Cotino: Disney’s New Storyliving Initiative — Reinventing Life with Disney’s Stories and Characters

Melissa Tugce
Age of Awareness
Published in
7 min readMay 22, 2023

The Cotino project is a holiday village inspired by the retro-futuristic aesthetic of The Incredibles film, developed as part of Disney’s new Storyliving initiative. In this article, you can learn more about the details of this project and what it has to offer.

Welcome to the holiday village of your dreams with Disney’s new Storyliving initiative! Cotino is a unique project that blends Disney’s most beloved stories and characters with lifestyle experiences. In this article, I will tell you what Cotino will offer you. Are you ready?

RENDERING COURTESY COTINO, A STORYLIVING BY DISNEY COMMUNITY

Disney’s story living initiative is a project that offers living spaces inspired by the world-famous Disney installation art. These communities are imagined as enriching places designed with the simple idea to bring people together. Managed by Disney Cast Members and offering world-class service and, of course, entertainment, the Disney touch is at the center of everything. Living in these communities means connecting with people in an environment led by Disney Cast Members and offering world-class service and entertainment. Story Living by Disney is an opportunity for those who want to add Disney magic to their life. Disney’s new Storyliving initiative aims to create communities inspired by the authentic culture and heritage of the places where people want to live in their dream destinations.

Story Living by Disney features include:

  • Disney-themed activities and events,
  • Possibility to meet and take photos with Disney characters,
  • Exclusive access and discounts to Disney parks,
  • Disney merchandise and souvenirs,
  • Disney quality landscaping and architecture,
  • Disney’s environmentally friendly practices.

Currently, Story Living by Disney only has a community in the Greater Palm Springs area of California. However, it plans to establish communities in other places in the US where people want to live. These communities will be designed in keeping with the culture and heritage of the places where they are located.

The Cotino project will be Storyliving by Disney’s first community. Located in the Greater Palm Springs area of California, the resort will be inspired by the retro-futuristic aesthetic of The Incredibles film. Cotino will include 1,932 residential units and will be realized on approximately 618 acres. Those staying at the resort will be able to benefit from Disney’s storytelling expertise in the design of their homes. The homes will feature modern architecture and will be equipped with smart technology. In addition, homeowners will be able to customize their homes according to their personal preferences.

https://www.storylivingbydisney.com/

Other features of the homes in the Cotino project include:

  • The houses will have a modern and colorful design and will be equipped with smart technology.
  • The houses will be inspired by the retro-futuristic aesthetics of The Incredibles movie and homeowners will be able to customize their homes according to their personal preferences.
  • The houses will have a private garden or terrace area, where visitors will be able to spend time outdoors.
  • The homes will be located close to the Cotino Clubhouse, where visitors can enjoy dining, entertainment, and recreation. There will also be the opportunity to meet Disney characters, attend film screenings and special events.
RENDERING COURTESY COTINO, A STORYLIVING BY DISNEY COMMUNITY

There will be a variety of activities for both children and adults. Activities in the Cotino project will not be limited to nature activities such as hiking, cycling tours, mountain climbing, horse riding, nature photography, water sports, camping, and stargazing. For example, a social center called the Cotino Clubhouse will offer dining, entertainment, and recreation. There will also be the opportunity to meet Disney characters, attend film screenings and special events. Cotino will also offer outdoor activities such as cycling paths, hiking trails, sports fields, pools, and playgrounds.

