Updated November 2026
Universal Orlando now has four theme parks, including Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025. If you're planning a Universal Orlando trip, you'll find no shortage of accommodation options available near this popular place. The Endless Summer Resort stands out for its good value and family-friendly vibe. If you opt for a stay here, you've also got a choice between Dockside Inn and Suites and Surfside Inn and Suites. Keep reading to discover the subtle differences between these popular options.
Dockside Inn and Suites and its sister hotel Surfside Inn and Suites are part of the Endless Summer Resort in Orlando, the first Universal Orlando resort classified as a value offering. Universal opened the Surfside Inn and Suites hotel on June 27, 2019, and followed up with the Dockside Inn and Suites on December 15, 2020, after an eight-month delay.
Both these resorts are across the I-4 from the Universal Orlando Resort. They aren't within easy walking distance of the theme parks. Most guests at Surfside and Dockside Inn and Suites visit the theme parks using the free shuttle service. Universal's complimentary buses go from these hotels to the following places:
Universal says shuttle buses from Endless Summer arrive about every 15 minutes, start running about an hour before Early Park Admission, and take roughly 10 to 20 minutes depending on the park and traffic. The lines can get long at peak times, especially before Early Park Admission, so give yourself extra time. The free buses only go to Universal's parks, so for a day at SeaWorld Orlando or Disney you'll need a car, a rideshare or a paid shuttle.
The Dockside and Surfside Inns offer similar room types with only a few minor differences, apart from being in different buildings. Surfside Inn and Suites has 750 rooms in total, including 261 two-bedroom suites, while Dockside Inn and Suites has 2,050 rooms, including 645 two-bedroom suites (per Universal's Endless Summer fact sheet). Both resorts offer the following room types:
Standard rooms are 313 square feet in size and have a studio configuration. They have two queen beds and a bathroom with a stand-alone vanity. A flat-screen TV, mini refrigerator, and Wi-Fi complete the amenities on offer in these rooms. You can book adjacent rooms and access them via an interleading door if preferred.
The 440-square-foot two-bedroom suites can accommodate up to 6 guests, with two queen-size beds in one room, and one queen-size bed in the other. Apart from two bedrooms, they have a two-compartment bathroom with a vanity area, a kitchenette, and a dining area. The suites feature two TVs, a mini fridge, and basic kitchen utensils. When you book your standard room accommodation, you can choose a pool-view room. The suites offer an additional water-view option. The rooms at Surfside and Dockside Inn are identical in all aspects apart from their interior design. Surfside Inn and Suites has a beachy, bright color scheme, while Dockside Inn and Suites features subdued, calming colors. Overall, Dockside Inn and Suites has a sunset and sandy-colored theme, using warm, natural colors and driftwood accents. At Surfside Inn and Suites, you will enjoy bright blues and white décor, with many strategically-placed surfboards. The bubble-shaped chandeliers are a charming highlight of the lobby.
Room prices at Endless Summer Resort are generally the same for the same room type at either hotel, and a standard room costs less than a two-bedroom suite. Rates change by date and season, so compare your exact dates before you book. Endless Summer is Universal's lowest-priced hotel tier, a step below the Prime Value hotels like Cabana Bay, Aventura, Stella Nova and Terra Luna. Our guide to all the Universal Orlando hotels compares every tier. When choosing your room, it pays to remember the mini-kitchen does provide options for self-catering some of your meals, so you save on dining costs during your stay.
While the main aim of your Surfside or Dockside Inn and Suites vacation is undoubtedly visiting the theme parks, both hotels offer some attractive amenities to enhance the comfort of your stay. You will enjoy the following at Dockside Inn and Suites:
Dockside Inn and Suites offers quick, light meals for busy travelers and attractive refreshment options for lazy days relaxing alongside the pool.
