Three Incredible Local Businesses You Can Enjoy at Disney Springs
When you think of Disney Springs you may think about over-the-top stores like World of Disney and the LEGO Store as well as restaurants from celebrity chefs from Guy Fieri and Chef Morimoto. But Disney Springs also has some incredible local businesses that are worthy of our support. This includes Gideon’s Bakehouse, Wondermade and The Polite Pig. Each of these local businesses feels like home for local guests while giving tourists a taste of Central Florida.
Matt Simon, vice president of Disney Springs spoke about the local businesses found at Disney World’s downtown shopping district saying, “While there is a need to have national brands at Disney Springs that draw consumers, this must be balanced with a collection of local brands that are the heart of our community and create some of the strongest connections to our guests.”
Gideon’s Bakehouse
If you’ve been following along with MickeyBlog for a while now, you’ll know that Gideon’s Bakehouse is one of our favorite Disney Springs spots! But, did you know that the Owner Steve Lewis started his business in his home kitchen in Orlando back in 2011? Steve even used to deliver the cookie orders on his bicycle.
Today, Disney Springs provides the perfect location to explore the creativity that Steve brings to his business!
The minute you step into Gideon’s you’ll realize that this isn’t just a bakery, its a weird and wonderful experience that will have you coming back!
The shop has the theming of a “bookstore from another dimension.” It sets the perfect stage for the shop’s specialty half pound cookies and ginormous cake slices. Some of our favorite cookies include chocolate chip and cookies and cream. Also be on the lookout for the more experimental, limited edition flavors. Oh, and don’t you dare leave without trying the peanut butter cold brew. It’s amazing!
“The international stage that Disney Springs presents is the best way to reach both locals and travelers, highlighting what our community offers,” says Steve. As a matter of fact, you can often find Steve at the Disney Springs location where he mingles with guests!
Wondermade
We’ve got another local business that those with a sweet tooth are sure to love! Nathan and Jenn Clark are co-owners of Wondermade. They specialize in artisan marshmallows which they first created out of their shop in Sanford, Florida back in 2014.
Wondermade is know for its unique Marshmallow flavors like Gold Champagne, Strawberry Chocolate Chip, Rose Raspberry and the fan favorite – Passion Fruit Marshmallow.
Nathan said that never in his wildest dreams did he think that buying his wife a candy thermometer back in 2011 would turn their labor of love into a Disney Springs business.
“This has opened so many new audiences for us and helped us connect with so many people who’ve never experienced the joy and wonder of amazing marshmallows,” says Nathan.
Though Wondermade’s signature flavors like their S’mores marshmallows are sure to entice you into the shop, it’s other favorites like bourbon and churro flavored marshmallows that will have you coming back for more! As a matter of fact, Wondermade is so successful that Nathan and Jenn say their business has doubled since they opened up in Disney Springs!
The Polite Pig
This beloved Disney Springs quick service spot was the brainchild of husband and wife team Chefs James and Julie Petrakis. The two chefs had already won over Central Floridians when they opened The Ravenous Pig in Winter Park in 2007. However, the real game changer came when The Polite Pig took up residence in Disney Springs in 2018.
“The popularity of the location introduces a whole new segment of guests to not only The Polite Pig, but to our entire brand,” says Julia.
If you’ve never been to The Polite Pig, you don’t know what you’re missing. The hybrid sit-down, quick service concept is perfect for guests looking to wind down after a long day at the parks.
The Polite Pig menu capitalizes on the best seasonal food that Florida has to offer. This includes BBQ, pulled pork, beef brisket, chicken wings, mac and cheese and a wide range of mouth-watering sauces that steal the show!
Any of these business provide a perfect introduction to the eclectic nature of Disney Springs! You never know what’s just around the corner and that’s half the fun! .Be sure to support these local entrepreneurs during your next visit!
Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for further Walt Disney World news and updates. We’ll be coming to you LIVE! from Walt Disney World each and every week.
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