From Cursed Cookies to Creative Kingdoms: The Story Behind Gideon’s Bakehouse

Gideon’s Bakehouse didn’t begin as a Disney icon — it began as a passion project built on creativity, persistence, and a love of storytelling. What started as a small, atmospheric Orlando bakery has evolved into one of the most talked‑about food destinations at Walt Disney World, drawing lines that wrap around the building and serving cookies that have become part of countless family vacation traditions. 🐈‍⬛

Founded by Steve Lewis, Gideon’s quickly separated itself from the typical bakery model. Instead of tiny, grab‑and‑go treats, Gideon’s went big — half‑pound‑cookie big. These decadent creations, loaded with premium ingredients and bold flavors, were indulgent and unapologetic. But it wasn’t just the size that made them unforgettable. The gothic aesthetic, mysterious “Gideon” backstory, and ever‑changing monthly flavors turned the bakery into an experience — something closer to a themed attraction than a simple shop.

That commitment to storytelling made Gideon’s a natural fit for Disney Springs. When the location opened, it transformed Gideon’s from a beloved local secret into a must‑do Disney snack stop. Guests began structuring park days, dining reservations, and resort breaks around securing a cookie — often happily waiting hours for their turn. In true Disney fashion, Gideon’s didn’t just sell desserts. It sold a moment, a memory, and something guests couldn’t find anywhere else.

Seasonal menus, limited‑edition flavors, and the now‑legendary cake slices turned repeat visits into ritual. For many, stopping at Gideon’s is now as essential as riding a headliner attraction or watching fireworks. It occupies rare air in Disney food culture — and does so comfortably.

But as Steve Lewis has emphasized, Gideon’s was never meant to be the final chapter.

Looking ahead, Six Ravens is quietly taking shape — and anticipation is already building among fans who know the care, depth, and deliberateness behind every Gideon’s project. While Gideon’s is rooted in indulgent comfort and nostalgic charm, Six Ravens hints at something darker, more experimental, and even more immersive. Early teases suggest evolution, not departure: the same commitment to quality and narrative, expanded into new creative terrain.

Where Gideon’s feels like stumbling upon an old, cursed bakery preserved in time, Six Ravens promises a world entirely its own — shaped by myth, mystery, and elevated culinary ambition. For longtime fans, it represents the next chapter in Steve’s storytelling journey. For Disney visitors, it may soon become the next must‑experience destination.

Our interview with Steve Lewis explores that journey — from Gideon’s early beginnings to the responsibility of becoming part of Disney vacation traditions, and finally, to what’s coming next. Whether you’re debating the wait for your first cookie or counting down the days until Six Ravens opens its doors, one thing is certain:

This story is just getting started.

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