Guests looking for a value resort at Universal Orlando should check out the Endless Summer Resorts. Today we are exploring the difference between Universal Surfside vs Dockside resort at the Orlando resort.
If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando and trying to decide on Universal Surfside Resort or Universal Dockside resort you should know that both are great options for your vacation.
We have stayed at Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn & Suites as a family of 5 and their 2-bedroom suites are why we keep coming back.
The resorts both offer early park entry, complimentary transportation, pool, on-site casual dining, Starbucks, gift shop, and comfortable accommodations.
Read on for more details on Universal Surfside vs. Dockside for your Universal Orlando vacation.
Overview of the Endless Summer Resorts
Universal opened the Endless Summer Resorts: Surfside Inn and Suite in 2019 and Dockside Inn and Suites in 2020. These are value resorts that include standard rooms and 2-bedroom suites.
They are located about 1 mile from the Universal Orlando Resort and are across the street from each other. Guests staying at the resorts have access to early park admission, complimentary shuttle bus transportation to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal’s Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk.
Universal Surfside vs. Dockside Price
Universal Surfside and Dockside are considered Value resorts. This means they are in the lowest tier for cost to stay. Prices will fluctuate depending on the time of your visit. Low crowd/off season prices will be lower.
When I searched I found anywhere between $99.00/night for a standard room to $206.00/night for a suite. Universal also has specials where you pay less if you stay more. It is always a good idea to compare prices.
Universal Surfside Prices:
- Standard Room: $144.00/night
- 2-Bedroom Suites: $206.00/night
- Check prices for Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites
Universal Dockside Prices:
- Standard Room: $144.00
- 2 Bedroom Suite: $206.00
- Check prices for Universal’s Dockside Inn and Suites
Is there a difference between Universal Dockside and Surfside Endless Summer Resorts
The difference is in the details. Both resorts offer the basics to guests, but the theme at the resorts are a little bit different. The dining is a little bit different too.
Endless Summer Dockside Resort has a lakeside by the docks vibe. Decor is a calming dockside vibe. Surfside is bright and themed with surf decor. They both are nicely decorated and are close to the Universal parks.
These differences do not make a clear winner on which Endless Summer resort is best. It is a personal preference. The only reason you may want to choose Dockside is it has been open less time so may be less in need of an update.
The biggest difference between the Universal resorts sister hotels is the theme and vibe of the decor. On all of our visits we were happy with our stays at both of these resorts. My advice is to choose the one you are drawn too.
Also be sure to ask yourself some questions about what you are looking for in a hotel. If you are looking for larger hotels you may want to upgrade to a different Universal hotel that has the amenities you are looking for.
If you are looking for a value resort that offers a lot of value for the price the Endless Summer resorts will be a good choice.
Rooms at the Endless Summer Resorts
Both resorts have guests rooms that are standard rooms or 2-Bedroom Suites.
The standard rooms fit 4 in the 313 square feet room with two queen beds, separate bath and vanity area. There is a coffee maker, mini-refrigerator, hairdryer, TV, and in-room safe.
The 2-Bedroom family suites fit 6 in the 440 square feet room. There are 2 bedrooms: one with a single queen bed and one with 2 queen beds. There is also a kitchenette are with a picnic table, microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker. The bathroom has a separate bath and vanity areas as well.
The two-bedroom suites at Universal may be the best value resort at a theme park with this much space. I highly recommend them for families of 5 or more.
Dining at the Endless Summer Resorts
Dockside Resort dining options are: Pier 8 Market a grab and go food court style option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have pizza delivery, Starbucks, Sunset Lounge and The Oasis Beach Bar and The Wave Makers Pool bar.
Surfside Resort dining has Beach Break café a grab and go food court for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have pizza delivery, lobby Starbucks, and Sand Bar by the pool.
Amenities at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort
Dockside Resort has a fitness center, pool and splash pad, and game room. Surfside Resort has a fitness center, pool, and game room. They do not have hot tubs.
Dockside Resort has a larger pool area. If you think you will spend a lot of time at the pool Dockside may be a better choice.
If you are looking for a moderate priced hotel at Universal with a water slide and lazy river you should check out Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach resort.
Both Universal hotels offer early access to the theme parks. This is typically one of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas located at either of the parks. Depending on your visit early entry is at one or two parks.
You can’t go wrong when choosing one of the Endless Summer Resorts: Surfside or Dockside at Universal. Both offer great accommodations for families and are close to the theme parks at a great value!
For more Universal Orlando posts check out this: Universal Orlando Trip Planning Guide for 2024
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Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.