What Amusement Park Was Used in National Lampoon’s Vacation?

By Michael Ferguson

If you are a fan of the classic 1983 comedy film National Lampoon’s Vacation, you might have wondered about the amusement park that was featured in the movie. The park where the Griswold family had their hilarious misadventures is called Walley World, a fictional theme park created for the movie. However, the real-life amusement park that served as the filming location for Walley World is actually Six Flags Magic Mountain, located in Valencia, California.

History of Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain is one of the most popular amusement parks in California and has been entertaining people of all ages since it opened its doors on May 29, 1971. The park was originally called Magic Mountain and was owned by Newhall Land and Farming Company. In 1979, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation acquired the park and renamed it Six Flags Magic Mountain.

The park covers an area of 262 acres and boasts over 100 rides, including roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly attractions. It is known for its thrilling roller coasters such as Goliath, Tatsu, X2, and Twisted Colossus.

Walley World – The Fictional Theme Park

In National Lampoon’s Vacation, Walley World was portrayed as a rundown and poorly-maintained theme park that disappointed its visitors. The Griswold family drove from Chicago to California to visit Walley World but encountered several obstacles along the way.

The scenes featuring Walley World were actually filmed at Six Flags Magic Mountain during the off-season when the park was closed to visitors. To create a more authentic look for Walley World, filmmakers added fake signs and attractions throughout the park.

The Legacy of National Lampoon’s Vacation

National Lampoon’s Vacation is considered one of the greatest comedy films ever made and has become a cult classic. The movie’s success led to several sequels, including European Vacation, Christmas Vacation, and Vegas Vacation.

The amusement park scenes in National Lampoon’s Vacation have become iconic and are still referenced in popular culture today. Six Flags Magic Mountain has also become a popular destination for fans of the movie who want to recreate the Griswold family’s visit to Walley World.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Six Flags Magic Mountain is the real-life amusement park that was used as the filming location for Walley World in National Lampoon’s Vacation. Although the park was portrayed as rundown and disappointing in the movie, Six Flags Magic Mountain is actually a well-maintained and popular theme park that continues to attract visitors from all over the world. Next time you visit Six Flags Magic Mountain, don’t forget to take a picture with the Walley World sign and relive your favorite moments from this classic comedy film.