The first people to experience Disney-style retirement living will start doing so in 2024.
That’s when Cotino, the first Storyliving by Disney community, is scheduled to open in Rancho Mirage, Calif., near Palm Springs. The development is the first of what could be several Storyliving by Disney communities the company is planning to build “in the places people dream of living in” across the U.S.
Since announcing the Cotino development in February of 2022, Disney and partner DMB Development of Scottsdale, Ariz., have been busy turning the vision into a reality. They broke ground on the 618-acre master-planned development in April 2022, and sales for Cotino began in 2023. The project has approval to build a town center, a 400-room hotel, 1,900 residential homes, and more than 175,000 square feet of commercial buildings around a 24-acre artificial lagoon.
The residential areas within the Cotino community will welcome homeowners of all ages, but will include at least one section expressly for 55+ residents. Home buyers will select from a wide range of home types, from condominiums to cottages, grand and estate single-family homes.
The company said Storyliving by Disney is intended to “inspire residents to foster new friendships, pursue their interests and write the next exciting chapter in their lives.”
According to Brent Herrington, DMB’s CEO, “Cotino represents the creativity and operational excellence of Disney combined with the extensive community development expertise of DMB Development,” DMB CEO Brent Herrington said in a statement posted on the DMB website. “We are delighted to collaborate with Disney on this groundbreaking new concept.”
Details emerging
Recently, Disney provided an update on some of the amenities residents can expect to see in the master-planned community—and not surprisingly there’s plenty of Disney character in the works.
“Individuals who purchase a membership for the Artisan Club will enjoy a dazzling array of offerings infused with unique Disney and Pixar touches,” states a March 2023 release from Storyliving by Disney. “Highlights include a one-of-a-kind gathering space inspired by an “incredible” location from a fan-favorite Pixar film, part of a vibrant club featuring a diverse range of leisure pursuits.”
Nestled along the shoreline of the grand oasis artificial lagoon is Parr House, a distinct location inspired by the midcentury home of the famous family of super heroes from Disney and Pixar’s “Incredibles 2.” The space is being brought to life by Disney Imagineers as what the press release calls a “super” fun place for special events, celebrations and limited overnight accommodations for Artisan Club members.
“From Disney entertainment and events to spaces inspired by Disney stories, club members will truly experience Disney story living.”
Claire Bilby, Disney Signature Experiences Emerging Businesses
The main entertaining room will take inspiration from the movie and will feature a towering indoor/outdoor rockwork fireplace. Additional spaces will include five bedrooms, a kitchen, dining room, boardroom and an art studio. Along Parr House’s exterior, an elevated patio will present stunning views of the grand oasis and the surrounding mountains.
“As the Cotino community continues to come to life, we are excited to share more information about the many opportunities Artisan Club members will have to experience Disney magic right outside their front door and down the block,” said Claire Bilby, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Signature Experiences Emerging Businesses. “From Disney entertainment and events to spaces inspired by Disney stories, club members will truly experience Disney story living.”
More amenities
In addition to Parr House, club members will experience a touch of the Disney lifestyle in a clubhouse complex featuring distinct spaces for dining, wellness, art, recreation and entertainment. All amenities are being inspired by Disney Imagineers to foster community connections and encourage the pursuit of individual passions. The clubhouse is planned to be managed by Disney cast members.
Voluntary club membership will offer access to the waterfront clubhouse, club-only beach area and recreational water activities, as well as Disney entertainment, events and special excursions at an additional fee.
The lagoon will feature “the clearest turquoise waters with Crystal Lagoons technology,” and a professionally managed public beach park will be accessible to local area residents and visitors to the Greater Palm Springs area with the purchase of a day pass. When it launches, Artisan Club membership will be open to Cotino residents and nonresidents.
More information can be found at StorylivingbyDisney.com.
SEE ALSO:
• Disney-Style Retirement: 55+ Community Planned for ‘Storyliving by Disney’ in Palm Springs
• More 2023 ‘Best & Worst’ States for Retirement: New Ranking has Surprising #1
• 10 Best and Worst States to Retire 2023: WalletHub
• 11 Best Places to Retire in the World in 2023: International Living
Veteran financial services industry journalist Brian Anderson joined 401(k) Specialist as Managing Editor in January 2019. He has led editorial content for a variety of well-known properties including Insurance Forums, Life Insurance Selling, National Underwriter Life & Health, and Senior Market Advisor. He has always maintained a focus on providing readers with timely, useful information intended to help them build their business.
