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

The Emerald City is calling again — at least, the big-screen version of it.

The second installment of the "Wicked" movie saga is almost here. "Wicked: For Good" premieres in theaters on Nov. 21, 2025, following the massive success of the first film, which grossed $114 million domestically and $50 million internationally in its opening weekend.

If you're counting down the days until the epic conclusion hits theaters, why not take a vacation inspired by the film? While you can't actually board a bubble to Oz, these nine destinations bring the world of "Wicked" to life — and they're all much easier to reach than the Land of Oz.

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.

Seattle, nicknamed the Emerald City, is a good destination in November. The Oz reason to head there? Go to the Museum of Pop Culture, which has the Cowardly Lion costume from “The Wizard of Oz” on display, among other Oz artifacts.

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

Experience the ultimate "Wicked" celebration at Universal Orlando Resort. Starting Oct. 31, 2025, Universal Studios Florida debuts a refreshed overlay of Wicked: The Experience — a highly themed immersive retail location featuring new elements inspired by "Wicked: For Good."

Journey beyond the yellow brick road and explore immersive spaces inspired by iconic locations like Shiz University and the Emerald City, now brought to life with dazzling new scenic design. The experience includes exclusive displays of costumes and props from the new film, plus photo ops that put you right in the world of Oz.

Shop exclusive new merchandise celebrating fan-favorite characters from the epic conclusion, including everything from home goods and plush to bag charms, accessories and apparel. Plus, enjoy themed treats throughout the resort, such as the Yellow Road Shake with Dulce de Leche ice cream and the Wizards Elixir Shake with Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream at Schwab's Pharmacy ice cream shop.

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, D.C. National Mall and Fairfield Inn & Suites Washington, D.C./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. In 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, now known as Bluck's Island.

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 trip this fall? Time your visit around the Nov. 21 premiere of "Wicked: For Good" and explore the museum's collection while the movie magic is fresh in your mind.

(Top photo courtesy of NBCUniversal)