Disney fanatics are given the opportunity to enter the screen: a filmmaking establishment launches a residential community.
The Walt Disney Company announced Wednesday that it is creating a new series of real-time worlds for real people, specifically a neighborhood in Coachella Valley “imbued with the company’s trademark brand of magic.”
The sprawling development also includes a section for residents 55 and older.
Development – the first of many Disney plans to be built – will be constructed around nearly 24 acres “a large oasis featuring clear turquoise waters with Crystal Lagoons® technology” according to Press release Which reads like both the real estate ad and the script set description.
There will be a “range of home types” for buyers to choose from, including real estate and condominiums. Curated experiences including live performances, charitable endeavors, and cooking classes will be available to members of the community who join members-only club status of some kind.
The planned neighborhood is named Cotino and Disney is building it in collaboration with a large-scale, planned community building company called DMB Development.
“For nearly 100 years, Disney has been sharing stories that touched the hearts and minds of people around the world,” Disney Parks President Josh Damaru said in a statement. “As we prepare to enter our second century, we are developing exciting new ways to bring the magic of Disney to people wherever they are, expanding the scope of storytelling into storytelling. We can’t wait to welcome residents to beautiful and unique Disney communities where they can live their lives to the fullest.”
This isn’t the first time Disney has built a city in its image. in 1996, about 20 miles outside of Orlando, founded the town of Celebration, a full-time resort of sorts. The ceremony is still in place, and is currently referred to as the Community Development District, as it does not have a dedicated police force or full municipal authorities. Residents say that although it started as a slow-paced community, it has since become a trap for tourists.
Longtime local Jim Segal told The Orlando Sentinel in january. “If I can honestly say it, the city has been overrun by tourists…and people in the surrounding area are looking for something to do.”
