Getting to go to Universal Orlando is a treat, but it can be crazy expensive for a family of four, so initially I think a lot of people don’t even consider staying in one of the Universal hotels because they think it too will be too costly. The Endless Summer Resort hotels are actually one of the best deals in Orlando, let alone the least expensive hotel at Universal Orlando Resort. We’ve actually stayed at the Endless Summer Resort when we’ve visited Orlando and not even gone to Universal.
We’ve got the full scoop on staying at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort and how to save a little extra when you plan your trip to Universal Orlando. We’ve been so many times and have lots of practice making the most of our time and our budget. If you have any questions about staying on property at Universal or need more recommendations and tips, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a fun trip to Orlando.
Why Stay at the Universal Endless Summer Resort
If you’ve driven through Orlando on I-4, you may have seen the Endless Summer Resort and notices that there are actually two different parts to it. There’s the Surfside and the Dockside hotels, and each is a little different. The decor is a little different, the dining is varied, and the swimming pools are different. And yes, I do have a preference as to which is better. The finishes at the Endless Summer hotels are very similar to any vacation rental you can get in Sarasota or the Florida Keys, meaning that they’re all about the seashells and pastels, and it’s nice but the finishes are not high end. Everything is well maintained and very clean, but it’s just not fancy.
There are so many hotel options all around Universal Orlando and most are just fine for spending the night and being close enough to the parks, because likely you’ll be spending minimal time in your hotel room with the parks so close and then with so many things to do in Orlando. The same goes for staying at the Endless Summer Resort Hotles, you’re not going to be there a lot, but because the rooms are nice and the hotel itself has a great pool (both hotels do), if you need to have downtime, that’s easily done and it’s pleasant. There is plenty of space around the swimming pools and the public areas are nice with a good vibe. I like that both the Surfside and Dockside hotels are mellow and detached enough from the Universal parks that it feels like you’re kind of just on a vacation getaway versus being on a go go go theme park trip.
Book Endless Summer Dockside Inn here OR Surfside inn here!
Which is better: Surfside or Dockside?
Truly, there is such little difference between staying at the Surfside or the Dockside at Endless Summer, that it doesn’t matter. I do like the pool at Surfside more, but our kids like the blob shaped pool at Dockside more. The dining at either is nothing spectacular, and the fitness center at each is very similar, so it does just come down to either the pool you prefer or which has a better rate or availability when it’s time to book. Both hotels offer the access for early entry and the shuttles are on the same schedule, so again, it doesn’t really matter which you pick (which is also why I only wrote one article about the Endless Summer properties instead of two).
Room Options at the Dockside and Surfside Inn at Endless Summer
My favorite thing about staying at the Endless Summer Resort hotels is their family rooms. I love these at Universal’s Cabana Bay Resort as well, but the ones here usually are available for a lower nightly rate, which is always good when you’re trying to stick to a budget. The family rooms actually can sleep 6 and have a separate bedroom, which is amazing. And they don’t sleep six with an awkward pullout sofa or something, but the actually have three queen sized beds. There’s also a dining table/breakfast nook, which is great if you’re here for several days and do breakfast in the room (good budget option). It’s one of the best hotel layouts we’ve had anywhere in Florida.
Besides the family suite, the rooms at the Endless Summer Resort hotels are all family friendly. The regular rooms at both hotels are all Queen/Queen rooms that sleep four. The standard rooms don’t have the dining area, but most do have a sitting area. You can further differentiate between hotel room types by choosing if you want a pool view or standard view. Either is fine and it really doesn’t make much difference. I will say, in both the Dockside and the Surfside Inns, I prefer to be on a low floor. These hotel buildings were simply not built with enough elevators for the number of guests they accommodate, so being able to use the stairs to get to and from your room will save you time and eye rolls during the busiest time of day.
