Have you ever watched the classic 1983 comedy “National Lampoon’s Vacation” and wondered where the iconic amusement park, Wally World, was filmed? Well, wonder no more! In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at the filming locations of this beloved movie.
The Plot of National Lampoon’s Vacation
Before we dive into the filming locations of “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” let’s first recap the plot. The movie follows Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, and his family as they embark on a cross-country road trip from Chicago to Los Angeles. Their ultimate destination is Wally World, a fictional amusement park that Clark has promised his family will be the highlight of their summer vacation.
Where Was Wally World Filmed?
So where was Wally World actually filmed? Surprisingly, there was no real-life amusement park used in the movie. Instead, several different locations were used to bring Wally World to life.
The exterior shots of Wally World were filmed at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. However, the park itself was not used for any interior shots or scenes involving rides.
Magic Mountain Roller Coaster
One of the most memorable scenes in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” is when Clark and his family finally arrive at Wally World only to find out that it’s closed for maintenance. Determined to give his family the vacation they deserve, Clark breaks into the park and takes his family on all of the rides.
The roller coaster scene was actually filmed at another California theme park called Santa Anita Park. The coaster used in the movie is called “Colossus” and is still standing today.
Other Locations Used in National Lampoon’s Vacation
In addition to Six Flags Magic Mountain and Santa Anita Park, several other locations were used throughout the filming of “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” The Griswold family’s journey across the country was shot on location in several states including Arizona, Colorado, and Missouri.
The scene where Clark accidentally drives his car off a closed ramp and into the desert was filmed at the Salt Flats in Utah. And the famous scene where they stay at a seedy motel was filmed at the Royal Inn Motel in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
In Conclusion
“National Lampoon’s Vacation” may not have used a real amusement park for Wally World, but the movie still managed to capture the magic and excitement of a summer vacation. By utilizing various locations across the United States, the filmmakers were able to create an unforgettable journey for Clark Griswold and his family.