The trees in front of SSE (near strollers on the East and Legacy on the West) are NOT Oak trees. They are Jacquardia (spelling?) trees. I personally think they are horribly ugly, not the best landscaping tree, and they have annoying little seed pods that are ugly and hang around all year long - while even more fall to the ground. BUT they do have some of the most beautiful light purple flowers that bloom in late spring... the color is perfect for Epcot and almost matches the strollers.
ANYWAY I say this because I see people might be getting confused that these trees will be removed and replaced with palms to turn the area back to the way it used to be. However, the permits are talking about removing the Oaks which flank both sides of SSE and are squarish shaped. SSE will now be flanked with palms.
I have (had) a special attachment to those squared Oaks ever since I walking by them for the first time as a teenager. But lately I could care less. The twinkling lights within the trees have come to a state of disrepair and the trees have outgrown the coverage of the lights. The change to palm trees is as much about getting rid of something old and old as it is about bringing in something new and fresh.