Swimming Pools and Amenities at Endless Summer Resort
The swimming pools at the Endless Summer Resort are a great reason to book a stay at either the Surfside or Dockside Inns. The pools are both huge, there are splash pads and yard games about, and there are plenty of lounge chairs in the sun and shade at both pools. There is towel service at each pool, and there are PFD racks for small kids that need life jackets. There is NOT poolside food and beverage service here, but there is a bar for drinks and snacks near each pool. Each of the hotels also has a good size fitness center with cardio equipment and weights, and they’re open usually from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm (may vary). Each of the Endless Summer Resort hotels also has a Universal Orlando gift shop (every Universal hotel has one).
Can I Use BOTH Endless Summer Swimming Pools?
Yes, you can use either swimming pool at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort if you’re staying in either the Dockside Inn or Surfside Inn. You cannot use the pools at the other Universal properties (and they can’t use these ones) but you’re welcome to go between hotel pools if you are a guest here. They are walking distance from each other, so don’t try to drive your car to the other hotel parking area. You won’t have a parking pass for that lot.
Universal Parks Shuttle Service from Endless Summer Resort
While you could walk from the Endless Summer Resort hotels over to each of the Universal Parks, it’s a long walk and I don’t think it’s worth it. The hotels are not along the Garden Walk so you’ll be walking along busy streets. And that’s why we always use the resort shuttle. Every few minutes there will be a bus to take guests from Endless Summer over to the park hubs. Shuttle service drops off at the security entrance to access Universal City Walk, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. There is a different shuttle that goes from the same pick up point over to EPIC Universe. The shuttles are clearly marked, so be sure to get on the one for your theme park plan. EPIC is NOT next to the other two parks.
Dining at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort Hotels
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort has a few dining options at each property. Because these are the budget hotels at Universal, they don’t have the fancier sit-down restaurants like at Sapphire Falls or the Helios Grand Hotel. Here the options are much more low key with quick service restaurants and snack bar type setups. At the Dockside Inn and Suites you’ve got the Pier 8 Market for easy breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a Starbucks. For drinks, there is the Oasis Beach Bar near the swimming pool and the Sunset Lounge just off the lobby.
When you cross over to the Surfside Inn and Suites, the meal options come from the Beach Break Cafe and Starbucks, and then near the swimming pool is the Sand Bar which only offers drinks, no food. There are tons of options for where to eat at the other hotels, in Universal City Walk, in the Parks and the surrounding neighborhoods. You’re not choosing to stay at the Universal Endless Summer Resort for the dining, but for the convenience and budget.
Parking at Universal’s Endless Summer Resorts
Parking at either of the hotels, Dockside or Surfside Inn and Suites is $26 per night. It’s only self-parking, there is no valet. The parking is not transferrable over to the main theme park parking areas, so just leave your car here and use the shuttle buses to get to your park for the day. If you’re arriving early for a theme park day and your room isn’t ready yet, you can still park and then head to your fun. You’ll be charge on your hotel bill for the overnight parking.
Book Endless Summer Dockside Inn here OR Surfside inn here!
More Helpful Universal Orlando Information
Universal Orlando is much more simple to visit than planning a Walt Disney World trip. Since the two primary parks are right next to each other, they’re very easy to hop between in the same day if that’s what your ticket is for. I think what’s important to note about planning your Universal trip is that the vibes of Universal vs Disney is that the rides here are more intense and the approach to entertainment is much more movie-forward vs being a part of the magic.
As you plan your hotel picks and what’s important to you, consider if you mind taking the shuttle bus to the parks each day or if you really want to be able to walk or do the boats. You can’t really go wrong with any of the hotels, unless you choose the Helios, Stella Nova or Terra Luna and then you’re not visiting EPIC Universe. Those are just so much further from the action.
Check out our other Universal Orlando articles to see if there’s anything else that can guide you in planning a fun family trip:
I hope this is helpful in selecting your Universal Orlando Hotel. I really do like the Endless Summer Resort properties for an easy and less expensive stay at Universal. I think it’s a great way to stay on budget and it’s an easy plan to stay for a mellow trip. If you have any other questions about staying here or planning a trip to Orlando, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you put together a fun experience!
