Whilst Universal’s Endless Summer Resort: Surfside Inn & Suites is a budget-level theme park hotel, it is far from boring.
Yes, this is a resort that's probably best suited to guests who prioritise time in the parks, Universal's CityWalk, and, perhaps, the nearby attractions of International Drive (i-Drive); that's not to say there's nothing to do onsite.
Universal Orlando's budget-friendly, beach-themed hotel (alongside sister resort Dockside Inn & Suites) gives guests more than just a place to crash between park days.
From its surfboard-shaped pool to nightly dive-in movies and a game room packed with classics, Surfside is designed to keep all guests entertained.
Here, we take a closer look at the amenities, activities, and nearby attractions that help make Surfside one of the best budget theme park hotels around.
Pools and Relaxation Spaces
The surfboard-shaped pool is Surfside’s centerpiece attraction.
It’s large, zero-entry, and shallow enough to keep families at ease. And, little ones will love the playful water jets at the “foot” of the surfboard. The pool area is lined with palm trees, and a good amount of lounger space, making it a satisfying space with a breezy, relaxed vibe.
There are no expensive private cabanas or upgrades here. Everything is accessible for all guests staying here. At this is value resort the focus is on fun, not frills.
Still, there are plenty of loungers, umbrellas, free towels, and lifejackets for younger swimmers.
Guests are also welcome to enjoy The Sand Bar, just steps from the pool, serving soft drinks, frozen cocktails, smoothies, and cold beers. It's a hit for all the family.
Come evening-time, the pool area transforms with 'dive-in' movies, where family-friendly films are screened on an outdoor screen. Enjoy floating on the water or curling up in a deck chair with a snack. It makes for a cheap and easy entertainment highlight for the stay.
Activities for Kids and Teens
During the day, staff-led activities pop up around the pool deck.
There's ping-pong tournaments, giant Jenga, cornhole, trivia games, and even hula-hoop contests.
These add-ons make pool time more than just a swim session.
When the Florida sun gets too much, the Surfside Game Room steps in.
This lively arcade mixes new favourites with nostalgic classics, from basketball shootouts to claw machines. Tokens or reloadable cards keep things simple, and it’s an affordable way to spend an afternoon away from the parks.
Fitness and Wellness at Surfside
Guests who want to stick to their workout routines will appreciate Surfside’s complimentary fitness centre - the on-site gym is frankly a rarity for budget-level theme-park resorts in Orlando.
Given the resort's price point, having a well-appointed gym really helps make the Endless Summer hotels stand out.
It’s fully equipped with treadmills, ellipticals, free weights, kettlebells, and weight machines. TVs and mirrors make it feel more like a proper gym than a token hotel fitness room.
Separate locker rooms add convenience if you’re squeezing in a workout before hitting the parks.
The gym is a great addition, though the Endless Summer resorts do not have spa facilities - if that's you're thing, you'll need to look to some of the higher-end Universal resorts like Portofino Bay, Royal Pacific or Hard Rock.
Shopping and souvenirs
Right off the lobby at Endless Summer Surfside, the Universal Studios Store makes souvenir-hunting easy.
It’s stocked with resort essentials (swimsuits, sunscreen, toiletries) as well as branded favourites like Harry Potter wands, Minions plushies, and Hogwarts T-shirts.
It’s particularly handy if you forgot to pick up a last-minute gift before heading home.
The lobby is also home to a Universal Vacation Planning Center, where guests can buy park tickets or get attraction advice.
Meanwhile, how could anyone overlook the Starbucks café, perfect for a morning or late afternoon coffee fix?
Evening entertainment
If Surfside's fun but low-key evening entertainment isn't your speed, but you still want a night off from the parks, the nearby attractions of i-Drive may be what you're looking for.
Among all Universal resorts the Endless Summer hotels are uniquely located practically on i-Drive. So, guests can hop on an I-Ride Trolley, Uber, or Lyft to explore some of I-Drive’s favourite nightspots.
These include but aren't limited to the colourful Latin dance show at Mango’s Tropical Café, the 'dueling' pianos at Howl at the Moon bar and live music venue, or check out ICEBAR Orlando (literally a bar carved from ice).
And there's ICON Park, featuring the 400-foot Orlando Eye observation wheel, thrill rides like the StarFlyer, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, and plenty of dining.
Beyonf those, there's still much more to do like ...
- Pointe Orlando – An entertainment hub with WonderWorks, bowling, comedy clubs, and restaurants.
- Fun Spot America – Classic amusement park thrills with go-karts and roller coasters.
- Dezerland Park – An enormous indoor complex with go-karting, trampoline park, arcade, axe throwing, and the Orlando Auto Museum.
- Escape Rooms – Top-rated experiences like The Escape Game Orlando and Escapology.
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition – Quirky and historical attractions perfect for families.
- Shopping – Orlando International Premium Outlets is right nearby, with over 180 discounted brand stores.
Getting around is easy thanks to the I-Ride Trolley, which at about $2 a ride, is very affordable (day passes are also available). And, alternatively, it's also straightforward getting around using ride-hailing apps like Uber/Lyft to most spots.
Why Surfside works
Surfside doesn’t pretend to be a luxury retreat—it’s a value resort that still delivers fun.
You get a standout pool, some organised activities, an arcade, fitness centre, on-site shopping, and a location that unlocks all of International Drive.
While you won’t find spas or private cabanas, you will find an easygoing vibe and plenty to do without constantly reaching for your wallet.
For couples, it’s a simple, breezy base that balances relaxation by the pool with easy access to I-Drive nightlife.
Universal’s Endless Summer Surfside Inn & Suites may be one of Universal’s most affordable resorts, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to amenities and activities.
Whether you plan to lounge by the surfboard-shaped pool, catch a dive-in movie under the stars, explore International Drive’s attractions, or simply let the kids burn off energy in the game room, Surfside keeps the fun even when you're taking time away from the Universal parks.
It’s proof that budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean boring.
In case you missed it ...
What is the pool like at Universal’s Endless Summer Surfside Inn & Suites?
Universal’s Endless Summer Surfside Inn & Suites features a large surfboard-shaped, zero-entry pool with playful water jets, ample loungers, and nightly dive-in movies.
Does Universal’s Endless Summer Surfside Inn & Suites have a gym or spa?
Universal’s Endless Summer Surfside Inn & Suites offers a complimentary fitness centre with cardio and weights but does not have spa facilities.
Are there private cabanas or paid pool upgrades at Universal’s Endless Summer Surfside Inn & Suites?
Universal’s Endless Summer Surfside Inn & Suites does not offer private cabanas or paid pool upgrades, focusing instead on free towels, lifejackets, loungers and family-friendly amenities.
