Look at these straight on images of the models once prepared for EPCOT Center's World Showcase, particularly the France pavilion. Notice how the backdrop "wall" looks three dimensional but in reality is only a flat wall rising above the main building?
It may seem like a small question or even one that doesn't make sense. Yet, when you look at the back of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland, Cars Land at California Adventure, or Expedition: Everest from behind at Disney's Animal Kingdom, it's obvious there is a newer philosophy behind these major buildouts versus the standard of Imagineers and company suits of old.
Back of Cars Land from Laughing Place.
Back of Expedition: Everest from Theme Park Guy.
Sure, guests forget all about the backsides once they are inside the respective parks. But it's not like in the old days under Walt. And I'm glad early post-Walt leadership held onto his values or the iconic Space Mountain would look like something you'd find in one of those Chinese Disney rip off theme parks!
(Top Photographs and Models copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
Love the blog, but I genuinely don't quite understand the argument here. It would be a valid argument to show the example you do and then complain about Soarin' or the upcoming Guardians coaster as examples of terrible "new" Imagineering. Visible show buildings in the park, when Disney used to be so good at disguising them (DINOSAUR and Splash are excellent examples). However, Everest, SW:GE and Cars Land are exceptional at hiding their show buildings to guests in the park. So long as that is accomplished, who cares what the backstage areas look like? The show buildings at Disneyland (Indy, Mansion) are all quite visible from the parking lot and tram routes. None of them have any theming on the backside?
ReplyDeleteI was thinking more about the flat fronts at the top of Ratatouille in general vs. the Epcot Center facades. The backs sides of major and large attraction buildings of late is disappointing. Not a deal breaker but the effect of seeing the Matterhorn from outside the park was always an exciting enticement for the day. Inside the parks, these all look great, do doubt. Thank you for reading the blog!
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