Universal Endless Summer Resort - Surfside and Dockside Inn & Suites

[UniversalRBLX]

Thinking of trying to do a cheap long weekend in January - is Endless Summer actually worth the price bump over offsite hotels (some that are arguably closer to the parks)?

If you don't have an Annual Pass for free parking, maybe not? $30 a day might be the difference from an offsite/Endless.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

If you don't have an Annual Pass for free parking, maybe not? $30 a day might be the difference from an offsite/Endless.

I do have an AP, but we won't be driving.

As of right now, Quality Inn is coming in at $132 per night and Dockside is coming in at $156 per night.

 

[n i c k]

I do have an AP, but we won't be driving.

As of right now, Quality Inn is coming in at $132 per night and Dockside is coming in at $156 per night.

I would say worth it. Much better pool/grounds and onsite food/snacks/gift shop for any odd hour needs.

 

[Disneyhead]

I do have an AP, but we won't be driving.

As of right now, Quality Inn is coming in at $132 per night and Dockside is coming in at $156 per night.

Dockside has a lot of amenities that Quality Inn doesn't have like an multi-station counter service restaurant, 3 bars, and resort style pools. But for a budget conscious weekend, how many $15 drinks and how much pool time will you have?

 

[TheCodeMan95]

Dockside has a lot of amenities that Quality Inn doesn't have like an multi-station counter service restaurant, 3 bars, and resort style pools. But for a budget conscious weekend, how many $15 drinks and how much pool time will you have?

Not a ton, lol.

Any pool time we have would be spent after the parks close!

 

[Aardvark787]

I was just wondering how often Surfside and Dockside share shuttles and how often they are separate bus routes?

 

[UniversalRBLX]

I was just wondering how often Surfside and Dockside share shuttles and how often they are separate bus routes?

For opening/close they'll run separately, but during the day they'll run it for both hotels. I've also seen them run direct Dockside routes during the day, it really depends on just how busy the resort is as well.

 

[Coolbfitz]

I was just wondering how often Surfside and Dockside share shuttles and how often they are separate bus routes?

Speaking from experience, Dockside and Surfside don't really share shuttles that often outside of those for Volcano Bay. In fact, Surf shuttles are far and few between compared to Dock, which almost always has one at either stop, and sometimes two or even three stacked at the CityWalk bus loop.

 

[Buzzard]

I do have an AP, but we won't be driving.

As of right now, Quality Inn is coming in at $132 per night and Dockside is coming in at $156 per night.

Without a doubt! Just being able to use the US bus alone would be worth it to me. Plus do not forget about the early park entry for staying onsite.

 

[Ahmanet]

Just booked a suite here ... layout looks lot better to me than the suites at Cabana

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Just booked a suite here ... layout looks lot better to me than the suites at Cabana

They are. I kinda want the same room layout but there's a murphy bed and couch set up for those who want a mini-suite.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

I have only stayed at Cabana Bay, but looking at Dockside for our 2026 trip to Epic Universe. Can someone compare the food offerings at CB vs DS? My parents just returned from CB and they thought the food had gone downhill at CB.

 

[Skipper Justin]

I have only stayed at Cabana Bay, but looking at Dockside for our 2026 trip to Epic Universe. Can someone compare the food offerings at CB vs DS? My parents just returned from CB and they thought the food had gone downhill at CB.

I’ve stayed at all the Universal resorts at this point. I stayed at Dockside for the first time in November for a quick HHN trip. I thought the food options were okay but more limited than cabana bay. We did end up walking to Walgreens to get snacks and drinks. It was a short walk.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

I’ve stayed at all the Universal resorts at this point. I stayed at Dockside for the first time in November for a quick HHN trip. I thought the food options were okay but more limited than cabana bay. We did end up walking to Walgreens to get snacks and drinks. It was a short walk.

For the difference in price of the resorts, do you think it is that drastic of a drop-off? For reference, we typically will get a breakfast sandwich and then buy sandwiches and fruit from the Grab-N-Go case for lunch at the parks. My main concern is dinner time.

 

[Skipper Justin]

For the difference in price of the resorts, do you think it is that drastic of a drop-off? For reference, we typically will get a breakfast sandwich and then buy sandwiches and fruit from the Grab-N-Go case for lunch at the parks. My main concern is dinner time.

I think you’ll be okay. We both were able to get something. I think you if stay multiple days the options will be repeated though.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

I think you’ll be okay. We both were able to get something. I think you if stay multiple days the options will be repeated though.

The 2 bdrm suites at DS are just too well priced compared to CB. Plus, I like trying new resorts.

 

[Ahmanet]

Looks like the lobby got some HHN decorations, wonder if any special food / drink being offered too

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Looks like the lobby got some HHN decorations, wonder if any special food / drink being offered too

They have the themed drinks.

 

[Ahmanet]

Dockside really impressed me last week during our stay

Lobby, cafeteria, pool and rooms all punched above the hotel's price point. Bus rides across the highway were easy.

The grounds felt more like a Hilton beach side resort than the other Universal hotels which are squeezed into their lots. Sunsets over the small lake across the street were nice too.

 

[GAcoaster]

I was just talking about how I really have heard great feedback about the Endless Summer resorts. I think the value pricing with the perks will really be the tipping point in the Orlando going from a “Disney vacation” with add on days at Universal to a “Universal vacation” with add on days at Disney. That really is the goal of Universal and the nightmare of Disney as the market share continues to shift. What you get for the price (especially with the family suites offered) really makes these hotels the go to over Disney’s value resorts.