If you are a fan of the classic comedy movie, National Lampoon’s Vacation, you may have wondered where the amusement park scenes were filmed. This iconic movie features the Griswold family as they embark on a cross-country road trip to visit the fictional Walley World amusement park. But where was this park actually located?
The Filming Location
The amusement park scenes in National Lampoon’s Vacation were filmed at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. The park opened in 1971 and has been a popular destination for thrill-seekers ever since. With over 100 rides and attractions, it was the perfect setting for the Griswold family’s misadventures.
What Rides Were Filmed?
Several of Six Flags Magic Mountain’s most popular roller coasters were featured in National Lampoon’s Vacation. The opening scene of the movie shows Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) riding on Colossus, which was then the world’s largest wooden coaster. The ride has since been renovated and is now a hybrid coaster with steel supports.
Another notable ride that was featured in the movie is Tidal Wave, which is now known as Jet Stream. This water ride features a steep drop that sends riders splashing into the water below. Clark and his family are seen riding this attraction during their wild and crazy day at Walley World.
- Colossus
- Tidal Wave (now Jet Stream)
The Impact of National Lampoon’s Vacation
National Lampoon’s Vacation was a huge success when it was released in 1983, grossing over $61 million at the box office. It spawned several sequels and became a cult classic among comedy fans. The film also had an impact on Six Flags Magic Mountain, as visitors began flocking to the park to ride the roller coasters and see the attractions featured in the movie.
In Conclusion
If you’ve ever wondered where the amusement park scenes in National Lampoon’s Vacation were filmed, now you know! Six Flags Magic Mountain provided the perfect backdrop for Clark Griswold’s hilarious misadventures and continues to be a popular destination for thrill-seekers today. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just love roller coasters, a visit to this iconic park is sure to be an unforgettable experience.