Disney Must-Do: Gideon’s Bakehouse

When you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation, it’s tempting to scroll social media, see every glorious snack and dessert on display, and feel like you need to try everything. Friends, I’m here to tell you that this is the fastest way to waste both time and money.

Yes, take a look at what’s being offered, but remember this: your time in the magic is precious, and so are your Disney dining dollars. That’s where the Unlocked Magic blog comes in. We’re here to help you focus on what’s truly worth your time and money, and what you can confidently skip.

To kick off our new Disney Must-Do series, we’re starting with a spot that consistently tops Walt Disney World must-visit lists: Gideon’s Bakehouse. While Gideon’s is technically a third-party offering, it has firmly earned its place as a Disney Springs essential. In our book, it’s an absolute must-do.

What Makes Gideon’s Bakehouse So Popular

Gideon’s Bakehouse began as a passion project in the home of founder Steve Lewis. While experimenting with variations of his grandmother’s chocolate chip cookie recipe, he eventually landed on the now-iconic version packed with multiple types of chocolate and weighing in at nearly half a pound.

While the original East End Market location is well worth a visit, the Disney Springs flagship deserves a top spot on your vacation itinerary.

What to Expect When You Visit Gideon’s Bakehouse

On busy days like holidays and early summer, guests may be asked to join a virtual queue. When your spot opens, you’ll receive a text prompting you to return and wait in a line that typically takes about 20 additional minutes.

It may sound like a lot of effort for a cookie, but trust us, it’s worth it. On less crowded days, standby waits average around 25 minutes, which is the ideal time to visit.

The Cookies You Shouldn’t Skip

The cookie lineup ranges from the classic chocolate chip to rotating morning and evening coffee cake cookies. At the recommendation of a friend, my first Gideon’s cookie was the Pistachio Toffee, and it absolutely lived up to the hype.

Monthly specialty cookies are another standout. If you visit while the Orange Pecan Cookie, also known as Stuart’s Cookie, is available, do yourself a favor and get two. The same advice applies to seasonal favorites like the holiday Vom Krampus Cookie and the summertime Key Lime Pie Cookie. These cookies are over-the-top, slightly underbaked, and completely unforgettable.

Beyond Cookies: Cakes and Cold Brew

Cookies aren’t the only stars here. Gideon’s also offers indulgent cake slices, each layered with their signature buttercream frosting. If you already have your hands full of cookies, consider making a second stop to try a slice. It’s well worth it.

You’ll also find four nitro cold brew options on tap daily, along with a rotating seasonal flavor. All cold brews are vegan and made with oat milk and locally roasted coffee beans. Even the more adventurous flavors shine. A lemonade-and-coffee combination offered during the summer of 2025 sounded intimidating, but turned out to be surprisingly delicious.

Don’t Miss Gideon’s Hot Cookie Hour

If a warm, gooey cookie topped with ice cream sounds like your kind of treat, plan your visit around Gideon’s Hot Cookie Hour. It runs twice daily, from 2–3 pm and 7–8 pm.

While Steve recommends enjoying the cookies as-is, he fully understands that some treats are simply better warm.

Final Thoughts: Is Gideon’s Bakehouse Worth the Time and Money?

If you have a Disney vacation coming up, be sure to follow Gideon’s Bakehouse on social media. New and limited-time offerings are announced regularly.

Stay tuned as we continue our Disney Must-Do series. Here at Unlocked Magic, we’re dedicated to helping you save money and spend wisely at Walt Disney World, whether that means discounted park tickets or choosing treats that are truly worth it. Friends help friends save their Disney dollars, after all.

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