What Amusement Park Was Used for Wally World? A Guide to the Real-Life Inspiration
- The History of Wally World in *National Lampoon's Vacation*
- The Real-Life Amusement Park Used for Wally World
- Exploring the Park Today
- Why It's a Great Destination for Family Trips
The History of Wally World in *National Lampoon's Vacation*
If you're a fan of the classic 1983 film *National Lampoon's Vacation*, you’ll remember Wally World, the fictional amusement park that the Griswold family is determined to visit during their cross-country road trip. Wally World is portrayed as the ultimate family vacation destination, filled with thrilling rides, iconic characters, and the promise of family fun. But have you ever wondered, what amusement park was used for Wally World in the movie?
The film, directed by Harold Ramis and starring Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, became an iconic part of American cinema. The plot centers around the Griswolds' chaotic and often hilarious journey to get to Wally World. However, while Wally World may have seemed like an exaggerated dream amusement park, it was inspired by a real-life location—an amusement park that many people still visit today. Let’s take a closer look at the history behind Wally World and the real park that inspired it.
Surge Adventure Park
24 E 33rd St, Edmond, OK 73013, USA
The Real-Life Amusement Park Used for Wally World
The amusement park used for filming the famous Wally World scenes in *National Lampoon's Vacation* is none other than Six Flags Magic Mountain, located in Valencia, California. Magic Mountain, one of the largest amusement parks in the U.S., was chosen as the filming location for its vast selection of rides and its ability to evoke the classic American theme park experience. In fact, the scenes where the Griswold family finally arrives at Wally World were shot right outside the main gates of the park.
Though Magic Mountain was used to portray Wally World, there are some key differences between the real park and its fictional counterpart. In the movie, Wally World is an over-the-top amusement park with a more fantastical atmosphere. Magic Mountain, on the other hand, is home to a variety of thrilling roller coasters and family-friendly attractions, but it doesn't have a giant moose mascot like the one in the movie. Despite the differences, Magic Mountain’s scale and diverse attractions made it the perfect stand-in for the fictional Wally World.
Magic Mountain opened in 1971 and has since become a staple of the Southern California amusement park scene. With its iconic roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly atmosphere, it's easy to see why it was the perfect choice for the movie’s most famous amusement park.
Noah's Ark Waterpark
1410 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, USA
Exploring the Park Today
If you're a fan of *National Lampoon's Vacation* and ever find yourself in the Los Angeles area, a visit to Six Flags Magic Mountain is a must. The park still boasts many of the thrilling roller coasters and attractions that made it famous in the 80s. From the famous Twisted Colossus roller coaster to the terrifying X2, Magic Mountain continues to be a popular destination for thrill-seekers of all ages.
Beyond the adrenaline-pumping rides, Magic Mountain also offers a number of attractions that are perfect for families with young children. Whether you’re interested in a more relaxed ride or want to enjoy the views from the Ferris wheel, the park has something for everyone. And if you’re a fan of *National Lampoon's Vacation*, it’s a great place to take a nostalgic trip back to the movie’s most iconic scenes.
While the park has evolved over the years, one thing that hasn’t changed is the feeling of excitement and adventure that you get as you walk through the gates. The park’s giant “Wally World” sign is still a fan favorite for photos, and you can almost feel like you’re part of the Griswold family as you explore the park.
Why It’s a Great Destination for Family Trips
One of the reasons why Six Flags Magic Mountain makes such a great family vacation spot is its wide range of attractions for all age groups. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teenagers, or adults, the park offers something for everyone. There are high-speed roller coasters for thrill-seekers, gentle rides for younger children, and plenty of interactive experiences that make the whole family feel included.
For younger children, there are numerous themed areas designed just for them. The park has family-friendly rides that allow you to experience the fun of an amusement park without the intense thrills. For example, the Looney Tunes Carousel and Bugs Bunny World are perfect for younger children to enjoy in a more relaxed environment.
But let’s not forget the heart of *National Lampoon’s Vacation*—the family adventure. Just like the Griswolds, your family can experience the thrill of a road trip, endless fun at the amusement park, and a bit of chaos thrown in. After all, what could be more memorable than sharing a day at a famous amusement park like Magic Mountain, which so many families have visited over the years?
Want to experience the magic of the park for yourself? Six Flags Magic Mountain offers a variety of tickets, passes, and even exclusive events that you can enjoy with your family. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, there’s always something new to explore and enjoy.
Curious about more details or ready to book your trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain? Visit Hickory Dickory Park to find all the information you need to plan your perfect family adventure at the park.
