Hotels

All The Details about Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites

November 5, 2020

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.

Check out our deep-dive into the inspiration behind Dockside Inn and Suites’ food and beverage options.

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.

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83 Comments

  • Reply Tami November 5, 2020 at 3:05 pm

    Checking in on January 3!! Cannot wait!!

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      Reply Social Media Team November 5, 2020 at 3:14 pm

      Hey Tami! We’re so excited to see you soon!

      • Reply Billi Jerry December 11, 2020 at 3:04 am

        December 30th

        • Reply Social Media Team February 28, 2021 at 8:57 pm

          Hey Billi! We were so welcome for your visit! Come back soon

      • Reply Norman W Pellington December 12, 2020 at 12:57 pm

        Man this’s absolutely fantastic! It’s a very nice hotel, pretty decent price too. Pity am so far away in Pennsylvania, but who knows, I might visit sooner than I expected.

      • Reply Scott Brooks February 6, 2022 at 2:41 am

        Me and my daughter are checking in May 30th 2022. We are so excited!

    • Reply Danielle Plummer November 13, 2020 at 3:31 pm

      We check in January 1st…so excited!!!!

    • Reply gina January 8, 2021 at 1:09 pm

      Checking in January 16th and we can’t wait!

  • Reply Kelley Carr November 5, 2020 at 11:37 pm

    Not booked yet, but as a mother of four (six total in our family) and a travel advisor who often works with larger families, I want to express my sincere thanks to Universal for thinking about larger families on a budget! We’re planning to come in June and I have already booked a few clients in the 2 bedroom suites at Endless Summer!

  • Reply Susan Mauney November 8, 2020 at 1:27 pm

    Coming in May for mine and my husband’s 9th wedding anniversary so excited!!!

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      Reply Social Media Team November 8, 2020 at 1:32 pm

      We can’t wait to see you, Susan!

      • Reply Natalie Hanley November 14, 2020 at 2:50 pm

        August 2021 for us. We can’t wait!

        • Reply Gary Currie December 11, 2020 at 5:29 am

          My family and I were all booked for April 2020 and then COVID hit, we were so disappointed, but we plan to book again for either 2021 or a little later, we absolutely love universal and can’t wait to return, hope to see you soon.

  • Reply Ade November 10, 2020 at 3:09 pm

    Should be staying at Dockside now, but obviously due to the Pandemic that got cancelled, so we’ve rebooked for Nov2021, for which we are super excited about, hopefully we’ll see you then Universal

    • Reply Jean November 10, 2020 at 6:31 pm

      Checking in on January 26th!! Its going to be a combo trip for my Birthday and a first trip for a friend from work. 🙂

  • Reply Melinda Marino December 10, 2020 at 3:05 pm

    As a family of 5, we love Surfside. The larger room makes the stay so much more comfortable!

  • Reply Mary Kosloske December 10, 2020 at 3:07 pm

    Planning on a trip with our 2 grandchildren the second week of March . Maybe even the younger 2 .

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    Reply Social Media Team December 10, 2020 at 3:09 pm

    We’re so glad to hear that! We can’t wait to see you again soon! 💙

    • Reply Terri December 26, 2021 at 2:58 pm

      is there transportation to all of the theme parks ?

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    Reply Social Media Team December 10, 2020 at 3:20 pm

    Mal podemos esperar para te ver!

  • Reply LR Robinson December 10, 2020 at 4:09 pm

    Nice property and it sounds like you really listened to what families want and need for space/amenities when they visit.

    • Reply Ed Blazejewski December 10, 2020 at 9:06 pm

      Agreed, looks like they nailed it.

  • Reply Gary December 10, 2020 at 4:38 pm

    We’ll see you guys the 17th of Dec. My family and I are super excited!

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      Reply Social Media Team December 10, 2020 at 4:48 pm

      Yay! See you all then!

  • Reply Mariann Nelson December 10, 2020 at 5:59 pm

    We are checking in opening day!

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      Reply Social Media Team December 10, 2020 at 6:03 pm

      We look forward to your visit!

  • Reply Laura December 10, 2020 at 8:53 pm

    I really am looking forward to coming in spring!

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      Reply Social Media Team December 10, 2020 at 9:00 pm

      We cannot wait for your visit!!

