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Disney Food Disney News Disney Parks

Multi-Award-Winning Local Bakery Gideon’s Bakehouse to Open Location at Disney Springs

Like most people I know, I try to eat healthy the majority of the time but treat myself to occasional indulgences when they’re worth the splurge! One of my favorite places to find some sweet treats here in Orlando is Gideon’s Bakehouse, which is why I’m so excited to share this small, award-winning bakery is opening a new location in The Landing at Disney Springs!

Multi-Award-Winning Local Bakery Gideon’s Bakehouse to Open Location at Disney Springs Cookie from Gideon’s Bakehouse

Anticipating to open later this year, Gideon’s is best known for small-batch, handmade, almost half-pound cookies (yes, you read that right, half-pound) and cakes. Not only does their size make these cookies so special, Gideon’s brings its own spin to cookie flavors like Peanut Butter Crisp, Cookies & Cream and my absolute favorite, Pistachio Toffee Dark Chocolate.

“This opportunity is truly a dream come true and will allow us to flex all of our creative muscle in both desserts and décor. We’re passionate, inspired, and ready,” said Steve Lewis, owner and creator of Gideon’s Bakehouse.

Multi-Award-Winning Local Bakery Gideon’s Bakehouse to Open Location at Disney Springs Cookie from Gideon’s Bakehouse
Multi-Award-Winning Local Bakery Gideon’s Bakehouse to Open Location at Disney Springs Cookie from Gideon’s Bakehouse

Gideon’s plans to bring an expanded menu of cookie and cake slices to Disney Springs, plus add its own line of unique iced coffees, like the Original Peanut Butter Iced Coffee. Of course, guests can expect to find their favorite cookie flavors along with new and limited editions offered during special daily releases. The ever-popular Coffee Cake Cookie (previously only available one month a year) will be on sale every morning, with a Hot Cookie Hour each evening for those looking to cure a sweet tooth after dinner.

“We’re also excited to bring more cake flavors to our new location, offering never-before-seen creations like our special line of Double Frosted Cakes.” Steve said. “There are more than a few secrets we have up our sleeves that you’ll just have to wait to see. It’s not Gideon’s if it isn’t a little dark and mysterious.” We aim to even make the wait in line entertaining by immersing everyone in a transformative environment that will share our story as guests progress toward the counter.”

Multi-Award-Winning Local Bakery Gideon’s Bakehouse to Open Location at Disney Springs Cake from Gideon’s Bakehouse

Guests can also look forward to collectible art becoming a part of the product packaging at the new bakery, which will be located in The Landing across from Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. The new Gideon’s location is being created with health-and-safety considerations in mind and its operation will model similar guidelines in use elsewhere in Disney Springs.

Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for future updates. In the meantime, be sure to follow Gideon’s Bakehouse on Instagram at @gideonsbakehouse for drool-worthy desserts!

Multi-Award-Winning Local Bakery Gideon’s Bakehouse to Open Location at Disney Springs Cookie from Gideon’s Bakehouse

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disney Springs, Walt Disney World Resort, Dining, WDW

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Disney Food Disney News Disney Parks

#DisneyMagicMoments: Hong Kong Disneyland Reopens Tomorrow! Let’s Celebrate with Food and Fun

In honor of Hong Kong Disneyland’s announcement that it will reopen tomorrow, we’re sharing not one…but TWO special treats today from the resort. First, let’s take a ride on one of the park’s most popular attractions, and then feast our eyes on some of the resort’s most sought-after dishes!

Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars debuted in 2012 as the signature attraction in an entire new land, Grizzly Gulch. Disney parks are famous for their “runaway” mine trains, and this attraction took thrills to the next level by adding new twists, including a section where you actually ride backward and experience an explosive launch out of a mine.

In this new “Ride & Learn” video for Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, you’ll discover all sorts of fascinating facts as you hurtle around Grizzly Gulch. (Do you know the names of the three bears you meet while aboard the train? Well, you will now…)

And what better way to celebrate a fun trip on a runaway mine train than with a little bite to eat! In honor of the reopening of Hong Kong Disneyland, here’s a look at some mouth-watering Disney Dim Sum we know guests can’t wait to order again at the Crystal Lotus restaurant inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel.

