For a second successive fiscal year, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) was the busiest theme park in the Chinese Special Administrative Region.

The resort and its one theme park welcomed 6.2 million guests from October 2016 through until to the end of September 2017, a 3% increase over the same period the previous year. That places it ahead of the Hong Kong’s own Ocean Park, which recorded a marginal dip in attendance to 5.8 million during its 2016/17 fiscal year, which ended in June.

The increase at Hong Kong Disneyland was buoyed by a 5% rise in the number international guests, which reached a record high of approximately 1.6 million. Overall results were driven by the launch of new offerings including the Iron Man Experience ride and Disney Explorers Lodge, the resort’s third hotel, as well as strategic marketing and sales efforts. With the increased inventory, hotel occupancy was close to 70%.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, HKDL generated revenues of HK$5.1 billion (US$800m), representing an 8% increase from the prior year. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) were HK$914 million, up 28%.

Disney’s 12 years in Hong Kong

More than 70 million guests have now visited the park at Hong Kong’s Lantau Island since it opened its gates for the first time in September 2005. The resort has proved popular with tourists from across Asia, in particular Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Local support grew 6% in 2017, representing 41% of guests, the second highest level yet. Disney attributes this to various seasonal events throughout the year, as well as the success of its Magic Access programs. Mainland China and international guests accounted for 34% and 25% of attendance respectively.

Record per capita spending was recorded at the park in 2017, marking eight consecutive years of growth. The overall positive trend in attendance growth continued into the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 (beginning October 2017) with a double-digit increase in guests as Halloween and Christmas events made their mark.

Following its recent Chinese New Year celebrations, Hong Kong Disneyland will launch a projection show on Main Street in mid-March called We Love Mickey! Further entertainment and events are planned throughout 2018.

Meanwhile at Ocean Park

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is 53% owned by the Hong Kong Government, which also owns all of Ocean Park on Hong Kong Island. Despite welcoming fewer guests in its last fiscal year – during which it celebrated its 40th anniversary – the home-grown park generated a slight increase in revenue to HK$1.62 billion (US$255m). It also narrowed its deficit to HK$234.5m.

For 2018, Ocean Park has increased admission prices by an average of 9% in order to “maintain competitiveness through investment and facility enhancement, balance cost pressures and keep the park’s finances sustainable.”