Everything We Know About Storyliving by Disney

Is this your DREAM HOUSE?

Well, I have some bad news for you. It’s already taken by a certain Princess living her Happily Ever After. BUT the thought begs the question… Have you ever wanted to live INSIDE a community that’s dedicated to 100% all things Disney? Well, Disney is working to make that dream a reality!

You see, in 2022, Disney announced plans for “vibrant new neighborhoods that are infused with our special brand of magic.” This community became Storyliving by Disney. The first location will be a community called Cotino in Rancho Mirage, California. Let’s learn all there is to know about this new adventure of Disney and real estate (and maybe do a little daydreaming while we’re at it, hmm?).

What is Storyliving by Disney?

Let’s start by sharing that quote again… Storyliving by Disney plans to introduce “vibrant new neighborhoods that are infused with our special brand of magic.”

One intention is that these communities will “foster new friendships,” and they will also include neighborhoods specifically designed for residents ages 55+ (like the age-restricted neighborhood potentially planned for Orlando).

In bringing Storyliving to fruition, Disney plans to work with respected real estate developers and home builders at each residential location. And when communities are up and running, residents will have the opportunity to join a club membership and participate in activities like wellness and enrichment programming, live performances, cooking classes, special excursions, and more!

If you’re thinking, “Sign me up,” there are a few steps to follow working together with Disney Cast Members. First, a Disney Sales Guide will lead you through the sales experience to help you select your home builder and home design. After signing a purchase agreement, a Disney Experience Advisor will be available to answer any questions you may have.

And finally, when you become a homeowner in the community, “the community management team will work to reflect the tradition of Disney care.”

What’s Included in Storyliving by Disney Communities

Town Center

Disney shares that Storyliving communities will “Maintain Disney standards of meticulous planning and storytelling throughout the community.” A town center will be located “at the edge of the Cotino community,” and this place is intended to offer residents chances to play, shop, and spend time with family and friends. There will also be entitlements for a future hotel.

Specific areas will include an open-air market featuring work by artisans, as well as shops and restaurants where showcased talent will include artists, chefs and retailers. And access to a public beach — Cotino Bay, the “jewel of the Cotino community” — will be available for a fee.

The Artisan Club

The Cotino community will offer guests the opportunity to voluntarily purchase a membership in the Artisan Club, which will offer additional amenities “infused with unique Disney and Pixar touches.” For example, there will be a gathering space for leisure activities inspired by Incredibles 2.

This space, designed by Disney Imagineers and Pixar artists (can you imagine??), will include Parr House (a building inspired by the Parr’s house in the film). This multifunctional building will be dedicated to special events and celebrations, and will offer limited overnight accommodations for Artisan Club members. Parr House will also feature “an elevated patio” which “will present spectacular views of the grand oasis and the surrounding mountains.”

Artisan Club members will also be able to access a clubhouse complex “featuring distinct spaces for dining, wellness, art, recreation and entertainment.” Those dining spaces, by the way, will include a table service restaurant and a beach bar! Disney Imagineers are doing everything they can to create these spaces to both “foster community connections and encourage the pursuit of individual passions” by way of spots like a Creative Studio.

Club membership will also offer members access to a waterfront clubhouse, an exclusive beach area, and recreational water activities. Members will also get access to Disney entertainment and “magical events.”

Where to Find Storyliving Communities

The very first Storyliving by Disney neighborhood is being developed in California’s Greater Palm Springs — Rancho Mirage, California (an area where Walt and Lillian Disney often vacationed!). The California development will be known as Cotino.

Disney is planning to build more communities in the future, but there are no official statements regarding where at this time.

Storyliving by Disney is expected to begin sales in 2023! The original timeline projected the first residents moving in by 2024.

Disney has also provided the following video on the Disney Parks YouTube Channel:

Folks interested in learning more about Storyliving by Disney may visit the website and can sign up to request information for either the Cotino community specifically or for future Storyliving by Disney communities.