Cabana Bay vs. Endless Summer Resorts

If you’re planning a Universal vacation and looking to stay in a value resort, you’re probably considering Cabana Bay vs. Endless Summer Resorts. As a Universal Travel Agent, a longtime annual pass holder, and – more importantly – a huge fan of Universal Orlando, I’m here to help!

If you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodations at Universal, there is no doubt that both Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Endless Summer Resort have popped onto your radar. Endless Summer is comprised of two resorts. Endless Summer: Dockside and Endless Summer: Surfside.

Both Endless Summer resorts are pretty similar and right next to each other. The theming and decor are slightly different, but the amenities and general idea are basically the same. The biggest difference is that Dockside is twice the size of Surfside, so if you want to do less walking, Surfside is a better option.

Today, we explore Cabana Bay vs. Endless Summer Resorts resorts as a whole rather than discussing Dockside and Surfside individually. However, I will mention the areas where Dockside and Surfside differ.

Do you need a rental car in Orlando?

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It’s not needed, but is nice to have! If you’re staying in a family suite, a 2-bedroom suite at Cabana Bay, or a 2-bedroom suite at Endless Summer, you have a kitchenette! I like to take the short drive to Sprouts to grab snacks, so having a car is nice.

An Overview of Cabana Bay vs. Endless Summer Resorts

Universal Orlando has eleven hotels in three categories – value, prime value, and Signature.

Cabana Bay and Endless Summer Resorts are now in the “Value” category. Terra Luna and Stella Nova (coming soon to Epic Universe) will also be in the Prime Value Category with Aventura.

I already have a blog post comparing Cabana Bay vs. Aventura Hotel if you want to check it out.

The primary differences between Cabana Bay and Endless Summer will be the pools, theming, restaurants, and other amenities. The room sizes available are essentially the same, but we will discuss that further soon.

The difference between Cabana Bay vs. Endless Summer Resorts

Here are some of the main differences between Endless Summer Resort vs. Cabana Bay Beach Resort. I will go into further detail later, but this is an overview.

• Pricing: Endless Summer starts around $100, whereas Cabana Bay Beach Resort has a starting rate of about $130/night. Keep in mind pricing varies throughout the year.
• Room Options: Endless Summer offers standard rooms and 2-bedroom suites. There are many 2-bedroom suites, and they are very affordable. Cabana Bay offers standard rooms, family suites that sleep 6 (but no separate sleeping areas) and 2-bedroom Volcano Bay suites. These 2-bedroom suites sell out quickly! Check out our YouTube video to see what they look like.
• Theming: Cabana Bay has a 50s and 60s retro theme with bold colors. Endless Summer has a beach theme but is more neutral and minimal.
• Pools: Cabana Bay offers two main pools and a separate lazy river. Each Endless Summer Resort has very basic pools; Dockside has two, and Surfside has one.
• Location: Cabana Bay Beach Resort is much closer to Universal and in the “regular” Universal resort area. You can take a bus, walk over to the garden walk (a long walk), or walk to Sapphire Falls and take a water taxi. Endless Summer is further and not recommended as a walk.
• Restaurants: Although Cabana Bay technically has more restaurants than either Surfside or Dockside, all three have a diner or food court, Starbucks, a poolside restaurant and bar, and pizza delivery. However, Cabana Bay also has a restaurant at the bowling alley, a lobby lounge, a malt shop, and two poolside restaurants instead of one.
• Amenities: Amenities are one place where the pricing difference between Cabana Bay vs. Endless Summer is more obvious. Cabana Bay has a fitness center, bowling alley, and arcade. Endless Summer Dockside and Surfside each have a game room (smaller than the other resorts) and a more basic fitness center.

Pricing & Room Options

It’s hard to beat the pricing at Endless Summer Resorts! I have seen prices at around $100/night for a standard room. Even prices for the 2-bedroom suites (which sleep 6 with three double beds) start at around $130/night. There are many 2-bedroom suites at Endless Summer, so this is an easy choice for families of 4 or more on a budget.

Endless Summer Surfside. This is what a standard room looks like, and the 2-bedrooms have another double in a separate room with a door. 

Cabana Bay standard rooms start around $130/night, and family suites start around $160. There are limited 2-bedroom Volcano Bay Suites. These are larger than the 2-bedroom suites at Endless Summer, and they have incredible views of Volcano Bay! However, they sell out in advance, and the price is much higher, starting at around $300/night.

The living area (with sofa bed) in the 2-bedroom suite at Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

Still, the 2-bedroom Volcano Bay suites sleep 8, so it can be an economical option for larger families. There are two separate bedrooms with doors (one has one queen, the other has two doubles) and a sleeping sofa in the living area.

While Endless Summer is the clear winner regarding price, Cabana Bay Beach Resort has more options.

