Disney describes Storyliving by Disney as “vibrant new neighborhoods that are infused with our special brand of magic. Each community will feature distinctively designed spaces, unique amenities and Disney’s brand of world-renowned service.” Disney Imagineers will play a key role in developing the creative concept for the communities. The company reports they will be working with “highly respected real estate developers and experienced home builders at each site.”
“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.”
These master-planned communities will reportedly include some neighborhoods for residents ages 55+, Trained Disney cast members 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 more.
The first real-world Storyliving by Disney community is Cortino, which be built in the heart of the Coachella Valley in Rancho Mirage, Calif. If you’re a Disney history fan, you might know that the brilliant mountain-ringed valley in the Greater Palm Spring area was once a rejuvenating retreat for Walt and Lillian Disney.
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, DMB’s CEO. “We are delighted to collaborate with Disney in this groundbreaking new concept.”
Cortino will offer a range of home types to choose from, including condominiums and single-family homes. In addition to the residential component, the Cotino community has zoning approvals for the development of a hotel and a range of shopping, dining and entertainment offerings anchored by an approximate 24-acre grand oasis featuring Crystal Lagoons technology, enabling 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 professionally managed club-only beach area and recreational water activities, as well as Disney programming, entertainment and activities throughout the year. A promenade area will offer vistas of the oasis and the Santa Ana mountain range in the distance.
Cotino also has Specific Plan approval for a vibrant mixed-use district featuring a range of shopping, dining and entertainment, and a beachfront hotel. All the entertainment facilities including the beach can be accessed by the public through the purchase of a day pass.
For additional information and updates, visit www.storylivingbydisney.com.
