For all the Disney fans out there, you know Disney isn’t just about theme parks—it’s a whole vibe! Well, if you’ve ever dreamt of infusing Disney magic into your everyday life, here’s some exciting news for you!
Meet Cotino, the latest in Disney’s venture, a new planned community in Rancho Mirage, situated in the stunning Coachella Valley close to Palm Springs. People are actually moving in, and this is just the first of several Storyliving by Disney developments. The next one, named Asteria, is brewing in North Carolina!
“Today’s opening is a monumental achievement for our company as we’ve launched a groundbreaking lifestyle experience right here at Cotino,” shared Claire Bilby, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Signature Experiences Emerging Businesses, during the unveiling of the Artisan Club on October 23. “Residents will relish the enchantment of Disney storytelling like never before.”
She further described it as a place “where possibilities meet paradise.”
Walt Disney had an undeniable love for the Coachella Valley, famously enjoying his private retreats at Smoke Tree Ranch in Palm Springs, where he often sought solace from studio pressures. You might even recognize the tie he wore on his show “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color,” showcasing the ranch’s branding!
Becky Cline, director of the Walt Disney Archives, mentioned that “the desert was Walt’s refuge from the hectic studio life, serving both as a relaxing getaway and a source of creative inspiration” during the Artisan Club launch. The club aims to host a series of rotating exhibits from the Disney Archives. The inaugural showcase features Western memorabilia from Disneyland and reflections of Walt and Roy Disney at the Palm Springs Desert Circus Parade in the 1950s and 60s.
Although Disney is the powerhouse behind Cotino, it’s crafted more like a well-planned neighborhood rather than a fantastical theme park. While you’ll find occasional Disney elements throughout, they’re tastefully implemented, differing greatly from the expectations tied to Disneyland.
The meticulously designed development bears a striking resemblance to any well-planned neighborhood in the Southwest, with low-profile homes inspired by mid-century designs. The inviting neutral colors seamlessly reflect the desert’s natural beauty. In fact, living here feels less like residing in a theme park and more about embracing the high-standard lifestyle Disney’s known for daily. Their cast members guarantee every experience is effortless and memorable, thanks to their scrupulous attention to detail.
Disney references are subtle; one park is called Four Winds—a wink to Rolly Crump’s Tower of the Four Winds from the 1964 World’s Fair. Plus, what’s more fun than knowing that “Cotino” translates from Latin to “Smoke Tree”? Though Mickey Mouse might not be running around everywhere, this community brilliantly captures Disney’s essence minus the theme park atmosphere.
Cotino will have 1,900 private homes in total, along with condominiums. If you’re eyeing a home, the smallest option is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom model priced from $1 million, spanning around 2,200 square feet. The valuable estate options include three-bedroom collections starting at 3,400 square feet and grand homes with up to five bedrooms hitting about 3,900 square feet!
A standout feature of these homes is their serene integration with the landscape. Even with homes closely situated, they are typically single-story and ensure unobtrusive views of the surrounding mountains through bigger windows.
Interestingly, even if you’re not an ardent Disney fan, you can still enjoy living here. Joining the Artisan Club lets residents indulge in Disney-inspired perks, but opting out means you can keep the lifestyle devoid of overt Disney décor and incidents.
The Artisan Club offers an array of amenities, from fitness classes to access to tennis and pickleball courts, a private pool, and two enticing restaurants. As Boone asserted, “Every element here tells a story,” emphasizing the club’s curated experience of a creative oasis, infused through every activity.
Architects Fork stands out as an upscale eatery themed around architectural creativity, featuring famous blueprints from classic Disneyland attractions like “it’s a small world” and “Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.” Meanwhile, Plot Twist, the beach bar, showcases pages from books morphing into beloved Disney films—think “Alice in Wonderland” and “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”
Creative storytelling even transcends locations you might overlook, such as nutty letterpress details and hidden Mickeys at Plot Twist, plus a stunning chandelier over the bar reflecting a topographical design of the San Jacinto Mountains.
Lastly, Parr House, the main clubhouse, takes design cues from the family residence in “Incredibles 2,” which itself was inspired by Palm Springs’ mid-century architecture, all crafted by Disney Imagineers.
Another eye-catching gem is Cotino Bay, a whopping 24-acre Crystal Lagoon—equal to about 80 Olympic pools—complete with a private beach offering both heated and natural swimming spots. Anticipations are high for the Cotino Bay Beach, Dining and Shops, set to open in 2026, which will bring more public access to the area.
