<P> National Lampoon's Vacation, sometimes referred to as Vacation, is a 1983 American road comedy film directed by Harold Ramis and starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, Dana Barron, and Anthony Michael Hall . John Candy, Imogene Coca, Christie Brinkley, and a young Jane Krakowski appear in supporting roles . The screenplay was written by John Hughes, based on his short story "Vacation' 58" which appeared in National Lampoon . </P> <P> The film was a box - office hit, earning more than $60 million in the US with an estimated budget of $15 million, and received positive reviews from critics . As a result of its success, four sequels have been produced over the last three decades: European Vacation (1985), Christmas Vacation (1989), Vegas Vacation (1997), and most recently, Vacation (2015) which serves as both a reboot and a continuation . In 2000, readers of Total Film voted it the 46th greatest comedy film of all time . In August 2015 was listed as the best film in the Vacation film series by Daniel Cohen . It continues to be a cult film and a staple on cable television . </P> <P> Chicago food chemist Clark Griswold, wanting to spend more time with his wife Ellen and children Rusty and Audrey, decides to lead the family on a cross-country expedition from the Chicago suburbs to the southern California amusement park Walley World, billed as "America's Favorite Family Fun Park ." Ellen wants to fly, but Clark insists on driving, so he can bond with his family . He has ordered a new car in preparation for the trip, but the dealer claims that it will not be ready for six weeks . Clark is forced to accept a Wagon Queen Family Truckster, an ugly, out - sized station wagon, as the car he brought to trade in has already been hauled away and crushed . </P> <P> During the family's travels, they run into numerous mishaps, such as being tagged by vandals in a rundown area of St. Louis, while Clark is tantalized numerous times by a beautiful young woman driving a flashy red 1983 Ferrari . They stop in Coolidge, Kansas to visit Ellen's cousin Catherine and her husband Eddie, who foist cranky Aunt Edna and her mean dog Dinky on the Griswolds, asking them to drop her off at her son Norman's home in Phoenix . </P>

What is the amusement park in national lampoon's vacation