The story of Cotino continues to evolve and be written in Storyliving by Disney™, and those communities are something special. The Cotino community is imagined as a place that reflects everything that Walt and Lillian Disney loved about the Coachella Valley – stunning landscape, rich history, friendly community, and energizing spirit.
When Cotino and Storyliving by Disney were first announced, Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline said, “It seems fitting that Cotino, the first Storyliving by Disney community, would have a similar setting as the one that Walt loved so much. He enjoyed the Palm Springs area as a creative, rejuvenating retreat and our hope is that it will inspire future homeowners and guests just like it did him.”
Walt Disney was so enamored by Palm Springs. In 1938, he came for a week’s stay and fell in love with the area and the landscape. The Disney’s were drawn to the area’s warm climate and natural beauty, seeking respite from their busy lives in Los Angeles. Walt loved western themes and riding horses, which was very popular in Palm Springs then. The Desert Rancheros organization had just formed, and Walt joined. They were a group dedicated to riding horses and organized an annual three-day ride. They would ride for 15 miles a day, then set up camp and enjoy a nice family-style dinner from the chuck wagon.
Disney became a member of Smoke Tree Ranch in 1946. Smoke Tree began in 1936 with a vision to be a place free from pressures where families could just come, relax, and enjoy the desert. Life was simple on purpose, and there was no effort to impress. Western singers and musicians who lived at the Ranch offered entertainment, and cowboys joined in the square dancing. Walt and his wife Lillian bought their first plot of land for their new Palm Springs home in 1948 at Smoke Tree Ranch. They moved into the home in 1951 according to architect William F. Cody who designed the low, modern desert dwelling. The house exterior was redwood with large expanses of glass and a heavy shake roof. This became a beloved getaway spot for Disney and his family, where they could relax, entertain friends, and escape the demands of running their burgeoning entertainment empire.
Palm Springs played a crucial role in Disney’s vision for Disneyland, the iconic theme park that opened in 1955. It is said that Disney often brainstormed ideas and concepts for the park while relaxing at Smoke Tree Ranch. The tranquil surroundings and laid-back atmosphere of Palm Springs likely influenced Disney’s desire to create a magical place where people could escape reality and immerse themselves in a world of fun and fantasy. Disney returned to Smoke Tree Ranch in 1957, building a second vacation residence there flush with the profits gained from Disneyland’s phenomenal success.
Now, the story of Walt in the Palm Springs area continues with Cotino as a new story is being written in California’s Coachella Valley. It’s now time for more of an inside look. The new look is The Blueprint – the new “home” for all things relating to Cotino community construction. Creating the first Storyliving by Disney community from scratch takes time, planning, and of course, a little bit of magic. From pouring the foundation on the first homes to planting cacti at the community parks, more information is being shared behind-the-scenes moments along the way as the community comes to life in scenic Rancho Mirage.
With the stunning San Jacinto mountains in the background, future residents will arrive home to this welcoming entryway designed to showcase the beauty of the desert. The Cotino community’s 360-degree mountain views inspired the Walt Disney Imagineering team’s creative design, which will feature a mix of natural and man-made elements bringing the spirit of the desert to life. As with everything Disney Imagineers are involved with, there’s a great story behind the entryway design and we can’t wait to share more as the finishing details are added!
Cotino community parks will be the perfect gathering spots for neighbors and their families to spend time together. The first community park under construction is Longtable Park. The park’s unique name is inspired by Walt Disney and the experiences that originally drew him to the Coachella Valley. When Walt visited the area, he would often begin his day with some desert adventures then join his neighbors for a group breakfast and good conversation around a friendly table.
Residents can keep that same friendly spirit alive while spending time at Longtable Park. Beyond the signature long table surrounded by beautiful palo verde and olive trees, this park will feature shaded lawn seating, barbecue grills, firepits, two bocce ball courts, bird baths, and more. This beautiful park will be available just for those who live in Longtable Park residences for adults 55+.
Model homes, built by Shea Homes, will give future residents a glimpse of the Cotino community lifestyle as they explore three different options. Some home designs will feature flex and loft spaces while also encouraging indoor-outdoor living with entry courtyards and covered terraces designed to immerse future residents in the beauty of the region. There are so many different elevations and floorplans to choose from and even more options coming soon from additional homebuilders.
The Cotino community story is just beginning! Disney continues to work closely with DMB Development and award-winning homebuilders to bring the first Storyliving by Disney community to life.
Stay tuned to Daps Magic as more details about Cotino and Storyliving by Disney are released.
What do you think of Cotino? Let us know in the comments below.
