C
otino, the first Storyliving by Disney neighborhood, is opening in the Coachella Valley. While many Disney enthusiasts know about Golden Oak inside Walt Disney World, this new community marks Disney’s second foray into residential development. Unlike the whimsical theme parks, Cotino offers a subtle Disney touch rather than overt décor.
The concept behind Storyliving by Disney is a licensing partnership. Disney does not own the land; instead, it collaborates with developers—Davidson Communities, Shea Homes, and Woodbridge Pacific Group—to craft a unique living experience. Disney’s role is to “write the story” with Imagineers, ensuring each community reflects a distinct narrative. The result is a collection of homes that feel like everyday residences with gentle Disney accents, such as themed pillows or artwork, rather than full-on themed houses.
Cotino’s first phase will feature over 300 homes, with plans to expand to more than 1,900 units. Prices start at about $1.3 million for a two‑bedroom, two‑and‑a‑half‑bath home. The development includes a 55+ enclave and condominiums, catering to the Rancho Mirage demographic of baby boomers and Gen X—groups that grew up with Walt Disney and often own second homes in the area. The community’s design anticipates that some residents may transition from vacation homes to primary residences.
Disney’s interest in lifestyle communities stems from a broader trend among older generations. Claire Bilby, senior vice president of Storyliving by Disney, noted that baby boomers and Gen X are drawn to the idea of a “story” in their living environment, a sentiment rooted in their shared Disney heritage. The choice of Rancho Mirage is also historically significant; Walt Disney used the area as a retreat, and the Palm Springs airport was built to accommodate his private jet.
Residents who purchase homes can join the voluntary Artisan Club, a Disney‑owned and operated amenity program. Membership grants access to a range of facilities: a table‑service restaurant (Architects Fork), an outdoor bar (Plot Twist), a wellness center, sports courts, and a creative studio for art classes and guest speakers. The club also includes Cotino Bay, a Crystal Lagoons‑created water feature where members can swim, kayak, and enjoy a man‑made beach. The most pronounced Disney influence appears in the club’s spaces, such as the Parr House—a life‑size recreation of the Incredibles 2 home—and the Architects Fork walls, which display blueprints of Disneyland attractions like “It’s a Small World.”
Two Artisan Club tiers are available exclusively to Cotino homeowners. Both require a one‑time initiation fee of $20,000. The Resident Membership allows one member, a domestic partner, and eligible children, with annual dues of $11,000 and a $1,000 food and beverage minimum. The Resident Extended Membership expands access to grandparents and grandchildren, charging $19,000 in annual dues and a $2,000 food and beverage spend. These tiers reflect Disney’s strategy of tailoring amenities to family size and lifestyle preferences.
Although Cotino is still under construction, Disney is already planning its next Storyliving by Disney community: Asteria, near Raleigh, North Carolina. Developed with DMB Development, Asteria aims to accommodate around 4,000 residents, with sales slated to begin in 2027. This expansion underscores Disney’s commitment to creating narrative‑driven living spaces that blend everyday comfort with the enchantment of Disney storytelling.