#DisneyMagicMoments: Hong Kong Disneyland Reopens Tomorrow! Let’s Celebrate with Food and Fun
#DisneyMagicMoments: Hong Kong Disneyland Reopens Tomorrow! Let’s Celebrate with Food and Fun
#DisneyMagicMoments: Hong Kong Disneyland Reopens Tomorrow! Let’s Celebrate with Food and Fun
#DisneyMagicMoments: Hong Kong Disneyland Reopens Tomorrow! Let’s Celebrate with Food and Fun

In this elegant restaurant, guests savor fine-dining specialties from Executive Sous Chef – Chinese Cuisine Shu Wah Leung. Disney Dim Sum resembles favorite Disney characters, as you can see here – a whimsical assortment available exclusively at Crystal Lotus. They’re a feast worthy of a special occasion, and we have one coming up tomorrow!

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Disney Dining, Hong Kong Disneyland

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Disney Food Disney Guides Disney Parks Disney Vacations

The Disney Dining Plan Is Canceled, So Here Are the BEST Ways to SAVE When Chowing Down in Disney World

With the Disney World Parks reopening on July 11th, we’ve got dining on our minds.

The Disney Dining Plan Is Canceled, So Here Are the BEST Ways to SAVE When Chowing Down in Disney World

Mickey Waffle at Magic Kingdom

Just a short while after announcing the reopening of the theme parks, Disney canceled all upcoming Advance Dining Reservations and Disney Dining Plan packages. This came as a bit of a shock. For some of us the Disney Dining Plan is a way of budgeting dining expenses before a trip, so HOW do we save money on Disney dining now? Fear not, we’re here to help. We’ve got a TON of NON-Dining Plan savings tips in the post below.

The Disney Dining Plan Is Canceled, So Here Are the BEST Ways to SAVE When Chowing Down in Disney World

Get the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining

But if you’re headed to Disney World soon and need more guidance about where and what to eat, how to save precious vacation dollars, what events to consider, reviews for every restaurant, and more, we’ve got all of that for you in the DFB Guide to WDW Dining e-Book we publish!

This critically acclaimed guide is fully updated with ALL the latest information and news, and is absolutely the Disney food resource you need for your vacation.

It’s got just about everything we know…and that’s a LOT. Pick yours up at DFBStore.com with code WDW2020 to get 25% off TODAY!

OK — here we go to the BIG TIPS!

Eat Offsite

First up, consider eating offsite. Yes, we love Disney food (obvs), but Disney restaurants are VERY expensive. Don’t feel like you’re trapped dining IN Disney World when you could dine NEAR Disney World.

The Disney Dining Plan Is Canceled, So Here Are the BEST Ways to SAVE When Chowing Down in Disney World

Chili’s Near Disney World ©todaysorlando.com

Eating offsite is very likely to cost you less, even for food of similar quality and portion size. Take a look at nearby restaurants and consider spending dinnertime off property once or twice. Your wallet will thank you. If you didn’t drive to Disney World in your own vehicle, you can use a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber to easily get to any restaurant you like!

Split Your Meals

If you DO dine in a Disney restaurant, remember that those portions are often HUGE. We usually consider them large enough to share whether you’re at a fast food or a sit-down table service spot. For those of us who don’t eat as much, sharing is often a no-brainer.

The Disney Dining Plan Is Canceled, So Here Are the BEST Ways to SAVE When Chowing Down in Disney World

Cobb Salad

Some places have absolutely MASSIVE platters like Flame Tree Barbecue in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Not sure if you’ll be able to share? Scope out dishes that other guests are ordering or ask a Cast Member about the portion size prior to ordering. OR check out our reviews here on Disney Food Blog to see the actual portion size!

The Disney Dining Plan Is Canceled, So Here Are the BEST Ways to SAVE When Chowing Down in Disney World

Ribs, Chicken, and Pork Sampler

At some table service locations, Cast Members will even plate a shared meal separately so that it feels like you’re each getting your own portion. Be wary though, sometimes splitting isn’t accommodated so ask your server if that’s an option.

Don’t Get Sides You Don’t Want

This next one is a SUPER easy savings tip but it’s also one that a lot of people don’t know about. When you’re ordering at a quick-service restaurant you can get most things a la carte. Don’t want that side of mac and cheese? Ask for your meal without it! Think that that sandwich will fill you up on its own? Forego the sides!

The Disney Dining Plan Is Canceled, So Here Are the BEST Ways to SAVE When Chowing Down in Disney World

Regal Eagle Sides

When you skip out on sides you don’t want, your meal will usually cost less. This is a great tip for those with picky eaters in their family. If you don’t think you or a kiddo will end up eating part of the meal, don’t waste your money paying for it! On the flip side, you can always fill up on a few a la carte sides instead of a full meal if you aren’t too hungry!

Order Off the Kids’ Menu at Quick Service Locations

Speaking of kids, did you know that they’re not the ONLY ones who get all the fun of ordering off the kids’ menu? At quick-service (fast food) locations, typically anyone can order from the kids’ menu! Yep, that means you, Mom and Dad.

