Did you know one of the longest lines in all of Walt Disney World isn’t for a ride or show? Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs sees virtual queues each day that may exceed four-hour waits. This unique bakery serves up half-pound cookies and massive cake slices, but does it live up to the hype and long waits?
Let’s talk about our first trip to Gideon’s Bakehouse.
We arrived in Disney Springs in the early evening and headed straight for Gideon’s Bakehouse. It’s advised to arrive early at Gideon’s, but our travel plans didn’t allow for that option. So, when we arrived we were told there was a three-hour and 50-minute virtual queue.
A 230-minute wait! For reference, that’s longer than any wait we saw posted for Flight of Passage, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or any other popular Walt Disney World attraction. The demand for these cookies is insane.
Naturally, we joined the virtual queue. Visiting Gideon’s Bakehouse was one of the must-do items on our list. We also assumed there’d be a long wait, so we already had a plan on how to kill time. One visit to Chicken Guy, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, and several stores later, we finally received the text message to return to Gideon’s.
Our actual wait in the virtual queue was three hours and 30 minutes or about 210 minutes. We checked in and waited in a small line just outside the shop. Multiple groups tried to enter the line and were shocked to hear about the big wait. Standing in the roped off line felt like you had access to an exclusive nightclub – one that sells cookies.
After standing in the traditional line for about 10 minutes, finally it was our turn to enter this mystical place.
The Experience
Words can not describe the incredible smell that hits you when you walk in the door. It’s a rich combination of chocolate and bakery goodness. We half expected to find a chocolate river in front of us Willy Wonka style, but instead we were met with a fairly compact interior.
Gideon’s Bakehouse is what would happen if The Nightmare Before Christmas opened a bakery. The small space is dimly lit and almost feels like you just walked into the Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom. Slightly unsettling art fills the walls.
Twisted, contorted bookshelves line the walls behind the counter. We actually kind of love these and the theming throughout Gideon’s. You can also see the display case for the monstrous cake slices.
Let’s get down to business. We’re here to see – and taste – if Gideon’s Bakehouse lives up to the hype. As tempting as the cake slices were (they’re the size of a car battery), we came for the cookies.
The cookie lineup for the day is displayed in the counter before the register. This is the first time you can appreciate just how huge these things are.
Just looking at that picture makes us wish we could go back.
Anyway, we made our way to the register and ordered six cookies. There’s a limit of six cookies per person, but we couldn’t commit to almost six pounds of cookies we’ve never tried. Three pounds will have to do!
Did we mention you reach through “flames” at the register?
Our Order
- Original Chocolate Chip
- Cookies and Cream
- Pistachio Toffee Chocolate Chip
- Key Lime Chocolate Chip Cookie (Monthly special)
Let’s talk about each flavor in more detail.
Cookie Reviews
Original Chocolate Chip Cookie (pictured above)
This is the flavor we were the most excited about. Everyone knows a chocolate chip cookie, which makes it easier to compare and review. The outside is covered in large chocolate chips and the occasional bit of sea salt. Inside, the cookie is soft, almost like cookie dough, with even more chocolate chips.
Our first bite was a bit of a mess due to the hot Florida sun. We honestly only tasted the chocolate and sea salt, which was a bit of a let down. So, with melted chocolate all over our hands, we packed everything up and headed back to our resort. We figured we’d try the cookies again after they hit room temperature.
This was the right decision. On second try the chocolate chip cookie was awesome. It’s still loaded with chocolatey goodness, but the vanilla in the dough stands out at room temperature. The cookie is much more complete tasting, and is honestly fantastic. Easily one of the best, if not the very best, chocolate chip cookies we’ve ever had.
Cookies and Cream Cookie (pictured above left)
This was probably the most unique cookie of the four we tried. While the others all used a chocolate chip cookie base, the cookies and cream cookie was entirely different. The vanilla bean cookie base mixes perfectly with the pieces of Double Stuff. The exterior looks like it’d be a bit hard, but it’s super soft and more crumbly. This is a messy cookie, but a delicious cookie.
Pistachio Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie (pictured above right)
Honestly, this was probably the only disappointment on our list. We had high expectations after it was recommended by an employee, but this cookie missed the mark. The base is the traditional chocolate chip cookie and is just as delicious. The issue lies in the fact there isn’t enough toffee or pistachios to transform the flavor. Many bites were just a chocolate chip cookie.
Maybe we just had bad luck and this specific cookie was a bit light on toffee pieces. The bites with toffee pieces were quite good! More toffee and a bit more pistachio would go a long way.
Key Lime Chocolate Chip Cookie (pictured above center)
This limited edition cookie was essentially an original chocolate chip cookie infused with lime zest. The lime flavoring, which wasn’t too overpowering, made this cookie taste refreshing. It was a fun twist on the original chocolate chip cookie we already loved. We wouldn’t mind seeing this cookie return at a later date.
Overall Review
Believe the hype. These cookies are enormous and outstanding. Would we call them the best cookies we’ve ever had? Almost certainly. Would we deal with the super long virtual queue on a future visit? Absolutely, but only if we had other plans to keep us busy – like having a delicious Reggie’s Revenge cocktail at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar.
The cookies are made extremely well and hold their flavor several days after purchase. In fact, we ate them throughout the rest of our stay and even brought some back home with us. Gideon’s recommends storing them at room temperature and says they’ll be good for 3-5 days. We found they hold up a couple days longer than that. You can also freeze your cookies and enjoy them months after purchase.
Gideon’s Bakehouse is an awesome dessert location in Disney Springs that serves up unique and tasty products. We can’t wait to go back!
