Gideon's Bakehouse: Worth Every Minute of the Queue

If someone had told me I'd be queuing at a bakery like it was a theme park attraction, I'd have thought they were having me on. At Disney Springs, Orlando, the line for Gideon's Bakehouse snakes around the corner from as early as 9am – a full hour before they even open.

Welcome to one of the most extraordinary bakery experiences you'll ever have.

What's All the Fuss About?

Gideon's Bakehouse isn't your average cookie shop. This is a single-owner small business that started back in October 2016 at Orlando's East End Market with just $800 (about £640) and one employee. Fast forward to today, and their Disney Springs location has become something of a legend amongst cookie lovers and Disney visitors alike.

And when you taste their cookies, you'll understand why.

Cookies That Defy Belief

Let me paint you a picture: each cookie at Gideon's weighs nearly half a pound. That's right – half a pound. These aren't dainty little biscuits you'd have with your afternoon tea. These are serious, commitment-level cookies that take over 24 hours to prepare and are 100% handmade from scratch.

The portions are ridiculously generous. One cookie could easily be shared between two people (though you probably won't want to). They're thick, gooey in the middle, with perfectly crisp edges, and packed with flavour.

The Flavour Line-up

Gideon's offers a brilliant mix of classics and limited editions. Their core flavours include favourites like Triple Chocolate Chip, Pistachio Chocolate Chip, and the Coffee Cake Cookie. But the real excitement comes from their rotating selection – they've got different limited edition flavours that change daily and monthly, so there's always something new to try.

Fancy something extra special? During "Hot Cookie Hours" (2-3pm and 7-8pm), you can get your cookie served warm and topped with local artisan ice cream. Absolute heaven.

The Queue (Yes, Really)

Now, about that queue. It's legendary, and for good reason. People start lining up at 9am for a 10am opening, and during peak times – weekends, holidays, school breaks – the wait can stretch to several hours.

Gideon's has actually implemented a virtual queue system for their busiest periods. You sign up, pop off to explore Disney Springs, and they'll text you when it's your turn to return. It's exactly like a theme park ride, which is both amusing and rather brilliant.

Is it worth the wait? Absolutely. You might just be lucky and stumble across a shortish queue - like we did (about 15 mins). But if you're planning a visit, go early or consider using the virtual queue to make the most of your time.

The Atmosphere

Step inside Gideon's and you're transported into something quite different from your typical bakery. The Disney Springs location has this wonderfully moody, gothic bookshop vibe – think Victorian-era theming, gargoyles perched about, dark wood, and mysterious touches everywhere. There's even a backstory about the original owner of the building that adds to the atmospheric experience.

It's theatrical, it's Instagram-worthy, and it perfectly complements the over-the-top nature of the cookies themselves.

The Verdict

Never have I queued at a bakery like it's a theme park ride. But boy, was it worth the wait.

Gideon's Bakehouse is more than just a cookie shop – it's an experience. From the moment you join the queue to that first bite of a still-warm, half-pound cookie loaded with chocolate, it's clear why this place has achieved cult status.

If you're visiting Walt Disney World, make time for Gideon's. Go early, embrace the queue, and treat yourself to what might just be the best cookie you've ever had.

Your waistline might not thank you, but your taste buds absolutely will.