The Griswolds are determined to make it to Walley World, their favorite amusement park, in this riotous story of an average American family on a road trip. From the moment they pile into their beat-up car and set off on their cross-county adventure, everything that can go wrong does. Chevy Chase is sublimely funny as Clark Griswold, the desperate dad determined to have a good time. With his cynical kids (Anthony Michael Hall and Dana Barron) packed into the backseat and his willing wife (Beverly D'Angelo) by his side, he is ready for the trip of a lifetime. Clark has planned the trip down to the minute, including interesting side trips, like looking at the world's biggest ball of twine. As his plans deteriote and one disaster leads to another, the Griswolds run across an insane cast of characters on the highways and biways between Chicago and California, including a zany cousin played by Randy Quaid and an aunt (Imogene Coca) who never quite ends up where she expected. When they finally make it to Walley World, the Griswolds are determined to have a good time, at any cost. John Candy's cameo as a security guard is hysterical. Director Harold Ramis never lets up the pace as the Griswolds' family vacation spirals way out of control.

Released in the USA August 1983.

The script initially cited the amusement park as Disneyland, but representatives of the park balked, saying that their theme park was open 365 days a year, unlike Walley World.

Christie Brinkley made her feature-film acting debut in the film as a woman attracted to Clark (Chevy Chase).

"Why aren't we flying? Because getting there is half the fun."--Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase)

"Sorry, folks, park's closed; moose out front should have told you."--security guard Lasky (John Candy)

"...Fast, funny satire....Chase plays Clark Griswold with much more of an edge than he's brought to any other recent roles..."

"...An enjoyable trip through family comedy landscapes....There's plenty of fun here for anybody who can relate from the front or back seat..."

"...Very funny....Chase, as Clark Griswold, finally lived up to all that early SNL promise..."

"I want to write, I want to paint, I got a romantic urge!" -- Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) in Paris

Europe ... get ready! The Griswolds are back on vacation, and heading your way. In this first sequel to the 1983 film "National Lampoon's Vacation," the Griswolds win a trip to Europe, so off they go to see the sights of London, Paris, Italy and Germany, but there's no place like home, and they sure are glad to return to the good old USA.

The third in the series of National Lampoon's 'Vacations ' films, this sequel concerns the Griswold family's holiday get-together. This time they're trying to have a picture book, old-fashioned Christmastime -- even though all the in-laws are dropping by, including Clark's redneck cousin, Eddie. Looks like it's going to be a real holly-jolly holiday -- if they can make it through.

Budget estimate $25 million.

Shot on location in Los Angeles, California; Breckenridge, Frisco and Silverthorne, Colorado in Technicolor using Dolby sound.

Began shooting March 27, 1989; Completed shooting June 30, 1989; Released in USA December 1, 1989.

Directorial debut for Jeremiah Chechik, who also directed "Benny & Joon" (1993).

"...[Chase] does what he does best: flat-out slapstick and subversive tear-downs of his own smooth image..."

This time out, the Griswolds test their oft-ill-fated vacation luck in America's newest family playground, fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada! Slapstick hilarity ensues.