Last year, Disney announced plans for a new series of communities called “Storyliving by Disney.” The master-planned housing developments promise to feature the attention to detail, unique amenities, and special touches fans expect from anything branded with the Disney name.
Since the original announcement, we’ve learned much more about Cotino, the first Storyliving by Disney community currently under construction in Southern California’s Coachella Valley (where Walt Disney himself once owned a home). And while Disney hotel guests are always greeted with a warm “welcome home,” that sentiment will take on a whole new meaning for residents of Cotino.
“For…100 years, Disney has shared stories that have touched the hearts and minds of people all around the world,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products. “As we 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 – A Storyliving by Disney Community
Cotino is being built in Rancho Mirage, Calif. in the heart of the Greater Palm Springs area. Known for its natural beauty and rich culture, the Coachella Valley is the inspiration for Cotino’s architecture and amenities, including community spaces that take advantage of the sunny Southern California desert climate.
The first phase of development (which Disney is calling “the first chapter of the community’s story”) includes more than 300 homes, approximately one-third specifically designated for home buyers aged 55+ (the others are open to residents of all ages).
In addition, Cotino will offer a range of home types and lot sizes with varied “streetscapes” reflecting the region’s desert heritage. Similarly, home designs developed by Walt Disney Imagineering are inspired by the history and landscape of the greater Palm Springs area, including its trademark mid-century modern architecture.
“Disney Imagineers are exploring the richness of [the] local region to inspire the theme of Storyliving by Disney communities,” said Michael Hundgen, Executive Producer for 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.”
Cotino Home Collections
In the first phase of development, Cotino will offer three different single-family home collections: The Cottage Collection, built on sites approximately 50 feet wide, the Grand Collection on sites approximately 60 and 70 feet wide, and the Estate Collection on sites approximately 90, 120, and 135 feet wide. All homes within each collection will be detached, single-family dwellings.
The area dedicated to residents aged 55+ is called Longtable Park residences, with the name “Longtable” inspired by Walt’s experiences of sharing breakfast at a large table with friends and neighbors after a morning of activities.
Future phases will include additional single-family home sites and condominiums.
Storyliving by Disney Homebuilders
The Cotino community is being created with DMB, a leading developer of large-scale planned communities; Disney has selected Shea Homes, Davidson Communities, and Woodbridge Pacific Group as the development’s first homebuilders.
“We’re excited to work with talented homebuilders to help us bring Cotino, the first Storyliving by Disney community to life,” said Claire Bilby, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Signature Experiences Emerging Businesses. “Together with the developer, we’re creating a vibrant new neighborhood infused with the magic of Disney storytelling and I can’t wait for the community’s future residents to flourish in this very special place.”
Shea Homes – From contributions to iconic construction projects like the Hoover Dam and the Golden Gate Bridge, the Shea family legacy is rooted in the history of the American landscape.
Davidson Communities is a private boutique homebuilder that has been building homes since 1978.
Woodbridge Pacific Group brings three decades of integrity, expertise and dedicated customer service to the Cotino community.
The initial sales launch will include a limited inventory from Shea Homes in the Cottage and Grand Collections, along with some homes in the Longtable Park residences for 55+ adults. Additional home sites and builders will be introduced in phases.
Imagineering-Designed Parks
The centerpiece of the development is Cotino Bay (featuring Crystal Lagoons technology), but residents will also be able to enjoy neighborhood parks designed by Walt Disney Imagineering, including Longtable Park (for residents 55+), which will feature a large “community table” surrounded by palo verde and olive trees, barbecue grills, and shaded seating areas.
Residents of all ages (and their four-legged family members) will be able to access an equestrian-themed dog park featuring separate play areas for small and large pets.
Shopping and Dining, and Activities…
If Imagineering-designed homes and parks aren’t enough to entice home buyers, Cotino will also feature unique experiences and activities, including a voluntary Artisan Club membership providing access to the waterfront Cotino Bay clubhouse, exclusive beach areas, and recreational water activities (guests can access Cotino Bay Beach with a day pass).
Cotino will also feature a shopping, dining, and entertainment district a la Downtown Disney, but that’s not all! The surrounding area offers cultural activities, hiking, tennis, and championship golf courses. Plus, the Palm Springs Air Museum is the current home of Walt Disney’s restored Gulfstream airplane, the Mickey Mouse One (AKA “The Mouse”).
The Story Behind Cotino
While Disney is working with third party developers to actually build Cotino, real Disney Imagineers and artists are actively dreaming up the design of the project. Here’s Imagineer Cathy Ritenour explaining some of the creative processes underway to bring this Storyliving community to life and how she was inspired by Walt Disney’s own city-building dreams.
What Will It Cost To Live at Cotino?
While the desert community of Rancho Mirage, where Disney’s first Storyliving community is being built, is affordable by California standards, Cotino will be on the pricy side. The smallest homes at Cotino start at 2260 square feet and will be priced in the “Upper $1 millions,” according to Cotino officials. And that’s just for the smallest homes in the “Cottage collection.” Homes in the larger “Grand collection,” which start at 2,780 Square Feet will be priced from the low $2 millions.
But that’s not the full picture. If you want to be a member of that private waterfront Artisan Club, it has an initiation fee of $20,000 and annual dues starting at $11,000. The beach at the Grand Oasis Lagoon will be available to those without a membership with an extra cost day pass.
Are You Sold on Storyliving by Disney?
If Cotino sounds like the perfect place to hang up your mouse ears at the end of the day, you’re in luck! Pre-sales appointments to discuss floor plans, home designs, and pricing are available now, with sales launching in early 2024 (appointments subject to availability).
“I am honored that we can bring Cotino to life as the first Storyliving by Disney community in a place that was beloved by Walt Disney himself,” said Thomas Mazloum, president of Disney Signature Experiences. “These communities will combine the Disney hallmarks of attention to detail, storytelling and guest service to create a place where residents can live the next chapter in their lives to the fullest. We cannot wait to welcome the first residents in 2024.”
The Cotino Community Sales Studio in Rancho Mirage, Calif. is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT. Click HERE for more information and to make an appointment.
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Let’s Hear From You!
What do you think about Storyliving by Disney? Does this Imagineering-planned community sound like a dream come true, or should Disney stay in its theme park lane?
The Palm Springs area is filled with beautiful vistas, interesting shopping, entertainment, and dining… but the weather can be a challenge. Summer highs hit the 105° range, and rain is infrequent. While desert living isn’t for everyone, it’s just perfect for others.
Let us know your thoughts about Disney’s first Storyliving community of Cotino in the comments below!
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