By Sally French, NerdWallet
The big-screen version of the Broadway musical “Wicked” goals to do greater than just defy gravity; it could break box office records. According to NBCUniversal, “Wicked” is already the third-best PG-rated first-day ticket seller of all time on movie ticketing site Fandango, indicating strong interest within the film ahead of its Nov. 22 release date.
These weeks leading as much as and following the film's release are a fantastic time to rejoice the Wicked fan base within the U.S. and abroad. There are brand collaborations that include the whole lot from beauty products to Crocs to Starbucks' range of “Wicked” drinks, including a green cold drink. There are even shiny pink and green “Wicked” luggage pieces.
But where must you go for the reason that Land of Oz isn't an option? Here are some ideas for a “Wicked”-inspired vacation that may rival any trip to Munchkinland.
1. New York City
New York City is home to the Broadway version, which has been performed on the Gershwin Theater since 2003. In 2023, it became Broadway's fourth-longest production.
Stay within the Oz-inspired suite on the New York Hilton Midtown, available for a limited time between November 21 and January 5, 2025. The room is designed in a person Art Deco style and has two beds – one in pink and one in green. Whimsical touches include cocktails served at a hidden bar behind a bookshelf inspired by the Wizard's Throne Room. The morning pastry is served via a floating balloon.
The room, which may only be booked for 2 nights, costs $2,400 per night (greater than $5,500 for each nights after taxes). On the brilliant side, you'll earn tons of Hilton Honors points whenever you pay with a Hilton bank card.
2. Seattle
Seattle, which is rightly called the Emerald City, is an excellent place to go to in November. The North American tour of the “Wicked” musical plays the Paramount Theater through December 1st.
To save your budget, bring friends. Groups of 10 or more receive discounted tickets or purchase tickets in person on the box office to avoid online ticket fees, which may sometimes amount to greater than 10% of the overall ticket price. Use a bank card that offers you rewards on entertainment purchases to maximise your spending.
In addition to the show, visit the Pop Culture Museum, where the Cowardly Lion costume from “The Wizard of Oz” is on display.
3. Los Angeles
After its run in Seattle, the touring version of the Broadway show heads to Los Angeles, where it should play on the Hollywood Pantages Theater through February 2, 2025. But that's not the one “Wicked” magic on the town.
Universal Studios Hollywood can have movie props on display within the park. There is now Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood (which will not be required). Universal Studios theme park tickets entry) will show costumes from the film. Restaurants like Voodoo Donuts and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen serve themed treats.
4. Central Florida
Experience more “Wicked”-inspired adventures at Universal Orlando, which features interactive recreations of movie scenes, including a walk along the yellow brick road.
Or drive an hour east to Cape Canaveral The Wizard of Oz Museum. With tickets at just $32, it's a fraction of what it costs Universal Orlando tickets. The museum features projection-based exhibits that make you are feeling such as you're walking through Oz, including a tornado simulation.
5. Washington, D.C
In the nation's capital, see one of the famous pieces of Oz history: Dorothy's ruby slippers. The slippers on display on the National Museum of American History are actually a part of the “Entertainment Nation” exhibit, which opened in 2022, although they’ve been on display elsewhere almost repeatedly since their anonymous gift to the museum in 1979.
Admission to the museum is free, making this a budget-friendly stop in Washington, DC. There are also nearby budget hotels in Washington, DC, including the Residence Inn Washington, DC National Mall and the Fairfield Inn & Suites Washington, DC/Downtown. Both have nightly rates under $200 this December – and each Hotel chains offer free breakfast.
6. London
A version of the stage show has been performed on the Apollo Victoria Theater in London since 2006, only a three-minute walk from the theater at The Clermont, Victoria. The hotel hosts a “Wicked” afternoon tea, serving mostly green treats including lime cheesecake and a chocolate pistachio dessert. At £40 (around $52) per person, it's one in every of the cheaper ones Afternoon tea on the hotel.
7. Bermuda
Bermuda is an archipelago consisting of seven principal islands and greater than 100 smaller islands. “The Wizard of Oz” illustrator William Denslow famously used his earnings to buy one in every of these.
Today you may take a take a look at this island, known for brief as Denslow Island, on guided tours. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line's shore tour called the Famous Homes & Hideaways Cruise allows cruise participants who’ve docked for the day to sail past the island on a smaller boat.
If you're traveling by air, recent nonstop flights from major U.S. cities to Bermuda's LF Wade International Airport offer loads of options. For example, United Airlines has expanded its previously seasonal, two-hour nonstop service from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to year-round service. There are already 10,100 United MileagePlus miles available for one-way flights (plus taxes and costs), valued at about $120 at NerdWallet.
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