Wizard of Oz: First look at new $100m theme park attraction at Warner Bros Movie World

From two ground-breaking roller coasters to high-tech holograms, no expense has been spared in this $100m new theme park attraction recreating the world of the Wizard of Oz. VIDEO

The Gold Coast will step down the yellow brick road on Friday as one of the city’s biggest theme park developments in years opens its doors.

The finishing touches were put on Warner Bros Movie World’s The Wizard of Oz Precinct on Thursday before an influx of holiday-makers.

Village Roadshow CEO Clark Kirby toured the precinct ahead of its opening and said it brought a new level of sophistication to the park.

“The Wizard of Oz precinct is like nothing we have ever done at Movie World where incredible theming and technology complements the physical ride elements to provide a unique and immersive guest experience,” he said.

The Cowardly Lion, Dorothy, The Scarecrow and the Tin Man are ready to go down the yellow brick road Picture: Glenn Campbell

“We have worked closely with our partners at Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences to make this one of the most immersive and beautifully themed precincts in any Australian theme park and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it.”

Vilage Roadshow CEO Clark Kirby inspecting the final preperations. Picture: Glenn Campbell

More than 2000 people are expected to pass through the precinct every hour, with two rides themed around events from the classic 1939 film, which starred Judy Garland.

The family friendly rides, both of which are southern-hemisphere firsts, include:

* Flight of the Wicked Witch, a multi-type suspended coaster which is 454m long, 19m high and flies at a top speed of 67km/h.

* The Kansas Twister, a steel racing coaster with two duelling tracks of 225m and 220m respectively, which sit 22m above ground and reaches speeds of 58km/h.

Inside the Wizard’s lair. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The attraction was first announced in July 2022 after a long negotiation and is the world’s first theme park attraction based on both the film and the 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum.

Clips from the 1939 film will be seen by guests as they line up at rides, while there is also a recreation of Dorothy Gale’s Kansas farmhouse.

Somewhere over the rainbow is the yellow brick road. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The precinct also features recreations of the Wizard and his emerald chambers in the Land of Oz, the rainbow, the famous yellow brick road and Munchkinland, as well as statues of the cast from the 1939 film.

Characters in full costume as Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion will also walk around the precinct meeting with guests and performing.

Inside the Oz buildings. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The opening of the Wizard of Oz precinct follows hot on the heels of the unveiling of The Flash Speed Force ride at the park at Easter.

The Wizard of Oz precinct was built on the former location of the Arkham Asylum roller coaster, which was originally known as the Lethal Weapon ride.

Vilage Roadshow CEO Clark Kirby with the rides. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Village Roadshow Theme Parks COO Bikash Randhawa said the Gold Coast tourism industry was bouncing back strongly after five years of struggles following the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Our team have worked diligently on this, and we are excited to officially open The Wizard of Oz precinct today which we know will become a major drawcard for the Gold Coast and showcases Village Roadshow Theme Parks’ commitment to the tourism industry,” he said.

“The Wizard of Oz precinct beautifully complements our existing attractions and creates even more joy and memories for our guests at Movie World.”

Vilage Roadshow CEO Clark Kirby and COO Bikash Randhawa hope it will cast a spell on tourists and locals. Picture: Glenn Campbell

It comes as tourism bosses tip a busy summer, with hotel occupancy for the Christmas and New Year period already above that of previous years.

Experience Gold Coast head of visitor economy Rachel Hancock said awareness of new tourism product was having an impact on bookings.

The Wizard of Oz himself.. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“It’s great to see accommodation bookings up more than six per cent across the city during December and January, with the peak period between Christmas and New Years particularly strong,” she said this week.

“New products and experiences and events like the Magic Millions carnival continue to attract more people to the Gold Coast, leading to a positive knock-on economic effect.”