Hong Kong Disneyland's (HKDL) future financing options were called into question last week following a statement from the Disney head office that the financiers could withhold additional funding after the 20-month-old park failed to meet growth targets.

This would jeopardise the expansion plans of a park that has been criticised for being too small compared to other global Disneylands.

In response to queries from AsiaOne, the theme park says it remains focused on improving business results rapidly and is in talks to resolve the funding issues.

"Hong Kong Disneyland is engaged in discussions with The Walt Disney Company and Hong Kong Disneyland's other shareholder, the Hong Kong Government, regarding financing options aimed at advancing its long-term financial and development needs," a HKDL spokesperson told AsiaOne.

Questions regarding the attraction's future funding were sparked off by a recent statement issued by the Disney head office to financial regulators, which said that an improved performance in its theme park division "was partially offset by lower guest spending and theme park attendance at HK Disneyland Resort".

The Straits Times reported last week that HKDL's operating revenue fell in its second quarter that ended on March 31, and the head office's statement could result in financiers withholding future funding.

This would then jeopardise expansion plans of a Disney park, which is small when compared to other Disneylands, the newspaper said.

Discussions with its two main stakeholders, however, will not involve "seeking additional funds from the Hong Kong government", which owns a substantial 57 per cent stake in the US$3.6 billion (S$5.5 billion), 126 ha attraction on Lantau Island.

Nevertheless, the park remains optimistic about support from its parent company.

A HKDL spokesperson reiterated a statement made by Mr Tom Staggs, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Walt Disney Company, in the company's Q2 earnings report on May 8.

"We view Hong Kong Disneyland as a valuable asset in a rapidly growing market, and we're confident in and committed to this project. We'll likely continue to invest in the park to help ensure its long-term success," said Mr Staggs.

HKDL said that although "attendance and guest spending have fallen short of initial expectations", it is encouraged by an increase in guest satisfaction, which is indicative of improvements in park operations and guest services.

Moving forward, it will launch several marketing initiatives, as well as new products and events, such at the Pirate Takeover and the upcoming Summer Blast Program.

The former is the park's latest attraction, a makeover of the existing AdventureLand which took some six months to complete. It is a tie-in with the third instalment of the wildly successful movie trilogy Pirates of the Caribbean, and is exclusive to Hong Kong's Disneyland.

HKDL is also currently constructing its version of It's a Small World, a boat ride which uses song, dance and costume from around the globe to construct an entertaining pageant. This is targeted to be completed by the first half of 2008.