Disney Announces Plans to Build Residential Communities Across the U.S.
Disney is one of the most recognizable brands in the world when it comes to media. In the minds of most consumers, they stand for high-quality, family-friendly entertainment. Now they want to take the same approach of worldbuilding that they have used for their theme parks and movie franchises to residential community development. They have already announced their plans to design, build, and manage a master-planned community in Rancho Mirage, California, under their Storyliving by Disney brand.
The Rancho Mirage development named Cotino is a nod to the company’s founder, Walt Disney, who lived in the area. The brilliant mountain-ringed valley was once a rejuvenating retreat for Walt and Lillian Disney.
The Walt Disney Company had initially planned on developing residential communities. and the Epcot Center plans originally included a utopian city with full-time residents, but those plans were scrapped after Disney’s death.
The communities are designed to be more than just rows of houses and each community will feature distinctively designed spaces, unique amenities and Disney’s brand of world-renowned service. These master-planned, new home communities are intended to inspire residents to foster new friendships, pursue their interests and write the next exciting chapter in their lives —all while enjoying the attention to detail and special touches that are Disney hallmarks.
At each location, Disney cast members trained in the company’s legendary guest service 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 much more.
Residents will have the opportunity to join an onsite club, giving them access to amenities like a clubhouse and club-only beach area. They also plan to have shopping, dining, a beachfront hotel, and of course Disney-themed activities. And each community will have also some neighborhoods that cater specifically to residents age 55+.
Cotino is the first of what Disney hopes to be many of these communities (some of which will be focused on residents 55 and older). Disney Parks are known for their hospitality, a feat achieved by both staff training and technology. Now that they are pursuing real estate is stands to reason that they will bring the same mentality and tech stack to their developments, something that could set a new standard of expectation when it comes to community management.
Disney has also announced that Cotino home buyers will have a range of home types to choose from, including estates, single family homes and condominiums. The community will also have a mixed-use district with shopping, dining, and entertainment. A beachfront hotel and and a professionally managed beach park with recreational water activities that can be accessed by the public through the purchase of a day pass.
Per the Specific Plan approval for the development, the community is expected to surround an approximately 24-acre grand oasis featuring clear turquoise waters with Crystal Lagoons® technology, enabling crystalline 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 club-only beach area and recreational water activities, as well as Disney programming, entertainment and activities throughout the year.
Cotino is being developed in collaboration with DMB Development, which is widely known for its execution of planned communities.
Check out the videos below to learn more about the proposed plans.