Residents can pick from an array of pre-planned housing types. There will also be curated experiences including cooking classes and performances. https://nypost.com/2022/02/16/disney-adults-never-have-to-grow-up-with-storyliving-housing/

The features of the social areas in this project will be as follows:

Cotino Clubhouse: This social space will offer dining, entertainment, and relaxation. There will also be the opportunity to meet Disney characters, attend film screenings and special events. The Cotino Clubhouse will reflect the colorful and dynamic atmosphere of The Incredibles.

https://www.storylivingbydisney.com/

Outdoor Activities: These social spaces will be the perfect location for outdoor activities such as cycling paths, walking trails, sports courts, pools, and playgrounds. Visitors will be able to get in touch with nature and lead a healthy lifestyle.

https://nypost.com/2022/02/16/disney-adults-never-have-to-grow-up-with-storyliving-housing/

Architecturally, Cotino will have a modern and retro-futuristic look. The homes will be inspired by the aesthetics of The Incredibles film and will be equipped with smart technology. In addition, homeowners will be able to customize their homes according to their personal preferences. The renderings of the project were drawn by Disney Imagineering. The renderings show the modern and colorful design of the houses, the fun and dynamic atmosphere of the Cotino Clubhouse, the variety of outdoor activities, and the presence of Disney characters.

https://www.storylivingbydisney.com/cotino/

Cotino’s architects also include famous names. For example, world-renowned architects such as Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Bjarke Ingels, and Gensler contributed to the design of Cotino. The construction of Cotino will also be carried out in accordance with Disney’s quality standards and is expected to be completed in 2024. No official announcement has been made about the prices of the houses in the Cotino project, but there are some estimates. For example, in a report published in the Los Angeles Times newspaper, it was stated that the prices of the houses in the Cotino project will start at $ 500,000 and go up to $ 2 million. These prices will vary according to the size, location, and features of the houses. Sales of homes in the Cotino project are expected to begin in 2023.

Photo by Rick Han: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-fireworks-display-during-evening-3428289/

There are some similarities and differences between the Cotino project and Disneyland.

Similarities:
Both are part of Disney and reflect Disney’s quality.
Both aim to provide a fun and unforgettable experience for their guests.
Both offer the opportunity to interact with Disney’s favorite stories and characters.

Differences:
Disneyland is a theme park, while Cotino is a resort.
Disneyland is located in Anaheim, while Cotino is in the Greater Palm Springs area.

While Disneyland offers guests a variety of attractions, shows, and shopping, Cotino offers guests the opportunity to utilize Disney’s storytelling expertise in the design of their homes, dining, entertainment, and recreation at the Cotino Clubhouse, and outdoor activities.

The new neighborhood will have a section for senior residents. https://nypost.com/2022/02/16/disney-adults-never-have-to-grow-up-with-storyliving-housing/

One of the most important features of the Cotino project is the design of the villas. The villas are built with natural materials and harmonized with the environment. Each villa will have a thematic decor from one of Disney’s favorite stories. Thus, you can live Disney’s stories on your holiday. Disney characters and details inside and outside the villas will mesmerize you.

RENDERINGS COURTESY CORAL MOUNTAIN SURF RESORT

Another feature of the Cotino project is the nature activities. The region where Cotino is located is famous for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Among the activities you can do here are the following:

  • Hiking and cycling,
  • Skiing and snowboarding,
  • Rafting and canoeing,
  • Fishing and camping,
  • Zoo and safari,
  • Botanical garden and greenhouses.

During these activities, you will be accompanied by guides and animators inspired by Disney’s stories. You can also relax in Cotino’s spa and wellness center and enjoy delicious meals in the restaurants and cafés.

In the 1990s, Disney built a residential town called Celebration with a similar objective as Cotino. https://nypost.com/2022/02/16/disney-adults-never-have-to-grow-up-with-storyliving-housing/

Cotino is the first and most fascinating example of Disney’s Storyliving initiative. Here, you can discover Disney’s stories and characters, participate in fun-filled activities, and have the most unforgettable holiday of your life while enjoying a holiday in touch with nature. As a Disney fan and architect, I want to take part in this project and discover this wonderful environment with my loved ones. For more information about the Cotino project, please visit https://www.storylivingbydisney.com/cotino/.

Cotino promises to offer you an unforgettable experience. What are you waiting for to come to Cotino? Make your reservation now and get lost in Disney magic!

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