Disney's Revolutionary Community Will Offer A Magical Experience For Residents & Visitors

Just outside the family-friendly destination of Palm Springs, California, in Rancho Mirage, a whole new world is being developed by Disney Imagineers. But this time, it's not in the form of a theme park. No, this is Disney's first-ever residential community, which turns the idea of living the vacation lifestyle into a full-time experience. The community blends mid-century desert charm with Disney's signature knack for storytelling and service. Unlike their theme parks, though, Cotino isn't about rides or parades. It's about building a community oasis where folks can wake up to mountain views, stroll past and enjoy a day swimming in a sparkling lagoon, and join their neighbors in the clubhouse for fun activities led by Disney Cast Members. It's an entirely new chapter in Disney's history, and it's happening right in the heart of California's Coachella Valley. 

Here, where the sun shines practically year-round, Cotino aims to capture the spirit of desert living while infusing it with the kind of immersive detail and warm hospitality Disney is known for. Planned to include a mix of single-family homes, condos, and dedicated 55+ neighborhoods, the development is designed for people who want connection, comfort, and a little magic in their everyday lives. Residents will be able to enjoy curated events, fitness and wellness programs, artisanal dining experiences, and of course, that ever-present attention to detail Disney fans know and love. While Cotino is still in development, there's already buzz about it, with many eager to see how Disney will transform not just the look of a neighborhood, but the feel of community itself.

Spread over more than 600 acres, Cotino will eventually include nearly 1,900 homes, a 24-acre swimmable lagoon called Cotino Bay, where visitors can swim, paddleboard, relax in a cabana and enjoy waterfront dining, as well as lush walking trails, and gathering spaces like Parr House, an event space inspired by Pixar's "The Incredibles". The neighborhood is designed for both all-ages living and 55+ residents, with sections tailored to different lifestyles. Those who join the Artisan Club (an optional membership for residents) get exclusive access to the lagoon's beach, clubhouse, and a curated calendar of activities — think wine tastings, yoga sessions, cooking demos, and live entertainment. However, just as some social media users think Disney vacations are way too expensive now, the lifestyle in Cotino doesn't come cheap. Homes here start at $2 million for all ages, and $1 million for the 55+ community, while the Artisan Club Membership initiation fee is a whopping $20,000, not including the annual fees, which range from $11,000 to $19,000. 

For those unable to afford the hefty price tag, Cotino will be opening its doors to the public. Visitors will be able to access Cotino Bay Beach in the town center, which is supposed to open in 2026 — for a fee, of course. This public access element sets Cotino apart from traditional gated luxury communities, giving travelers a rare chance to experience Disney's unique approach to community design without committing to a multimillion-dollar home. The town center is envisioned as the social heart of Cotino — a pedestrian-friendly hub where boutique shops and curated dining experiences meet live entertainment and seasonal events. (Think similar to Downtown Disney.) While exact details are still under wraps, Disney's track record suggests that visitors can expect immersive theming, meticulous landscaping, and subtle storytelling touches that elevate the experience beyond a typical shopping district.