Disney announces ‘Storyliving by Disney’ branded residential communities 

Disney has announced that the next Disney experience is Storyliving by Disney, all-new, Disney-branded, and master-planned residential communities – with the first one to be built in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

“At Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, our job is to turn dreams and stories into reality […] into something you can feel and experience and share with those you love,” said Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro. “While we’re known mostly for our park experiences, we’ve built an incredible legacy of going beyond the parks and finding new ways to make magic for Disney fans in beautiful locations, both on land and at sea.”

According to D’Amaro, Storyliving by Disney is the next step in the evolution of that legacy and will allow Disney to combine what they do best – world-class service, legendary storytelling, and creativity.

The first Storyliving by Disney community – called Cotino – will be built in Rancho Mirage (just outside Palm Springs in California’s Coachella Valley), an area where Walt Disney once owned a home.

Fun Fact: During an interview on the D23 Inside Disney podcast, Walt Disney Imagineering Executive Producer Michael Hundgen explained that Walt Disney used to visit Smoke Tree Ranch in Palm Springs, Calif., so the name Cotino is derived from Cotinus, the genus species for the smoketree. In that way, Hundgen said, Walt’s story in the desert is tied to the story of the new community.

Additional locations in the U.S. are being considered for future development, but in every community, Disney Cast Members will operate a community association in the Member Clubhouse that will offer wellness programming, entertainment ranging from live performances to cooking classes, philanthropic activities, seminars, and much more.

“We’re exploring a variety of locations in the U.S. for our Storyliving by Disney communities,” D’Amaro said. “While each site will have core Disney DNA, each will also have a very distinct personality, drawing inspiration from the local landscape, history, and culture.”

Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community

While Disney Imagineers will contribute creative content for Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community, Disney will also be collaborating with DMB Development, which is highly regarded for developing 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 DMB CEO Brent Herrington. “We are delighted to collaborate with Disney in this groundbreaking new concept.”

Cotino will welcome homeowners of all ages, with at least one neighborhood designated exclusively for residents 55 and older. Homebuyers will be able to choose from a range of home types, including estates, single-family homes, and condominiums, all with creatively-designed spaces, unique amenities, and world-renowned Disney service.

The community is expected to surround an approximately 24-acre grand oasis featuring clear turquoise waters with Crystal Lagoons technology. Voluntary club membership will offer access to a waterfront clubhouse, a club-only beach area, recreational water activities, and Disney programming, entertainment, and activities throughout the year.​

Cotino also has approval for a mixed-use “Town Center” district featuring shopping, dining, entertainment, a beachfront hotel, and a professionally-managed beach park with recreational water activities that the public can access by purchasing a day pass.

“These vibrant communities will be infused with Disney placemaking,” said Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Senior VP, Creative – Marketing, Design, and Content, Helen Pak. “Imagine an energized community with the warmth and the charm of a small town and the beauty of a resort.”

Click here for more information about Storyliving by Disney.