Lacroix acknowledges that attracting more customers remains crucial if the company is to begin paying off its debt when the first deferrals expire in 2008, while still making a profit. The recent restructuring reduced the debt to 1.95 billion euros ($2.5 billion) from 2.1 billion euros ($2.7 billion).

That is why, armed with research showing that most first-time visitors plan to return, Euro Disney has decided to use almost all of the cash raised in its capital increase on opening a new ride every year.

Next year will see the launch of Buzz Lightyear's Laser Blast at the Disneyland park, with a new Toon Studios attraction to follow in 2007 and a Tower of Terror in 2008 at neighboring Walt Disney Studios.

Euro Disney sees as its core customer base the 122 million Europeans living within easy striking distance of its Paris resort. "The potential is there because out of the 122 million, slightly less than one-third have already come," Lacroix said.

Shares of Walt Disney Co. fell 13 cents to close at $28.41 in trading Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange. The stock has been trading at a 52-week range of $20.88 to $29.99.