Behind the Magic of Cotino: Construction Journal for the First Storyliving by Disney Community

Cotino, the first Storyliving by Disney community in Rancho Mirage, California, has been chronicled through an ongoing construction journal series that tracks milestones from the earliest groundbreaking to the opening of the Artisan Club and Parr House. The series covers model home debuts from Shea Homes, Woodbridge Pacific Group, and Davidson Communities, the unveiling of Cotino Bay, and the Disney-inspired fitness programming now offered to Artisan Club members. A town center featuring Cotino Bay Beach, Dining and Shops is slated to open in fall 2026.

Cotino — the first Storyliving by Disney community, located in Rancho Mirage, California — has reached a landmark moment with the official opening of the Artisan Club and the Parr House. This construction journal series has tracked the community's journey from its earliest foundations through model home openings, the dazzling reveal of Cotino Bay, and the launch of Disney-inspired wellness programming for club members.

Construction Journal Entry 10: Disney-Inspired Wellness at the Artisan Club

With the Artisan Club now open, storytelling has found its way into the world of health and wellness. Disney Imagineers, working with leading health and wellness provider Optum, curated a suite of Disney-inspired fitness classes designed to make movement feel more like an adventure than a routine. Members can choose from a variety of story-driven classes, including:

• Incredibles Super Circuit — a high-energy, full-body workout inspired by the heroic strength and speed of the Parr family
• Encanto Latin Dance Cardio — featuring joyful choreography set to vibrant rhythms inspired by the Madrigals
• Moana Breathwork — a calming, waterfront experience reconnecting breath and movement with the rhythm of the water
• Villain Era Power Sculpt: Maleficent Edition — a slow-burn sculpt session channeling bold confidence and controlled strength
• Stitch & Splash — a playful paddleboard workout blending balance, fun, and Stitch's spirited energy

Beyond fitness, the Artisan Club offers enrichment programs, immersive events, lively excursions, and everyday moments of connection — all part of a lifestyle rooted in curiosity, creativity, and community. Artisan Club membership is available to Cotino residents, with community tours now available. Visit Cotino.com for more information.

Construction Journal Entry 9: The Artisan Club Opens Its Doors

The Artisan Club is officially open — going from rendering to reality in less than two years. Disney Imagineers blended their signature storytelling approach with the mid-century modern architecture synonymous with the Coachella Valley, creating spaces that feel both familiar and entirely new.

Voluntary Artisan Club membership unlocks a trove of recreation and relaxation amenities — from Encanto-inspired dance classes and beach days on Cotino Bay to dinner gatherings and celebrations at the Parr House — all delivered with renowned Disney service.

Construction is already underway on Cotino Bay Beach, Dining and Shops — a new town center expected to open in fall 2026 that will offer public ticketed access to Cotino Bay alongside local restaurants, shops, and an open-air artist market.

Construction Journal Entry: Parr House First Photos

The first real-world photos of the Parr House at Cotino arrived alongside the Artisan Club opening. Inspired by the superhero family's stunning mid-century modern home from Incredibles 2, the two-story house functions as a multi-purpose space where Artisan Club members can attend events, celebrate milestones, and enjoy occasional overnight stays (for an additional fee).

Construction Journal Entry: Artisan Club First Look

Ahead of opening, an exclusive first look inside the Artisan Club showcased the stunning new spaces — from the Imagineer-designed themed restaurants to outdoor fitness facilities — all with unbeatable views of Cotino Bay. Disney Imagineers expertly combined their placemaking touches with mid-century modern architectural styles, with every detail thoughtfully curated from archival Disney artwork to custom pieces by local artists.

Construction Journal Entry 6: Cotino Bay Revealed, New Model Homes Open

Construction Journal Entry 6 celebrated a major visual milestone: the first photos of the dazzling Cotino Bay, featuring crystal-clear turquoise waters powered by Crystal Lagoons technology. The Bay is set to be the perfect spot for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Artisan Club members will access the Bay through their membership, while future visitors can purchase ticketed admission through the town center when it opens in 2026.

The update also coincided with the opening of additional model homes from Woodbridge Pacific Group and Davidson Communities, designed to maximize indoor-outdoor living with distinct floor plans showcasing the surrounding desert landscape.

That fall, the Artisan Club and Parr House were on track to open, adding to the growing list of amenities Cotino has to offer. The town center — featuring local and regional restaurants and shops, an open-air artist market, and access to Cotino Bay Beach — remains planned for the following year.

