Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites, Orlando
It's part of Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, it’s got a bright, beachy vibe that makes you feel like you’re on a seaside break rather than in the middle of Orlando. With family-sized suites, a relaxed pool, and all the benefits of staying on-site (including those all-important early park entry privileges) it’s a hotel that's easy on your pocket.
For our July stay we were based at Endless Summer Resort in the Surfside Inn and Suites. We’ve never stayed there before, and it turned out to be a brilliant choice for a family group. The apartment-style suites sleep up to six, which meant we could all stay together without feeling crammed in.
Suitable for
Families, Groups, Couples
What I loved about it
The bright and breezy beach theme, it feels like a summer holiday in itself – let alone the theme parks!
Surfside Inn and Suites
Travelling as a family of 5, and every one of us now ‘adult sized’ it can be tricky to book a room that sleeps 5 but genuinely fits 5 people. There’s always the alternative to book 2 rooms, but that doubles the bill, so if we can all fit one room, that’s perfect.
That’s what we found at the Endless Summer – Surfside. One suite that sleeps 6, but comfortably.
What’s Involved
The suite comprised of 2 double beds, with a kitchenette area, a dressing area, bathroom and separate bedroom with a double bed and robes. This meant the ‘kids’ could share the larger area, sure the boys shared a bed, but they’re fine with that. the beds were comfy and there were plenty of power points for recharging devices overnight.
Having a kitchen area made it feel more relaxed than a typical hotel room and allowed us to make snacks which was great when we were a bit peckish after a day at the theme parks. We kept our drinks cool and we had the option to pack up some snacks and sandwiches and enjoy breakfast in the suite, which saved time and money – perfect!
Overall, the resort has a laid-back, beachy vibe that instantly put us in holiday mode, from the bright and airy reception, complete with a Starbucks and plenty of seating for a pit stop to the pool with adjacent ‘Sand Bar’ for when cocktail hour approaches!
Read more about our return to Universal Parks and Resorts in Florida with grown-up kids over at H&N Magazine
The pool is a good size, and we didn’t struggle for loungers. In all honesty I would have liked to spend more time by the pool, but the theme parks were calling… Such a great dilemma to have!
There’s also a well-equipped gym (for anyone who can face a workout after a theme-park day!), an amusement arcade and a laundry, so if you’ve packed light, you can wash your favourites while you go for a swim! I know it sounds crazy, doing your laundry while you’re on holiday, but it can be a game changer for packing, if you know you are staying in a resort where you can wash and rewear your clothes.
Practical touches made life simpler too: an on-site shop for any last-minute “merch,” a handy grab-and-go food court for quick bites, and a complimentary shuttle that whisked us straight to the Universal parks each morning, and back again at the end of the day. No parking stress, no logistics to think about, just a smooth start to our days out.
* From Surfside it’s approx. 15 min bus ride to City Walk (for Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure) and about the same to Epic Universe. We didn't head to Volcano Bay during this stay, but there is a shuttle that takes about 10 minutes, it's a little closer than City Walk.
* Guests at Surfside and Dockside can enjoy early park access, subject to certain conditions.
* Beach Break Cafe food court is open throughout the day and it's a good option for breakfast, with big breakfast sandwiches, pancakes or waffles all coming in at around $11.
* We found an Applebees, an IHOP and a KFC nearby as well as lots of other dining options in walking distance.
* The endless Summer Resorts are Universals budget friendly accommodation and standard rooms can be as little as £127 for a family of 4 depending on the time of year.
* It's around $32 a day to park at the theme parks, so be sure to use the shuttles.
* Surfside and Dockside resorts are just over the road to each other. If you’re catching the shuttle back at the end of the day, take either bus, Surfside/Dockside. It’s just a short walk across the road once you get back.
* Remember your water bottles, there are refill stations dotted around the resort (& all the parks) but if you forget your bottle, you can ask at any Quick Service counter for a cup of water.
All in all, Endless Summer is a great family friendly choice for a base in Orlando, well located and with everything you need for a comfortable, affordable stay close to the parks. If you're planning a Florida vacay, it should be on your radar!
By Sally Bendall
AS ALWAYS ALL SALLY'S OPINIONS ARE HER OWN.
