Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure is a made-for-TV movie that continues the popular National Lampoon’s Vacation series. The film features a colorful cast of characters who add to the chaos and comedy of Cousin Eddie’s tropical escapades. So where was Christmas Vacation 2 filmed? Fans of the series may be curious to know that it was filmed in a few different locations. For the purpose of this article, we’ll be focusing on the more tropical location.
What Was Christmas Vacation 2 All About?
The film follows the adventures of the Griswold family’s bumbling cousin Eddie as he takes his family on a vacation to a fictional tropical island called Kauaii after winning a vacation package.
Once on the island, the Griswold family encounters a series of comedic mishaps and misadventures. From getting into trouble with the local authorities, inadvertently causing environmental disasters, to becoming entangled with a local crime syndicate, Cousin Eddie’s vacation turns into a chaotic and hilarious escapade.
Where Was Christmas Vacation 2 Filmed?
This movie was filmed in Puerto Rico, primarily in the town of Fajardo and the El Yunque National Forest. The film’s production team utilized various locations on the island, including the Wyndham El Conquistador Resort, the Bioluminescent Bay, and the Luquillo Beach, to create the fictional resort “Mango’s Island”. Additionally, the film features several shots of Old San Juan, the historic district of the capital city, which serves as a backdrop to some of the scenes in the movie. Some scenes were also filmed in Los Angeles, California.
Who Was In The Cast of Christmas Vacation 2?
The cast of Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure includes:
- Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie Johnson
- Miriam Flynn as Catherine Johnson, Eddie’s wife
- Dana Barron as Audrey Griswold
- Jake Thomas as Third Griswold Child
- Ed Asner as Carter
- Fred Willard as Professor Doornitz
- Sung Hi Lee as Muka Laka Miki
- Eric Idle as English Victim
- Ed Marinaro as Rocky
- R. David Smith as Agent Quigley
- Stephen Furst as Roy
- Jake Long as Second Griswold Child
- Nick Jameson as Sheik
- Kevin M. Horton as First Griswold Child
- Maria Checa as Maid
- Jordan-Claire Green as Fourth Griswold Child
- Alex Miranda as Bellboy
- Connor Matheus as Fifth Griswold Child
- Vanessa Lee Chester as Flower Girl
- Eric Jungmann as Clark ‘Third’ Johnson
- Brian Doyle-Murray as Randolph
- Eugene Levy as Clark Griswold (uncredited cameo)
The cast brings humor and heart to the film, making it a delightful and entertaining holiday comedy.
Who Directed Christmas Vacation 2?
Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure was directed by Nick Marck. Marck is an American director who has primarily worked in television, directing episodes of various TV shows, including popular series like ER, Law & Order, Ugly Betty, and Desperate Housewives.
He has also directed other made-for-TV movies, such as Jane Doe: The Wrong Face and The Wonderful World of Disney: Eddie’s Million Dollar Cook-Off. Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure was released as a made-for-TV movie in 2003.
Did Christmas Vacation 2 Receive Any Awards?
Sometimes it’s best to leave well enough alone. The first Christmas Vacation movie released in 1989 was very well received. Unfortunately, this one was never considered due to its poor audience reviews. This movie never even made it to theaters. It was a made-for-TV movie. Even Rotten Tomatoes reviewers didn’t enjoy this one.
Technical Information
This movie is shorter than most at one hour and 23 minutes (83 minutes). It was filmed with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 using only the Arri Alexa camera.
Fun Facts About Christmas Vacation 2
- This is the only Vacation movie that is a sequel of the original National Lampoon’s Vacation from 1983.
- This is also the final Vacation film that features Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie.
- Many of Cousin Eddie’s characteristics were based on a guy that Randy Quaid actually knew from his Texas childhood.
- Dana Barron is the first actress to reprise her Audrey Griswold role.
Can You Visit the Set of Christmas Vacation 2?
If you are interested in visiting filming locations used in the movie, you may be able to visit some of the real-life places where the film was shot. For example, if you are in Puerto Rico, you could potentially visit any specific locations that were used during filming, such as beaches or landmarks.
Additionally, Los Angeles, California, where some parts of the film were shot, is known for its movie studios and backlots, which offer guided tours to visitors. While you may not be able to visit the exact set used in Christmas Vacation 2, you could explore other movie sets and studio lots that have been used in various films and TV shows, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of filmmaking.
What is Puerto Rico Famous For?
Puerto Rico is famous for several things, including:
- Beautiful Beaches: Puerto Rico is known for its stunning beaches with soft sands and crystal-clear waters. From popular beaches like Flamenco Beach in Culebra, Luquillo Beach, to lesser-known gems, Puerto Rico’s beaches are a major draw for tourists and locals alike.
- Rich History and Culture: With its colonial heritage, Puerto Rico is famous for its rich history and culture. Old San Juan, the historic district of the capital city, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with its colorful buildings, forts, and historic landmarks that showcase Puerto Rico’s unique blend of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taíno cultures.
- El Yunque National Forest: El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System and is famous for its lush greenery, stunning waterfalls, and diverse ecosystem. It offers visitors opportunities for hiking, ziplining, and exploring the natural beauty of the rainforest.
- Bioluminescent Bays: Puerto Rico is home to several bioluminescent bays, including Mosquito Bay in Vieques and Laguna Grande in Fajardo, which are famous for their glowing waters caused by bioluminescent microorganisms. This natural phenomenon creates a magical experience for visitors.
- Vibrant Music and Dance Culture: Puerto Rico is famous for its lively music and dance culture, with salsa being a popular genre on the island. Visitors can enjoy salsa dancing, live music performances, and immerse themselves in the rhythmic world of Latin dance.
