Is Gideon's Bakehouse Worth the Hype?

If you’re a Disney lover, like me, you likely fit in at least one day at Disney Springs when you visit Walt Disney World Resorts in Orlando, FL; and on my latest trip in May 2021 I planned to visit a few places I had never been before. At the very top of my list was Gideon’s Bakehouse.

Gideon’s is a local Orlando bakery that has been gaining popularity over the past few years and had a dedicated following at Disney Springs’ Polite Pig where their cookies were featured and quickly sold out daily. Their run at Polite Pig had avid Disneygoers ecstatic about their new Disney Springs location. Located on the backside of Morimoto Asia, and in front of Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, you will be hard-pressed to find the bakery without a line.

To ensure my best chance of getting a coveted cookie before I left Disney property I arrived at the shop at 9:40 am, hoping I would be able to get in line before their 10 am opening. As I approached the already long line I was greeted by Gideon’s staff with their signature all-black uniforms and black umbrellas (in that Florida heat, I know!) who very nicely told me they were already working on a virtual queue that was currently a 50-minute wait. I added my name to the line and would receive a text when it was my turn to return to the physical line (which would be another 20-minute wait once in line). If at any time I didn’t think I could wait any longer I could text the team to remove my name from the list, but who am I kidding, I will ALWAYS wait for cookies! Since the line is always long you will want to head to the bakeshop as soon as you get to Disney Springs to get your name on the virtual queue since you must be present to be added to the line. Gideon’s line officially closes at 7 pm, but they continue to see customers until 10 pm, or when they are out of stock, whichever comes first.

Once inside, you are greeted with their signature black, red, and gold gothic theme, and an overwhelming desire to try every baked goodie they offer. I wasn’t sure which cookie I wanted to try, so I selected three tasty treats. The Original Chocolate Chip, Pistachio Toffee Chocolate Chip, and the Disney Springs exclusive limited selection the Coffee Cake Cookie. I can honestly tell you all three were delicious. Weighing in at nearly half a pound each these cookies were all perfectly cooked on the outside and perfectly soft on the inside. I think my favorite was the toffee pistachio, but I couldn’t honestly tell you since they were all so different and delicious. I did notice the bakery case with tasty cakes (including a chocolate peanut butter cake I hope they have when I go back), but I had my mind set on cookies and regretted not getting cake as I looked through my photos later on.

I think Gideon’s offers a nice sweet treat for your Disney vacation, and you can buy one $6 cookie to split with your family of 4, but if you’re heading to Orlando and don’t think you can handle the long wait, you can go to Gideon’s original location to pick up most of their tasty baked goods. I can’t guarantee there won’t be a line, but you can order ahead at that location.

My coveted chocolate cake

Have you tried Gideon’s? Do you think it's worth the hype? Let me know what you think about their delectable desserts.