Earlier this week Universal Orlando Resort announced the opening date for their eighth hotel, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites: March 17, 2020. This new hotel will be located on the former Wet ‘n Wild land and will be joining sister property Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites, which opened in June 2019. If you’re thinking about checking out this new hotel next spring, here’s everything you need to know:
1. A stay at this new hotel won’t break the bank
Image: Universal
Though Universal definitely has the premium hotel room market covered with locations like the Hard Rock Hotel and Lowe’s Portofino Bay, the resort has recently had a lot of success with more value-oriented properties like the Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Aventura Hotel. And it looks like that trend will continue with Dockside Inn and Suites, which will also be in the affordable ‘value’ category, with rates starting at just $89 per night.
2. There are currently two different room types for guests to choose from
Image: Universal
Though this might change later, right now there are only two major types of room that will be available when the hotel opens next spring:
- Standard room: Cool, calm and carefree, rooms here are remarkably charming and incredibly affordable. Sleep up to 4 adults in 2 queen beds. (Starting at $89 per night)
- 2-Bedroom Suites: Families will feel like they’re at a beach retreat in these spacious, two-bedroom suites that sleep six. There is also a kitchenette area, a cool picnic table for meals and hanging out, and a bathroom with separate bath and vanity areas. (Starting at $136 per night)
3. This hotel will add over 2,000 rooms to Universal’s overall hotel room inventory
Image: Universal
Right now, Universal Orlando Resort has approximately 9,000 rooms between its eight properties. However, with the opening of Dockside Inn and Suites Universal will add another 2,050 guest rooms, bringing its total number of rooms up to 11,000. Of course, that’s still a fraction of the rooms available at next-door neighbor Walt Disney World (which boasts 30,000 on-property rooms), but with this new addition plus the rooms that will come with the on-site hotels at Universal’s Epic Universe in 2023, Universal could get its inventory up to 15,000 rooms in the near future, if not more.
4. Amenities will be comparable to other value hotels
Image: Universal
Though high-end perks like included Express Passes remain only available for those staying at top-tier properties at Universal Orlando Resort, Dockside Inn and Suites will come with some impressive perks as well, including Early Park Admission To The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Volcano Bay one hour before the parks open, as well as free transportation to and from the parks, and select CityWalk club entrance with your room key.
