While a spokesman for the Lapland New Forest Park said 95 percent of the visitors had a good time, Dorset officials said they had received 1,300 complaints, the Daily Mail reported. One security guard, Adrian Wood, said he quit and agreed with the disgruntled visitors.

"Santa was punched by a furious father who had been waiting in line for 4 hours," Wood said. "He had got to the front only to be told he couldn't take a picture of his children and that they weren't allowed to sit on Santa's lap."

The park, opened for Christmas on the border between Dorset and Hampshire in southern England, charged 25 pounds ($37) for adult admission. The irate dad reportedly was told pictures with Santa would be another 10 pounds ($15).

Henry Mears, the spokesman, said six staffers or security guards had been physically attacked and everyone verbally abused. At least three Facebook groups have been created to allow them to vent their anger.