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I’ve never met a dessert I didn’t like. Lucky for Disney fans, you can enjoy no shortage of sweets on your Walt Disney World vacation. Still, cookies hold a spot near the top of the dessert list for me. The portability, deliciousness, storable and shareable nature of cookies make it the perfect dessert. A few weeks ago, we talked about how awesome the Ghirardelli chocolate chip cookie is and where to find it at Disney Springs. Today we are back with another Disney Springs deep dive into Gideon’s Bakehouse. Here is a guide to the ultimate indulgence at Gideon’s Bakehouse.
Images Credit: Gideon’s Bakehouse / Disney Springs
Gideon’s Bakehouse is a Florida-based company that is super popular at Disney Springs. In fact, this sweet shop is an Orlando native, having opened its flagship location at Orlando’s East End Market in 2016. Per Gideon’s website, this company is one of humble origins. In 2016 it opened with $800 startup funding, one employee, and a dream of making show-stopping cookies. It’s safe to say that this dream has been realized as the company now has two locations (East End Shop and the Walt Disney World location), and both shops see quite the buzz from customers. In fact, this is so true of the Disney Springs location that most days, Guests are asked to join a virtual queue before joining the line. More on that soon.
This gothic cookie shop is so cute you’ll relish your time in the shop prepping to order nearly as much as the sweet treats you purchase. Bakery creator Steve Lewis got the name and inspiration for the shop after finding a Victorian-era cookbook with the name Gideon scrawled inside. Presumably, this cookbook that was filled with history and delicious recipes belonged to an owner Gideon, as did the doodles and notations that littered the pages and margins of this cookbook. The creepy and curious Victorian vibe of this cookie shop is so enjoyable. Though Steve Lewis didn’t set out to create a Disney-esque bakery experience, Gideon’s Bakehouse feels (to me anyway) like it was made for Disney. Walking into this shop to buy a cookie does not feel like a trip to snag a cookie and cold brew coffee, it feels like stepping into a story.
Credit: Disney
Disney fans will love the feel of this shop, which is designed to feel like a Victorian library/study hybrid packed to the rim with details and artifacts. Aging books, creepy framed portraits, medical models, maps, and more line the narrow shelves of this shop that create the illusion of the space closing in on you. In short, there are so many cool things to look at you’ll have a hard time maintaining your spot in line (whoops, maybe that’s just me). Gideon’s Bakehouse tells a story and feels like an experience, so do not skip this sugar-fueled shop on your Disney trip.
Credit: Gideon’s Bakeshop
Pro Tip: Head to Gideon’s Bakehouse hours before you plan on snagging a cookie or cold brew. You’ll be greeted by a Cast Member and join a virtual queue that will tell you when to return and enter the physical shop line. I’ve had short virtual queue waits of half an hour on up to a four-hour wait depending on the time of year (and day) I’ve visited. For this reason, it’s essential to join the queue as soon as possible when arriving at Disney Springs if a visit to Gideon’s Bakehouse is a must-do for you.
This menu is a real treat. We will start with a well-known classic, The Original Chocolate Chip Cookie. You can’t beat a classic, so this is always the order of at least one family member when I visit Gideon’s. This nearly half-pound cookie looks like it’s made entirely of chunky chocolate chips but don’t let looks fool you! The buttery and delicious cookie itself provides the perfect balance of flavor for your sweet tooth. This massive delicious cookie comes in at $6.
Credit: Disney
If you are looking for a bit more adventurous flavor than the Original Chocolate Chip Cookie, try my mom’s all-time favorite, the Pistachio Toffee Chocolate Chip. This flavor is popular because it’s so unique, with a fun balance of sticky sweet toffee, salty pistachios, and that perfect chocolate chip cookie ratio that this shop always gets right. The different textures and tastes that come through in this cookie make it a Guest favorite.
The Triple Chocolate Chip, Cookies & Cream, and Peanut Butter Crunch cookies are staples on the menu that are also delicious options. Choosing can be tough, so you may just have to make several trips to this cookie shop! Consider dropping by during hot cookie hour. That’s right, if you visit at 7-8 PM in the evening, you can enjoy a heated melty cookie.
Credit: Gideon’s Bakehouse
The limited edition flavors are another reason for repeat visits to this shop. Seasonal flavors switch periodically from this menu, meaning there is always a new flavor to enjoy. Current limited-edition cookies include the Coffee Cake Cookie, Dark Coffee Cake Cookie, and a monthly flavor. For example, Guests visiting in October can enjoy a fun fall treat, the Frankenstein Cookie.
Credit: Gideon’s Bakehouse
Related: From the Bottom to the Top: Ranking the Quick Service Restaurants of Disney Springs
We’d be remiss not to mention the cake and cold brew options for sale at Gideon’s. If cake is more your speed, you are going to be excited. Gideon’s takes an interesting approach to cake in that individual slices are not always advertised, but instead, they have rotating vanilla slices and various chocolate slices on the menu. Meaning vanilla-based flavors (like Vanilla Bean, Key Lime, etc.) are a guarantee, but you can drop by the shop and be surprised by exactly what flavor you are getting. Chocolate slice options include flavors like Red Velvet, Andes Mint, or Chocolate Churro Cake.
Credit: Disney
If you are an iced coffee fan like me, you must try some of the cold brew options at Gideon’s Bakehouse. The Original Peanut Butter Cold Brew is my drink of choice, as this delectable drink is made with Georgia peanuts from my home state! Even better, this creamy and delicious coffee pairs perfectly with the Original Chocolate Chip Cookie and is vegan and gluten-free! An honorable mention from this menu includes the Classic White Cold Brew.
Credit: Gideon’s Bakehouse
As you can see, this menu is loaded with delicious options to enjoy. Even if you choose not to enjoy a cookie for dessert during your Disney Springs visit, do yourself a favor and buy a cookie to take back to your resort. You’ll be glad you did when you can enjoy it at your Disney Resort!