- Local Cuisine: Puerto Rican cuisine is known for its delicious flavors and unique blend of influences from Spanish, African, and indigenous Taíno cultures. From mouthwatering dishes like mofongo, lechón, tostones, and arroz con gandules, to delectable desserts like flan and coquito, Puerto Rico’s culinary scene is famous for its diverse and flavorful offerings.
Unique Places in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a beautiful island with a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Here are some unique places to visit in Puerto Rico:
- Cueva Ventana: Located in Arecibo, Cueva Ventana is a unique cave with a natural window that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and the Río Grande de Arecibo. It’s a popular spot for hiking and exploring the limestone caves, and the panoramic views from the window are simply stunning.
- Vieques Bioluminescent Bay: Vieques Island, just off the coast of mainland Puerto Rico, is home to one of the most famous bioluminescent bays in the world. Mosquito Bay in Vieques is known for its incredibly bright bioluminescent waters, caused by dinoflagellates that light up when disturbed. A nighttime kayak or boat tour through the glowing waters of the bioluminescent bay is a truly magical experience.
- Camuy River Cave Park: Located in the town of Camuy, this is one of the largest cave systems in the world. Visitors can take a guided tour through the park, which includes exploring underground rivers, sinkholes, and impressive limestone formations. The park also features a visitor center with exhibits about the cave system and its ecological significance.
- El Morro Fortress: Situated in Old San Juan, El Morro is a historic fortress that dates back to the 16th century. This imposing fortress overlooking the ocean is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers panoramic views of the San Juan Bay and the surrounding areas. It’s a fascinating place to explore, with its iconic walls, tunnels, and historical significance.
- El Yunque National Forest: El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System and is known for its lush greenery, hiking trails, and beautiful waterfalls. Visitors can explore the forest through a network of trails, visit the visitor center to learn about the ecosystem, and take a dip in the refreshing waterfall pools.
- La Perla: Located in Old San Juan, La Perla is a historic and colorful neighborhood known for its vibrant street art and music scene. It’s a unique place to explore with its narrow streets, colorful houses, and rich cultural heritage.
- Ponce Museum of Art: Located in the city of Ponce, this museum houses an impressive collection of over 4,500 pieces of art, including works by renowned artists such as Velázquez, Rubens, and Rodin. The museum also features beautiful gardens and a stunning neoclassical building that itself is a work of art.
These are just a few of the unique places to visit in Puerto Rico. The island offers a diverse range of attractions, from natural wonders to historic sites, cultural landmarks, and artistic treasures, making it a fascinating destination for travelers.
Fun Things to Do in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a vibrant island with plenty of fun things to do for visitors of all ages. Here are some suggestions for fun activities and experiences to enjoy during your visit to Puerto Rico:
- Explore Old San Juan: Wander through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, the historic district of the capital city, and marvel at the colorful colonial buildings, forts, and historic landmarks. Visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristóbal, take a stroll along the city walls, and soak in the rich history and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Hit the Beaches: Puerto Rico is known for its beautiful beaches, so be sure to spend some time soaking up the sun and enjoying the warm Caribbean waters. Flamenco Beach in Culebra, Luquillo Beach, and Condado Beach are popular options, but there are many other beaches to explore, each with its own unique charm.
- Go Ziplining in the Rainforest: Take an adrenaline-pumping ziplining tour through the lush greenery of El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Enjoy the thrill of soaring through the treetops and taking in the stunning views of the forest and its waterfalls.
- Take a Bioluminescent Bay Tour: Embark on a nighttime kayak or boat tour to witness the magical bioluminescent waters of Mosquito Bay in Vieques or Laguna Grande in Fajardo. Paddle through the glowing waters caused by bioluminescent microorganisms that light up when disturbed, creating a mesmerizing and unique experience.
- Go Scuba Diving or Snorkeling: Puerto Rico offers excellent opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling, with its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life. Explore colorful coral reefs, encounter tropical fish, turtles, and other marine species, and experience the beauty of the underwater world.
- Enjoy Water Sports: Puerto Rico is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Try surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or jet skiing in the warm Caribbean waters. You can also go sailing, deep-sea fishing, or take a boat tour to explore the surrounding islands and cays.
- Dance to the Rhythm of Salsa: Puerto Rico is known for its vibrant music and dance culture, and salsa is a popular genre on the island. Take a salsa dancing lesson, visit a local salsa club, and immerse yourself in the energetic and rhythmic world of Latin dance.
- Explore the Coffee Plantations: Puerto Rico is known for its high-quality coffee, and there are several coffee plantations that offer tours and tastings. Learn about the coffee-making process, sample different varieties of coffee, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the coffee plantations.
These are just a few of the many fun things to do in Puerto Rico. The island offers a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Ellen Griswold call Clark Sparky?
Ellen calls Clark “Sparky” in all four Vacation movies. Chevy Chase explained that the nickname was Beverly D’Angelo’s idea, and she still affectionately calls him Sparky.
Why do the Griswolds always have different kids?
In each of the main films of the series, the Griswold children are portrayed by different actors. This is because Anthony Michael Hall declined to reprise his role in European Vacation in order to star in Weird Science. Director Amy Heckerling requested both children be recast.
And That’s a Wrap!
Puerto Rico is a beautiful and vibrant destination with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty that offers a plethora of fun things to do for visitors. From exploring the colorful streets of Old San Juan to enjoying the stunning beaches, adventurous activities like ziplining in the rainforest and bioluminescent bay tours, indulging in delicious local cuisine, engaging in water sports, immersing in the world of salsa dancing, and experiencing the unique charm of coffee plantations, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Puerto Rico.
So whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, culture, or simply a memorable vacation, Puerto Rico is a fantastic destination that promises a truly unforgettable experience.
