Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites Overview & Review

This is my hopefully comprehensive overview and review of Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites, from Universal Orlando Resort.
Within this review we'll be covering location, transportation, resort amenities, pool areas, dining (pier 8 market), pricing, the pros and cons. I'll also be throwing in my best tips.
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[@mcurt9]

just stayed there this past weekend..LOVED IT! id stay there again in a heartbeat!

[@gt3129]

Thanks for the great reviews. We were up in the air on which Universal resort to stay at. Your great information helped us choose Dockside. Keep up the great work!

[@rebeccathomas3701]

I’ve watched many of your videos in readiness for my holiday next May. I’ve been to Orlando 5 times, but not returned since 2007 so your videos are really informative and helping us plan our holiday

[@djplaymiibabii]

awesome video and very helpful, love that you provided choices to, giving more insight and helping me to choose based off my needs and budget

[@Destinychanged]

Just got my wife and I a room at Dockside during the slower season in January. Thanks for the review.

[@jacquelinekinnaird6994]

I love your videos, so informative they are brilliant and really well edited. Stayed in cabana bay in 2019, would consider Dockside in future, thanks!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you Jacqueline 😁

[@charmy_]

Thank you for your review! This really helped me cement my choice of Dockside Inn as the hotel we will stay in during our trip to Universal. We used to be Disney only when traveling to Orlando but we decided to explore outside the Disney Bubble. Thank you for all your videos, especially on restaurants. There are so many things to do in Orlando!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Very welcome, thank you for watching 😁. Hope you have an awesome trip 😁👍

[@conorkelly487]

Great video again! 2nd trip this year and decided to stay here to save some cash. Cheers as always dude!

[@angusrock1563]

We stayed there back in October! We loved it

[@emsantos0283]

I stayed here in February and I absolutely loved it❣

[@Destinychanged]

My wife and I loved staying here. We requested a room on a higher level and they were nice enough to get us a top floor suite with a view of the volcano. We did stay during a slow season so I think they were just able to do that.

[@TheMesmerizingCollective]

Enjoyed that. We looked here for this Aug but settled on Cabana Bay.

[@gemmaljohn]

Had a suite at dockside this May. Fantastic! Would highly recommend.

[@nicholasticali6123]

We fly from NY every year for HHN. We stay at dockside now for the decent price. I actually enjoy the property but agree on the noise issues. Cabana Bay is the new location for HHN so its difficult during that time of year to book nut it is also a great hotel. Great video!!!!

[@davep7261]

Love your videos lad. Keep up the quality work

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Appreciate that Dave 👍

[@ACE-kn4vc]

Thank you for this video it helped me get a lot of information fast.

[@BillionaireWetTireShine]

Best review wow u answer all questions

[@jolyonkeen3782]

Handy for I Drive and all the restaurants and outlets etc buses to universal about every 20 mins when quiet more on evenings and early park entrance. We stayed at Saphire Falls in late Jan and early Feb and used the complimentary buses to get about

[@bryandonoghue3141]

Booked here for next year (June 23) and I cannot wait. Travelling from the U.K. with the wife, daughter and mother in law so was automatically swayed by the 2 bedroom suite instead of the 2 separate rooms. Universal is really knocking it out the park these days compared to Disney for families like myself with their options. Can’t wait 👍🏻

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Hope you have an awesome trip Bryan 😁👍

[@desamania]

You’re gonna have fun

[@pamelathomas847]

I'm doing same myself from Dublin but I'm caught between cabana bay and dockside,yes the 2 bed sways me ,need to book this weekend,still not sure what to go with

[@AmandaZag]

We will just be missing you! I honestly would have left some Wisconsin cheese curds at the check in desk if we were going to be there at the same time. dang . We are staying at Cabana Bay and then at Dockside. So i cant wait to report back my own findings! Thank you for this video !

[@rottab9397]

ddaaamn that's coming up !!!!

[@SuperIndiedrummer]

Staying here in September..fantastic insight thankyou

[@TheFrugalBrit]

You’re welcome, thank you for watching 😁

[@garstangterrier501]

Booked in here this coming Saturday for 2 weeks - can't wait! Usually book Rosen Inn International for the free parking and central idrive location but fancied a newer hotel this time. Your videos have helped massively with planning this latest long awaited vacation, thank you

[@TheFrugalBrit]

That’s awesome! I’ll be back in Orlando on sunday 😁

[@alimatt9685]

You’re gonna love it! I’m booking my 3rd stay here it’s amazing. By far my favorite hotel and I’ve stayed at sapphire falls, cabana bay, and surf side

[@henrypearson2222]

@@TheFrugalBrit might see you there, I'll be landing Saturday for 2 weeks! 😊

[@thesecretisselflove]

Did you like it?