Theme

Cabana Bay has a retro 50s and 60s theme. Both Endless Summer Dockside and Surfside have a more neutral, beach theme. I personally love the very modern feel of Aventura, but if I had to choose between the theming of Cabana Bay vs. Endless Summer Resorts, I would choose Endless Summer.

Pools

We have to look at the pools when comparing Cabana Bay vs. Endless Summer Resorts. This is another category where Cabana Bay is the clear winner.

Cabana Bay offers two separate pool areas. One pool has a large slide, and the other has a separate lazy river. When you stay at Cabana Bay, you are also welcome to “pool hop” at other Universal Resort pools.

You are NOT allowed to pool hop while staying at Endless Summer. Furthermore, Endless Summer has pretty basic pools. You’ll get to cool down, and there are plenty of chairs, but the pools are nothing special.

This is one area where Endless Summer Dockside and Endless Summer Surfside are differ. Dockside has two pools, which are fairly similar—one for each “wing.” The pools are very basic but large. There are no hot tubs or specialty areas.

Surfside has one pool, and while it’s also large, it’s nothing special either. Universal has some great resort pools, but both Endless Summer Pools, while just fine, are lacking compared to other Universal pools.

Location

Lastly, let’s discuss the location of Endless Summer Resorts vs. Cabana Bay Beach Resort in more detail. Cabana Bay is the furthest resort “on campus” from Universal. However, it is still walkable and will take about 25-30 minutes. You can also walk over to Sapphire Falls (about 10-15 minutes) and take the water taxi.

Endless Summer is located on the other side of the highway. These two resorts were built later and are not “on campus” like the rest. You still have access to Universal via buses that run all day. I recommend staying onsite, even if it’s at Endless Summer because even the partner hotels have very limited transportation.

Cabana Bay certainly wins in the location department. Of course, the premier resorts are even closer!

Restaurants

It’s hard to beat the Bayliner Diner at Cabana Bay. Bayliner Diner has pizza, burgers, vegetarian options, salads, deserts, and even an entire area filled with allergy-friendly items. There are also grab-and-go options that you can take back to your room during breaks.

Dockside and Surfside each have a casual food court. While the offerings are not quite as extensive as the Bayliner diner, there is a bit of everything here.

Sunset Lounge and Endless Summer: Surfside. 

Cabana Bay also has a restaurant in the bowling alley, and both offer easy access to ordering pizza. At Cabana Bay, each of the pool areas has a bar and grill serving wraps, salads, burgers, drinks, snacks, and more. Endless Summer has similar (but more limited) options at each resort’s poolside bar.

Universal is fantastic for food allergies, so every resort and park will have allergy-friendly options. Most staff are also very aware of allergy and cross-contamination issues. So when it comes to dining at Cabana Bay vs. Endless Summer Resorts, it’s a tie because they both have a lot of options.

Amenities

We have already discussed some of the amenities at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, but you will find more. Galaxy Bowl is a massive fit for families, and having two nice pools is a bonus. Although Endless Summer Resorts both have a smaller game room, the arcade at Cabana Bay is more popular.

If none of these things are important to you, you may not realize you’re missing out on amenities when staying at Cabana Bay vs. Endless Summer Resorts.

Cabana Bay Beach Resort Vs. Endless Summer Resort

So, which is better? Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Endless Summer? The truth is, that depends on you! I generally recommend Cabana Bay if it fits within your budget. However, I realize that some people are on a tight budget, which is priority number one.

If that’s you, Endless Summer is likely a good fit! If you don’t want to be so far from the parks, or if you want a few more amenities, then Cabana Bay Beach Resort will be the way to go. Is a nice pool important? Cabana Bay has one of the best at Universal! However, I have to give the “best pool” award to Sapphire Falls! Still, you can pool-hop at Cabana Bay!

What about other resort options? I recommend a Signature Resort with Express Passes if it fits your budget! Here are the other Universal Resorts:

• Hard Rock Hotel
• Loews Portofino Bay
• Loews Royal Pacific
• Aventura Hotel
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Universal Endless Summer Resorts – Dockside Inn and Suites and Seaside Inn and Suites.

You get free Express Passes when you stay at select Signature Resorts which include Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay, and Loews Royal Pacific.

You do not get free Express Passes at Sapphire Falls or Grand Helios. 

More Universal Travel Tips:

I hope this guide to Cabana Bay vs. Endless Summer Resorts helped you determine the best for you. I have lots more Universal travel tips here on the blog. Check them out!

• 15 Genius Universal Studios Hacks for 2025
• 20 Pro Tips for Universal Orlando
• The best gluten-free food at Universal
• How to visit the entire Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day
• The best state parks near Orlando
• 15 Genius Volcano Bay Tips

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