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Universal Orlando Resort reached full capacity just 10 minutes after opening today (Wednesday 30 December). See the queues at the packed park here:
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The popular theme park is operating at a reduced capacity as the coronavirus continues to spread across the state of Florida and the US as a whole.
Lisa Nathan and her family travelled from Michigan to visit the park but were denied entry shortly after it opened.
Speaking to FOX 35, she said: "By the time we walked up to Islands of Adventure - which is supposed to open at 8 am - we walked up at about 8.15 or 8.20 and they were already at capacity and we could not get in.
"As far as you could see, there were people in a standby line. It was unbelievable."
Universal Orlando had previously warned that it expected to reach full capacity very quickly.
We expect our theme parks will reach capacity very early in the day on Wednesday, December 30th. If your plans are flexible, please consider visiting another day. Before your visit, check our social channels or call the capacity hotline at 407-817-8317 for real-time updates. pic.twitter.com/UY30heup6x
- Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) December 30, 2020
Today, December 30th at 8:10 am, Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure have reached capacity. We anticipate reopening later this afternoon. For updates, please call our capacity hotline: 407-817-8317 pic.twitter.com/Khn7RSn6eh
- Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) December 30, 2020
In a statement, Universal asked its visitors to be patient.
It said: "We have been working to give our guests a great experience while we manage park attendance and access to our attractions as part of our COVID health and safety protocols.
"We are doing the best we can during a busy holiday period, while making sure we do not compromise our strict protocols and we ask guests for their patience and understanding.
"While in our parks, we encourage guests to use our app and watch for us to open additional virtual line time frames and track ride wait times in real time."
Coronavirus case rates are currently increasing in Florida, and a total of more than 1.2 million people in the state have been infected with the virus - more than 21,000 of which have died.
Florida is making progress on getting the vaccine to those who are most at risk to COVID-19 and we will continue to prioritize our most vulnerable. pic.twitter.com/VKQiIbdJE4
- Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) December 30, 2020
The state has now begun the process of vaccinating those at greatest risk.
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: Coronavirus, US News