First there was Walt’s version of EPCOT, then came Celebration, and more recently Golden Oaks now Disney introduces Storyliving by Disney.
According to Disney, Storyliving by Disney will be a collection of vibrant new neighborhoods built in select locals across the United States. Each community will be “infused with [Disney’s own] special brand of magic. “Each community will feature distinctively designed spaces, unique amenities and Disney’s brand of world-renowned service,” states Disney.
The communities will take their inspiration from the “authentic culture and heritage of each region, crafted with an eye on comfor and design.”
The first community, Cotino, will consist of 1,900 housing types including single-family homes and condominiums located in the heart of the Coachella Valley in Rancho Mirage, California. The Palm Spring neighborhood was a popular place for Walt and Lillian Disney. They even owned a home in the area.
“There is incredible demand for all things Disney. Our fans continue to look for new ways to engage with us, to keep Disney as part of their lives,” says Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney parks, experiences, and products. He adds, “you can be part of Disney all of the time.”
“The very heart of any Storyliving by Disney community rests in Disney’s vision of vibrant settings and magical possibilities,” reads the Storyliving website. “Imagination and inspiration have been carefully infused into every detail to provide invigorating and rejuvenating environments and activities. In Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community, a voluntary club membership offers access to a waterfront clubhouse, a club-only beach area, and recreational water activities, as well as Disney entertainment and activities throughout the year at an additional fee.”
In the fine print, Disney says, “Club Membership, programming, and access and use of future proposed amenities and offerings, will require payment of dues and/or fees and be subject to additional terms and conditions, which will be set by the owner of the club. Availability of club membership and operation of club facilities are not guaranteed.”
USA Today says “Storyliving” communities “will capitalize on the company’s sense of storytelling and placemaking. Instead of telling Mickey Mouse tales, however, they will focus on the culture, history, experience, food, and other attributes of the places in which they will be built.”
D’Amaro says the residents will be active participants in the stories.
Although Disney will not build or own the communities, nor will they be building or selling the homes, they say Walt Disney Imagineers will be involved, along with the builders and developers, to contribute to the overall vision of the neighborhood. For the Palm Springs project, they will partner with DMB Development, a Scottsdale-based developer specializing in unique communities in the Western United States.
“At each location, including some neighborhoods for residents ages 55+, Disney cast members trained in the company’s legendary guest service will operate the community association,” says Heather Hunter, Public Relations Director for Disney Signature Experiences. “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.”
At this time, Disney has not released when construction will begin, how much homes or condos will cost, the price of the club membership, or any other details. The company tells USA Today that deposits are not currently being accepted.
