Ultimate Comparison of Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside or Dockside?

Ultimate Comparison of Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside or Dockside?

Ultimate Comparison of Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside or Dockside?

This article is your ultimate comparison of the difference between Universal’s Dockside and Surfside Hotels 2024! When it comes to Universal Surfside vs Dockside Resorts, there isn’t much of a difference, but it mostly comes down to how many pools there are (Spoiler Dockside has more!). There is also a slight size difference when it comes to Surfside Inn vs Dockside Inn, but not enough to make it a dealbreaker!

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

So if you’re ready to find out everything you need to know about all Surfside and Dockside Inn & Suites read on!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Universal Orlando check out our Universal Crowd calendar! 

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

What’s the Difference Between Universal Dockside Vs Surfside?

As a general rule of thumb, guests find Surfside to be more convenient to get around due to the hotel being smaller in size. However, Dockside does have two pools compared to the one pool at Surfside and also has a larger lobby and a larger food court with more dining options. Both Universal hotels offer similar amenities and include Early Park Admission, but as you’ll see below aren’t entirely the same. These two nautical-themed hotels have been the number one choice for families on a budget, so we are going to compare the two of them to see the biggest differences between Surfside and Dockside.

Universal’s Dockside vs. Surfside Hotels 2024: Key Differences

Pools:

• Dockside: Features two pools, offering more swimming options.
• Surfside: Has a single pool.

Size and Convenience:

• Surfside: Smaller in size, potentially more convenient for navigating.
• Dockside: Larger, with a bigger lobby and more dining options but equally easy to navigate due to effective layout.

Hotel Tier:

• Both are in the Universal Value tier, designed for budget-friendly stays with competitive amenities.

Location:

• Identical for both, situated on the Endless Summer Resort campus across I-4, a mile from the parks. Both require shuttle transportation due to their off-campus location.

Transportation:

• Exclusive shuttle buses run every 15 minutes for both resorts. Neither is within walking distance to the parks.

Room Comparison:

• Room Size and Layout: Comparable in both, with standard rooms and 2-bedroom suites offering similar square footage.
• Decor: Surfside features brighter, beachy vibes with oceanic colors, whereas Dockside presents a calmer, sunset-themed atmosphere with natural wood tones.

Room Pricing for 2024:

• Identical starting rates for standard and pool view rooms, as well as for 2-bedroom suites at both resorts.

Dining Options:

• Both offer similar dining experiences with quick-service cafeterias, pool bars, Starbucks, and no signature dining, reflecting their Value status.

Pools and Recreation:

• Surfside: Offers a surfboard-shaped pool, fitness center, and game room.
• Dockside: Boasts two basic pools, a children’s area with a splash pad, fitness center, and game room, slightly edging out Surfside in recreational facilities.

Theming:

• Surfside: Emphasizes sun, surf, and sand with vibrant decor.
• Dockside: Focuses on sunset and bonfire vibes with warmer tones and natural elements.

What Universal hotel tier are Endless Summer Dockside Vs Surfside in?

Both Endless Summer Resorts fall in the Value tier for Universal hotels. To kick off the comparison of Surfside vs Dockside, we are going to talk about the Universal Orlando Resort hotel tiers. There are four of them, and Universal hotels are categorized into each tier based off of pricing, amenities, and overall experience while staying there. Both Universal Surfside Inn and Dockside Inn are in the “Value” tier of Universal hotels. This is technically the lowest tier you can book in, but the room rates are always guaranteed to be the cheapest, but not necessarily bad.

Related post: Guide to Spending One Day at Universal Islands of Adventure

What’s the Difference between Universal Dockside and Surfside 2024? – Location

So, is there any difference between Surfside or Dockside Inn and Suites when it comes to location? The simple answer is no, there is no difference between the location of Surfside and Dockside. Both hotels are located on the Endless Summer Resort campus which is across the I-4, and the farthest from the park of any other hotels. Both Universal Dockside and Surfside are about a mile from either Universal theme park entrance and many guests prefer to use transportation over walking.

What are the transportation options at Universal Surfside or Dockside?

