It's interesting you say that considering all those carvings were done by local craftsman actually in Bali so they truly are one of a kind. That's also why I'm a bit sad a lot of them disappeared. I wish they had stayed and just been repainted to the new color scheme. Starbucks in particular looks a bit boring now.
Sorry. Referencing paint scheme
Toned down. If there is a way to see the above pics full size (I'll make them enlargable thumbnails), it tells the story about the exteriors. Thankfully, some carvings are still there, but there's a lot less of it: The overall change to the Island isn't a step down, IMO, it's just different. I think I might even prefer this newer version...
This one example is indicative of what has occurred throughout:
Before, note the lower Giraffes and Mantises(?):
After, still has Giraffes uptop and new Monkeys on the signage, but other carvings are gone:
A very cool clock indeed.
Unless I am very much mistaken, special paint is required for using light to change the color of the tree (for projections in this case). My understanding is that Cinderella Castle began changing color at night after the 25th anniversary because they painted over the Pepto-Bismol pink with paint that could be washed with light, changing its color. Like you, I'd imagine that is the case here, now. Plus they clearly want the park to be stunning by 2017. Even the giraffes on the safari will get a fresh coat of orange.
If attendance increases due to Avatar, a parade will be a nightmare. It was already an issue with guest flow as it was. As much as I enjoyed the floats, it was just too difficult to walk around the park before, during, and after the parade.
