From Anthony Murphy on August 14, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Could never be higher at Six Flags Great America. Tons of people!

From Deidre Dennis on August 14, 2008 at 12:47 PM
I'm planning to see what attendance is like this week as I try to hit all the big parks in Southern Cal this week. I've always heard Summer is a bad time to go to Disneyland, even though we've always went in June, so I'm anxious to see what the crowds are like. My guess is that the rising costs of living (food, gas, etc.) would have more of an effect if attendance is low.

From Robert Niles on August 14, 2008 at 1:45 PM
The summer blockout dates for many of Disneyland's annual passes lift on Monday, so I expect that next week will be busier than this one at Disneyland.

From Eli Katzman on August 14, 2008 at 2:59 PM
Umm, I haven't been to Six Flags America since Friday... that was the first day of the Olympics, and it was a tiny bit less corwded for a Friday, but still pretty invested. I'll try to go sometime later this 7 days.

From Derek Potter on August 14, 2008 at 5:31 PM
no...I think that theme park attendance is more affected by economy. The Orlando/California parks are the international tourist attractions, and as evidenced by the empty stands in China, they sure didn't go to the olympics. Americans are tuning in during primetime, so plenty of time during the day for that visit if they want to go. As for going to a park, if I had planned a visit around this time, the olympics would have had zero impact on my decision.

My feelings on the events this year are a little mixed. I'm happy at some of the stories coming out of the olympics, but if one scratches the surface beneath China's quest for putting on the "perfect" olympics, I fear they probably won't like some of the things they find.

From Robert Niles on August 14, 2008 at 6:28 PM
I did hear that the Olympics *have* encouraged thousands of U.S. college students to apply for summer jobs in China... since the Chinese are so good at faking IDs.

*rimshot* thankyouverymuch!

From Robert OGrosky on August 15, 2008 at 11:13 AM
I have been too my local SF park(SFGAM)once during the olympics and also spent 2 days at Cedar Point.
And both parks were very busy, so I see no evidence at all that the Olympics affected attendance.
And I also havent seen much interest in the olympcis at all maong the people I know or who I have dealt with in a social/professional manner.

From Joshua Counsil on August 18, 2008 at 3:58 PM
Ha. Nice one, Robert.

Damn you, Michael Phelps - how are you so good?