• Universal Orlando Resort Busses

Both Endless Summer Resort Surfside and Dockside Inn and Suites operate off of the same transportation system. Since they are Value resorts and are virtually cut off from the rest of Universal Orlando Resort, the only option available for transportation are busses. The Universal Shuttle Busses run about every 15 minutes and pick guests up at designated bus stops at the Endless Summer Hotels.

Can you walk from Endless Summer to Universal?

Another popular question we receive when comparing Universal Dockside vs Surfside is, can you walk from Endless Summer to Universal? Both Endless Summer Dockside and Surfside are not within walking distance of the Universal Orlando parks or Citywalk. Both resorts are the only Universal Orlando hotels that are located off campus, even if they are directly across Interstate 4. As discussed, both hotels are a short shuttle bus ride to all three of the Universal parks and Citywalk.

Related post: Universal Cabana Bay vs Endless Summer Resort Guide

What is the Difference Between Surfside vs Dockside Rooms?

So, is there a difference between Universal Dockside and Surfside rooms? Other than being located in different buildings, you can expect the room experience to be the same in either hotel. Endless Summer Surfside and Dockside rooms are both the same size, no matter if you choose a standard room or a suite. But, we are going to compare the minor details of Dockside vs Surfside to help you decide which room is better for you. 

Endless Summer Resort 2024 room details (Both Dockside and Surfside):

• Standard rooms – 313 square feet with two queen beds and a separate bathroom with a separate vanity.
• 2-Bedroom Suites – 440 square feet with two bedrooms, kitchenette, dining area, bathroom, vanity area, and accommodations for up to 6 guests.

What are the colors of the Dockside and Surfside rooms?

If you’re comparing Universal Surfside or Dockside and are looking to get down to the fine details, the color scheme and decor are the main differences. The layout, size, and amenities of the rooms are the same, therefore, no real differences between the two. If you’re looking for a more bright, breezy, and beachy vibe with the colors of the ocean in your room, then Surfside Inn & Suites will be your favorite. If you’re looking for a more calming and serene feel with sunset vibes and natural wood decor, then Dockside Inn and Suites is for you!

Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside vs Dockside Room Pricing 2024

Surfside Inn & Suites

• Standard & Pool View – Starting at $91 per night
• 2-bedroom Suites – Starting at $136 per night

Dockside Inn & Suites

• Standard & Pool View – Starting at $91 per night
• 2-bedroom Suites – Starting at $136 per night

Related post: Complete Guide to Universal Coke Freestyle Cups

2024 Dockside vs Surfside – Dining Options

Not that this will come as a shock, but the difference in dining options between Universal Dockside and Surfside resorts is very small. At Universal Value Resorts, you aren’t going to find any signature dining or sit-down options, as those are offered in the higher-tiered hotels. Universal Endless Summer Resorts – Surfside and Dockside both offer a variety of pool bars, quick service cafeterias, and Starbucks that offer about the same food options. But, just to fully compare Surfside vs Dockside, let’s go into more detail.

What are the Universal Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Food Options?

• Pier 8 Market – Quick service cafeteria with grab-and-go items like salads, soups, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, chicken and waffles, and more.
• The Wave Maker’s Pool Bar – Poolside bar that serves cocktails, frozen drinks, wine, beer and smoothies.
• The Oasis Beach Bar – Another poolside bar that service alcoholic beverages and smoothies
• Sunset Lounge – Bright and fun lobby bar that serves alcoholic beverages
• Starbucks

What are the Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Options?

• Beach Break Cafe – Quick service casual food court that offers food like burgers, burritos, chicken, salads, and pizza.
• Sand Bar – Laidback, a poolside bar that serves cocktails, beer, frozen drinks and smoothies.
• Starbucks

Does Endless Summer have free breakfast?

As a general rule of thumb none of the official Universal Orlando hotels including the Endless Summer resort offer free breakfast.

Related post: Complete Guide Inside Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Universal Dockside and Surfside – Pools and Recreation

When it comes to sun in the fun, comparing the difference between Universal Dockside and Surfside Inn is a breeze! The Endless Summer Resorts both have rather generic hotel pools that don’t have hot tubs, fire pits, cabanas, or slides. With that being said, both Value tier hotels do have their pools and offerings of recreation options that we can compare for this section.

