Some unusual theories about the brickwork. Stucco is quite a lot cheaper, lighter and faster than real bricks. It also depends on the look they are going for. But to my knowledge all of the facades with a brick or stone look are fake (either stucco or veneers).
It is true that bricks retain and thus radiate heat from the sun, the fake materials may too but not as much as real brick. Any method would have the issue of moisture getting in, and all have their own remedies. But "weep holes let in hot air"? Do weep holes let in cold air? Do weep holes let out hot/cold air? I am just saying the statement is misleading. Hot air rises, not lowers to the ground and finds little holes. Also hot air molecules are larger than cold air molecules, so instead of building up pressure it would escape through the holes.
Aside from theme parks, traditionally you'll find more brick construction where bricks are cheaper and less where they are more expensive. Don't forget that they are heavy, and shipping is a large chunk of the cost. And there are problems in colder areas, if their is moisture in the mortar and it freezes it would crack. But that does not keep people from building with brick in those areas, just like people build with brick here.