As Dockside Inn and Suites caters to more guests, it offers a few more amenities than Surfside does. This is what's on offer when you stay at this resort:
Surfside Inn and Suites offers the following:
Surfside Inn and Suites offers fewer dining options than its sister hotel, but you'll still find plenty to fuel your adventures here. These are the refreshment options available:
If you decide to take a day off from theme park hopping, you can relax in comfort at Surfside Inn and Suites. Guests have access to the following amenities at this resort:
Neither of these hotels offers free breakfast or table-service dining, but you can look forward to poolside fun and games at both of them. Hula-hoop contests and bingo are two of the most popular family activities offered. The quick-service restaurants serve favorites like salads, pizzas, burgers, waffles, sandwiches, and chicken, while the pool bars serve smoothies, soft drinks, cocktails, and limited alcoholic drinks. The Sunset Lounge has a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. Guests can't use the amenities at other Universal resorts, but they can 'hop' between these sister resorts when it comes to recreation and dining options. Both resorts offer covered parking for guests, but you'll pay per night for it. As of November 2026, Universal lists overnight self-parking at $26 plus tax per vehicle, per night. If you're driving to the parks instead, our Universal Studios parking guide covers those garages. They also feature Universal Studios Stores, laundry rooms, and Universal Vacation Planning Centers.
The size of these hotels is the most significant difference between the two. Those who prefer a quieter vibe with fewer crowds gravitate toward the smaller Surfside Inn and Suites. Some guests find it harder to make their way around the larger resort, and you'll need to walk a little further to get to the shared amenities from your room. Naturally, the queues for food are longer with more guests in attendance, too. Dockside's lobby and food court are much larger than Surfside's, but it can still feel a little cramped during busy check-in. Both of these hotels have a proportionately large number of six-sleeper rooms, so they accommodate more people in a smaller space. For this reason, you might encounter bigger crowds than you're used to in a hotel environment. Thanks to this, both hotels have a reputation for crowded elevators. Of the two, Surfside Inn and Suites offer a little more breathing room. If you are traveling with small children, Dockside Inn and Suites children's pool area is a huge drawcard, and most guests enjoy having an extra pool to laze around. When it comes to dining, Pier 8 Market offers a few extra options when compared to the Beach Break Café, but it's also a little more expensive. Thanks to its location in the International Drive area, Endless Summer resort is within walking distance of many shops, restaurants, and Walgreens. Most guests find it a little easier to access these conveniences from Surfside Inn and Suites. When you stay at one of these hotels, you don't get free Universal Express (that perk is only at the Premier hotels; see our Universal Express Pass guide), but you do get the following Universal perks:
Overall, both these value hotels offer a comfortable stay with none of the extravagances on offer at other Orlando resorts. That makes them ideal for theme park enthusiasts who will spend most of their time enjoying what this exciting area has to offer.
As this Surfside versus Dockside Inn and Suites review reveals, there are only slight variations between these two value hotels. While both Dockside Inn and Suites have an edge in different areas, both offer excellent access to the fun available at Universal Orlando. Whichever you choose for your Orlando vacation, we can help you make the most of your trip.
Want to see the newer step-up option? Here's my video of Universal's Terra Luna and Stella Nova resorts, and you can find more trip videos on the Fun Park Go YouTube channel. Deciding whether to add a day for the new park? Read whether Epic Universe is worth it.
The easiest way to get a good rate is to let us price it for you. Fun Park Go's planning is free, and we can compare Endless Summer with the other Universal hotels for your dates. Get a free Universal quote and we'll take it from there.
Prefer to book yourself? Get Away Today has discount Universal Orlando tickets, and promo code FunParkGo takes $10 off Get Away Today vacation packages. You can also book a Universal package online through Funjet Vacations.
They're nearly identical in rooms and price. Dockside is bigger, with two pools and a kids' splash area, while Surfside is smaller and usually feels a bit calmer, with shorter lines at the food court.
Not really. Both hotels sit across I-4 from the parks, so plan on the free shuttle buses to CityWalk, Epic Universe and Volcano Bay.
Yes. Universal runs a direct bus from Endless Summer to Epic Universe, separate from the CityWalk bus.
Yes. Guests get into a park up to an hour early at select attractions, including Epic Universe, with a valid theme park ticket and their hotel key card.
As of November 2026, Universal lists overnight self-parking at $26 plus tax per vehicle, per night. Rates can change.
No. Each hotel has a quick-service food court and a Starbucks, and the two-bedroom suites have a kitchenette if you want to make some meals yourself.
Affiliate disclosure: The Get Away Today and Funjet links in this post are affiliate links. Fun Park Go may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices and transportation details can change, so confirm them with Universal before you go.
