Everywhere you look at Disneyland, there is things to see. It is the only place in the world, where you can turn your head one hundred and eighty degrees and see a new detail, subject, ride, plant, train, duck, or live band every twenty degrees. Everything you see and touch and feel is exquisite. Everything you see is new and well done. Of course there is rough spots, where there is not as much detail as there should be, but if one looks for the bad, they will see it. If they enjoy the good, they will be happy. There is all sorts of views; the view down Main Street USA is one of the more iconic ones, the Castle is another, the view from the Monorails is an unforgettable example. Disneyland is a place where people see things that they can only describe as, "Only at Disneyland". My father once adequately described Disney as, "The masters of wow". So now that we have established that Disneyland is known for many views, lets focus on one specific way to look. Behind you.
Now, looking back at Disneyland is a good idea sometimes. As a person who understands and appreciates the magical as well as the technical side of Disneyland, I will say that you will regret sometimes looking behind you. You may see lights that provide atmosphere, ride controls, exit signs, and so on. Basically, it will have the opposite effect of the Disney Magic. Let it not be said however, that the "Masters of wow" were foiled by a glance behind oneself. They put details into everything. It really pays off to look behind you. As a photographer and as a park-goer I find this to be true more and more. That's always been one of the main factors of the Disney parks, is the details. You may find a whole new land, or a secret trail, or just a nice view. Here is a few examples:
Some of the views are obvious, while others hide their beauty for those who slow down and appreciate the details and magic of Disneyland. I love the details in some of these images, the colors in Toontown, the lights and effects of Tomorrowland, the density of the jungle. Now, it's not a sin or anything to walk through a Disney park without looking behind you, but it's a bonus if you do. Disneyland is so amazing because there is so many ways to experience it. You can run through, getting rides done, you can slow down, notice everything, you can use your phone the entire time, you can look up the entire time, you can be the average tourist and join the crowds. And any of those are fine. Everyone does Disneyland a different way, and they all enjoy it just as much. That the beauty of Disneyland. Every land has a theme, and every single details has to contribute to that theme, or the entire area is off. This is one reason I love Disneyland so much, there is so much to discover and see, every single trip. Now, I am not saying that you should stop for ten minutes and block the Disney flow just to appreciate some nice railings, but if you can take a second, look back, and then move on, knowing it's there. It will add a whole new meaning to the park and its depth.
So next time your at the parks, be sure to look back, you never know what you might discover. A whole new world, a land of Tomorrow, a hidden frontier, or just a nice railing and some classic Disney Details.