Featured image credit: Disney
It seems almost every American child fantasizes about running away to Disneyland, using their wits to evade cast members and night security, and enjoying the rides as the rest of the world sleeps. While living at a Disney park still isn’t in the cards, the next best thing is coming to the Coachella Valley. Dubbed Cotino, the ambitious project launches Disney’s maiden community under its StoryLiving by Disney banner. On the verge of Cotino Rancho Mirage welcoming its first residents, we take a look at what this unique development brings to the area.
What is Cotino Rancho Mirage?
Conveniently located beside the 10 freeway and near the Annenberg Sunnylands Estate, Cotino Rancho Mirage is a 600-acre residential housing development with mixed-use commercial space planned for a city center. Disney has been hard at work developing the site since April 2022. Once completed, it will offer close to 2,000 residences, a 24-acre synthetic lagoon, a waterfront hotel, parks, retail, dining, and a waterside clubhouse.
While portions of the development will be for residents of all ages, others will be exclusive to residents aged 55 years or older. Until recently, concept art was all that the public had to go on when assessing the true scope of Cotino Rancho Mirage. But we’re now starting to see some of these artist representations come to life as cast members prepare to welcome the community’s first residents.
Last year, Disney revealed three model home designs, constructed by award-winning builders Shea Homes. Today, there are six model homes available for prospective residents to tour. Each invokes the spirit of specific Disney properties in distinct designs intended to inspire residents. For example, the Melodia model makes visual references to One Hundred and One Dalmatians. Likewise, the Moderne model features a vaguely African interior design reminiscent of Disney Parks’ Adventureland.
Disney’s Connection to the Coachella Valley
Walt Disney himself often sought inspiration from the scenic splendor of the Coachella Valley. In the early days of Disney, he would bring park Imagineers and Disney animators along for these retreats with the intent to stir up creativity. With Cotino, Disney Imagineers and cast members are pairing to offer a similar opportunity to residents of the first Storyliving by Disney community. Single-family homes are listed at just under $2 million while more lavish estates approach $5 million.
The Manmade Lagoon of Cotino Bay
Arguably the most immediately distinctive feature of Cotino Rancho Mirage is the massive 24-acre lagoon at its center. Cotino Bay will provide a recreational area accessible to ticket-holding residents and the public alike with paddleboats and kayaks. The manmade beach is the only one of its kind anywhere near the Coachella Valley, making its popularity during the warmer months a certainty.
Perks of the Artisan Club
Residents will also be able to opt into the community’s exclusive Artisan Club. Club membership allows access to a restaurant, sporting area, fitness area, members-only events, and creative spaces. Artisan Club members will also have access to a clubhouse that Imagineers are billing as the “icon of Cotino.” The Parr House is a stylized recreation of the protagonist’s mid-century home from Pixars’ Incredibles 2. With the Parr House along the shore of Cotino Bay, Artisan Club members will be able to reserve private beach access.
The Longtable Park Neighborhood
Finally, Cotino Rancho Mirage will offer a neighborhood strictly designated for residents aged 55 years or older. This area borders a verdant community recreation area called Longtable Park, so named for the elongated table at its center. The table serves as a strong allusion to Disney’s history with the area. When visiting the Coachella Valley, he would frequently start the morning by taking guests horseback riding before settling in for a communal breakfast around a long table. By providing a single table for residents to connect, Imagineers hope to inspire an intuitive sense of community for residents of the Longtable Park neighborhood.
Cotino Rancho Mirage and Beyond
Cotino further distinguishes itself by employing a staff of Disney cast members onsite. Therefore, residents can expect that same level of service excellence that has helped maintain the popularity of Disney parks over the decades. StoryLiving by Disney is also developing a community in North Carolina called Asteria. Disney seems to be investing heavily in this residential venture, so we’re sure that other communities will soon be announced.