The Disney Dining Plan Is Canceled, So Here Are the BEST Ways to SAVE When Chowing Down in Disney World

Vegetable Curry Pods Entree and Cheeseburger Pods

Remember what we said about portion sizes? Kids’ portions are usually big enough for an adult and if you have a big meal coming up later, chowing down on a kids’ meal is a great way to hold you off until then. Plus, kids get some AWESOME options like the Cheeseburger Pods at Satu’li Canteen!

(FYI — At table service, your experience will vary. Sometimes a server will be able to bring you a larger, adult-sized portion of a kids’ menu item if you don’t care for anything on the adult menu, but it likely will cost the same as a full-sized adult entree. So there are probably no money savings from a table-service kids’ menu perspective, but you can always ask!)

Bring Your Own Food

Another option is to bring your own food! Of course, you don’t need to DIY EVERY meal but it can be a really nice pick-me-up for your wallet if you eat in or picnic sometimes.

If you know you’ve got a big lunch planned in the parks, eat breakfast in your hotel room. Pack or pick up some cereal or granola bars to get that burst of energy before you head to the parks — without dishing out any extra cash.

The Disney Dining Plan Is Canceled, So Here Are the BEST Ways to SAVE When Chowing Down in Disney World

Granola Bar selections including Luna Bars

You can take this tip even further, too! Grab some snacks to take into the park so that you can pay for fewer meals or share entrees when you DO eat at a Disney World restaurant. If you’re worried about being able to pack food, you can use a grocery delivery service such as Instacart or Amazon Prime Now to deliver goodies to your hotel.

You can even bring a picnic into the Disney parks (just remember — last year Disney issued new rules concerning bringing coolers and ice in the parks. Click here to brush up on all the new rules.)!

The Disney Dining Plan Is Canceled, So Here Are the BEST Ways to SAVE When Chowing Down in Disney World

Mickey Cooler ©Disney

If you stay in a Disney Vacation Club Villa or other location with a kitchen, you can even cook your own meals. Just remember, if you want a kitchen in your Disney World hotel, things might get pricey. Weigh out the savings from being able to eat-in versus the upcharge for a kitchen when you consider this option.

Tables in Wonderland

This next tip is only available to certain guests but if it’s an option for you, it could be a great way to rack up some savings. Tables in Wonderland is a discount card that’s available to Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members, and Florida Residents.

The Disney Dining Plan Is Canceled, So Here Are the BEST Ways to SAVE When Chowing Down in Disney World

Tables in Wonderland Membership Card

The card will net you 20% discounts at most Disney World table-service restaurants, and even some quick-service locations and lounges (including pricey alcohol). You’ll also get free 3-hour valet parking at Disney Resort Hotels when you show your receipt after dining at the hotel. All in all, your discounts will typically be higher than you would get with your Annual Pass or as a DVC Member.

The pass costs $175 for Florida residents and $150 for DVC Members or Annual Passholders and is good for a year. If you dine in Disney World a lot, it could be a GREAT way to save money when you’re not on the Dining Plan!

Eat a Big Breakfast or Lunch

PRO TIP ALERT! Breakfast at Disney tends to be cheaper than lunch and dinner. Keep this in mind when you’re planning your table service meal for the day!

The Disney Dining Plan Is Canceled, So Here Are the BEST Ways to SAVE When Chowing Down in Disney World

Breakfast Skillet

If you eat a big breakfast or lunch, especially at a table service spot, you’ll save a few bucks as opposed to if you opted to do dinner as your big meal. Plus, with portion sizes in Disney, eating a big breakfast or lunch can usually hold you over for a large chunk of the day, meaning you can skip a meal (or two!) and save some cash.

The Disney Dining Plan Is Canceled, So Here Are the BEST Ways to SAVE When Chowing Down in Disney World

Tusker House Breakfast Haul

Wanna take this tip to the next level? Consider booking a breakfast buffet as late as you can in the morning. You’ll get to chow down on breakfast favorites and, in many cases, they’ll switch the buffet over to lunch while you’re there so you can get your fill of a totally different lunchtime meal as well! Two for the price of one sounds good to us (just plan to arrive HUNGRY!). We tried this at Tusker House and, while we practically had to be rolled out the door when we finished, it was an awesome experience.

Don’t Dine at More Than One Table Service Restaurant a Day

Speaking of picking your table service meal, choosing a sit-down dinner is about more than just “when.” It’s also about how many times you should dine on a table-service meal. If you’re looking to save some money, we recommend limiting to just one table-service restaurant each day.

