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.)
