Growing up in a large family, theme park visits were a BIG deal for me and my siblings. Theme parks were (and are) the ultimate vacation destination. My family would save for months — sometimes years — for these trips so that we could maximize our stay at a theme park resort. Staying close to the parks felt so special to us, almost like the hotel was our new home, even if it was for just a few days. It meant more time for thrills for us kids, and a resort experience for my parents.
One of the consistent challenges of our vacation planning was finding a resort that could — both comfortably and affordably — accommodate our family of six in one room, while also offering us unique theme park benefits. Those options were limited and few and far between.
Until now.
This challenge is no more for families today with our newest hotel Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites. This hotel (and its sister property, Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites) is the perfect value option for families of all sizes and comes packed with benefits for everyone. Having already stayed at Surfside Inn and Suites, I can personally tell you the Endless Summer Resort product exceeded all my family’s expectations. The quality of the food, rooms, service, and amenities were impressive and made our staycation so enjoyable.
Here’s everything you need to know about Dockside Inn and Suites:
Spacious Rooms
Dockside Inn and Suites has two towers painted with colors reminiscent of a sunset. These towers will be equipped with over 2,000 rooms, with over half of those rooms being spacious 2-Bedroom Suites that can accommodate up to six people, meaning families on a budget can pay for one suite for the whole family.
Let’s deep-dive into those suites a bit more. The 2-Bedroom Suite is honestly a game-changer; they mean families like the one I grew up in don’t have to buy multiple rooms to accomodate the whole crew.
There’s privacy between the bedrooms, a sizable kitchenette area with a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker, a perfect picnic table for meals and hanging out, and a bathroom with separate bath and vanity areas so multiple people can get ready at once. These suites also feature three queen-sized beds, two TVs, and free WiFi. Sign me up for all of this.
The Price is Right
While the size is pretty incredible, here comes one of the best parts about this hotel — the price. During our value season, rates begin as low as $79 per night for Standard Rooms and $120 per night for the 2-Bedroom suites based on a four-night stay. My question for you is: how can you beat that? And I haven’t even mentioned…
The Theme Park Benefits
By staying at Dockside Inn and Suites, you have access to so many great perks throughout Universal Orlando…Early Park Admission (you’ll feel like you have the park practically to yourself!); complimentary transportation (five minute ride from my hotel to everything the Universal Orlando theme parks have to offer? I’m in!); and a room key that does so much more than open doors (purchases throughout the destination, complimentary club-to-club access in CityWalk, and a future keepsake from your vacation). Check out all the details here.
All-American Dining
When I am on a vacation at a theme park resort, convenience during my hotel stay is a big factor for my family and me. In order to maximize our time at the parks, we need a hotel that has food and drink options for the entire family at a reasonable price. Dockside Inn and Suites strikes the perfect balance for this need.
Pier 8 Market is the casual dining food court and market that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Pier 8 Market menu is super affordable, with most dishes priced under $12 (see what I mean by “reasonable price”?)! The hotel has an amazing lobby bar, the Sunset Lounge, that serves specialty cocktails and has its own craft beer, and a large pool bar, the Oasis Beach Bar.
The Vibes – Kick Back and Relax
- TWO Pools
- Universal Studios Store
- Universal Orlando Vacation Planning Center
- Fitness Center
- Car Rental Desk
- Game Room
- Self-service guest laundry
This hotel was designed by the same creative minds that brought you everything you love about our theme parks, giving you an immersive experience only available at our destination. It’s exactly what my large family was looking for when I was growing up and now it’s here!
So, when will you be checking in with us? Let us know in the comments.