HONG KONG (XFN-ASIA) - Hong Kong Disneyland said it has attracted more than 5.0 mln visitors in its first year of operation, just below the 5.6 mln people it had hoped for.

Bill Ernest, managing director of the Hong Kong Disneyland, said the theme park, the first in China, could reach the 5.6 mln people it originally forecast by October.

'We have exceeded well over five million guests since we opened last year,' he told reporters ahead of its first anniversary on Sept 12.

He said he expects attendance, including free tickets given to employee's family members, to reach 5.6 mln by the end of October.

Find out more about Hong Kong Disneyland attendance figures for the first year at forbes.com.