The Disney Dining Plan Is Canceled, So Here Are the BEST Ways to SAVE When Chowing Down in Disney World

Storybook Dining at Artist Point

Remember, portions are huge so unless you’re a BIG eater, it’s hard to get your money’s worth if you sit down at two nicer meals in one day. Quick service locations have some great options, too! Plus, all that time you’d spend sitting and eating will be yours for touring around the parks instead!

Sam’s Club and Target RedCard Gift Cards

And finally, we’ve got one more tip that is available for specific groups. If you’re a Sam’s Club member or have a Target RedCard, you can get discounts by purchasing Disney gift cards before your trip. Sam’s Club sometimes has Disney gift cards at a discounted price and buying Disney gift cards at Target (with that RedCard) will net you 5%  back on the purchase.

The Disney Dining Plan Is Canceled, So Here Are the BEST Ways to SAVE When Chowing Down in Disney World

©Disney Gift Card

If you use these gift cards to pay for your food (or anything else for that matter), you’ll end up getting discounts on everything you buy! This is a pretty simple way to save yourself some cash!

You don’t need to despair if you lost your Disney Dining Plan! Sure, it may not have been part of your ideal plan for your Disney trip, but with a few changes to your plans, it doesn’t have to put a damper on things. There are other ways to stay on top of a budget, and we’ve got you covered!

Think these tips will help? Got some money-saving tips YOU want to share? Tell us in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney dining tips, Disney Discounts, disney parks, Featured, Walt Disney World, disney dining, disney dining plan, disney dining saving, Disney savings, disney savings tips, kids menu, sam’s club, Tables in Wonderland

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Disney Food Disney Parks

New Bourbon Chocolate Chip cookie at the Polite Pig replaces famous Gideon’s Bakehouse Chocolate Chip Cookie

New Bourbon Chocolate Chip cookie at the Polite Pig replaces famous Gideon’s Bakehouse Chocolate Chip Cookie Bourbon Chocolate Chip cookie

The Polite Pig in Disney Springs has just unveiled a new treat the Bourbon Chocolate Chip Cookie!

This signature cookie seems to be replacing the famous Gideon’s Bakehouse Chocolate Chip Cookie, which is no longer available.

New Bourbon Chocolate Chip cookie at the Polite Pig replaces famous Gideon’s Bakehouse Chocolate Chip Cookie

Information in a reply on their Facebook page lets us know of the change in cookies.

I hope this new Bourbon Chocolate Chip cookie tastes as good as the Gideon’s Bakehouse Chocolate Chip Cookie!

Pricing and availability are unknown at this time.

Stay Tuned to Chip and Co for more details.

P.S. – If you live in the Orlando area you can pick up the Gideon’s Bakehouse Chocolate Chip Cookie along with many other sweet treats here.

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Parks & Resorts, Disney Food, Disney Springs, Walt Disney World, Bourbon Chocolate Chip Cookie, Disney Dining, Disney World, Disney World Food, Gideon’s Bakehouse Chocolate Chip Cookie, The Polite Pig

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Disney Food Disney Parks

Indoor Seating Is BACK at This Classic Ice Cream Spot in Disney Springs!

You know that moment when you just feel so happy about something, you can’t help but smile? That’s how we feel about Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop being back open in Disney Springs!

Indoor Seating Is BACK at This Classic Ice Cream Spot in Disney Springs!

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop

We’ve eaten a ridiculous amount of ice cream from Ghirardelli so far, with the new Gold Rush Sundae and Nacho Sundae (and we don’t even feel sorry about it!), we were happy to find another surprise when we visited today!

Indoor dining was back, baby!!

Ghirardelli previously had closed off its indoor seating and a Cast Member would bring your treats outside to you…

Indoor Seating Is BACK at This Classic Ice Cream Spot in Disney Springs!

Indoor seating closed

…but now, indoor seating is back open for guests to chill out in the A/C and cool off with some cold treats! Be aware, there isn’t MUCH seating since Ghirardelli is enforcing social distancing measures. So if you go and it’s full, don’t panic! Guests can still sit right outside the shop and enjoy their ice cream.

Indoor Seating Is BACK at This Classic Ice Cream Spot in Disney Springs!

Ghirardelli Indoor Seating is OPEN!

With so many goodies to choose from at Ghirardelli, we’re happy to sit anywhere as long as we have a nice sundae or shake in our hands!

What’s your favorite thing to get at Ghirardelli? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, disney dining tips, Disney News, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney dining, disney food, disney ice cream, disney restaurants, disney snacks, Disney Spring, disney springs reopening, Disney World, ghirardelli, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, Ice Cream, indoor dining