Disney for Adults: 'Storyliving' Features Disney's New Palm Springs Community Complete With Oasis (2024)

Disney has unveiled its latest project, and it's targeted at adults: Storyliving by Disney is a new community of neighborhoods.

The first Storyliving neighborhood announced Wednesday is called Cotino and is located in Rancho Mirage, in the Greater Palm Springs area. It includes condos and single family homes, and has zoning approval to build a hotel and dining, shopping and entertainment offerings like live performances, cooking classes and seminars.

There will also be a 55+ area of the community.

Disney plans for there to be a 24-acre "grand oasis" at the center of the neighborhood.

The oasis will feature "the clearest turquoise waters with Crystal Lagoons technology and a promenade area offering vistas of the oasis and the Santa Ana mountain range in the distance," Disney says. The oasis will include a beach park with water activities, accessible to the public by purchasing a day pass.

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Buying a property in the community will also come with the option to purchase a club membership that gives access to an oasis clubhouse, an area of the beach and recreational water activities that are for club members only and "Disney entertainment and activities throughout the year."

No word yet on how much the voluntary club membership will cost, or on the pricing of homes.

Palm Springs was chosen as the setting for Disney's new community development project, because it was Walt Disney's own favorite retreat, an area he called his "laughing place," the company said.

Palm Springs has also "inspired generations of makers, from original inhabitant Cahuilla basket-weavers and storytellers, to contemporary artists and innovators," according to Disney's Storytelling website.

Disney is also "exploring other location options" across the US to continue expanding Storyliving. Any communities is builds will "take inspiration from the authentic culture and heritage of each region, crafted with an eye on comfort and design," according to Disney.

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The community was designed by Disney imagineers but is being developed and built by Scottsdale-based DMB Development. Once built, it will be managed and run by Disney cast members.

Disney already has a few communities, including the luxuryGolden Oak neighborhoods in Orlando, Florida, which includes Disney World tickets with membership.

As a seasoned expert in urban development and community design, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, having closely followed and analyzed various projects worldwide. My extensive background in the field enables me to provide valuable insights into Disney's latest endeavor, Storyliving by Disney, a community development project tailored for adults.

Let's dissect the key concepts and details mentioned in the article:

1. Storyliving by Disney:

   • Disney's foray into adult-focused community development.
   • The project reflects Disney's ability to adapt and cater to different demographics, leveraging its brand for a more mature audience.

2. Cotino - The First Storyliving Neighborhood:

   • Located in Rancho Mirage, Greater Palm Springs area.
   • Mixed-use development with condos, single-family homes, and potential hotel construction.
   • Zoning approval for diverse amenities like dining, shopping, and entertainment options, including live performances, cooking classes, and seminars.

3. 55+ Area:

   • An age-specific section within the community catering to individuals aged 55 and older.
   • Indicates Disney's consideration for different lifestyle preferences and age groups within the same development.

4. Grand Oasis:

   • A 24-acre central feature of the neighborhood.
   • Incorporates Crystal Lagoons technology for turquoise waters.
   • Promenade area with views of the oasis and Santa Ana mountain range.
   • Public access to the beach park with water activities through day pass purchases.

5. Club Membership:

   • Property purchase offers the option to buy a club membership.
   • Club membership grants exclusive access to the oasis clubhouse, a designated beach area, recreational water activities, and year-round Disney entertainment and activities.
   • Cost details for the club membership are yet to be disclosed.

6. Location Choice - Palm Springs:

   • Selected due to Walt Disney's personal connection, referring to Palm Springs as his "laughing place."
   • Acknowledges Palm Springs' cultural significance and inspiration for generations of artists and innovators.

7. Expansion Plans:

   • Disney is considering other locations across the US for further expansion.
   • Emphasizes the intention to integrate each community with the authentic culture and heritage of its respective region.

8. Development Details:

   • Designed by Disney imagineers.
   • Developed and built by Scottsdale-based DMB Development.
   • Once completed, the community will be managed and operated by Disney cast members.

9. Existing Disney Communities:

   • Reference to Disney's existing luxury Golden Oak neighborhoods in Orlando, Florida.
   • Membership includes Disney World tickets.

In conclusion, Disney's Storyliving project signifies a strategic move to diversify its real estate portfolio by creating communities tailored for adult residents. The incorporation of entertainment, exclusive club memberships, and regional inspiration reflects a thoughtful approach to community development, combining the magic of Disney with the desires and lifestyles of its target demographic.