  • Reply Ed Blazejewski December 10, 2020 at 9:05 pm

    We are staying Dec 26-20, with our family of 5 adults. SO looking forward to it in spite of this crazy world we live in right now. Great way to escape. Is it too late to start working on my abs for the pool time? 🙂

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      Reply Social Media Team December 10, 2020 at 9:08 pm

      We will see you soon!

  • Reply Gary Currie December 11, 2020 at 5:34 am

    The new hotels will be great for our next visit, as we will appreciate the extra space, all though we will miss the boat rides back and forth from the parks!!

  • Reply Mark wells December 11, 2020 at 4:23 pm

    Coming over to stay in august for my 50th can’t wait . Love it in Florida

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      Reply Social Media Team December 11, 2020 at 4:33 pm

      Hi Mark! We look forward to celebrating with you!

  • Reply Christine December 12, 2020 at 9:15 am

    My daughter and I stayed at Surfside in September, and we absolutely loved it. The rooms were beautiful and it was so nice to have the restaurant downstairs. The food was really good on top of it all! The hotel is beautifully decorated and it made me happy just being there. The shuttle to and from the park was wonderful! We will be trying Dockside next time we come.

  • Reply Tom in Los Angeles December 12, 2020 at 4:06 pm

    We went on a Disney World & Universal Orlando vacation, but I didn’t feel relaxed till we got to Universal. Disney World required MUCH more planning (making reservations for restaurants in DISNEY parks SIX MONTHS IN ADVANCE!!! !!!) than a trip we made to Europe in 2019.

    We can’t wait to return to Universal Orlando & its excellent hotels after we get the Covid vaccine, and someday I will experience Horror Nights, even if I do so alone an an old man!

  • Reply K.C. Dehning December 12, 2020 at 9:49 pm

    My wife and I have declared Universal Studios Theme Park our annual vacation getaway. We’ll be arriving at Dockside in February 2021. So excited!

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      Reply Social Media Team December 12, 2020 at 9:54 pm

      We cannot wait to welcome both of you back!

  • Reply TRACEY LANGAN December 15, 2020 at 2:26 am

    Looking to come to Florida Jan 18 to 23. Family of 6. My husband is a First Responder. Are you offering any specials.?

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    Reply Social Media Team December 15, 2020 at 7:34 am

    Hi Tracey, Miki here! At this time we do not have a First Responder discount directly through us. Our current discounts can be found on our website here: https://bit.ly/389S9sZ

  • Reply An December 23, 2020 at 2:09 pm

    Hi, is there a separate line for on-site guests at the Citywalk Hub and Park entrances in early admission? Because there might be already a line for regular guests who are early and saving their places and we don’t want to get stuck in that same line. If there is no separate line for on-site guests, can we go straight to the staff, skip the line and ask to be let in? If it’s at capacity, is there a separate line for on-site guests to get in? Also, regular park opening is 8am, early admission is 7am, what time does the shuttle arrive at the hotel? I tried to get information via the phone but the person who answered was in a hurry and did not answer my questions or gave a conflicting answer from what I read. Thank you.

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      Reply Social Media Team December 23, 2020 at 3:00 pm

      Hey there Angie!
      Early Park Admission would be available to those Guests staying at our Universal Orlando Hotels, and we recommend having your valid room key shown upon arrival. If we reach capacity, our Universal Orlando Hotel Guests will be assisted on a priority basis, and we recommend checking our Capacity Hotline at 407-817-8317 for the most updated info! The shuttle service would begin 1 hour before Early Park Admission. Keep in mind that this is all of our current information and subject to change. Feel free to reach back out with any other questions on any of our forms of communication here! https://bit.ly/2KORRj1

  • Reply Sara January 13, 2021 at 6:43 pm

    My second ever trip to USO. First was last year and didn’t get to stay at a resort. Checking in March 6th. I feel grateful that you have lower cost options that make vacationing VERY long distance possible.

    I am confused about terms and conditions listed on the page with “more than a room key” and shopping perks (being able to have purchases sent to a room or charge purchases to a room). It says limited to 4 nights stay minimum. But other friends of mine say it doesn’t matter how long you’re staying, the room key perks are still valid.

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      Reply Social Media Team January 13, 2021 at 7:18 pm

      Hey there Sara! Happy to have you back! That is referring to the current room rates on the website as those perks apply to all Guests staying! Be sure to check out more info on Package Pickup here! https://bit.ly/3bGKOUX

  • Reply Lora McFadden January 26, 2021 at 2:29 pm

    Hello!
    My friend and I are so excited for our visit, arriving 2/10/21!! We will be arriving around noon time and I see your check in isn’t until 4. Is there an early check in where we can just leave our bags with the front counter until the room is ready? Thanks so much!

