July 2011 ornament premiere

[dmpga44]

hi everyone .. opinions please ? Was so very excited about attending the ornament premiere here in good ol Toronto, Ontario yesterday and was kind of disappointed in quite a few of the pieces ! (i.e. the new pieces that go on the cord - the ornaments themselves are GORGEOUS, but don't like the cord idea - anyone else ?
Also, the Santa holiday train - was looking forward to this and I found it to be very childlike, tiny and not that well done. Few others not pleased with were Visit from Santa (3rd in series) - no glitter, very plain and dull / Frosty Fun Decade - dull in look - not appealing / Mean Mr. Grinch - OMG, dull, matte, no sparkle and I was so so looking forward to this one I also get every Christmas a Snoopy and Mickey ornament and again was not happy with the selections for either - what happened this year with Hallmark ?
Also noticed that most of their ornaments are NOT in the plastic covering to protect them, but wrapped in tissue !! I just felt that the selection this year is no where as nice as previous years. I normally spend a far bit, but not this year.
Wondering what others thought.

[Mark]

OK....I just started collecting a couple years ago and I feel there are a couple standouts. I think Beaker is the best! I purchased the Batmobile, Oh fudge, Tweetie, Mickey Mouse phone & Griswold tree. I agree that they are smaller and quality is lacking. Some would have been better with sound, i.e. the Caddyshack Gopher could've had some really cool audio bites from the movie. The Star Wars Showdown at the Cantina is a cool idea but the audio is hard to hear and understand. I'll still purchase that one, Yoda and the Globetrotter ball and a few more with animation. I think Beaker and the Batmobile are the next "Christmas Vacation RV". I bought a few of each.....Overall not a bad year, but I agree quality could be better. Have a great year and have fun!

[cashee]

I didn't like the cord either.

Is there not a Ken Crow ornament with a train going around? Is there one that is going to debut in October?

I don't think I will spend as much this year as I have in previous years.