DISNEY says "well over" 1 million people have visited Hong Kong Disneyland, finally releasing visitor figures amid speculation of disappointing attendance and criticism that the park - mostly owned by the local government - wasn't transparent enough.

"Hong Kong Disneyland has welcomed and entertained well over 1 million guests," Walt Disney Parks and Resorts said in a statement issued Thursday (Nov 24).

The statement came after park officials repeatedly refused to disclose visitor numbers because of their sensitive nature and media reports that attendance at the park has been lackluster.

The South China Morning Post reported Monday that its reporters counted several thousand fewer park guests than the projected first-year daily average of 15,342 on two days in November.

In the statement, Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo said such calculations were "meaningless" because they don't factor in seasonality.

"The bottom-line is this: Attendance is ramping up well, which continues to give us confidence that we are on track to achieve our long-term attendance goals," Rasulo said.

Disney also said the mainland, expected to be a major source of tourists for the park, accounted for over a quarter, or 26 percent of guests. Foreigners contributed 25 percent, and locals had a 49 percent share.

Editor: Wing