What Amusement Park Was Used in the Movie Vacation – A Journey into Fun and Adventure

Published on Apr 02, 2025

What Amusement Park Was Used in the Movie Vacation? A Journey into Fun and Adventure

National Lampoon's Vacation: A Movie with Iconic Locations

The 1983 movie National Lampoon's Vacation, directed by Harold Ramis, is a classic comedy that follows the Griswold family as they embark on a road trip across America. Their ultimate goal? To visit the famous amusement park called "Wally World." But what makes this park so memorable, and where was it filmed? In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the amusement park featured in the movie and explore how it has captured the hearts of audiences ever since.

Exploring Wally World: The Amusement Park from Vacation

Wally World, the fictional amusement park at the heart of the movie, is a symbol of family vacation fun gone awry. In the movie, the Griswold family encounters a series of hilarious misadventures trying to reach Wally World. The park's central role in the story contributes to its lasting popularity, and fans of the movie continue to ask about its real-life counterpart.

Is Wally World a Real Amusement Park?

While Wally World itself doesn’t exist in real life, it was modeled after real amusement parks across the United States. The movie's iconic scenes were filmed at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California. This famous theme park, located in Valencia, California, served as the backdrop for the Griswolds' chaotic adventure. Though Six Flags Magic Mountain was not specifically named as Wally World, it became synonymous with the park after the film’s release. The towering roller coasters and vibrant rides provided the perfect setting for the film's antics, and visitors to the park can still see some familiar spots from the movie today.

Other Notable Filming Locations from Vacation

The movie National Lampoon's Vacation is filled with memorable locations that became instant favorites with fans. Apart from Wally World, there are a few other key filming locations worth noting. For example, the Griswold family's home is located in the greater Chicago area. A number of road trip scenes were filmed across various American highways, giving the movie a true sense of adventure. Visitors interested in following in the footsteps of the Griswolds can take a cross-country trip to visit these iconic sites, making it a fun and immersive vacation experience for families of all ages.

Plan Your Trip to Wally World and Similar Parks

Now that you know where the famous Wally World amusement park from the movie was filmed, why not take your own family road trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain or other exciting theme parks across the United States? These parks offer a variety of thrilling rides and attractions that are perfect for both adults and children. Whether you're a fan of roller coasters or prefer a more laid-back experience, there’s something for everyone.

Planning your trip is easy, and with the right itinerary, you can combine a visit to Six Flags with other iconic filming locations from the movie. To learn more about visiting these attractions or booking tickets for Six Flags Magic Mountain, visit Hickory Dickory Dock to find out more and start planning your dream vacation.

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