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      Reply Social Media Team January 26, 2021 at 2:44 pm

      Hi Lora! If you arrive prior to 4PM, the Front Desk can hold your luggage and issue temporary room keys, so you can begin enjoying the amenities prior to your room being ready! Have a blast!

  • Reply Angie Cordell February 4, 2021 at 9:14 pm

    Just booked my family for April 2021. This is our first trip to Universal Studios and a surprise trip for our 9 year old granddaughter!!!!!

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      Reply Social Media Team February 4, 2021 at 9:24 pm

      That’s such a wonderful surprise! We can’t wait to see all of you!

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    Reply Social Media Team February 16, 2021 at 9:11 pm

    Hi Laura! Guests are not allowed to bring drinks to the pool at the Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites. We apologize for any inconvenience.

  • Reply Cindy March 9, 2021 at 8:24 am

    We are coming in April 2021 for our granddaughter’s 11th birthday. We are very excited and hope to enjoy all of the amenities at the hotel and park.

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      Reply Social Media Team March 9, 2021 at 8:32 am

      Hi Cindy! We look forward to your visit!

  • Reply Jenny March 14, 2021 at 3:42 pm

    Our vacation is booked for 5/3/21-5/13/21. Our flights arrive at 10am, will we be able to check in early (12ish), or are we able to drop our luggage off until the 4pm check in time?

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    Reply Social Media Team March 14, 2021 at 3:51 pm

    Hi Jenny! You would be able to store your luggage at the Front Desk until your room is ready. If a room is available, they would be able to assist with checking you in early, but there is no guarantee. Hope this helps.

  • Reply Edward March 24, 2021 at 12:02 pm

    We’re counting down the days until April 1 when our family Universal vacation begins! (No fooling!) The resort looks amazing and we can’t wait to leave the chill here in Michigan for the Orlando sunshine!

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      Reply Social Media Team March 24, 2021 at 12:08 pm

      We look forward to your visit!

  • Reply Deanna March 31, 2021 at 2:35 pm

    Will be here in two weeks for my son’s 9th birthday party! I am o happy that I am staying here! We are so exicted!

  • Reply Margaret Dutch April 7, 2021 at 12:13 am

    I took the kids on their first ever trip to USO & stayed at Surfside in November 2020. We got the Family Suite & absolutely loved it! We had an amazing time!
    My husband & I will be at Dockside for a week in 11 days and getting the suite again. I loved all the space. It’s just perfect.
    See you soon!

  • Reply Lolita Johnson April 16, 2021 at 7:03 pm

    Hiiiiiiii
    Me and my crew (grown kids, my sister and the grandkids (4) will be checking in 4/27/2021. Can’t wait to get there. This hotel is a life (money) saver. the parks are expensive but we are saving so much on the two suites we have book. the hotel looks kid friendly, I know my grands are going to love it.

    See ya soon.

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      Reply Social Media Team April 16, 2021 at 7:31 pm

      Can’t wait to have you!

  • Reply ShaNele Farmer May 1, 2021 at 9:29 pm

    June 6th!! Family of 6 Rolling through! I am a Teacher too…would be cool to get some teacher deals maybe one day :):)

  • Reply Amy June 11, 2021 at 6:15 pm

    Hi there! Can anyone tell me if the mini fridges have a small freezer area? Thanks! 🙂

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    Reply Social Media Team June 11, 2021 at 6:20 pm

    Hey Amy! The mini fridges do not have a freezer unfortunately.

  • Reply Juan Merino July 7, 2021 at 9:50 pm

    Hi there! I will be staying for 4 nights in the Surfside Inn. Do you receive Amazon packages for your guests? If so, does it have any charges?

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    Reply Social Media Team July 7, 2021 at 10:42 pm

    Hi Juan! Yes, you can get Amazon packages delivered to Endless Summer Surfside Inn and Suites. They would be delivered to the Front Office. You would need to pick them up there and there would be a $5 fee per package, subject to change.

  • Reply Hector M Colon Jr July 10, 2021 at 12:37 pm

    I was wondering i will be staying in august and if i buy merchandise in the theme parks will they be delivered to my room and how does that work? Thank you.

