Now it looks like they are clear-cutting and adding a few trees back in as landscaping. That is a huge difference for the feel and layout of the park
This procedure is what robs the authenticity in the very base of the theme.
Marking trees and working around them to retain was the "hard" way to do the job. The end results however were without argument, warm and inviting. Now they are clear cutting and inserting non forest native trees. It shows.
Juxtapose / compare walking in nicely planned yard or gardens and walking in the woods. Both are lovely but one feels much more adventurous and consuming. Gardens come and go with the seasons but the woods stay wild and mysterious. This creates a natural theme, I insist its the very basis of the theme that made us all fans of the park.
Although I keep hearing the GE mentioned I have yet to here anything other than the job they did is growing in well. I don't hear much "connection" to this area. Its great for the kids but there is little character. Theme and character have little to do with each other.
Possibly you have heard the story about Miss Mary and workers fired because of a cut tree. She did not deem this necessary, the end result was a peace treaty lasagna dinner that she herself supplied to smooth things over and get those boys back to work. This reaffirms and supports the fact that the founders of the park knew the importance of the trees and wooded feel that their soon to blossom park naturally contained.
One more thought, If it were possible how many of you would like trees inserted to block the view of the row of resorts down from Wildfire? Does this disturbance of the natural view set the theme on its side a little? It does for me.
I am not a tree hugger, but I am in awe of their natural beauty and hate to see them removed.