An American spy comedy action film from 2002, directed by Robert Rodriguez, who also served as screenwriter, producer, cinematographer, and editor. It is the sequel to the first 'Spy Kids' and the second installment in the franchise. Filming took place in several countries. In Costa Rica, the crew worked at Lake Arenal and Manuel Antonio National Park. These locations were used for island scenes. In the United States, filming was primarily in Texas: Austin, San Antonio, and Big Bend National Park. Scenes were also shot at the Six Flags Over Texas amusement park in Arlington.

Filming Locations:

Troublemakers Theme Park

In the Movie

Scene where Carmen and Juni Cortez, now working as agents in the new 'Spy Kids' division of the Office of Strategic Services, participate in an operation to rescue the president's daughter, Alexandra. The mission takes place at the Troublemakers theme park, owned by Dinky Winks. Despite Carmen and Juni's efforts, their rivals—Gary and Gerti Giggles, children of high-ranking agent Donnagon Giggles—successfully complete the mission.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Six Flags Over Texas amusement park in Arlington, Texas. This park, opened in 1961, was the first in the Six Flags chain and is named after the six nations whose flags have flown over Texas at various times: Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the United States of America, and the Confederate States of America.

The Hall

In the Movie

Scene where at a gala banquet honoring OSS agents, Donnagon Giggles hacks the teleprompter, replacing the president's speech, and declares himself the new director of the organization, ousting Gregorio Cortez. Soon after, a mysterious group called the 'Magna Men' incapacitates all adult OSS agents. Their goal is to steal a device called the 'Transmooker,' capable of disabling all electronics on the planet.

In Reality

The scene was filmed inside the Texas State Capitol building on Congress Avenue in Austin. Built in 1888, this capitol is one of the largest in the United States and is a prime example of Renaissance Revival architecture, made from light pink granite quarried in Texas.

The Mysterious Island

In the Movie

Scene where after arriving on the island, Carmen and Juni meet a scientist named Romero, who creates miniature hybrid animals for sale. He accidentally spills a growth potion on his creations, causing them to become gigantic. Romero also reveals that he designed the Transmooker device, which he used to hide the island from the outside world. It turns out the stolen Transmooker was just a prototype, and the real one has been on the island all along.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica, one of the most picturesque and popular natural reserves in the country. The park is located south of the city of Quepos, on the Pacific coast, about 130 kilometers from the capital San José.