[@suchadiva6071]

Did you like it? I’m booked here next month and curious about recent reviews.

[@justchillin5741]

Stayed at dockside in may it is absolutely wonderful the pool is great it has music under the water the pool bar has great pina coldas and the shuttle came every 10 min everything else is within walking distance it’s definitely worth the stay if you’re going to universal

[@Toycollectinggeek]

I arrive tomorrow Can't wait

[@TheFrugalBrit]

😱😱

[@ItsThe1n96]

I love the dockside inn. such a peaceful and chill vibe. outside by the bar and pool under the sun and palm trees is A1 unfortunately its all booked up for my next trip but I would highly recommend to anybody.

[@mrsymor]

Thanks for the video, we'd been planning a family holiday to Disneyworld however with drastic price increases coupled with reduced services (e.g. free onsite parking, complimentary airport shuttles) it really looks like Universal Studios is the more attractive option

[@TheFrugalBrit]

I’ll obviously always love WDW, but it’s been really disappointing to see the changes over last couple years.

[@helloagainratface9622]

@@TheFrugalBrit Living in Sarasota we were loooong time Mouse House annual holders but the time has come for us to make the jump to Universal. The prices along with all the woke agenda has just made it easy. Going for 6 days in Dec. Cant wait to try Aashirwad!

[@felkerforcongress]

We found it! Thanks man for the content!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

😁

[@iwantmy2dollars187]

Love your informative videos! I had no idea you could walk to the parks from Surfside. How long approximately did it take you to walk from Surfside to Citywalk? Do you still go through the main hub security or is there a nearby smaller security checkpoint?

[@lisalang708]

Completely agree Dockside is better than Cabana Bay. I’ve stayed at both and Cabana Bay was a huge disappointment

[@TheFrugalBrit]

I do like Cabana Bay, but Dockside is better bang for book imo

[@barbeej12]

I stayed at Dockside during Labor Day weekend and I recently stayed at the Cabana Bay for Spring Break. Dockside has nice new clean rooms, and Cabana Bay is somewhat dated. However, the vibe at Cabana Bay is great. It grows on you want to go again.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

I know what you mean, I’m back to Cabana Bay on Sunday 😁

[@shahjehan]

Super stoked, we just booked.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

😁

[@christineansorge5519]

Thank you for pointing out the pharmacy.

[@rfjel7785]

Price we paid $98 for a pool view min November. No issues with noise, the buses ran every 10-15 min. At night/park close they had 3 loading at the same time.

[@rfjel7785]

Make that mid November 😂

[@sophiea2658]

We stayed back in July 2022 and we loved everything about it. Planning to go back in October

[@sebastianorozco1114]

Are the parks outrageously busy during June-July?

[@madelinebarnett1303]

Stayed here in May - I will warn everyone that at night (if the parks are busy), the shuttles are full and it takes roughly 45 min - 1 hour to get back to the hotels. After being on your feet all day, it is not always the best option. During busy season, the hotels are packed with thousands of guests. You also share shuttles with the other resort (so you have to go and pick up/drop off the other resort guests) so your ride is roughly 10-15 minutes plus the time it takes for the shuttle to arrive, the time to pick up other guests, etc.

[@abrahamhernandez7621]

Is May a busy season and do you think we should the xoress pass. Am going at the begging of May with my wife for a week we staying at this hotel I just want to know if we should get the pass or not.

[@martyboy1664]

Another option for Sea World is the I-ride trolley, there are a couple of stops quite close by (5 and G5) and they stop right at the door of Sea World and Aquatica.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Yeah I should have mentioned that! Good knowledge, thank you for sharing 👍

[@Victoria-mf5dk]

My family are coming here really soon (Dec. 7) its really exciting!

