they are available.

No pets are allowed entrance to the park.

Weapons are prohibited.

No alcoholic beverages or smoking are allowed inside the park.

Guests may bring bags into the park. All bags are subject to search upon entry.

The Yellow Brick Road is about 3/4 of a mile. The total tour is about 1.5 miles.

For ticketing issues, please contact customer support.

When you arrive we can scan both your printed tickets and/or your phone.

Please remember to set your phone to full brightness when scanning.

Please click here for the latest updates.

Please click here for the latest updates.

Yes. We will have hand sanitizer stations throughout the park.

Tea with Dorothy & Aunt Em

Yes, there will be food and beverage served at Tea with Dorothy & Aunt Em.

Autumn at Oz

Yes, there will be food and beverage vendors at the check-in area at Beech Mountain Resort and inside the park in Kansas.

No.

We are not offering private tours at this time, before, during, or after events.

Kansas and Emerald City are both handicap accessible.

Since the park was built in the 1970s, certain areas of the Gale Home and Yellow Brick Road include staircases and natural uneven paths.

Special accommodations can be made for those prior to a visit. Please email info@landofoznc.com to make arrangements.

Please note: Land of Oz does not have mobility chairs or scooters available for rent, but you may bring your own. They can be stored on the handicap-accessible shuttle bus.

The park was built with multiple staircases and natural uneven paths. Please be sure strollers can fold quickly to maneuver stairs.

Events operate with wind, rain, or shine!

No, private tours are not available for this season. We are focusing on renovations and maintenance throughout the summer.

No flip-flops. The shoes must be fully strapped around the back of the ankle. Open toe shoes are allowed, and yes, you are allowed to wear your ruby slippers!

Yes. You must be 36″ or taller.

Please email landofozcasting@gmail.com.

At this time, we do not offer group discounts.

At this time, discounts are not offered.

As much as we love everyone’s Toto terriers, Billina hens, and Eureka Kittens, we do not allow pets in the Merry Old Land of Oz.

Yes, with so many people wanting to take photos, we ask that you please be respectful of others, and have your cameras and phones at the ready! Please stand back off the paths while taking photos with characters, and of the scenery to make room for others to skip down the Yellow Brick Road.

Be sure to tag us, hashtag us, and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Snapchat.

@LandofOzNC #LandofOzNC #AutumnAtOz

Yes, we encourage everyone to dress up as their favorite characters!

All events at Land of Oz run wind, rain, or shine. Be sure to prepare for all types of weather! Please visit here for a weather report. Refunds will not be issued due to rain or inclement weather.

Please note: Alternative programming may occur due to weather conditions to ensure the safety of our actors, staff, and guests. Performances may be compromised in the event of severe weather that management deems unsuitable for our actors. In this case, the vignette shows may be paused, delayed, or relocated. This will not constitute a refund on tickets.

The weather on Beech Mountain can be cold and blustery, so please be prepared by dressing in layers and wearing comfortable shoes. We suggest bringing an umbrella, just in case. We’ve had snow, ice, rain and wind as well as calm, warm sunny days for this event in the past. Be prepared for anything as we are a rain or shine event.

Yes. We will have a large fair with food, beverages, shopping, and yes, restrooms! (The restrooms are porta-johns unless you are a patron of one of the resort restaurants.)

There are limited restrooms along the Yellow Brick Road. Please use the restroom before taking the lift or shuttle, and again if needed when you arrive in Kansas. After the Yellow Brick Road you can use the restroom in the Emerald City area.

Every show is on a scheduled rotation, so if you miss it the first time, you will have another opportunity to see it. The shows run approximately every 30 mins.

Signs are posted in Kansas and Emerald City with show times, and announcements will be made regularly. Shows along the Yellow Brick Road are at the Scarecrow, TinMan, and Cowardly Lion stations, as well as the Witch’s castle. They are on a more frequent rotation throughout the day.

Photos with characters are available before and after each performance in select locations. A group photo with the Fab Four is available at the end of each Emerald City Show.

Yes. All shows happen on a continual rotation throughout the day. Each guest experiences the same shows no matter what tour time you purchase.

The Wizard requests guests limit their visit to 2–3 hours. While we wish guests could visit the park as long as their heart’s desire, our time slots are carefully crafted to ensure each visitor enjoys an optimal experience.

Event parking and the shuttle bus to/from Land of Oz are included in your ticket admission. Come and enjoy the many games, activities, and craft vendors before your shuttle time.

Guests can only walk the Yellow Brick Road once.