Surfside Inn & Suites Recreation

• Surfboard-shaped pool with lounge chairs and poolside bars
• Fitness Center
• Game Room

Dockside Inn & Suites Recreation

• 2 Basic Swimming pools with poolside bars
• Children’s area with splash pad
• Fitness Center
• Game Room

So, whether you choose Surfside or Dockside Inn and Suites, you are going to have a set of simple recreation options that are perfect for a quick dip in the pool or laying out in the Florida sun. Dockside Inn and Suites do have the advantage when it comes to Surfside vs Dockside for recreation, just due to having an extra pool to spread out.

Does Endless Summer have a lazy river?

Endless Summer Resort at Universal Orlando does not have a lazy river like the nearby Universal Orlando Hotel Cabana Bay Beach Resort. However both the Endless Summer Dockside and Surfside offer a beachside resort-style pool that features small splash pads for the kids. The pool areas also have family activities such as bingo and hula-hoop contests to keep the entire group having fun throughout their days back at the hotel.

Can you pool hop from Endless Summer Surfside or Dockside?

Guests who are staying at any Universal Orlando value resorts, including the Surfside or Dockside resorts are not eligible to pool hop to any other pool outside of the one at their main hotel.

Related post: Guide to Loews Royal Pacific at Universal Orlando

Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites – Theming

One of the last things we are going to compare Dockside vs Surfside is the theming. We’ve already mentioned a little bit of the theming in the Universal Surfside and Dockside room section, but throughout the entire resort, you are going to run into a lot more decor and themed items. Both Endless Summer Resort hotels embrace breezy, ocean vibes transporting guests to beachside getaways.

Surfside Inn & Suites Theme

Surfside Inn & Suites is all about the beach, sun, and of course … surfing! Throughout the Surfside Hotel, you will find beautiful bright blues and whites and vibrant colored surfboards on the walls, floor and anywhere else you look! The Surfside lobby has chandeliers that look like ocean bubbles, which compliment the surfboard name sign right underneath it.

Dockside Inn & Suites Theme

Dockside Inn & Suites is meant to make you feel like you’re at a bonfire at the beach. All around there are sunset themes with a sandy color scheme throughout. You will find more natural and warm colors in the lobby, which complement the giant pieces of driftwood that create the centerpiece of the sitting area.

Related post: Guide to Universal Orlando in One Day; Can You Do Both Universal Parks in One Day?

Which is Better Overall – Endless Summer Dockside or Surfside?

Overall, is there a difference between Universal Dockside and Surfside hotels? When it comes down to it, the Surfside and Dockside resorts are identical. Comparing the food, transportation, and overall perks, it is a total wash between Dockside vs Surfside hotels.

If you are looking to split hairs when comparing Dockside Inn vs Surfside Inn, each resort does have a small unique perk that certain guests might find appealing. Dockside Inn and Suites would be more suitable for families with smaller children, as there is a splash pad area and two separate pools to choose from. On the flip side, Surfside Inn and Suites has a beautiful view of a small lake and has a very relaxed and laidback vibe.

So, it is completely up to you if Endless Summer Dockside or Surfside is better. Either one is a great choice if you’re on a budget and want to stay on Universal Orlando Resort property.

Related post: Guide to Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando with Free Shuttle

Dockside vs Surfside 2024 FAQs

Q: How many total rooms are there at Surfside and Dockside hotels?

A: When it comes to comparing Surfside vs Dockside, Surfside is much smaller overall. Surfside Inn & Suites has 750 total rooms, whereas Dockside Inn & Suites has over 2000. It is completely up to you if you think a larger hotel is better or worse. Some Universal guests enjoy having a shorter walk around the hotel while others like having more rooms to choose from!

Q: Does Dockside or Surfside at Endless Resort have a hot tub?

No, both Endless Summer Resort hotels lack a hot tub and have standard pools. Guests can look for sandy beaches to swim at, plenty of chairs, and even a splash pad at Dockside Resort.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We breakdown the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out our Universal Orlando Tickets! All Park Prodigy Universal Orlando tickets will get you into the park one hour before regular park guests with Universal Early Park Admission! And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!