[@javierdeleongaitan8651]

Excelent content 👌👌👌

[@TheFrugalBrit]

😁

[@fhputube]

Thanks for the info, SUPER helpful. I'll be looking at your other videos to try and make up my mind. Just hopping into Orlando for 2 nights. Magical Kingdom, Discovery Cove + Seaworld, so trying to find best location with potential package deal. :)

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Hope you have a great trip, that’s a lot to cover 😮

[@Lorena-OT7]

I hope the new park is open by July or Aug, do they have connecting rooms or just adjoining?

[@pamnakano]

You make the best video guides I ever found on this site! Do you plan to make one of these about Aventura Hotel? I'm still trying to pick between Aventura and Dockside

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you! I will eventually. Small chance I book for August 👍

[@georgiaboytj]

Awesome. I'm booked for mid September at dockside. What time does the shuttle stop running at night?

[@clonmult]

We had a recent holiday at Surfside, and it was absolutely fantastic. I'm now torn between Surfside, Dockside and Cabana. Reckon that Surfside will edge it - a little smaller, quieter than Dockside, and whilst cabana does have direct access to Volcano Bay, there are direct buses from Surfside and Dockside to Volcano Bay.

[@blaster-zy7xx]

I have stayed at all three. Dockside and Surfside are pretty much the same (They are sister resorts) with Cabana Bay being one a notch up because Cabana has more amenities like the lazy river and bowling allies and they are directly adjacent to Volcano Bay. When we go with family we stay at Cabana, but when my wife and I go by ourselves and we have been many times, we just save a few bucks and stay at the newer Endless summer Dockside and Surfside hotels. Universal beats the outrageous prices of Disney hotels by a long shot.

[@clonmult]

@@blaster-zy7xx on our break this year we were at Cabana Bay - regular rooms are effectively the same in both Cabana and Endless Summer. And their new resort, Stella Nova, is looking to be priced similar to Cabana Bay (possibly a little cheaper from a quote I got). You're absolutely right - Disney looks massively overpriced in comparison, they just aren't competitive.

[@kevincampbell9757]

Coming here from the uk in sept the room to me is just somewhere to sleep and get changed really so won’t be in it much ,really looking forward to it

[@Cokey670]

Another great video thanks 👍🏻 but did you say a new Universal theme park is coming?? I’ve not heard anything about this…maybe your next video could be a preview of what we can expect 😁

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you! Yeah probably not a bad idea for a video.

[@keithstevenson8038]

Thanks for the video. One of my considerations for 13nights from 30th October. Do you know if swimming still possible late in the evenings this time of year? Fingers crossed the weather will still be good, always been used to going May, June & July in the heat!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

I’m really not sure tbh, I suspect that they may close one of the pools and close a bit early. Thanks for watching 👍

[@Katie-vf5fg]

I would love for you do analyze the hard rock hotel! it’s my go to when we travel to orlando and I would love to see you made a video on it!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Yeah that one is definitely in my plans. May be difficult now this year though.

[@scavey1099]

I’m there in August, I’d be interested to know if they do a free shuttle to Seaworld like Dockside does?

[@woooooooo9061]

Just a wee question. We will be staying at Coronado Springs for 2 weeks in September, 1 might at hard rock half way through. We will be using magic bands during our 8 Disney park days ( 3 days Universal, 1 discovery cove and 1 day shopping ) I understand that magic band use get charged to the room, then you pay off the charges at reception, we have a credit card on file linked. It isn’t a fee free card though. Do you think we’d be better just using cash, or are there advantages to using the credit card aside from less baggage? We’re getting $900 from Disney as dining credits and $100 gift card, so we figure that’s our first 5 days food and drink paid. As far as Uber, I realise that will go onto the credit card, we will try and pay that off before incurring any fees. Do you have any advice on this? We are budgeting for around $300 a day for food and drink.👍

[@parvindersingh9150]

Thanks for the video, love your material. Could you do a video dedicated to Wizarding world? thank you

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Yeah it’s in my plans, thanks for watching 👍😁

[@edvaira6891]

4:26…Ahh! Don’t recall if we’ve ever caught sight of what you look like before, my friend! Nice to see you!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Ha! I think I might’ve shown a reflection or two in other videos, but not this much lol

[@atb88]

You look younger than I thought you would!

[@jenniferlorimer9644]

Great video again 👏. Iv not been yet but I would have to agree that dockside seems excellent value. It's funny how universal seem to want to give their customers the best value for the money they are asking for, but Disney is doing the opposite right now and want more dollars from guests 🤷. Hope you and your family have an amazing holiday, which I'm sure you will.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you Jennifer, we can’t wait! yeah seems like Disney has lost a lot of fans of late with the direction they’ve gone down. If you do book here make sure you request a room at the highest floor possible.