Please note: the Scarecrow, TinMan, Lion, and Wicked Witch all provide photo opportunities and perform shows at their stations. If you wish to see the show, please ask ushers or listen to the announcements about the next performance time. Glinda, the Munchkins, and Witch’s Guards will have photo-ops only.

If you wish to skip the show or photo-op, you are allowed to. However, you cannot walk backward on the Yellow Brick Road to see a show or character that was missed.

Children 2 years of age and under are admitted for free and do not require a ticket.

When you arrive we can scan both your printed tickets and/or your phone.

Please remember to set your phone to full brightness when scanning.

The Wizard requests guests limit their visit to 2–3 hours. While we wish guests could visit the park as long as their heart’s desire, our time slots are carefully crafted to ensure each visitor enjoys an optimal experience.

Your time slot is your boarding time or your shuttle to the park. We recommend arriving at or no earlier than 30 mins prior to your designated ticket time.

You will not be allowed on the shuttle to Oz prior to your ticketed time slot.

Parking is at Beech Mountain Resort at 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC 28604.

Please follow the signs for parking lots catered to Land of Oz.

At this time, we do not rent Land of Oz for private events, birthdays, or weddings. However, these are options we are planning to add as possibilities in the near future. Keep a lookout on our website and social media platforms for updates.

At this time, we do not rent Land of Oz for private film or photoshoots. If you are media looking to do a story on Land of Oz, please contact landofozpr@gmail.com.

Land of Oz Theme Park, built in 1970, has uneven paths, gravel, stairs, and steep ramps, and therefore is not wholly wheelchair or stroller-friendly.

Small “umbrella”-type strollers or backpacks work best for infants and toddlers. Large strollers will be asked to be broken down at check-in.

While motorized scooters are not permitted on the Yellow Brick Road, they are most welcome in Kansas and the Emerald City, both of which are very wheel-friendly.

Certain accommodations can be made for those with mobility issues. Please contact Land of Oz in advance at info@landofoznc.com to arrange for assistance.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208.

Distance from the airport to Beech Mountain is roughly 2.5 hours.

Other nearby airports include:

TriCities Airport (TRI)
2525 TN-75 Suite 301, Blountville, TN 37617

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
61 Terminal Dr #1, Fletcher, NC 28732

Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
1000 Ted Johnson Pkwy, Greensboro, NC 27409

There are no rides at Land of Oz. The balloon ride was deconstructed in the 1980s, but we are proud to announce we have been able to restore a balloon from the original ride. It will be on display along the Yellow Brick Road, adorned with an original balloon cover that we rotate each year!

The Land of Oz Gift Shop at 2669 Beech Mountain Parkway is open on select days throughout the year. Please contact Land of Oz or keep an eye on social media postings for days of operation.

Despite internet articles, the Land of Oz is not abandoned. Please do not try and visit the park unless it is during one of our scheduled events. Oz is under 24-hour surveillance, and you will be fined if you trespass.

Land of Oz is on Beech Mountain in Western North Carolina.

Chairlift is an added expense that is sold through Beech Mountain Resort. If you do not wish to ride the chairlift, a free shuttle bus is offered.

Chairlift tickets can be purchased before the event or on site the day of the event. Please review the rules and regulations before purchasing.

Please note: Chairlift sales are through a 3rd party, and not directly through Land of Oz. Please review their policies before purchasing or contact them with any questions.

Chairlift tickets can be purchased on-site at Beech Mountain Resort for $22 per rider. Please review the rules and regulations before purchasing.

Please note: Chairlift sales are through a 3rd party, and not directly through Land of Oz. Please review their policies and contact them with any questions.

No. If you do not wish to ride the chairlift, a free shuttle bus is offered. The chairlift is an added expense that is sold through Beech Mountain Resort.

Chairlift tickets can be purchased on-site the day of the event for $22 per rider.

Please note: Chairlift sales are through a 3rd party, and not directly through Land of Oz. Please review Beech Mountain Resort’s policies and contact them with any questions.

No. The chairlift ride (round-trip) is $22.00 per rider (+ taxes & fees).

Notice: If you do not meet the qualifications for the chair lift or are not interested in the Scenic Lift Ride, Land of Oz provides free shuttle bus transportation to and from the park.

The scenic lift is a round-trip chairlift ride from Beech Mountain Resort to the gates of the park.

On good visibility days, you will be able to see for miles the Blue Ridge Mountains on your journey up to the park.

Depending on the size of the persons, typically (4) adults comfortably.

