Hong Kong Disneyland has expanded its capacity by more than 20 per cent to 34,000, but the company was quick to dampen expectations that this would lead to a corresponding increase in the theme park's attendance.
The increase in the 'in park' capacity, which determines the number of visitors it could have at any one time, was revealed by Disney officials yesterday, more than two months after government approval was secured.
The park could accommodate 28,000 when it opened in September last year. A Disney spokesman said the increased capacity was approved by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department under the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance on September 29.
Park managing director Bill Ernest said the expansion had been made possible by the opening of three new rides - Autopia, UFO Zone and Stitch Encounter - in the Tomorrowland zone in July.
Improved seating arrangements and changes to the dining areas had also enabled better use of space, he said. In the event of emergency, the government had to be convinced that visitors could be evacuated within two hours.
Asked if this would lead to a corresponding increase in the park's annual attendance, Mr Ernest said: 'They are not necessarily related.'