[@QuinQuanMom]

Is there a way to find a schedule for the shuttle service?

[@cheetalia]

What are the schedules for the bus? When do they start/end service?

[@ginahill2740]

Can someone explain the 2 bedroom suite thing? We’re looking at a family suite at cabana bay but really want some sort of division between bedrooms if possible

[@didthespideybombshityester6698]

Any idea how deep the pool is at Dockside? I stayed at Surfside and noticed the pool seemed really shallow.

[@MarkWilcock]

Thank you so much for the video (and all the others) - I have a question. I am looking at this hotel + Surfside and Cabana Bay for our trip in middle May 2023. I have my parents (70 yrs old) and 6yr old with us for our trip. They'll want to have more hotel/pool days and also walks on I-Drive. Which one would you recommend for best entertainment/pools and shortest walk to a mart?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Hmmm that’s a tough one. There’s a walgreens across the street from Surfside which might be best, but the Cabana Bay has better pools. Probably depends what you value more. Little tip I forgot to include, if you walk over to volcano bay’s bus pickup, you can catch the endless summer bus to surfside to access international drive 👍

[@MarkWilcock]

@@TheFrugalBrit awesome. Thank you so much.

[@AndyLoudon]

It is possible to walk from the hotel to the parks (although the hotel staff advise against it). Takes about 15 mins, and can save time if the bus queues are huge, like at the end of the night. Also, our standard room had a coffee machine when we were there a couple of weeks ago.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Oh that’s interesting about the coffee machine! Thanks for sharing.

[@davidpearson481]

Did the staff explain why they advised against walking to the parks? Is it simply because of the time required or is it not recommended for maybe security reasons? (I ask because i've been there 3 times now but I mostly stayed in the universal "bubble" by taking the shuttles, I have no idea how safe this area is. It felt fine but I don't really know.

[@joshuawells4842]

Please do a Busch Gardens video!!! 🙏

[@BlessedLife291]

That’s awesome no resort fees

[@paladindanse98]

How would you suggest getting to Kennedy Space Center and Busch Gardens from this resort?

[@CallumHull13]

Was originally booked into Surfside for October but upgraded to Cabana Bay Volcano Bay View Room so hope it is worth it. Will you be doing another one of these videos for Cabana Bay? Will be my first time staying on site as the other times I have stayed offsite. Again a brilliant video! Just love the music.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Yeah I will likely do a Cabana Bay within the next 6 months. Fantastic resort, I’m there on Sunday.

[@CallumHull13]

@@TheFrugalBrit That's good to hear and I am very jealous! have a good time

[@hadidianas]

Can you ask for upgrade after reservation?

[@CallumHull13]

@@hadidianas I had paid my reservation completely and then went back to Virgin and asked what the price was for an upgrade to another hotel, and they did it all for me. You just pay the difference in prices

[@frankieo8285]

What's the problems with that area of international drive? Is it dangerous? I've stayed a little further up at Avanti Palms, but that was 10+ years ago. Another great video, thank you. 👍

[@TheFrugalBrit]

It has a (somewhat unfair) reputation as being dangerous. Can get a bit lairy at the weekends though.

[@frankieo8285]

@@TheFrugalBrit oh, I see. Thank you.

[@heatheredwards1904]

hi frugal brit met your dad in hospital nice chap keep up the good work

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you Heather! Hopefully he’ll be out today 🤞😁

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you Heather! Hopefully he’ll be out today 🤞😁

[@mygaming8432]

If I'm already going on my trip to Disney and Universal and i got one more day to do somthing. which park is better to do in this day. epcot in disney or seaworld?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Really depends what sort of things you’re into. I’m guessing you’d save money by doing Epcot though if you already have your tickets? SeaWorld is better for thrill rides.

[@samplautz5586]

Depending on when you look, you can find dockside for 80 dollars per night

[@nxczbffdsthe32nd]

4:44 Nastolgia I want to go back to my once in a lifetime trip.

[@nxczbffdsthe32nd]

I was on floor 14

[@amandamiron9031]

I reserved my theme tickets and hotel separate, how can I get early park hours?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

They'll give you a key card when you check in which is used for the early park admission.