Construction Journal Entry 5: Shea Homes Model Homes Debut

With finishing touches complete, the first model homes at Cotino opened their doors — built by award-winning homebuilder Shea Homes and showcasing three distinct floor plans, each infused with Disney creative direction. Interior designs drew inspiration from Disney stories and theme park art to bring each home's character to life.

The Melodia Home Design

The Melodia model home features a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with interior design inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios' classic One Hundred and One Dalmatians. Neutral tones are accented with striking black details, a modern spin on Cruella's signature palette. The one-story design includes three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, and expansive outdoor living space with views of the San Jacinto mountains.

The Moderne Home Design

The Moderne home draws from the wondrous landscapes of Adventureland at Disneyland, featuring earthy textures and exotic-locale accents throughout its two-story layout. A welcoming front porch off a private courtyard leads to open ground-floor living and an expansive second-floor loft with covered deck. This design is available exclusively in Longtable Park, the adult 55+ area of Cotino.

The Atelier II Home Design

The Atelier II uses bright, playful colors inspired by classic Disneyland poster artwork from the 1960s and the whimsical style of Palm Springs artist Shag. This one-story design — also exclusive to Longtable Park — includes two bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, a private front courtyard, and a wrap-around covered outdoor living area.

Construction Journal Entry 4: A First Look Inside Parr House

Entry 4 unveiled the first interior look at the Parr House through concept art. Pixar artists originally visited the Palm Springs region while designing the home in Incredibles 2, making the construction of a real-world home inspired by that same landscape a full-circle creative moment. Disney Imagineers and Davidson Communities collaborated to translate iconic film details — including floor-to-ceiling windows and rockwork in the living room — into a fully functional, multi-use two-story home.

Construction Journal Entry 3: Community Fly-Through Tour

Entry 3 offered a never-before-seen fly-through of the Cotino neighborhood, providing a ground-level view of its welcoming streetscape, original home designs, and a colorful desert landscaping palette featuring aloe, agave, flowering yucca, and cacti. The video tour previewed the community's envisioned lifestyle in the Coachella Valley.

Model homes by Shea Homes were nearly complete at the time of this entry, with interior finishing touches being made and exterior rock detail and siding coming together. Home design collections — including the Cotino Agrarian Collection and Cotino Oasis Collection — were highlighted alongside model homes under construction from Woodbridge Pacific Group.

A home from Woodbridge Pacific Group began construction as part of the Cotino Aspiron Collection, featuring modern materials like glass and concrete with pops of playful color. For those wanting to hear from the Disney Imagineers and homebuilders behind the designs, the team shared a detailed video overview:

Construction Journal Entry 2: New Home Designs Revealed

Entry 2 introduced all-new home designs from Woodbridge Pacific Group and Davidson Communities, expanding on the inaugural designs from Shea Homes revealed the previous fall. Woodbridge Pacific Group's first release featured five different one-story floor plans, personalizable with finishes and fixtures. Davidson Communities planned homes in both the all-ages community and the adults 55+ Longtable Park area.

Construction Journal Entry 1: Laying the Groundwork

The first construction journal entry captured the beginnings of the Cotino community, starting with construction of the main entrance. With the stunning San Jacinto mountains as a backdrop, the welcoming entryway was designed to reflect the spirit of the desert, blending natural and man-made elements under the creative direction of Walt Disney Imagineering.

The entry also introduced Longtable Park — the community's first park under construction, named for Walt Disney's tradition of sharing morning meals with neighbors in the Coachella Valley. The park features shaded lawn seating, barbecue grills, firepits, bocce ball courts, bird baths, and a signature long table surrounded by palo verde and olive trees. It is reserved for residents of the adults 55+ Longtable Park area.

Shea Homes model homes — offering three distinct floor plans with features like flex and loft spaces, entry courtyards, and covered terraces — were also under construction at the time of this initial entry.

What This Means for Prospective Residents

With the Artisan Club and Parr House now open and the first residents settled into the Cotino community, the first Storyliving by Disney vision is very much a reality. Community tours are available for those interested in learning more, and the upcoming Cotino Bay Beach, Dining and Shops town center — expected in fall 2026 — will extend access beyond residents to the broader public. Visit storylivingbydisney.com/cotino for the latest updates and home availability details.

Disclaimer: This article contains general information about and proposed plans for Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community, which plans are subject to change or cancellation at any time without notice. Club membership, Parr House access, and all amenities require payment of dues and/or fees subject to additional terms. Optum is independently owned and operated and is not affiliated with Disney. Community is for people of all ages with select home sites intended for occupancy by at least one person 55+. Residential community is Disney branded and managed, developed by DMB Development with homes built and sold by third-party builders.