By: Charlene Recio, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
Listen, I don’t have anything against the fall. I totally get the affinity towards everything autumn — the leaves changing colors, the visits to the pumpkin patch, and the hot apple cider. Heck, I’ve been known to order a pumpkin spice latte or two. But, at the same time, I’m just not ready for summer to end!
Thankfully, at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites, it can be summer all year round! Located within Universal Orlando Resort and just 15 miles from the Orlando International Airport, this Universal Value Hotel radiates with coastal vibes from the moment you set foot in the door. From the inviting lobby area, complete with its own Starbucks onsite, to the Universal team members dressed in tropical attire, you will feel as if you have escaped from your ordinary life and into island life!
Dockside Inn and Suites, one of Universal’s two Value Hotels, features more 2-bedroom suites than standard rooms in its two U-shaped towers. These 2-bedroom suites accommodate up to six occupants, while the standard rooms, which are 313 square feet in size, all feature 2 double beds. It is interesting to note, however, that there are no king bed options at Dockside Inn and Suites. The decor of the rooms is simple and clean, and is complimented with beach-inspired designs and island-themed colors; the sign in my room even encouraged me to, “Catch the Wave!”
We were lucky enough to get a room with a pool view, and the views of the pool were just as gorgeous at night as they were during the daytime! Dockside Inn and Suites has two large resort-style pools on its property; each has its own poolside bar and an ample number of deck chairs for its guests. The pool near Tower 2 even features a zero-entry pool with sandy beach area, making you feel as if you were truly on a tropical island, instead of at the hotel pool on International Drive! For those of you with little ones, feel free to take them to the kids’ splash pad area for extra fun!
Pier 8 Market is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and features multiple food stations, as well as a Grab-N-Go section for those in a hurry to get to the parks. What’s even better is that the price points aren’t terrible: you can get a variety of sandwiches, wraps, and salads for under $11. Feeling more adventurous? How about some coconut shrimp from the Harbor Grille? At only $12, you can afford to be adventurous at Pier 8 Market. In my book, if you can get away without spending an arm and a leg for food at a theme park resort hotel, you’re already a step ahead! Pier 8 Market offers pizzas, which are available to be delivered to your room if you’re too exhausted from your day at the parks!
THE BAR
Who doesn’t enjoy a nightcap to end a long day on vacation? The Sunset Lounge, conveniently located just steps from the front entrance, is the perfect place to unwind and have a drink or two before heading to bed. Serving up cocktails, beer, and wine, this pristine establishment won me over with its tropical-themed drink names, such as “Walk the Plank” (made with Rum Haven Coconut Rum, Lime, Watermelon, and Fever Tree Club Soda), “Sailor’s Delight” (made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Lemon, and Chambord), and “Drop Anchor” (made with Bacardi 8 Rum, Lime, Lavender, and Black Cherry). If I had a higher alcohol tolerance, I would have tried them all, but alas, matey, it turns out I can’t drink like a sailor after all. From what I remember, I really enjoyed myself AND the drinks that were served! But anyway, enough about me…
Let’s get to the good stuff! As one of only 8 Universal resort hotels, you’ll be happy to know there is a sizable Universal Studios Store inside of the lobby, which I personally found useful when I forgot to purchase a Wizarding World of Harry Potter souvenir for my Ravenclaw-loving son! Whether you are searching for a Hogwarts robe or a shirt to commemorate your first ride on the 70-mile-per-hour Velocicoaster, there is something in this store for you. Did you forget to pack a beach towel for your day at Volcano Bay? You can find one inside the Universal Studios Store! Need a lanyard to keep your Universal Orlando Resort park ticket handy? You can find one inside the Universal Studios Store! Looking for a Chocolate Frog or Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans to satisfy your sweet tooth? You can find one inside the Universal Studios Store
Dockside Inn & Suites also offers complimentary WiFi in its guest rooms and all public areas, as well as a game room and a fitness center. As a hotel guest of Dockside Inn and Suites, you will have access to *exclusive* hotel guest benefits, such as Early Park Admission, free shuttles to and from the parks, resort-wide charging privileges, and complimentary merchandise delivery to your hotel from the Universal shops. With a room rate of under $150 per night, you just can’t beat the value.
No offense to all of the fall-loving people out there, but summer is the season for me. You can have all the fun you want with your apple-picking and hayrides and flannel shirts … You’ll find me at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites, where summer never ends!
Please reach out to Charlene, an agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels to plan your next vacation or you may contact Marvelous Mouse Travels.
