Lisa McLoughlin
Disney has announced plans to build a residential town where fans can live and stay forever – yes, you read that correctly.
DMB Development and Disney Imagineers, who design the entertainment brand’s theme parks, are behind the project which features 1,900 homes, a beachfront hotel and a huge lagoon open to the public.
As reported by USA Today, the development named Cotino will be spread over 618 acres outside the city of Rancho Mirage in California’s Coachella Valley and is part of Disney's new Storyliving communities.
Notably, the proposed development won't be linked to Disneyland. Although it will be “infused with the company’s special brand of magic" especially as its location where Walt Disney himself once lived.
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Disney said in a statement: "These master-planned communities are intended to inspire residents to foster new friendships, pursue their interests and write the next exciting chapter in their lives — all while enjoying the attention to detail, unique amenities and special touches that are Disney hallmarks."
The development is proposing single-family homes, estates and condominiums, as well as a neighbourhood for residents over 55.
There will also be shops and a beachfront hotel with 400 rooms on-site, along with a 24-acre lagoon which is open to the public to swim in.
They’re also offering optional membership to Cotino residents which has access to a clubhouse, private section of the beach and a range of Disney entertainment throughout the year such as cooking classes, live performances and wellness programmes.
But if you’re not one of the lucky ones to nab a property, non-residents will also be able to buy day passes to access the beach and water activities.
Disney parks Chairman Josh D'Amaro said of the development: "Walt was trying to build a connected, integrated, story-based community.
"While these [Storyliving] communities are not Epcot, they share that same spirit. This is something that Walt would have been all over."
However, Disney fans will have to contain their excitement as they’re yet to reveal prices and a date of completion.
Interestingly, Walt Disney originally planned to build huge cities, but his hopes were shelved after his death in 1966.
In fact, Disney World park Epcot, which stands for Experimental Prototype City Of Tomorrow, was the prototype for his plans, although his plans for what it could be never did come true.