Gideons-time of day to go?

[Simba's Mom]

After hearing the hype, I decided that I'll try Gideons and decide for myself if it's worth it. I'm going in January, and planning on doing DS on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Is it better (shorter lines) at 10:00-10:30 or 2:30-3:00? Any tips? Good flavors?

 

[A Tall Soy Latte]

The cookies at Gideon's are so so good and quite big; I can't finish a whole cookie in one sitting! My favorite flavor is the Cookies & Cream, but during October it's the Bride of Frankenstein cookie. I usually just get one of each cookie and gift them to people back home. The cold brew and cakes are amazing too.

It doesn't really matter which day, unless there's some event happening. If you rope drop Gideon's at 10:00AM your wait shouldn't be bad at all. From the times I went, usually anytime afternoon will guarantee a virtual queue which can be up to 2 hours. They do have a hot cookie hour around 2:00PM - 3:00PM as well if you can make time work in your favor.

 

[Simba's Mom]

It doesn't really matter which day, unless there's some event happening. If you rope drop Gideon's at 10:00AM your wait shouldn't be bad at all. From the times I went, usually anytime afternoon will guarantee a virtual queue which can be up to 2 hours. They do have a hot cookie hour around 2:00PM - 3:00PM as well if you can make time work in your favor.

Thanks. I think I'll go around 10:00. If I during hot cookie hour, I might be in a long line. And since I'm planning to buy a cookie or two to take back to the resort, not to eat there, a hot cookie wouldn't be hot when I eat it. So I'll just bring a ziploc bag.

 

[Harmacist]

We used to get an uber to DS at like 9 and wait in line until they open. The past year or so the line seems to have diminished, I think Summerhouse having good cookies (more standard) has eaten into some demand somewhat. We try to be the first shuttle from the resorts to DS now. In October I would say we waited 25-30 min to get in.
With gideons cookies, they hold well in the freezer if in a ziplock for quite a few months. We are to the point that we just get 2 of whatever the cookie of the month is. My girlfriend doesn't like the bug crystals of salt a lot of the cookies have, but she powers through. I like the pistachio cookie because that isn't a standard flavor of cookie I see.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I like the pistachio cookie because that isn't a standard flavor of cookie I see.

I'm so glad you mentioned that one! I'm a pistachio fan, so I was attracted to that one when I looked at the menu.

 

[gatordoc]

We stop at the original in the East End Market on the drive down to WDW. Although the line is rarely more than a few minutes, what’s even easier is online pre-order - just pop in, grab your box, and you have can cookies for breakfast every morning of your trip

 

[lilmc]

I prefer to rope drop because then I’m pretty much guaranteed the best cookie there: the coffee cake cookie! Which is every morning until they sell out. Plus they pair beautifully with their cold brew coffees (and I’m not a coffee drinker)

 

[jimmymc]

I've seen everything at all different times. I got lucky once and waited 15 minutes at lunchtime, and I've also seen them close the waitlist in the afternoon because it was so long. Getting there right when DS opens is a good option if you want to make sure you get there.

 

[BrianL]

I'm so glad you mentioned that one! I'm a pistachio fan, so I was attracted to that one when I looked at the menu.

That's my favorite of their standard flavors.

 

[thegreatdonaldo]

FWIW I went today (Sunday, Veterans Day weekend) at 11:30am and it took an hour. Great cookies, though!

 

[Forevermarypoppins]

At least in Jan you won't have the unbearable heat bearing down on you as you wait! That was something I picked up on last week when I waited 22 minutes. I will never wait in the heat!
You'll have to wait to see what cookies are available when you visit. I had my heart on a cookie and then it wasn't there, but I did find some other great choices.

 

[1lilspark]

I’d say get there at or just before opening that way
1) it should only be about a 30-60 min max wait
2) coffee cake will be available

Personally my regular menu picks are that, pistachio chocolate chip or the chocolate chip banana bread

If you get 3 or more cookies they will come in a box (with a collectible card)

Definitely follow them on social media to check out their cake schedule (usually posted on their Instagram story the first of the month) as well as their specials