Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney Community Prepares to Welcome Its First Residents

If you have been reading along here at MickeyBlog, you know that we have been closely following the development of Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney Community.

Inspired by the rich history and diverse landscape of California’s Coachella Valley, Cotino was master-planned by Disney, designed by Walt Disney Imagineering, and will be staffed by Disney Cast Members. Essentially, residents will get the chance to live within the Disney magic.

As construction wraps up, the first residents prepare to move in, a new chapter in Disney history is unfolding before our eyes.

Disney’s Role in Cotino

In a recent article on TheWrap, which examined Cotino’s story more closely, Disney explained how the company’s magic touch will be utilized within the community.

Photo: Disney

“Disney’s role is focused in four areas: Walt Disney Imagineers contribute the creative vision for each community, and Disney Cast Members deliver the signature service and attention that are Disney hallmarks,” the company explained.

Cotino. Woodbridge Pacific Group – Cotino Oasis Collection . Photo: Disney Parks Blog

“Disney will offer the option of progamming, entertainment and activities through club membership; and the Disney team will manage marketing and sales efforts.”

Drawing Inspiration From the Region’s Landscape

To better understand the landscape and atmosphere of the Coachella Valley, a group of twelve Imagineers, led by Amy Young, spent two days in the desert

Cotino will welcome its first residents early this year.

”I think we did 75 paintings in two days, the 12 of us, and those paintings were anything from birds to …the mountains,” Young said.

“We did the paintings at specific times of day when, especially in the early morning, you get that beautiful pink and purple sun hitting the mountains. A lot of the Imagineers, we don’t get a lot of time to have that moment to just kind of breathe and take in some plein air painting.”

A New Disney Era

According to TheWrap, Disney will not reveal any of its Storyliving sales numbers. The company insists, however, that its fans will pay a premium to live within a Disney community.

Cotino. Photo: TAYA GRAY/THE DESERT SUN

With just months to go until the first residents move into Cotino, we will soon be able to see how Disney’s gambit works out. So far, however, it looks like Disney may have struck gold in California once again.