9 ‘Wicked’ Good Ideas for an Oz-Inspired Vacation

The big screen version of the Broadway musical “Wicked” is defying a lot more than just gravity these days. The movie grossed $114 million at the domestic box office, plus an additional $50 million in international markets, in its opening weekend.

And that was just the first weekend for the film, which was released in two parts. The second half, which follows the second act of the Broadway musical, is set for a November 2025 release. In its second weekend, the film still scored an impressive $81 million.

Clearly, the fans want to keep the Wicked spirit alive. And as it turns out, you can do that in many more ways than just visiting movie theaters. Brand collaborations span everything from beauty products to Crocs to Starbucks' lineup of “Wicked” drinks, including a green cold brew. There are even glossy pink and green "Wicked" luggage.

But where should you go since the Land of Oz isn't an option? Here are some ideas for a “Wicked”-inspired vacation good enough to rival any trip to Munchkinland.

New York City is home to the Broadway version, which has been playing in the Gershwin Theatre since 2003. In 2023, it became Broadway’s fourth longest-running production.

Stay in the Oz-inspired, themed suite at the New York Hilton Midtown, available for a limited time between Nov. 21 and Jan. 5, 2025. Styled with a custom art deco aesthetic, the room includes two beds — one pink and one green. Whimsical touches include cocktails served from a hidden bar behind a bookshelf inspired by the Wizard’s Throne Room. Morning pastries are served via a floating balloon.

Seattle, aptly nicknamed the Emerald City, is a good destination in November. The North American tour of the "Wicked" musical plays at The Paramount Theatre through Dec. 1.

To stretch your budget, bring friends. Groups of 10 or more receive discounted tickets or purchase tickets in-person at the box office to avoid online ticketing fees, which can sometimes amount to more than 10% of the overall ticket price. Use a credit card that earns rewards on entertainment purchases to maximize spending.

Besides the show, head to the Museum of Pop Culture, which has the Cowardly Lion costume from “The Wizard of Oz” on display.

After its Seattle run, the touring version of the Broadway show heads to Los Angeles, where it’ll play at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre through Feb. 2, 2025. But that’s not the only “Wicked” magic in town.

Universal Studios Hollywood will display film props inside the park. Meanwhile, the Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood (which does not require Universal Studios theme park tickets to enter) will display costumes from the movie. Restaurants including Voodoo Doughnuts and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen are serving up themed treats.

Experience more “Wicked”-inspired adventures at Universal Orlando, which offers interactive recreations of movie scenes, including a walk down the yellow brick road.

Or, venture an hour east to Cape Canaveral to The Wizard of Oz Museum. With tickets at just $32, it’s a fraction of the cost of Universal Orlando tickets. The museum features projection-based exhibits that make you feel as though you’re walking through Oz, complete with a tornado simulation.

In the nation’s capital, see one of the most iconic pieces of Oz history: Dorothy’s ruby slippers. On display at the National Museum of American History, the slippers are now part of the “Entertainment Nation” exhibit, which opened in 2022, though they’ve been on almost-continuous display elsewhere since they were donated anonymously to the museum in 1979.

Museum admission is free, making this a budget-friendly stop in Washington, D.C. Plus, nearby, affordable Washington, D.C. hotels include the Residence Inn Washington, DC National Mall and Fairfield Inn & Suites Washington, DC/Downtown. Both have nightly rates this December for less than $200 — and both hotel chains offer free breakfast.

A version of the stage show has been performing at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London since 2006, which is just a three-minute walk from the theater you’ll find The Clermont, Victoria. The hotel hosts a “Wicked” afternoon tea serving mostly green treats, including lime cheesecake and a chocolate pistachio dessert. At £40 (about $52) per person, it’s one of the more affordable hotel afternoon teas.

Bermuda is an archipelago made up of seven main islands and more than 100 smaller ones. “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” illustrator William Denslow famously used his earnings to buy one of them.

Today, guided tours can offer you a look at that island, briefly known as Denslow Island. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line’s shore excursion called Famous Homes & Hideaways Cruise puts cruisers who have docked for the day on a smaller boat to sail past the island.

If you’re arriving by air, new nonstop flights from major U.S. cities to Bermuda's L.F. Wade International Airport offer many options. For example, United Airlines extended its previously seasonal, nonstop two-hour service from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to be year-round. One-way flights start at just 10,100 United MileagePlus miles (plus taxes and fees), which NerdWallet values at about $120.

For a more quaint Oz experience that might be an easier trip if you’re driving from the middle of the country, head to Wamego, Kansas, home to the Oz Museum. Here, you’ll find an impressive collection of memorabilia, including original movie posters and props.

The town itself pays tribute to Oz with quirky businesses like Toto’s TacOZ and Oz Winery, where you can sip on themed wines such as Glinda’s Bubbly or Aunt Em’s Prairie Rose. Throughout town, Toto statues painted by local artists make for a scavenger hunt of sorts. Don’t miss the one outside the Wamego Public Library titled “Somewhere Over the Reading Rainbow.”

Wamego is pretty remote. Though it’s served by a small, regional airport, most air travelers should count on flying into Kansas City (MCI) and then driving about two hours there.

Hotels in Wamego are also quite limited. Travelers have more options via the neighboring city of Manhattan, home to Kansas State University. For example, the Courtyard by Marriott Manhattan is located in Manhattan’s walkable downtown and can be booked using Marriott points.

Once in the Midwest, you might head up to Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The birthplace of legendary actress Judy Garland today is home to the Judy Garland Museum. A tour of Judy's charming 1920s childhood home is the main highlight, other features include an eclectic collection of Judy Garland and "Wizard of Oz" memorabilia, including the original Carriage used in "The Wizard of Oz," a Dorothy Gale test dress worn by Garland and a Winkie spear from The Witch's Castle.

Planning a summer trip? Time your visit to attend the annual Judy Garland Festival every June, which includes activities like crafting Glinda’s wand and face-painting like a flying monkey.

(Top photo courtesy of NBCUniversal)