The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere: Total Magic.

traceytlc

29 Jan, 2026

The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere: Total Magic.

My first visit to the Sphere was for U2, and while that night completely blew me away, I knew I had to come back. This time, it was for the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere, and I can honestly say it was one of the most magical and immersive experiences I’ve ever had in Las Vegas.

I’ll say this upfront without giving too much away: if you have any affection at all for The Wizard of Oz, this experience is something truly special.

This wasn’t my first time at the Sphere. My introduction to this incredible venue was seeing U2 perform there, an experience that completely changed how I think about concerts and immersive entertainment. You can read more about that visit in my earlier post about seeing U2 at the Las Vegas Sphere.

Exterior view of the Las Vegas Sphere showing the iconic round structure
Outside view of the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere in Las Vegas, with the LED exterior lit for the show

Arrive Early for the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere

If you’re planning to see the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere, arrive early. The lobby experience is a big part of the fun, and it starts pulling you into the world of Oz before you even take your seat.

There are Wizard of Oz themed cocktails, popcorn, and tons of photo opportunities. Interactive kiosks allow you to choose different Oz backgrounds for photos. I chose the tornado and will be sharing that photo in the blog, because how could I not?

Throughout the lobby, there are elaborate displays featuring characters from the movie, glowing globes, and dramatic scenes brought to life. At one point, the Wicked Witch is flying overhead on her broomstick, and if you look up, you’ll see monkeys hanging from the ceiling. It’s playful, immersive, and a lot of fun to explore.

Photo of me posing in front of a tornado background at a selfie kiosk during the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere
Photo of me standing next to a glowing globe featuring the Wicked Witch’s talking face in the Sphere lobby

Inside the Sphere: Seating and Sightlines for the Wizard of Oz

One thing I really appreciated about the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere is how the seating is handled. Tickets are only sold in the middle sections of the Sphere, so you don’t have to worry about overhangs or obstructed views blocking your experience.

No matter where you sit, you are fully surrounded by the screen and the action. Once the movie begins, you’re no longer just watching it. You’re inside it.

A Fully Immersive Experience at the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere

When the movie starts, the Sphere completely envelops you in the world of Oz. The screen wraps around and above you, and it’s important to remember to look up once in a while. The sky becomes part of the story, and it’s stunning.

Without spoiling the surprises, there are moments where you feel the tornado, objects fall from the sky, and more than once I jumped out of my seat. The Sphere’s technology recreates wind, subtle scents, and even movement in your seat, gently rocking you at just the right moments. It’s not distracting or gimmicky, it’s incredibly effective.

There has been some criticism that the film was reworked for this experience. It had been a while since I last watched The Wizard of Oz, but I didn’t notice any changes that affected the story or took away from the magic. If there were differences, they didn’t detract from the experience at all.

Closed theater curtain displayed on the Sphere’s massive screen before the Wizard of Oz movie, so realistic it looks like a real stage curtain
Closing screen of the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere with the Emerald City and Dorothy and her friends on the Yellow Brick Road

After the Show: Lobby Performances and Photo Ops

When the movie ends, don’t rush out. Head back into the lobby where there is a live performance and more opportunities to take photos with characters from the movie. It feels like a final curtain call and a fun way to ease back into reality after being fully immersed in Oz.

There is also plenty of Wizard of Oz merchandise available for purchase. While it’s fun to browse, I found it to be pretty pricey and decided to pass.

Wizard of Oz sign surrounded by pink flowers in the Sphere lobby during the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere
Flying monkey suspended from the ceiling in the Sphere lobby as part of the Wizard of Oz display
View from the escalator looking down at a live lobby performance after the Wizard of Oz movie

A Personal Moment I Didn’t Expect

As the credits began to roll, I actually became emotional. I was instantly taken back to my childhood, when my brother and I were allowed to stay up late once a year to watch The Wizard of Oz on television. It was an event we looked forward to every single time.

Seeing it come to life in this way brought all of that nostalgia rushing back.

Final Thoughts on the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere

Seeing the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere isn’t just about the technology or the spectacle, although there is plenty of both. It’s about wonder, nostalgia, and experiencing a familiar story in a completely new way.

Currently, the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere is scheduled to run through March 31, 2026.

If you’re even considering going, I highly recommend it. Arrive early, take your time in the lobby, and be prepared to be swept into the world of Oz.

Have you been to the Sphere yet, or would you see the Wizard of Oz there? I’d love to hear what you think.