Note: No lap sitting is allowed, and all children must be 36″ or taller.

Scenic Lift Ride Hour(s): Fridays 11am–6pm, Saturdays 10am–6pm, & Sundays 10am–6pm. Last ride down is 5:45pm.

Chairlift Rules & Regulations:

• You must sign a waiver before riding.
• Times of lift operation may change and are subject to weather conditions.
• Thunder and lightning and wind may cause the lift to be closed.
• Riders must be in suitable physical condition to be able to load and unload the lift.
• Dress should be appropriate for changes in temperature and weather.
• Proper footwear for walking on the side of a mountain should be worn; flip-flops are not allowed.
• You must be at least 36″ tall.
• No child carriers (such as strollers), no crutches, walkers, canes, or wheelchairs are allowed.
• Parents are responsible for the safety of their minor children.
• Backpacks must be removed and held on the chair or the passenger’s lap.
• No one that appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will have access.
• No alcohol or open containers are permitted on the lift.
• No dogs or pets are allowed.
• Riders must be able to fit into a rescue harness.
• There are no restraint straps or belts on the chairs.
• Chair lift safety bars must be lowered when riding and raised when boarding/off-boarding the ride.
• Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.
• For those who travel up at 4:00pm, those ticket holders are subject to a one-way trip up and free shuttle bus ride down due to last ride down at 5:45pm.

BEECH MOUNTAIN RESORT & LAND OF OZ RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE TO ANYONE THAT DOES NOT FOLLOW, OR WHO DEVIATES FROM THE REGULATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH LIFT USAGE. PLEASE BE ADVISED OF ALL REGULATIONS PRIOR TO PURCHASING A TICKET. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS FOR RAIN. WE OPERATE WHEN IT RAINS, PLEASE CHECK THE WEATHER PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL.

Notice: If you are not able to follow the above regulations for the chair lift, Land of Oz will provide free shuttle bus transportation to and from the park.

No. If you are not able to follow the above regulations for the chair lift or are simply not interested, Land of Oz is providing free shuttle bus transportation to and from the park.

This year, all chairlift tickets will be purchased on-site at Beech Mountain Resort.

A shuttle bus is provided with your ticket price. Shuttle buses are handicap-accessible.

For an elevated experience, we suggest taking Beech Mountain Resort’s chairlift up to the park. This ticket can be purchased on-site at Beech Mountain Resort for $22 per rider. Please review the guidelines for guests to ride the chairlift before purchasing tickets.

Your park admission ticket includes parking, a shuttle to/from the park, meet-and-greets with all of the characters, all the live shows throughout the park, and access to our Oz Gift Shop.

While your ticket is access for one walk-through along the Yellow Brick Road, you are able to travel it at your own leisure.

Your ticket is only valid for the date and time of purchase.

The Scenic Lift Ride & Over the Rainbow: Observation Deck are not included with this ticket type. Observation Deck tickets can be purchased online or on-site. Scenic Lift Ride tickets will be available on-site at the Beech Mountain Resort.

All persons, bags, parcels, clothing and other items may be subject to screening/security checks. We reserve the right not to allow any bag, parcel or other item and to deal with any unattended object, bag or luggage in such way as we consider appropriate. Smoking marijuana or other illegal substances is not permitted at any time. For the comfort of all guests, Land of Oz, shuttle buses and chairlifts are smoke free. The smoking of tobacco, e-cigarettes or other products that produce a vapor or smoke is allowed only in designated outdoor smoking areas.

PROHIBITED ITEMS:

• Firearms, ammunition, knives or weapons of any kind.
• Objects or toys that appear to be firearms or weapons.
• Marijuana (including marijuana enriched products) or any illegal substance.
• Fireworks or other similarly explosive and/or flammable objects.
• Horns, whistles, megaphones or artificial noise makers.
• Recreational devices such as drones, remote-control toys, skateboards, bicycles, etc.
• Pets.

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES:

• The sale of goods or services, or the display of goods or services.
• The distribution of printed or recorded materials of any kind.
• Unauthorized access or entry into backstage areas designated for cast and production.
• Unauthorized events, speeches, or use of any flag, banner or sign for commercial purposes, or as part of a demonstration.
• Engaging in any unsafe act that may impede the operation of Land of Oz or any part thereof.
• Unauthorized solicitations of any kind, whether commercial, religious, educational or otherwise, or conducting any unauthorized commercial activities, including solicitations of money or other contributions or donations.

The chair lift is owned and operated by Beech Mountain Resort. Please review their rules and regulations before purchasing tickets.