Where Did They Film Vacation Walley World?

By Alice Nichols

Are you a fan of the 1983 hit movie ‘Vacation’ and wondering where the iconic Walley World scenes were filmed? Look no further!

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the locations and fascinating facts about the filming of ‘Vacation.’ So fasten your seatbelt and get ready to embark on a wild ride!

The Movie ‘Vacation’: An Overview

If you haven’t seen ‘Vacation,’ it’s a comedy movie that follows the Griswold family on their cross-country road trip to Walley World. The father, Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase), is determined to give his family the best vacation ever, but things don’t go as planned. The movie is full of hilarious moments, including the iconic scene where Clark punches Marty Moose in the face.

Where Was Walley World Filmed?

So, where did they film Walley World? The movie was primarily filmed in California, with Six Flags Magic Mountain serving as the location for Walley World’s exterior shots. If you’ve been to Six Flags Magic Mountain, you may recognize some of the rides featured in the movie, such as Colossus and Revolution.

The Roller Coaster Scene

One of the most memorable scenes in ‘Vacation’ is when Clark and his family finally reach Walley World and try to ride “The Screaming Mimi” roller coaster. In reality, that roller coaster was actually called “The Revolution” at Six Flags Magic Mountain. The scene was filmed using a special effects technique called rear projection, which made it look like they were really riding the roller coaster.

The Car Jump Scene

Another iconic scene from ‘Vacation’ is when Clark tries to jump his car over a closed bridge in order to reach Walley World faster. This scene was filmed in Arizona, at the Agua Fria National Monument. The crew built a ramp specifically for the scene, and they filmed it in slow motion to give it a more dramatic effect.

Other Filming Locations

Aside from Six Flags Magic Mountain and Agua Fria National Monument, ‘Vacation’ was also filmed in various locations throughout California, including:

  • Santa Anita Park – The horse racing scene
  • San Bernardino National Forest – The camping scene
  • Sierra Nevada Mountains – The scenes where they spread the ashes of Aunt Edna

In Conclusion

And there you have it! Now you know where they filmed Walley World and other iconic scenes from ‘Vacation.’

With its blend of humor and heart, ‘Vacation’ has become a classic movie that continues to entertain audiences to this day. So pack your bags, buckle up, and hit the road for your own adventure!