Walt Disney World Resort fans may soon have a new reason to visit Disney Springs, as a recently filed construction permit points to a sweet expansion in the heart of the shopping district. The Notice of Commencement, submitted to Orange County, requests a “New Tenant Build-Out” at 1600 E. Buena Vista Dr., Suite C-22—the former home of The Art of Shaving, which is now permanently closed.
The location is noteworthy for its proximity to one of Disney Springs’ most popular dessert destinations: Gideon’s Bakehouse. Known for cookies that weigh nearly half a pound and long waits that stretch around the block, Gideon’s has quickly become a must-visit spot for locals and Disney guests alike. Its gothic-inspired décor, filled with old books, dark wood, flickering lights, and artwork with a mysterious edge, turns each visit into more than just a bakery stop—it’s a themed experience.
The permit lists Walt Disney World as the property owner, but the client is The First Raven LLC, the company behind Gideon’s founder Steve Lewis, according to WDWNT. When Lewis’s business is attached to a project, it often signals a direct expansion of the brand. This has led fans to speculate about a possible second Gideon’s location—or perhaps a new concept inspired by the bakery’s signature style.
Gideon’s story began in 2016 in a 286-square-foot bakery inside East End Market. Starting with one employee and an $800 budget, Lewis transformed the small shop into a phenomenon. The bakery became known for its 24-hour cookie process, indulgent cakes, and an approach that frames every treat as a storytelling experience—memories, heartbreaks, and first kisses baked into each half-pound creation.
The Disney Springs location, which opened in 2020, brought the bakery to an even larger audience. Virtual queues, monthly limited-edition cookies, and fan favorites like the peanut butter cold brew have helped solidify Gideon’s as a destination. The immersive environment of the bakery complements the surrounding Disney experience, blending storytelling, themed décor, and culinary craft in a way that feels uniquely at home in Walt Disney World.
With the Art of Shaving location sitting empty since early 2024, the permit suggests expansion is imminent. A second location could reduce wait times, introduce new menu items, and expand the bakery’s storytelling approach. Neither Disney nor Gideon’s has commented yet, but the documentation confirms that fans should be watching Disney Springs closely for what could be one of the area’s most exciting sweet-shop developments.
