Warner Bros. Movie World Debuts the Wizard of Oz Precinct: A $100 Million Adventure

The much-anticipated Wizard of Oz precinct has opened at Warner Bros. Movie World, representing a massive $100 million investment into bringing one of the world’s most beloved stories to life. Packed with impressive theming, two brand-new rides, and an undeniable sense of wonder, it’s an exciting addition to the park. But does it fully live up to its promise?

The announcement of the opening was very last minute, posted to social media just the evening before. Despite the short notice, eager fans and us arrived early, their anticipation building as they followed the Yellow Brick Road into this long-awaited land.

First Impressions: Munchkinland and the Forecourt

Stepping into the Wizard of Oz precinct feels like entering the world of Oz itself. Statues of Dorothy and her companions welcome you as the shimmering Yellow Brick Road winds its way to the Emerald City. A rainbow arched walkway ties it all together, with music perfectly timed to enhance the atmosphere. It’s the kind of entrance that grabs you right away.

The forecourt is lively and buzzing, with character meet-and-greets, performances, and photo opportunities galore. Spotting Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion wandering around adds a playful charm, though we wonder if this energy will stick around on quieter days.

Emerald City: Stunning but Slightly Shallow

At the center of the precinct stands the Emerald City—a visually impressive focal point. Its shimmering green towers and dynamic projection effects catch your eye right away. Inside, the Wizard’s projection is a fun touch, but it’s on a short loop that repeats a little too often. To keep the magic alive, regular maintenance and some variety in the experience would go a long way.

The Rides: Incredible Queues, Room for Growth...

Flight of the Wicked Witch

This Vekoma 453m Suspended Family thrill coaster is easily the highlight of the precinct. The queue is a standout feature, taking you through the Field of Poppies and the Haunted Forest. It’s packed with atmosphere and attention to detail, feeling like a movie set brought to life, something that can usually only be found overseas at top international parks.

Unfortunately, the outdoor portion of the queue pulls you right out of this immersion. It has minimal shade, really a lack of shade, it’s a harsh contrast to the immersive indoors. Add in slow loading times, and it’s a frustrating wait. Once on board, though, the ride delivers smooth, punchy thrills with just the right amount of excitement. It’s a solid family coaster that hits a few high notes, and is a great addition to the ride lineup at Movie World.

Kansas Twister

The Kansas Twister’s queue starts strong, with the Sepia Tunnel and Kansas Farmhouse providing an excellent start. You really feel like you’re stepping into Dorothy’s world. But then it all falls apart when you step outside into yet another sun-drenched queue with no shade.

As for the ride, it’s a Vekoma Family Boomerang, Tweestryd Model that is great fun, especially during the backward sections, which add a unique thrill. The coaster’s design is perfect for families, and its high capacity should be a big plus during busy days. However, we’re concerned about how the park will handle staffing during quieter times, will only one side run, or will dispatches slow to a crawl as the ride requires 8 staff to run.

A Mixed Bag of Magic

The Wizard of Oz precinct has sparked a lot of opinions. Some have praised the beautiful indoor theming, particularly Dorothy’s House and the Spooky Forest—while others feel let down by the lack of immersion in outdoor areas. The problem isn’t just the visible studio backlots or service roads but also the almost complete absence of shade structures in the outdoor queues.

As one reviewer put it, “The coasters are fun, and the indoor theming is stunning. But the second you step outside, it’s disappointing. All you see are warehouse walls and service roads and shade is nearly non-existent.” - goldcoasting

Final Thoughts

There’s no denying that the Wizard of Oz precinct has its moments of brilliance. The themed queues and engaging rides are a step up for Movie World, showing glimpses of world-class quality. However, issues like poor queue design, inadequate shade, and inconsistent and awful operations (on one of the rides) hold it back.

For families, it’s still worth a visit. But if you’re a stickler for top-tier theming, you might find yourself comparing it unfavourably to other recent developments, like Dreamworld’s Rivertown.

As we said on our social media: "The Wizard of Oz precinct has exceptional theming in some areas but falls noticeably short in others. It leaves me questioning whether this is a case of mediocrity or if it truly reaches world-class standards—and honestly, I’m not sure. In my view, VRTP has missed the mark with this one, and Dreamworld has firmly taken the crown."

Time will tell if Movie World addresses these concerns, refining this $100 million investment into an attraction that truly shines....