If you are a fan of the National Lampoon’s Vacation series, then you must be familiar with the iconic destination of Wally World. The amusement park has been featured in several movies, including the first installment of the series, “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” released in 1983.
But have you ever wondered where exactly was Wally World filmed? Let’s explore!
The Filming Location
Despite being a fictional place, Wally World was actually filmed at a real amusement park located in Santa Clarita, California. The park was originally known as Magic Mountain but was renamed Six Flags Magic Mountain in 1980 after it was acquired by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.
The Park’s History
Six Flags Magic Mountain opened its doors to the public on May 29th, 1971. It is located about 35 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles and covers an area of over 262 acres. The park features more than 100 rides and attractions, including several world-class roller coasters that have broken records.
Wally World Scenes
The scenes featuring Wally World were shot at Six Flags Magic Mountain during the off-season when the park was closed to visitors. The production team built some additional sets and props to make it look like an entirely different place.
One of the most memorable scenes from “National Lampoon’s Vacation” is when Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) takes his family on a wild ride through Wally World only to discover that it’s closed for maintenance. He then proceeds to have a meltdown and takes the security guard hostage at gunpoint to let his family enjoy the park.
Legacy of Wally World
The success of “National Lampoon’s Vacation” led to several sequels and spin-offs featuring various members of the Griswold family. Although Wally World does not feature in any of the subsequent movies, it has become an iconic location in pop culture.
In 2015, a reboot of the series was released, titled “Vacation,” which featured Ed Helms as a grown-up Rusty Griswold taking his family to Wally World. The park’s name was changed to Walley World as a nod to the original film.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Six Flags Magic Mountain is the real-life filming location for Wally World in “National Lampoon’s Vacation.”
The amusement park continues to attract visitors from around the world with its thrilling rides and attractions. If you ever find yourself in Santa Clarita, California, make sure to pay a visit to this iconic destination.