Disney’s First ‘Storyliving’ Community Welcomes Residents to a Real-Life Happiest Place on Earth

If you ever wished you could live in the Happiest Place on Earth, your dreams can now become reality.

Residents officially began moving into Disney's first-ever residential Storyliving community in Rancho Mirage, CA, earlier this year.

It's called Cotino, and it's located near Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley. 

The first phase of development is set to include 300 homes, and there are more than 1,900 planned in total.

Would-be homebuyers can tour model homes by Davidson Communities, Shea Homes, and Woodbridge Pacific Group, which start in the $1 million range.

The lore behind the location

Walt Disney had a strong connection to the Palm Springs area, having owned several vacation homes there.

“The Coachella Valley was such a special place for Walt Disney to rest and recharge," Caroline Boone, Walt Disney Imagineering executive creative director, tells Realtor.com®. "When thinking about the story we wanted to tell at Cotino, we were inspired by the idea of a creative oasis: a vibrant community where people can gather, create, and share what they love, just like Walt did."

Boone says that vision shaped everything they’ve done at Cotino.

"By weaving that spirit of creativity into the design and experience, we’ve created a place that feels both timeless and fresh—unmistakably Disney, yet unlike anything we've ever done before," she adds.

Cotino's majestic grounds

The property features a 24-acre lagoon called Cotino Bay, complete with swim zones, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Its white sand beach features cabanas, beach umbrellas, and an outdoor beach bar.

A town center with dining, shopping, and paid public beach access is also in the works.  

The Artisan Club is a voluntary club for Cotino residents and their families—starting at $11,000 a year per family, with a $20,000 initiation fee. 

It has a restaurant, outdoor waterfront bar, pool, spa, fitness center, and pickleball courts. It also includes a creative studio that hosts club programming such as speakers, artists, and more.

The Artisan Club's Parr House is a gathering space for events, celebrations, and limited overnight accommodations for club members inspired by the Disney and Pixar film “Incredibles 2.”

In addition, Cotino has an equestrian-themed dog park with play areas and rustic, ranchero-style structures especially for four-legged friends.

Who lives there?

Bill Davidson, president of Davidson Communities, told USA Today that so far the buyers have all been Disney fans, largely from out West.

Cotino is "intended to inspire residents to foster new friendships, pursue their interests, and write the next exciting chapter in their lives—all while enjoying the attention to detail, unique amenities, and special touches that are Disney hallmarks," according to a Storyliving by Disney press release.

Claire Bilby, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Signature Experiences Emerging Businesses, told the publication that Gen X and baby boomers, who have high Disney affinity, are really enjoying these branded living lifestyle communities.

Cotino even has a designated neighborhood, Longtable Park Residences, for adults 55+. It surrounds an exclusive park for its residents. Its focal point is a large, long table inspired by Walt Disney’s love of community breakfast to bring people together.

Cotino houses

The collection of houses in Cotino range in size from single-family dwellings to larger villa estates.

Homes in the Cottage Collection feature two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and range from approximately 1,666 to approximately 2,820 square feet. Prices start from the mid-$1 millions.

Homes in the Grand Collection range from approximately 3,000 to 3,900 square feet, and have three to five bedrooms and up to five bathrooms. Prices start from the low $2 millions.

Homes in the Estate Collection have three to five bedrooms and three to five full bathrooms. They range from approximately 3,400 to 7,180 square feet, and prices start from the upper $2 millions.

What's next

Cotino is only the first Storyliving by Disney community.

Asteria, the second one in development, is located in Pittsboro, NC, just outside of Raleigh.

The 1,500-acre community will include 4,000 single-family and multifamily homes. 

According to a Storyliving press release, "residents will have access to metropolitan amenities with the charm of a small town."

Sales are anticipated to begin in 2027.