The Walt Disney Company has announced it will soon begin developing a new residential living development program, Storyliving by Disney, master-planned communities that offer residents vibrant places to live and enjoy their lives.
The first Storyliving by Disney community, called Cotino, will be located in Rancho Mirage. Cotino will be a master-planned community with one neighborhood for residents 55 and older, while regions of the community will be available for estates, single-family homes, and condominiums.
The community will feature a 24-acre sustainable lagoon, a waterfront clubhouse and beach, recreational water activities, and programming throughout the year. A mixed-use district with shopping, dining, entertainment, and a beachfront hotel and park will also be made available to the public.
The Storyliving by Disney communities will include a community association with Disney-trained staff that will provide access to wellness programming, entertainment, philanthropy, seminars, and more.
“For nearly 100 years, Disney has shared stories that have touched the hearts and minds of people all around the world,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “As we prepare to enter our second century, we are developing new and exciting ways to bring the magic of Disney to people wherever they are, expanding storytelling to Storyliving. We can’t wait to welcome residents to these beautiful and unique Disney communities where they can live their lives to the fullest.”
Cotino is being developed in collaboration with DMB Development, which is highly regarded for its development of large-scale planned communities in the U.S. “Cotino represents the creativity and operational excellence of Disney combined with the extensive community development expertise of DMB Development,” said Brent Herrington, the company’s CEO. “We are delighted to collaborate with Disney in this groundbreaking new concept.”
Per the Specific Plan approved by the city of Rancho Mirage for the development, the community is expected to surround an approximately 24-acre grand oasis featuring clear turquoise waters with Crystal Lagoons® technology, enabling crystalline lagoons of any size to be built sustainably, with low water consumption and using a minimum amount of additives and energy. A voluntary club membership will offer access to a waterfront clubhouse, a club-only beach area, and recreational water activities, as well as Disney programming, entertainment, and activities throughout the year.
Cotino also will include a mixed-use district featuring a range of shopping, dining and entertainment, a beachfront hotel and a professionally managed beach park with recreational water activities that can be accessed by the public through the purchase of a day pass.
At each location, Disney cast members trained in the company’s legendary guest service will operate the community association. Through a club membership, Disney will also provide access to curated experiences, such as wellness programming, entertainment ranging from live performances to cooking classes, philanthropic endeavors, seminars and much more.
Disney Imagineers will play a key role in developing the creative concept for the communities, working in conjunction with respected developers and homebuilders.
“Disney Imagineers are exploring the richness of each local region to inspire the theme of Storyliving by Disney communities,” said Michael Hundgen, executive producer, Walt Disney Imagineering. “Distinctively designed indoor and outdoor spaces will offer residents new opportunities to explore, engage and create the next incredible chapter of their story.”
