The beach-themed Endless Summer complex, which is actually two hotels (Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn and Suites) across the street from each other, is a game-changer for families on a budget. Here, a two-bedroom family suite with a kitchenette and table costs less than Disney’s most basic single motel-style room in low season—it also fits two additional people comfortably and, unlike Disney’s options, it has two big windows and kids won’t lose their way to the pool. The price undercutting is intentional, and it’s war: Universal wants families on tight budgets to stay with them for a change and commute for their Disney days (an UberX from here to Magic Kingdom usually costs under $20). At these prices, and with Disney’s costs spiraling heavenward, that’s finally a reasonable idea, and Endless Summer is so well executed we could recommend it at a higher price. Its free shuttle buses take all of 4 minutes (I time it on regular occasions) to deliver you to the rest of the resort. Endless Summer’s hotels won’t give you room service, but they do have two bars (pool and lobby), pizza delivery, a Starbucks, and early entry to the theme parks. Even all meals (grab-and-go only) and cocktails are priced around $10. Both pools are massive, but Dockside’s faces the sun for longer in the late afternoon, and Dockside towers higher than Surfside, which makes the busier of the two but the better choice for Orlando views. Being on touristy I-Drive, where there’s lots to do and eat within a safe walk, also means guests benefit from not being trapped by resort prices for food. Fun trivia: The drinks at the pool bars are named for flumes at Wet ‘n Wild, once the most popular waterslide park in the United States, which stood on this property from 1977 to 2016.
Orlando
Travel Guide
Orlando› Hotel
Universal's Endless Summer Resort
7000 Universal Blvd., Orlando
Our Rating
Neighborhood
International Drive
Phone
888/430-4999 , 407/503-7000
Prices
Standard double queen rooms $129–$184; pool view adds $15/night. Two-bedroom suites $111–$239; pool view adds $20/night. Add $15 per extra adult per night; max. of 4 people/room for standard room, 6 for suite. Self-parking $15/night.
Units
2,800 units total
Amenities
Outdoor pool; pool bar and restaurant; food court; complimentary cribs (no rollaway beds available); Starbucks; fitness center; game room; free Wi-Fi
Web site
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort —Surfside Suites
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort—Dockside Inn and Suites
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort—Dockside Inn and Suites
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.