[@ashleyhawkes5786]

Im assuming I trolly is near by?

[@NiallDoran.glasgow]

I'm Doing 3 Nights in the Hard rock and 7 in Rosen Inn this year ! I really dont see paying silly amounts as u only really sleep in the bed and back out the way I put it as costing you £200 per day so really want to make the most of it !

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Yeah I know what you mean, unless it’s for a night or two I don’t really splash out on hotels.

[@briannguyen1134]

Is there a microwave in the lobby for standard customers ?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

There was a microwave in the my room on my last visit here a couple weeks ago. But I think there’s also a microwave in the food court (but not 100% sure).

[@arshixoxo]

Omggg please review Cabana bay. Im in the process of booking and Cabana is calling my name

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Hoping to have that video finished within 2-3 weeks 😁

[@arshixoxo]

@@TheFrugalBrit I’ve been looking into Lowes Porofino Bay which trumps Cabana Bay 1000% I really hope you have some information or a whole video on Portofino Bay please

[@Mike_Vlogs_YT]

I think it’s a really nice hotel for the price

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Me too!

[@CoasterCleetus]

Is the breakfast here free?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Unfortunately not 😢

[@daionnegreer7225]

I am at this hotel right now

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Any good?

[@suchadiva6071]

How was it?

[@edvaira6891]

Both of these hotels remind me of a slightly nicer Quality/Comfort Inn but below that of Rosen Inns

[@TheFrugalBrit]

I think the rooms at Rosen Inns have better facilities, but much more dated, and outside the resorts they don’t look nice. The Quality Inn near Dockside has some of the worst reviews I’ve ever seen. Im tempted to vlog it just to see what it’s like 😂

[@edvaira6891]

@@TheFrugalBrit Truthfully I’m describing only the somewhat nice if ruimentary looking comfort inns and quality ends out here in Southern California… I’m guessing from how you describe it that the one on international drive is ghastly!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

@@edvaira6891 no you’re right, they are very inconsistent. The one on I-Drive looks absolutely dreadful.

[@Aitunes03]

Do they have a nice gym?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

They do 😁

[@jefffane1731]

4:16 Whenever I see the pillow on the beds, I think it says "Evil". My brain can't un-see it. Hopefully it messes with you too.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

They leave it out when you forget to tip. Cannot unsee 😂

[@RyansTravels]

Sadly i was really unlucky and i had a terrible time at this hotel, i was there during thanksgiving week and It was very busy and very noisy! You can hear people in the rooms next door and above you! The walls are wafer thin! We were on level 5. Queues were way too long in the mornings for starbucks. Also poor food selection in restaurant. Facilties too small for amount of people staying there. Maybe better at quieter time of year.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Yeah Starbucks was a nightmare in the mornings. Similar at Cabana Bay. Based on your travel day Vlog, think we stayed at Dockside at the same time. Think I got a bit lucky with the noise on the 9th floor.

[@RyansTravels]

@@TheFrugalBrit oh right, yeah we travelled there a few days after the US Borders reopened. The manager told me the hotel was fully booked for thanksgiving so we couldnt change rooms! I didnt bother doing a hotel review video as i would just end up moaning too much lol!🤣 cabana bay was better.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

@@RyansTravels haha yeah I know what you mean, it’s not as fun when you have to be super critical. I fear that’s what is gonna happen if I have to review Aer Lingus. Absolute shambles.

[@davebongiovanni7297]

Narrater ilia annoying

[@daxhausentraveller8488]

FB great honest review as usual . I would definitely stay at either of these hotels 🏨. Lack of resort fees is a big plus , however if this was your first trip to Orlando I would either advise an on site complex or a more central hotel on international drive . These two hotels are a little isolated for the first timer in my view . On a personnal note Dockside or Avanti ? Dax 🤝😃

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thanks Dax! I would go for Dockside personally 👍

[@jamiebishop1060]

Is it really that dangerous? We rebooked here from Cabana Bay for 6 nights (checking in on Thanksgiving) to save some money in order to upgrade other aspects of the trip and it will be over a weekend for the first half of our stay 🥲

[@TheFrugalBrit]

It would be no problem at all unless you plan on doing lots of walking around the hotel on I-Drive 👍

[@jamiebishop1060]

@@TheFrugalBrit thanks so much! We will probably drive at night because our feet will be dead and we are lazy 🤣