Storyliving by Disney: Disney’s New Business to Develop Residential Communities
Disney’s latest venture is to develop residential communities.
It’s been an open secret for a while now that Walt Disney Imagineering was working on new experiences that went outside the realm of the typical Disney theme parks, cruise lines, and experiences. Now we know that the first project that Disney is developing is residential communities.
Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products have wanted to bring the magic closer to its guest, and now there is a chance that a Disney community can become your home.
Disney today announced Storyliving by Disney, vibrant new neighborhoods that are infused with Disney’s special brand of magic which includes attention to detail, unique amenities, and special touches that are Disney hallmarks.
The very first Storyliving by Disney community will be built in Rancho Mirage, in California’s Coachella Valley. This location has some significance behind it as Walt Disney owned a home in this area and would spend time with his family. Disney and its partners are looking at other locations in the U.S. for future development.
Maybe we will see a Storyliving by Disney community pop up by Lake Nona, Florida? Especially with Disney’s move to Lake Nona. Maybe some of the new employees will even live there? Move over Celebration, Florida. Move over Golden Oaks. Storyliving by Disney is coming through.
“For nearly 100 years, Disney has shared stories that have touched the hearts and minds of people all around the world,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products said in a statement. “As we prepare to enter our second century, we are developing new and exciting ways to bring the magic of Disney to people wherever they are, expanding storytelling to storyliving. We can’t wait to welcome residents to these beautiful and unique Disney communities where they can live their lives to the fullest.”
At each Storyliving by Disney location, including some neighborhoods for residents ages 55+, Disney cast members will operate the community association. Residents will have a voluntary club membership where Disney will provide access to curated experiences, such as wellness programming, entertainment ranging from live performances to cooking classes, philanthropic endeavors, seminars, and much more. The voluntary club membership will also offer access to a waterfront clubhouse, a club-only beach area, and recreational water activities, as well as more Disney programming, entertainment, and activities throughout the year.
Walt Disney Imagineering will play a pivotal role in developing the creative concepts for each Storyliving by Disney community. WDI will work alongside other respected developers and homebuilders. So, these communities won’t all just be created by Disney. After all, Storyliving by Disney has been described by Disney themselves as “Disney-Branded, Master-Planned New Home Communities.”
The first property will be called Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community. It will be built in the heart of the Greater Palm Springs area. This area once was a retreat for Walt and Lillian Disney. The architecture and amenities of Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community, will reflect the history and present-day inspiration of the rich valley culture.
Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community is being developed in collaboration with DMB Development, which is known for its development of large-scale planned communities in the U.S.
Cotino will welcome homeowners of all ages and although it will include at least one section expressly for 55+ residents. Cotino will have a range of home types to choose from, including estates, single-family homes, and condominiums.
Cotino also has plan approval for a mixed-use district featuring a range of shopping, dining, and entertainment, a beachfront hotel, and a professionally managed beach park with recreational water activities that can be accessed by the public through the purchase of a day pass.
For what it’s worth this seems nothing like Walt Disney’s plans for an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. This is just a Disney-branded and created community along with another developer in DMB Development. This is almost similar to Disney’s Golden Oaks which itself is a luxury community.
The key difference with Storyliving from prior ventures in the real estate development world is that Disney is not the sole developer of Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community, or the builder or seller of homes within the community. The third-parties developing and building are independently owned and operated.
For even more information on Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community. Check out its website at https://www.storylivingbydisney.com.
Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times
