Universal Orlando Reaches Maximum Capacity Just 10 Minutes After Opening

Universal Orlando Resort reached full capacity just 10 minutes after opening today (Wednesday 30 December). See the queues at the packed park here:

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.

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.

The state has now begun the process of vaccinating those at greatest risk.