Queue Chronicles

Note: As of June 2025, we haven’t stayed at the new Epic Universe resorts, but we’ll update this post once we do!

When planning a trip to Universal Orlando, choosing where to stay can make or break your experience. Universal’s on-site hotels are split into two main categories: Value (like Endless Summer Resort) and Signature (like Loews Portofino Bay Hotel). Both offer perks like transportation to the parks and early park admission, but Signature resorts sweeten the deal with Express Unlimited Passes included in your stay—a major win during peak seasons. So, is the extra cost for a Signature resort worth it? Let’s break down our experiences at Endless Summer Resort (Value) and Loews Portofino Bay (Signature) to help you decide.

Endless Summer Resort: Affordable Comfort

We’ve stayed at both Dockside Inn and Suites and Surfside Inn and Suites multiple times, with Dockside being our go-to. For our family of four (two adults, two adult children), the 2-bedroom suite at Dockside is a game-changer. It’s spacious, eliminating the need for a rollaway bed, and has multiple TVs for everyone to unwind at night.

Our first stay in a standard room, however, was less impressive. The walls felt thin, and we could hear noise from neighboring rooms and hallways. It might’ve been a one-off due to our room’s location or rowdy neighbors, but we haven’t had this issue in the suites. For the price, the suite is a fantastic value and our top recommendation for families.

The rooms at Endless Summer are clean, bright, and decked out in a fun, modern surf/beach vibe. The lobby offers a convenient café and a Starbucks, perfect for a quick coffee fix. Like all Universal resorts, you get complimentary bus transportation to the parks and early park admission (one hour before the general public). For a budget-friendly stay of a few days, Endless Summer delivers comfort and convenience without breaking the bank.

Pros of Endless Summer Resort

• Affordable pricing, especially for suites
• Spacious 2-bedroom suites, ideal for families
• Clean, modern rooms with a fun beach theme
• Café and Starbucks in the lobby
• Complimentary bus transportation and early park admission

Cons of Endless Summer Resort

• Standard rooms may have thin walls, leading to noise
• Bus transportation can feel crowded during peak times

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: Luxury with Perks

If you’re ready to splurge, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is a whole different vibe. This Signature resort transports you to a picturesque Italian coastal village. The design is stunning, from the cobblestone courtyard to the elegant rooms. Our room had a soaker tub, a separate shower, and a balcony with a bistro set overlooking the bay—perfect for taking in the ambiance.

The courtyard below is a highlight, featuring a Starbucks, a few restaurants (a bit pricey), a pub, and our absolute favorite: the Gelateria. The cappuccino gelato is a must-try!

The perks at Portofino Bay elevate the experience. Instead of a bus, you travel to the parks via a scenic boat ride. The boat has its own private security checkpoint, so you skip the chaos at the main City Walk entrance and arrive just steps from Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure. Like the Value resorts, you get early park admission, but the real game-changer is the Express Unlimited Pass included with your stay. This lets you skip regular lines on most attractions as many times as you want—an absolute lifesaver during busy seasons.

Pros of Loews Portofino Bay

• Gorgeous Italian-inspired design and luxurious rooms
• Scenic boat transportation with private security
• Express Unlimited Passes included, perfect for peak seasons
• Charming courtyard with dining options, including an amazing Gelateria
• Early park admission

Cons of Loews Portofino Bay

• Significantly more expensive than Value resorts
• Dining options in the courtyard can be pricey

Is the Splurge Worth It?

Both Endless Summer and Loews Portofino Bay offer fantastic experiences, but it comes down to your budget and priorities. Endless Summer Resort is a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers. The suites are comfortable, the perks are great, and you’re still on-site with easy park access. For a short trip or if you’re fine with bus transportation, it’s hard to beat the value.

Loews Portofino Bay, on the other hand, feels like a mini-vacation within your vacation. The luxurious ambiance, boat transportation, and Express Unlimited Passes make it ideal for shorter trips (2–3 days) where you want to maximize park time and enjoy a touch of elegance. The passes alone can justify the cost during peak seasons, as they save hours in line.

For our family, the Value resorts are our default for longer stays or when we’re pinching pennies. But for a special occasion or a quick trip, the Signature experience at Portofino Bay is worth every cent—especially with those Express Passes. Whichever you choose, Universal’s on-site resorts make your theme park adventure seamless and memorable.

What’s your go-to Universal resort? Let us know in the comments!