IIRC the change also had to do with it making more sense for him to be yelling out into the street rather than to us the audience who are supposed to be invisible.
The original intent regarding the paperboy -
He was originally placed near and facing the vehicles because it was supposed to feel as though he was trying to sell YOU, the riders, a paper.
This then transitioned into the next scene.
I was told back when he was moved to his current position that it was done primarily for safety of the figure.
Apparently there were increasing incidents of Guests reaching out and trying to grab at him.
It was becoming a real problem, so it was decided to move him much further away.
Personally, I wish they kept him facing the vehicles.
If they needed to move him that is fine for the preservation of the figure, but having him face what very much appears to be a wall is just….well, unfortunate.
He should still be facing the vehicles, hawking his papers.
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