Explore 15 fascinating details about 'National Lampoon’s European Vacation' and immerse yourself in the Griswolds' epic European adventure.

Load up the family truckster and join the Griswolds on their European getaway! Here are a few fun facts we picked up from their hilarious adventure in 'European Vacation.'

1. A GRISWOLD FAMILY EXCLUSIVE

'European Vacation' stands as the sole entry in the 'Vacation' series to exclude Randy Quaid's beloved Cousin Eddie and his family.

2. WALLEY WORLD MAKES A CAMEO

Clark sports a t-shirt and sweatshirt emblazoned with Walley World branding, the fictional, Disney-esque amusement park the Griswolds set off to visit in the first 'Vacation' film.

3. RUSTY WAS ALMOST PLAYED BY THE SAME ACTOR FROM THE FIRST FILM

In the 'Vacation' series, the Griswold kids famously change actors with each new film—but Anthony Michael Hall, who portrayed Rusty in the original 'Vacation,' was initially set to return for 'European Vacation.' However, Hall left the project to star in 'Weird Science' (replaced by Jason Lively). Interestingly, 'Weird Science' was written and directed by John Hughes, who also wrote the original short story that inspired the 'Vacation' series, as well as the screenplays for 'Vacation,' 'European Vacation,' and 'Christmas Vacation.'

4. A MEMBER OF MONTY PYTHON KEPT APPEARING

The bicyclist whom Clark accidentally strikes in London, who later reappears in Rome, is none other than Eric Idle, one of the founding members of Monty Python. His line about his injuries being just a 'flesh wound' is a playful reference to the iconic Black Knight scene from 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail.'

5. ERIC IDLE AND CHEVY CHASE HAD A PLAN FOR A THIRD VACATION FILM … THEN ABANDONED IT

After 'European Vacation,' Eric Idle and Chevy Chase sketched out early drafts for a third 'Vacation' film called 'Australian Vacation.' However, the project was scrapped as they moved on to other ventures. Chase also reportedly wrote a script for a potential new movie, 'Swiss Family Griswold,' which was centered around the Griswolds going on a cruise.

6. GRISWOLD OR GRISWALD?

'European Vacation' is the one movie where the Griswold family name is spelled as 'Griswald' instead of the usual 'Griswold.'

7. WE FINALLY LEARN WHAT THE 'W' IN CLARK W. GRISWOLD STANDS FOR

A passport shown in the opening credits reveals that the 'W' stands for 'Wilhelm.'

8. CHEVY CHASE BROUGHT A LOT OF HIS OWN PERSONAL ITEMS TO THE FILM

Chase wore much of his own clothing for the film, including Clark’s iconic camcorder.

9. CLARK’S HAT WAS INSPIRED BY A LEGENDARY CHARACTER

Clark’s signature bucket hat was designed to resemble the one worn by M. Hulot, the iconic comedic character portrayed by actor/director Jacques Tati. Chevy Chase has mentioned that Tati, a master of physical comedy, was a significant influence on his portrayal of Clark Griswold.

10. MR. FROEGER HAS BECOME A CULT HERO

The brainy family head who takes on the Griswolds in the 'Pig in a Poke' game show is portrayed by Paul Bartel, a writer, actor, and director known for his cult classics such as 'Eating Raoul' and 'Death Race 2000.' Bartel also appeared in over 90 films, including Tim Burton’s 1984 short 'Frankenweenie,' the Ramones movie 'Rock ‘n’ Roll High School,' John Carpenter’s 'Escape from LA,' and 'Caddyshack II.'

You’ll likely recognize the sensitive host of 'Pig in a Poke' too: Kent is played by John Astin, who famously portrayed Gomez Addams in the original 'Addams Family' TV series.

11. THE HILLS WERE FILLED WITH GRISWOLD’S SONG

The dream sequence where Clark belts out his comedic rendition of 'The Sound of Music' was filmed in the same Alpine locations where Julie Andrews famously sang in the 1965 classic.

12. STONEHENGE WASN’T REAL

Due to restrictions on filming at the actual Stonehenge, a two-thirds scale replica was built nearby for the scene where the Griswolds accidentally knock over the stones. Each stone was equipped with a hydraulic system to achieve the effect of toppling them over.

13. CHEVY CHASE’S PET NAME WAS SPARKY

The nickname 'Sparky,' which Ellen uses for Clark, was actually Chevy Chase’s real-life nickname.

14. GERMANY WAS REALLY ITALY

A German-speaking Italian town served as the backdrop for the scenes set in Germany.

15. RUSTY’S ROMAN HOLIDAY GIRL IS ROCK LEGEND’S DAUGHTER

The American girl Rusty befriends in Rome is played by Moon Unit Zappa, daughter of the iconic rock legend Frank Zappa. Meanwhile, Audrey’s boyfriend Jack is portrayed by William Zabka, famous for his role as Johnny, the rival at Cobra Kai in 'The Karate Kid.'