I’ve lived in Orlando for almost 10 years now, and a top realization that I’ve had is that summer seems to last forever here (complimentary). With that being said, it makes you feel like you should be at the beach EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Unfortunately, for some of us that live centrally, it’s not as feasible as it sounds. But don’t worry — whether you’re driving distance from the beach or several state lines away, Universal Endless Summer Resort at Universal Orlando Resort is the perfect solution for your beachy dreams.
ABOUT THE HOTEL
Universal Endless Summer Resort provides double the beach theming because it is split into two sister hotels: Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn and Suites. Pick your vibrant getaway to get the vacay started — plus you’ll get exclusive theme park benefits so you don’t miss any of the action.
Price Range: $
Perfect for: Families, groups or couples who want an affordable place to hang-out with all the fun, summery vibes.
Theming: One of the main inspirations for the Universal Endless Summer Resort comes from “Endless Summer” the movie. These sister hotels will absolutely transport you back to the 60s with surf-filled summers, the Beach Boys and dreamy sunsets. Get ready for the best summer vacation ever, regardless of the season!
- Surfside Inn and Suites: Right when you enter the lobby, you’re greeted by the sickest waves you can catch in Central Florida, complemented by open glass windows filling the room with sunshine. The color scheme for Surfside Inn and Suites includes bright oranges, blues and yellow. Think: beach. Surfboards are all over the hotel’s premises — a whopping 1,435 of them!
- Dockside Inn and Suites: The lobby at Dockside Inn and Suites will make you feel like you’re surrounded by the sea from the shore or catching the sunset from a dock. The light browns and subtle tones of sand will engulf you, plus the nostalgia is real with the essence of cool breezes and summer sunsets.
Rooms:
- Standard: Each standard room can accommodate one to four people with two queen beds and 313 square feet of space. In addition, expect to have separate bath and vanity areas for multiple guests to get ready at once.
- 2-Bedroom Suites: These suites are an absolute hit for families or groups because they offer 440 square feet of living space, along with a kitchenette (yes, with a mini-fridge and microwave for all the snacks) and accommodations for up to six people. My favorite feature of Universal Endless Summer Resort’s suites is that there’s a cozy picnic table to hang out in the kitchenette area.
Benefits
- Early Park Admission: Universal Endless Summer Resort guests can enjoy the luxury of Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter up to one hour before the theme parks open.
- Onsite Resort Complimentary Transportation: Resort guests have access to free shuttle buses that will transport to and from Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk.
- Resort-Wide Charging Privileges: Using your room key, you can conveniently charge purchases to your room throughout the resort, including the theme parks and CityWalk!
- Complimentary Purchase Delivery: After you charge a souvenir purchase to your room, select stores will deliver it directly to your hotel.
WHAT TO DO
Pools & Splash Pad
Surfside Inn and Suites: The pool here is not just grand (it would take over 1,200 regular surfboards to fill its square footage) but it’s totally shaped like a surfboard — coolest Easter Egg ever! Surf is love, surf is life at Surfside Inn and Suites.
Dockside Inn and Suites: A large factor in hotel searches includes the pool vibes, and this one definitely checks out. Dockside Inn and Suites not only has two massive pools, but it also has a fun splash pad for the kids. Sit back and relax in any of the many chairs that surround the pools and get your tan on.
Poolside Activities
Along with the massive pools, add to the fun with the poolside activities offered at each hotel (like ping pong and cornhole). Make sure to check with the front desk to see what you and the fam can participate in.
Fitness Center
You’re on vacation! But if you must — yes, there is a fitness center for you to get some exercise in before hitting the theme parks. Both hotels have state-of-the-art centers with machinery for all your fitness needs.
Game Room
Take a break and try your hand at the claw machine or show off your best skills on the arcade and video games at both hotel’s convenient game rooms.
WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
Surfside Inn and Suites
Sand Bar
Take a break from the extremely awesome surfboard pool and grab a quick bevvy from the poolside leisure lounge that is Sand Bar — can’t ever be too far from your next drink!
PRO TIP: Don’t skip out on the Disco H2O at this poolside paradise, it’s one of my favorite cocktails around the Universal Orlando Resort Hotels!
Beach Break Cafe
The surf is up and Beach Break Cafe is serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner with a laidback SoCal style. This food court offers familiarity, innovation and affordability.
Starbucks
The Starbucks location can be found right in the lobby. Trust Starbucks to keep your summer satisfaction going with their delicious drinks and snacks.
Pizza Delivery
One of the coolest features of Universal Endless Summer Resort is that both sister hotels have a pizza delivery system in place, which means double the pizza and double the fun. When you’re beat to the bone and can’t be bothered, totally rely on Surfside Pizza Delivery to keep you going seven days a week.
Dockside Inn and Suites
Pier 8 Market
Head to Pier 8 Market for all the flavor and fun that this food court has to offer, with five different stations for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There’s also a variety of grab-and-go items if you’re looking for a quick bite.
PRO TIP: Don’t forget to check out the snack pantry area that also includes a variety of options for different dietary needs.
The Wave Maker’s Pool Bar
This beachy bar has all the drinks from signature cocktails, wine and beer to nonalcoholic beverages and smoothies — everything you could possibly want for a relaxing pool day. Truly get the Universal Endless Summer experience by ordering an Endless Summer Lemonade at The Wave Maker’s Pool Bar.
The Oasis Beach Bar
Pool-hop your way over and find tranquility poolside at The Oasis Beach Bar. It provides a nice shaded break away from the sun, especially with a Watermelon Margarita in hand.
Starbucks
Stop by Starbucks, which is conveniently located in the hotel lobby, for a morning boost or an afternoon pick-me-up of all your favorite snacks and drinks. Iced matcha lattes make my world go round — so no judgment here.
Sunset Lounge
The Sunset Lounge, found right in the lobby of Dockside Inn and Suites is the best gathering spot after a long day in the theme parks. Gather your friends and fam, grab some drinks (try the Red Sky at Night) and let the good times roll.
Pizza Delivery
When you’re tired from a long theme park day and can’t muster the energy to go out for dinner, don’t worry — Dockside Pizza Delivery has you covered. You can order for delivery to your room Monday to Sunday evenings from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. or if you’re wanting pizza earlier in the day, try picking up from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
WHERE TO SHOP
Universal Studios Store
Stowed away in each of the hotels’ lobbies is a Universal Studios Store for your last-minute essentials and must-have souvenirs. From sunblock and swimsuits to theme park merchandise, you’ll find everything you need for a successful summer vacay at Universal Orlando Resort.
PRO TIP: Make sure to have your room key setup for charges and easy shopping.
Want to start planning your stay at Universal Endless Summer Resort? Click here to make your reservation now!