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    Reply Social Media Team July 10, 2021 at 12:57 pm

    Hi Hector! You would be able to have your merchandise packages delivered to your Universal hotel room!

  • Reply Danielle Roman July 22, 2021 at 4:20 pm

    Im excited. I will be staying here in August for my birthday and the hotel looks beautiful!

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    Reply Social Media Team July 22, 2021 at 4:37 pm

    Hi Danielle! We are so excited to see you next month!

  • Reply Amy July 26, 2021 at 5:07 pm

    Is there any sort of complimentary breakfast included when staying at the resort?

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    Reply Social Media Team July 26, 2021 at 6:02 pm

    Hi Amy! None of our on site hotels offer a complimentary breakfast, my apologies for any disappointment!

  • Reply Tatyana Gómez July 27, 2021 at 9:07 pm

    Hello! We are excited to spend Christmas at Universal´s Endless Resort! We have our hotel/tickets booked.
    Now I just wonder how i can make Christmas a memorable experience for my two kids (17, 11) and Husband.

    We are very excited as we had to pospone vacations for two years due the pandemic situation. But now we are ready to spend a magnificent family time!

    Any tips or suggestions are welcome!

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    Reply Social Media Team July 27, 2021 at 9:49 pm

    Hi Tatyana! We haven’t announced all of our Holiday offerings for 2021 yet. We recommend keeping an eye on our website for future updates here: https://bit.ly/3f3O3GX

  • Reply Jackeline Cruz August 11, 2021 at 6:40 pm

    Do they have any hotel that is animal friendly.

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    Reply Social Media Team August 11, 2021 at 6:48 pm

    Hi Jackeline! While the Endless Summer Resort does not allow pets, our Premier Hotels (The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, The Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and the Hard Rock Hotel) do allow pets! You can find all of our Universal hotel information online here: https://bit.ly/3xJcXCa

  • Reply Connie August 18, 2021 at 1:26 pm

    We’re booked at Dockside this September! We’re excited, but this is our first time in Orlando, and I am nervous that we won’t know what to do! I have so many questions: Does hotel offer shuttle to/from airport? Does everyone staying at this resort get to enter the park an hour early, or do you have to pay extra?

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      Reply Social Media Team August 18, 2021 at 1:52 pm

      Hi Connie! We would recommend reaching out to our Guest Services Team at 407-224-4233 for assistance with your questions.

  • Reply Laís January 22, 2022 at 11:02 am

    Hi guys! I will be staying for 7 nights in the Dockside Inn. Do you receive Apple and Amazon packages for your guests? If so, does it have any charges?

  • Reply Christine March 28, 2022 at 9:18 am

    Hi we are a family with 3 rooms booked for sept 9th 2022 for 2; nights. We have never stayed at a universal hotel before so it will be a new experience , what can we expect on arrival? Is there charges to park car with disabled tag on the car ?

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      Reply Social Media Team March 28, 2022 at 11:57 am

      Hi Christine! We’re thrilled to hear you’ll be joining us! Upon arrival, you can pre-register at the hotel any time after 7AM on the date of your check-in. At that time, you would receive room keys to access Early Park Admission, you can store your luggage at the bell stand, and head out to enjoy the parks! The hotel Front Desk will text you when your room is ready. Parking fees would apply. At Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites, overnight parking is $15 plus tax per vehicle per night, subject to change.

  • Reply Cindy OConnor June 9, 2022 at 4:53 pm

    We’re headed there soon! Should we pack pool towels or they are provided?

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      Reply Social Media Team June 9, 2022 at 5:00 pm

      Hey Cindy! Universal’s Endless Summer Dockside Inn & Suites will have towels available at the pool.

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    Reply Social Media Team June 30, 2022 at 1:21 pm

    Hi Ryan! Guests can have packages shipped from and received to their Universal Orlando Resort Hotel! Please ship item to the hotels address with attn: Guest name and date of arrival. Guests can leave their belongings at the bell stand and use the front desk safe to store any valuables.

  • Reply Sha July 4, 2022 at 10:11 pm

    Hi, we are so excited to be staying at the Endless dockside. Our flight arrives at 5:43a. I am guessing we will be at the hotel at around 7a. Any chance of early checkin? Thank you!

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      Reply Social Media Team July 4, 2022 at 10:32 pm

      Hi Sha. We’re excited to host you on your vacation! You can pre-register for your reservation as early as 6am; however, check in won’t begin until 4pm. You’ll receive a text message when your room is ready!

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