Disney Imagineers are taking Disney to a whole new level here in the Desert!
Storyliving by Disney’s community is making its home here in Rancho Mirage, CA. With numerous Disney themed neighborhoods and experiences this is sure to attract all generations, especially those who are simply a kid at heart (and probably the grandchildren)!
*Image from Storyliving by Disney
What is Storyliving by Disney?
Storyliving is a new creation of Disney’s that aims to bring the joy of Disney to our everyday life. From themed neighborhoods and shopping areas to a variety of Disney related activities and experiences, this community is one of a kind.
“Story is at the heart of everything we do and we love bringing authentic places to life to immerse you into those stories,” said Michael Hundgen of Walt Disney Imagineering.
Cotino is the first of Storytelling’s newest community and is unlike any other!
Storyliving by Disney isn’t the company’s first foray into master planned communities. The company developed Celebration, Florida near Walt Disney World in the 1990s but is no longer owned or run by the Walt Disney Company.
Welcome to Cotina in Rancho Mirage
The first Storyliving community, Cotino, will be built in Rancho Mirage in California’s Coachella Valley.
*Image from Storyliving by Disney
This community will feature a giant 24-acre grand oasis in its center, with homes surrounding the water. The oasis itself will use Crystal Lagoons technology, which builds bodies of water with low water consumption and minimal additives.
Cotina will feature architecture and amenities that reflect the area’s history and present-day culture. It will have a variety of homes including estates, single-family homes and condominiums. All ages will be welcomed however they will be including neighborhoods that are just for residents who are 55 years of age and older.
In a recent news release, the company explained that, “These master-planned communities are intended to inspire residents to foster new friendships, pursue their intersection and write the next exciting chapter in their lives — all while enjoying the attention to detail, unique amenities and special touches that are Disney hallmarks.”
*Image from Storyliving by Disney
This community is planning to build roughly 1,700 homes and offer over 400 hotel rooms. Along with including a mixed-use district with shopping, dining, and entertainment, and a professionally-managed beach park with a 24-acre swimmable lagoon. Day passes for the general public areas are expected to be available.
Watch the video about Cotina & Storyliving by Disney here.
The name Cotino stems from cotinus, which means smoke tree. This ties back to the days when Walt Disney owned a home at Smoke Tree Ranch in Palm Springs.
Walt’s Connection to the Desert & his “Laughing Place”
Did you know that Walt Disney used to call the Desert his “laughing place”? Walt Disney treated the Desert like his own creative oasis!
Of all the destinations in the world, Walt Disney and his wife, Lillian, chose Palm Springs as their favorite getaway retreat. Walt enjoyed living out his western themed life here which included riding horses at Smoke Tree Ranch.
*Image from Walt Disney Company
Walt’s life led him back and forth to Los Angeles over many years but he truly could not stay away from our Desert. He was on the Board of the Palm Springs Desert Museum and even created a movie called “The Living Desert” which won an Oscar® in 1954 for Best Documentary, showcasing the creatures and beauty of the desert. Disney also enjoyed golfing with Clark Gable, Bob Hope, and Frank Sinatra at Indian Canyon Club Golf Resort during the 1960’s. He Even was the inspiration for the fountain you can see in the lake between holes No. 9 and 18.
*Image from Indian Canyon Club Golf Resort
It’s no wonder that Disney’s lasting legacy and storytellers have chosen this “laughing place” to be the home of one of Disney’s first of their Storyliving Communities.
Timeline & Location
Work has already begun on the 618-acre property. The land is currently being prepared and that process could take six to eight months. It is very likely construction will not start for another year and a half.
The location of Cotina will be the large parcel of undeveloped land at the intersection of Bob Hope Drive (top) and Franck Sinatra (bottom) in Rancho Mirage.
While all this is very sudden (city council found out about Disney’s involvement on Thursday) it is in no way a done deal. The Crystal Lagoon water feature and expected neighborhoods and shopping districts have been approved by the city, the proposed Storyliving by Disney development specific plan has yet to be solidified. Construction plans will still need the planning commission, architectural review board, and city council to approve the details related to the specifics of the community.
Interested in getting a foot in the door at the new Cotina neighborhood in California? Check out www.storylivingbydisney.com/